Amara glanced at her watch, feeling a mix of anticipation and concern. The restaurant’s warm ambiance did little to ease her worries. She had been waiting for Rosie for over twenty minutes, and her thoughts kept circling back to the troubled tone in Rosie’s voice during their earlier phone conversation. Rosie had sounded upset, her voice cracking as she explained that she wouldn’t be able to meet Amara for lunch but would join her for dinner instead.
The soft hum of conversations and clinking cutlery filled the room, but Amara’s attention was fixed on the entrance. When Rosie finally walked in, Amara’s heart sank. Rosie looked pale and thinner than Amara remembered. Her usually vibrant eyes were swollen, evidence of countless tears shed.
“Rosie,” Amara said softly, standing up to embrace her friend. “Are you feeling better?”
Rosie nodded, but her eyes told a different story. “I’m fine,” she replied, her voice barely above a whisper.
Amara guided her to their table and sat down. “You don’t look fine. What’s going on?”
Rosie sighed, staring at the menu but clearly not seeing it. “It’s just been a rough few days. I’m not even sure where to start.”
“Start with dinner,” Amara suggested gently. “You need to eat something. We can talk after.”
Rosie nodded again, and they both placed their orders. Amara chose a comforting pasta dish while Rosie opted for a light salad. The waiter took their orders with a polite smile and disappeared.
As they waited for their food, Amara reached across the table and took Rosie’s hand. “Rosie, I’m really worried about you. You know you can tell me anything, right?”
Before Rosie could respond, a familiar voice interrupted them. “Hey, Amara, Rosie.”
Amara looked up to see Josh Allister, Rosie’s boyfriend, standing by their table. She had invited him earlier, hoping his presence might help cheer Rosie up. But Rosie’s reaction was immediate and hostile.
“What is he doing here?” Rosie demanded, pulling her hand away from Amara’s.
“Rosie, I invited him,” Amara said quickly, sensing the tension rising. “I thought-”
“Thought what?” Rosie snapped, her voice trembling. “That seeing him would make me feel better? That I’d forget what he did?”
Josh looked confused and hurt. “Rosie, I didn’t do anything. Please, just let me explain.”
“Explain what?” Rosie retorted, her eyes flashing with anger. “That you weren’t kissing another girl at the mall? That I didn’t see you with my own eyes?”
Josh ran a hand through his hair, visibly frustrated. “Rosie, she kissed me. I pushed her away as soon as it happened. I even have the CCTV footage to prove it.”
Rosie crossed her arms, looking away. “I don’t want to see it. I don’t want to hear your excuses.”
“Rosie, please,” Amara interjected. “Just hear him out. If he’s lying, then at least you’ll know the truth.”
Rosie remained silent, her jaw set stubbornly. Josh took a deep breath and pulled out his phone, scrolling through it until he found the video. He handed it to Amara, who watched it intently before passing it to Rosie.
“Just watch it,” Amara urged. “For me.”
Rosie hesitated, then took the phone reluctantly. She watched the footage, her expression shifting from anger to confusion, and finally to something that looked like regret. She handed the phone back to Josh, her eyes filled with tears.
“I’m sorry,” she whispered. “I just… I didn’t know what to think.”
Josh reached for her hand, but she pulled away again. “Rosie, I love you. I would never cheat on you. That girl meant nothing to me. Please, believe me.”
Rosie looked at him, her eyes searching his face for any sign of deceit. “Why didn’t you tell me about this sooner?”
“I tried,” Josh said softly. “But you wouldn’t listen. You just shut me out.”
Amara watched the exchange, feeling a mix of hope and anxiety. “Rosie, maybe it’s time to start trusting him again. It looks like he’s telling the truth.”
Rosie wiped her eyes, taking a shaky breath. “I don’t know if I can. It’s just so hard.”
Josh leaned in closer, his voice filled with sincerity. “I know I’ve made mistakes, but I promise you, this isn’t one of them. Please, give me another chance.”
Rosie looked down at her hands, silent for a long moment. Finally, she nodded, tears streaming down her cheeks. “Okay. I’ll try.”
Josh smiled, relief washing over his face. “Thank you, Rosie. I won’t let you down.”
Amara sighed in relief, feeling the tension in the air dissipate. “Alright, now that that’s settled, how about we enjoy our dinner?”
Rosie managed a small smile. “Yeah, I’d like that.”
As their food arrived, the three friends began to relax, the earlier tension giving way to a more lighthearted atmosphere. They chatted about work, shared funny stories, and even laughed at some of the more ridiculous moments of the past few days.
Josh made a few jokes, attempting to lighten the mood further. “Remember that time we got lost in the city because someone,” he glanced playfully at Amara, “insisted they knew the way?”
Amara chuckled. “Hey, my sense of direction isn’t that bad. Besides, we found that amazing little cafe because of it, didn’t we?”
Rosie laughed, the sound a welcome relief to Amara’s ears. “Yeah, that place had the best coffee I’ve ever had.”
Josh grinned. “See? Some good came out of it.”
The night continued with more laughter and conversation, the earlier drama slowly fading into the background.
As they walked out of the restaurant, Rosie turned to Josh, her expression serious but soft. “Josh, I’m still hurt, and it’s going to take some time to fully trust you again. But I’m willing to try.”
Josh nodded, his eyes filled with gratitude. “That’s all I ask for, Rosie. Thank you.”
Amara watched them, feeling a sense of satisfaction and happiness for her friends. She knew there would still be challenges ahead, but tonight had been a step in the right direction.
“How about we go for a walk?” Amara suggested. “It’s a beautiful night.”
Rosie smiled, linking arms with Amara. “I’d like that.”
Josh joined them, his arm around Rosie’s shoulders. “Me too.”
As they strolled through the city streets, the stars shining brightly above, Amara couldn’t help but feel hopeful for the future.
The evening had been filled with drama and emotion, but it had ended on a positive note, and for that, she was grateful.
After a while, Rosie and Josh bid her goodnight. Rosie hugged Amara tightly, whispering, “Thank you for everything. I don’t know what I’d do without you.”
Amara smiled, returning the hug. “That’s what friends are for. Just take care of each other, okay?”
Josh extended his hand to Amara. “Thanks, Amara. I owe you one.”
“Just keep making Rosie happy,” Amara replied, shaking his hand warmly.
They watched as Rosie and Josh walked away, arm in arm, disappearing into the night. Amara took a deep breath, feeling the cool night air fill her lungs. She turned to head home, her mind still processing the night’s events.
As she walked along the quiet street, lost in thought, she heard the sound of a car slowing down behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw a familiar figure. Rowan. His car had pulled to the side of the road, and he was looking directly at her.
“Amara?” Rowan called out, stepping out of the car. “What are you doing out here so late?”
Amara was surprised to see him and immediately put up her guard. “Whatever I am doing here is none of your business.”
Rowan looked taken aback by her angry tone but didn’t back down. “Of course, it’s my business, Crimson.”
Amara narrowed her eyes at him. “I don’t see how.”
Rowan sighed, running a hand through his hair. “You shouldn’t be out here alone. It’s late, and anything could happen.”
“I’m perfectly capable of taking care of myself,” Amara retorted. “I don’t need you to watch over me.”
“I’m not saying you can’t take care of yourself,” Rowan said calmly. “I’m just worried about you. Is that so hard to understand?”
Amara’s anger softened slightly, but she kept her guard up. “Why do you care, Rowan? You barely know me.”
Rowan stepped closer, his eyes searching hers. “Maybe I want to know you better. Maybe I care more than you think.”
Amara looked away, feeling a mix of emotions. She had always been independent and didn’t like the idea of someone else worrying about her. But there was something in Rowan’s eyes, something sincere that made her pause.