Friendship

At a coffee shop, Cherilyn sat across from Ray, feeling a mix of guilt and frustration. "I'm sorry for ghosting you like that," she began, her voice sincere but tired. "The busiest people find time for everything, but I seem to have misplaced mine."

Ray's expression hardened. "This is the seventh time you've said this, Cherilyn. When will you actually find time for us? Are you even interested in this relationship anymore?"

Cherilyn winced at his words. "Ouch, I get why you're upset. But how can you ask me that? This relationship is really important to me. It's not like I've been lounging around with free time at work. Patients come in and out of the hospital every day."

Ray raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical. "No days off? Really?"

Cherilyn sighed, trying to explain. "I hung out with the Guardians of the Galaxy last week and totally forgot about our date. I really am sorry, Ray. Whatever you decide after this, I totally deserve it."

Ray crossed his arms, his frustration palpable. "How about we hang out today? Now?"

Cherilyn's eyes widened as she quickly checked the time, panic setting in. "Oops, sorry! I'm supposed to meet the Guardians of the Galaxy now. They must be waiting for me."

Ray stood up abruptly, his anger evident. "Alright, I'm out." He stormed off, leaving Cherilyn alone with her thoughts.

"Hey… Ray?" Cherilyn murmured after him, a sense of regret filling her chest. She sighed heavily. "Gosh, I'm so stupid." She muttered under her breath, shaking her head as she walked out.

At the restaurant, Reina greeted the group with her usual enthusiasm. "Welcome to our restaurant! What can I get you all today?" Her cheerful tone was met with laughter from the group.

Watt leaned in, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. "Hey, do you have the manager's digits? This restaurant is sucking out all my hard-earned dimes... I mean, pennies!" The group burst out laughing.

Noah shook his head in mock pity. "I got you, bro."

Watt wasn't having it. "No, you don't get it. You're rich, so let the poor breathe, man."

Keisha chimed in, teasing him. "Go ahead, take the whole air! You're literally the only one who needs it."

The group erupted in laughter, Watt groaning in mock despair. "What did I ever do to deserve this?"

Cal added, "Yeah, what did he ever do wrong?"

Just as the banter continued, Cherilyn entered, clearly late as usual. "Sorry, guys, I'm late again."

Watt raised an eyebrow. "You know what? There should be a fine for latecomers. If you're late, you pay two dollars."

Cherilyn chuckled. "Enemy of my sweet progress. Take a good look at me, Watt—I'm not Bill Gates' daughter."

Cal interjected, "Elon Musk is the richest now, Cherry."

"Thanks, dear," Cherilyn replied, rolling her eyes. "So, can we order now? I'm starving."

Noah raised his hand like he was ordering at a restaurant. "Waiter!"

The waitress entered, a smile on her face. "Good day, everyone. How can I be of service?"

Watt immediately flirted, his voice teasing. "It's a waitress! Hey, beautiful!"

Keisha groaned. "Knock it off, Watt. Do not show off your talent here."

Watt feigned innocence. "Seriously, what did I do wrong? Do you have a crush on me?"

Keisha's response was swift. "Ew, that's gross. No offense, but I don't date broke dudes."

Cherilyn shot him a sympathetic glance. "Ouch."

Reina added, "Pain forever."

Noah nodded solemnly. "The word and pain will never fade."

Cal grinned. "Learn how to live with it, bro."

Watt threw his hands up in mock disbelief. "Wow, I've got great friends, I'm finding out now." The table burst into laughter again.

The waitress was ready to take the order. "Are you ready to order?"

Noah spoke up first, his voice full of enthusiasm. "Absolutely! Let's start with a round of appetizers—nachos and mozzarella sticks."

"Great choices!" the waitress said, noting it down. "Anything to drink?"

Reina spoke up. "Can we get a mix of sodas and a couple of iced teas?"

"Sure thing," the waitress replied. "And for the main course?"

Keisha jumped in. "Five pepperoni pizzas and one veggie one, please."

Cherilyn raised an eyebrow. "Veggie for who?"

Keisha gave her a pointed look. "For Cal."

Cal chimed in. "Six pepperoni pizzas, please." The table erupted into laughter once again.

The waitress chuckled and took note. "Got it. Any specific crust preference?"

Cal responded confidently, "Thin crust for all, please."

Cherilyn added quickly, "And let's add a couple of orders of wings—one spicy, one mild."

The waitress nodded. "Excellent. Anything else?"

Watt perked up. "Desserts! Two chocolate cakes, one cheesecake, and a big bowl of ice cream with all the toppings!"

The group cheered. "Great choice, Watt!"

The waitress smiled. "You all sure know how to enjoy a meal! I'll get that in for you right away. Anything else for now?"

Reina smiled at her. "That should do it. Thanks!"

The waitress exited, leaving the group to banter.

Watt winked at the waitress as she left. "Take your time, pretty..." He turned to Cherilyn. "Why are you staring at me like that, Cherry? Are you and Keisha deeply in love with me?"

Cherilyn rolled her eyes. "Keep dreaming, Watt. Dreams do come true, but not this one." The table burst into laughter.

Keisha leaned back in her chair, smirking. "For the record, I have a boyfriend."

Cal raised an eyebrow. "Really? That's good news. Congratulations, Keisha."

"Thank you," Keisha replied dryly, clearly not interested in further discussion.

Watt, ever persistent, asked, "Are you lying to us?"

Keisha deadpanned, "Yes." The group laughed even harder. "I want Watt out of his 'too good to be true' dream."

The waitress returned, setting down the food. "Bon appétit!"

The group dug into the food, laughing and joking around as they enjoyed the feast.

At Frank's house, Esme and Frank were sitting together in the living room. Esme smiled at Frank. "He offered to help? Jimmy is an angel of a friend."

Frank nodded. "Yes, he's too much. He sends his greetings."

Esme chuckled. "Aww, that's so sweet of him. Hey, aren't you hungry?"

Frank glanced at the clock. "I have to hurry to the shoe shop. The line outside is enormous."

Esme raised an eyebrow. "Take a break, Frank."

Frank shook his head. "The customers don't care about that. I'll take a break later."

Esme sighed. "Alright, take care."

Frank stood up. "Actually, could you ask Sidney to bring me some food when she's back from school?"

Esme smiled. "Yes, yes, you win. Take the trophy." They both laughed.

Frank waved as he left. "Bye, honey."

Esme paused for a moment before muttering to herself, "I need to take some food to Mom too."

Meanwhile, at Ava's boutique, Amelia entered with a warm smile. "You have rich taste, dear."

Ava grinned. "Duh, that's obviously because I'm rich." They both laughed. "Hi, Mom, what brings you to Ava's Boutique? How can we help you?"

Amelia waved off the formality. "Oh, drop the formalities. I'm here to check in on your well-being and how your business is doing. And, of course, to browse your offerings."

Ava smiled, her pride evident. "Of course, Mom. I'm happy to help."

Amelia chuckled. "Thank you very much," she said as she exited. "Take care, my dear."

Ava picked up the phone as it rang. "Hello, Father?"

Jimmy's voice came through. "I'm delighted to hear that. Any noteworthy developments or expansions?"

Ava nodded, a smile on her face. "Yes, we're thinking of expanding into bespoke creations. The response has been great, and it aligns with our customers' tastes."

Jimmy sounded pleased. "Your foresight is admirable. Any challenges you're facing?"

Ava was thoughtful for a moment. "There are challenges, but they're just opportunities for innovation. Some supply chain issues, but we're managing it."

Jimmy's voice softened with pride. "Your resilience mirrors your mother's. I'm so proud of you."

Ava smiled warmly. "Thank you, Father. I appreciate your advice."

Jimmy sighed. "Alright, I have to go now."

Ava responded with affection. "Okay, thanks for the call, Dad. Talk to you soon. Love you more." She hung up, feeling content. "Aww, Dad is proud of me."