Awkward Encounters and Shady Whispers

Josh's POV

Man, oh man, this evening was turning out to be more nerve-wracking than a job interview with a clown. Why did Bea have to invite Jess over without telling me? I mean, I get it, Jess is her best friend and all, but we have some... history. And not the kind you want your girlfriend to know about.

I could sense Bea's concern as I stayed unusually quiet throughout the night. She kept shooting worried glances my way, probably wondering what was going on in my head.

Well, let me tell you, my head was a chaotic mess of confusion, awkwardness, and a splash of regret.

Jess and I hadn't exchanged a single word all evening, and that was by design. We knew what we'd done, and there was no point stirring up that pot of embarrassment and guilt in front of Bea and the gang. But avoiding her wasn't as easy as I'd hoped, especially with Grace and Theo chattering away like a pair of over-caffeinated parrots.