A/N: This one took a few days to get published, but I've been juggling writing new chapters and editing the ones I already wrote. Sometimes, I get too all over the place and just can't decide one task to focus on, so I end up going back and forth. Anyway, thanks for the great feedback I got from the last chapter! I'm glad you all like the "Jandrew" ship name and their theme song. And I do agree, Joshaya's so-called "business meeting" didn't seem very business-y at all ;)

This chapter's another favorite of mine, and I'll be introducing yet another new character, which, just like Donnie, will make a reappearance in the near future. And this chapter is also inspired by "Sad Songs" by The Maine. The Maine is my ultimate favorite band, and I was listening to their album Forever Halloween and this song came on and I was like, I had to do something with this song. And here's the end result!

Without further ado, here's the seventh chapter! Enjoy!

Chapter 7: The One That Got Away

"Hey, how's Los Angeles treating ya?"

Josh stepped through the front doors of his apartment building and acknowledged the concierge with a smile and a brief nod. He pressed the up arrow button by the elevator as he heard a loud thud from the other end of the call.

"Sophie?" Josh uttered. "Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I just . . . I just fell on my ass, no worries," Sophie answered with a chuckle. "I thought if I put you on speaker so both my hands could be free, it'd be easier to put on these stilettos. I was so wrong."

The elevator doors opened and Josh stepped in. He pushed the button for the twelfth floor.

"Why are you dressing up?" Josh queried, brows furrowing. "Wait, are you seriously telling me that you're going to strut around the airport wearing one of your heels from Hell? You did that that one time we went to San Francisco and you didn't let me forget the number of blisters you got from wearing those."

Sophie sighed, pausing for a moment. "About that," she began.

"You got seven, Sophie. Three on your left foot, and four on your right."

"No, I wasn't talking about my blisters," Sophie clarified. "I meant my coming home."

"What about it? Is your flight delayed?"

The elevator dinged and its doors opened to the twelfth floor. Josh stepped off and eventually found his way to the front door of his and Sophie's apartment. Trapping his phone between his cheek and his shoulder, Josh brought out his house keys from his coat's pocket and unlocked the door.

"No, I actually called to tell you that I'm extending my stay here in Los Angeles," Sophie ventured. She was speaking rapidly, which meant that she was beyond excited about something. "I know I promised that I would only be gone for four days max, but . . . Josh, Valentina Mendez noticed my designs and she said she'd like to keep an eye out on me! This is a huge deal and you know that."

Josh nodded, though he knew his girlfriend couldn't see him. "Yeah, I know and I'm very proud of you." He dropped his canvas messenger bag on the kitchen table and slumped down on one of the chairs.

"Oh, and guess what? The industry's holding a gala in honor of her tonight and Valentina personally invited me!" Sophie exclaimed. She couldn't contain her exhilaration any longer that she allowed a squeal to escape her lips. "Being at the front row for her fashion show yesterday was one thing, but being personally invited to a gala in honor of her while I'm at her hometown? Josh, this has always been one of my dreams and it's finally coming true!"

Josh toed off his shoes as a small smile spread across his lips. "I'm really happy for you, Sophie," he told her. He tried to be as enthusiastic as she was, but found it laborious, especially after discovering he and his girlfriend wouldn't reunite like he thought they would that night.

Sophie exhaled contentedly. "I wish you could be here with me tonight," she uttered. "When Valentina told me I could bring a plus one, my mind immediately went straight to you. Can you, by any chance, make a quick flight to Los Angeles before tonight's gala?"

Josh laughed, although it sounded half-hearted. "That's very spontaneous, but I've got loads of work to do. Filomeno turned down my first feature story proposal, so I'm back to researching again," he informed as he stood up from the chair to check the fridge for any leftovers appetizing enough to eat for dinner. When he didn't find any, he shut the fridge closed.

"Aw, really?" Sophie replied, pouting.

"Yeah, I was so excited about the story and then he just went and squashed it like a bug."

From Sophie's end of the line, Josh could hear the tossing of keys and a purse zipping closed.

"Hey, Josh, I really want to stay on the line and talk to you about your big project, but I have to go," Sophie notified apologetically. "Valentina wanted to meet with me before the gala tonight, and I don't want to be late for it."

"Yeah, of course. Have fun."

"Listen, how about I help you with your big project, yeah? I'll try to look for interesting personalities at the gala tonight and we'll see if you can write a piece about them. How many pages did you say Filomeno gave you?" Sophie inquired, locking her hotel door and making a beeline toward the elevator.

"Five," Josh answered.

"Got it. I'll take to you later, okay? Bye, I love you!"

Sophie dropped the call before Josh got the chance to return her affectionate words.

Tossing his phone on top of his messenger bag, Josh surveyed his empty apartment. A pile of dirty dishes remained untouched in the sink, as well as the disheveled couch in the living room. Sighing, Josh grabbed his messenger bag and took out his laptop. He opened it and the screen immediately came to life, showing him the numerous windows of articles he compiled regarding Archer Kent that he hadn't bothered to close.

"Sorry, guys. My boss didn't like your story, so I'm gonna have to say goodbye," Josh muttered to himself as he closed all the articles he had opened. Then, in one swift motion, he selected all the files and dragged them to the trash bin.

Josh closed his laptop and exchanged it with his phone. The quietness of the apartment was deafening and he needed to leave. Plus, he had nothing to eat at the apartment, thus he had a legitimate reason to go out. He scrolled through his contact list until he found Andrew's number. Two rings later, Andrew picked up the call.

"Hey, what's up?" Andrew greeted.

"I'm heading out to get dinner and scout for a new story, maybe hit the bar later if I'm in the mood. I thought I'd call to see if you want to come," Josh informed as he collected his keys and wallet from his messenger bag. He put his shoes back on as well.

Andrew hissed. "Ooh, that sounds like such a fun time, but Dodson is once again out to get me. He found yet another way to sabotage my front cover layout—which is due tomorrow, by the way—and I'm trying to fix it before Filomeno could have the chance to break my neck," he reasoned. "I'm sorry, Josh. You know I wouldn't hesitate to come if I could."

Josh heard the sound of Andrew's keyboard clicking in the background. "No, it's all right," he assured. "I'll see you tomorrow, then."

"If I'm not already dead," Andrew grumbled.

After Andrew dropped the call, Josh scrolled through his contact list again, pausing at Sophie's name. He considered shooting her a short message but decided against it when he recalled that she was on her way to meet with Valentina Mendez.

It got to the point when Josh considered calling up his old classmate, Arjun. He and Arjun made acquaintances back in college because of a mutual friend. The last time he and Josh spoke was during their graduation, and it was only to congratulate one another for making it through college. As of late, Josh wasn't certain if Arjun still lived in New York.

Josh's stomach grumbled. He didn't wanna go out to dinner alone, but he likewise didn't wanna spend all night searching his contacts for someone he could eat with. In the end, Josh resolved to browse through his contact list for one last desperate time. If his last attempt didn't earn him a dinner companion, then he'd have to suck it and head out alone.

Josh stopped at Maya's name, and without hesitation, he clicked on it. Maya picked up on the first ring.

"Hey, Josh," Maya greeted.

"What're you up to tonight?"

"Well, I tried to paint something, but none of the pieces I made tonight spoke to me, so I gave up eventually," Maya answered with an exasperated sigh. "I don't think inspiration's going to pay me a visit anytime soon."

"So . . . you're not doing anything?" Josh asked for clarification.

"Nope, consider my schedule cleared tonight."

"Great! I'm actually on my way out to get dinner and scout for a new story for the big project. I was wondering if you don't mind joining me?" Josh offered, biting his lower lip in anticipation. "Also, I found a possible restaurant I can bring Sophie to for our anniversary dinner, and I thought we could maybe check it out together."

"Sure, count me in," Maya responded. Normally she wouldn't meet with a Tan House Events client without an appointment, but she couldn't refuse the opportunity that'd help her progress in Josh's marriage proposal case, which was a case she really needed to make progress on.

Josh smiled. "I'll meet you outside of The Central Spice."

"Just give me twenty minutes and I'll be there."

Upon entering The Central Spice, the first thing Josh and Maya noticed was that they were on a balcony. To their right was an elegant glass staircase that curved downstairs to the main dining area of the restaurant. Modern light fixtures lined the high ceiling, giving off the soft, warm glow to the entirety of the establishment.

The hostess acknowledged Josh and Maya with a cordial smile. "Good evening and welcome to The Central Spice! Do you have a reservation for tonight?" the hostess queried.

Maya shook her head. "No, we're actually here to inquire about reserving the place for a special occasion—I mean, not the whole place, but maybe like a small section, so the event could feel more intimate."

"We also want to ask about your menu," Josh supplied from behind Maya.

"That, too," Maya agreed, pointing at Josh with her thumb. "Is your manager available to speak to at this hour?"

The hostess fumbled with her tablet device for a moment. She then gazed back up at the pair. "The manager will be available to meet with you shortly," she informed. "Do you want to be seated down in the meantime?"

Both Josh and Maya nodded and replied in unison, "Yes, please."

The hostess's smile broadened as she instructed the pair to follow her down the stairs. After she led Josh and Maya to a quiet corner table, the hostess informed them that she'd be back with two glasses of water.

"Do you think we'll get charged for the water? I know some restaurants do that," Josh whispered, folding his arms on the table and leaning toward Maya.

"I'm not sure—"

"No, you won't," a man with thin white hair spoke as he approached Josh and Maya's table, an amicable grin on his face. "The Central Spice offers a wide variety of alcoholic beverages, and since we're in compliance with the law, we are required to serve water completely free of charge."

"Thank you," Maya stated as the manager set down the two glasses of water on the table.

"Anyway, my name is Joel Rosenbaum, and I am the owner of the Central Spice," the manager introduced. "My hostess informed me that you are here to inquire about reservations and our menu?"

Josh nodded. "Yes, we are," he responded.

"It's nice to meet you, Joel," Maya said, then she extended a hand and introduced herself. "My name is Maya Hart. I am the head event coordinator of Tan House Events, and this is my client, Josh Matthews."

Joel accepted Maya's hand and shook it firmly. He did likewise with Josh before he claimed the last empty seat at the table. "If I didn't know better, I would say the two of you are a couple," he commented with a hearty laugh.

Josh and Maya glanced at one another, both with widened eyes. Two physics students had mistaken them as a couple before, but having yet another stranger tell them they look like one was something neither thought would happen again.

"It's a good thing we aren't because Josh here is actually planning to propose to his girlfriend of five years," Maya announced, gesturing at the man seated across the table from her.

Joel's face lit up. "Congratulations!" he remarked.

"It might be a little early for that, but thank you," Josh responded, chuckling.

"I keep telling him not to worry about it," Maya said. "If the woman still tolerates him even after five years, I'm sure she's more than willing to stay by his side for the rest of her life."

Joel turned to Josh, his thumb pointed at Maya. "Your friend here is right," he stated. "I'm certain your lady will accept your proposal."

"I sure hope she would. The ring cost me a fortune," Josh joked, which resulted in the whole table exploding into laughter.

"Anyway, should I get you started with anything? Appetizers, drinks? Or do you prefer it if we skip right ahead to the main course?" Joel offered as he signaled one of the waiters to bring them a couple of menus.

Josh shook his head. "Oh, no. We're only here to inquire," he informed.

Joel nodded. "I know. You said you wanted to check out our menu, I'll let you have a taste of them yourself. Don't worry, everything you order tonight is on the house," he said. "Come on, don't be shy. Nobody turns down free food."

Josh snuck a glance at Maya, who gave him a shrug before she opened the restaurant's menu and looked through her options.

"Ah, here it is, my personal favorite," Joel spoke as the waiter set down a dish in front of him. "Have any of you tried eating fillets of sole shallow with avocado purée and honeyed mango red pepper relish before?"

Josh and Maya shook their heads.

The pair's dishes arrived shortly. Josh opted for the crispy lamb breast with broad beans and chili. Maya ordered the bell peppers stuffed with herbed shrimp, couscous, and zucchini, lightly dressed with lemon and olive oil.

"You should try it," Joel encouraged, gesturing at his dish with his fork. "Mangoes and sole shallow fish together sounds questionable at first, but trust me, the combination is definitely underrated. Mix in some herbed forbidden rice and you've got a stunner on your plate."

While Josh uttered a response, Maya dug into her food.

"This is delicious, Joel," Maya commented after she swallowed her first bite. She worked on gathering her second forkful. "The dish looks pretty simple, but the taste is remarkable. What kind of spices are you using?"

Joel laughed. "Now that's one secret I'll never tell," he teased.

Maya glanced across the table and noticed that Josh hadn't uttered a word. He chewed his food as he worked on slicing his next bite of the lamb breast.

"I know you said that you haven't had dinner yet, but you didn't tell me you're that hungry," Maya taunted with a smile.

Alarmed that both Joel and Maya's attention zeroed in on him, Josh swallowed his food and apologized. "My girlfriend is on this weird diet thing and she dragged me into the whole shindig. Not that I need to lose weight or anything, but she makes me do it with her for accountability purposes. This is the first time I'm actually eating something that's off her list."

Maya forked a shrimp. "Just make sure Sophie doesn't find out about this impromptu rebellion of yours."

"Sophie won't suspect anything," Josh played along, grabbing his glass of water to take a quick sip. "I was told I have a fast metabolism that prevents me from gaining weight."

Joel laughed, eyes squinted in pure delight. His companions were merely business partners, but he could sense the beginning of a budding friendship. They were unpretentious and comfortable with each other's presences, joking and laughing as though they'd known one another for years.

"You two remind me of my Annie and me," Joel blurted out, much to his own surprise. It was a thought he didn't mean to share aloud with Josh and Maya.

Josh swallowed his food the same time Maya took a sip of her water, both taken aback by Joel's words.

"Is she . . . your wife?" Maya questioned. She placed her silverware down and wiped her mouth with a napkin.

Joel cleared his throat. "I intended for her to be, but alas, she wasn't meant to be mine forever," he answered with downcast eyes.

Josh glanced at Maya. She was already looking at him.

"Story," Maya mouthed with a subtle jerk of her chin at Joel.

Josh swallowed. "If you don't mind me asking, what happened with Annie? Why didn't you marry her?" he interrogated.

Joel hesitated at first. Annie Vogel was a story he knew all the words to. He treasured all the memories he shared with her throughout the duration of their relationship, but remembering her broke his heart. Joel barely shared the tale of Annie to anyone. Even so, being in the company of Josh and Maya, who reminded him so much of his relationship with Annie, he couldn't help but divulge the whole story.

"I met Annie back in 1975 when we were both freshman college students," Joel began. "I won't forget the first time I ever laid my eyes on her. I was sat in my Intro to Sociology class, waiting for the professor to arrive, when the most beautiful woman I'd ever seen in my entire nineteen years walked inside the lecture hall. And out of all the seats she could've chosen, she went for the one next to mine. I was a History major—she was there to fulfill a general education requirement, but we hit it off nonetheless. She always came to me when she couldn't understand something about our topic, and I loved that I was her first source of help."

Joel paused as Josh and Maya remained tight-lipped. He looked so lost in his story that both Josh and Maya were too afraid to say anything that could ruin his moment.

"Eventually, we realized that our attraction to one another was too strong to ignore, and we decided to become lovers," Joel continued. His gaze was distant, making him look like he was under a spell. "We were happily together for two whole years, until that one fateful day when Annie told me that we could no longer be together. I asked her why, and she said that it wasn't her decision. If it was, she would've stayed with me for the rest of her life."

"What happened?" Maya asked. She was so engrossed in Joel's story that she'd forgotten about her meal.

"Annie's father was a good businessman, but his company couldn't stand on its own anymore. The only option Annie's father could think of to save it was to merge with another company—a much bigger and wealthier company. However, along with the deal to merge the two companies, Annie's father also agreed to marry her daughter with the son of the other businessman," Joel narrated. "Annie told me her father did it for the sake of her future."

When Joel finished his story, Maya was too heartbroken to express a comment. Josh, on the other hand, was sympathetic.

"I'm so sorry to hear that," Josh stated with a consoling tone of voice. "I know how it feels to have someone we love taken away from us."

Maya's eyes flickered to Josh, wholly surprised by his statement.

"Annie was—and still is—the love of my life," Joel declared as he looked from Josh to Maya. "I never found anyone that could ever live up to her."

"So, you never married? I mean, after Annie?" Maya questioned.

Joel shook his head. "That's why I have this restaurant," he explained. "After I retired from being a History professor, this business has kept me busy. It gave me a lot of things to do and definitely a lot of things to think about. The perfect distraction."

"Are you still in contact with her?" Josh interrogated, his eyebrows furrowed.

Joel flashed a smile, albeit it was sad. "You don't forget your first true love, Josh. She certainly won't forget you, too," he remarked as he reached across the table to give Josh's shoulder a pat.

Josh smiled at Joel's words. It was a statement he would surely remember for as long as he was living.

Joel then turned to Maya and gave her a loving grin. "Since your friend Josh has already found his true love, this one is for you," he said. "When you find your person, don't let them go. Fight for them to the very end even if you know it will kill you. I didn't fight for Annie . . . I don't want you to suffer the same fate as I did."

"I will," Maya promised.

After a short moment of silence, Joel spoke up once again to thank Josh and Maya for their time and company. He reminded them that their dinner was on the house and that he hoped they enjoyed their meal.

Josh and Maya both informed him that they had a great time, and they weren't expecting to meet such a wonderful individual when they first walked in through the doors of the restaurant. They were thankful they did because the pair felt that they found an exceptional friend in Joel.

"I also want to apologize for giving you an earful tonight," Joel uttered. "Surely, you didn't come here to hear my story, and yet the two of you listened. I appreciated that."

Maya waved him off. "Your story made what would've been a boring night interesting," she responded.

"Did you just call me boring?" Josh asked incredulously.

"Oh, you know I was only kidding."

Joel laughed at the pair's exchange. "I hope to see the both of you again sooner than later," he stated. "I know I'll be seeing Josh again with his soon-to-be fiancée for your anniversary dinner. When is it again? I know you mentioned it earlier, but you have to forgive me, I'm an old man."

"It's on the nineteenth of February," Josh answered.

"I'll be seeing you in three months, then," Joel replied. He turned to Maya next. "Don't hesitate to drop by. I'd be more than delighted to have a chat with you again."

"I'll keep that in mind."

After saying his goodbyes, Joel left the table.

As they waited for a taxi outside of The Central Spice, Josh and Maya reflected on the events that transpired. Most specifically, they thought about the owner of the restaurant, Joel Rosenbaum, and his heart-rending tale of the one that got away.

A cold breeze flew by and Maya reached to tuck a loose strand of hair behind her ear. "Josh," she called.

"Yeah?"

"I know I was the one who encouraged you to ask Joel about his story, but . . . I don't think you should use his story for your big project," Maya enunciated. "Joel's a great and genuine man and I'd like for his story to remain between just the three of us."

Josh nodded, shoving his hands in the pockets of his jeans. "I thought the same thing, too," he agreed. He raised an arm when he spotted an oncoming taxi. "I don't want to take advantage of him, especially after what he'd done for us tonight."

Maya climbed into the taxi after Josh opened the passenger door for her. The latter followed immediately and soon enough, the yellow taxi rolled away from the curb and merged onto the bustling streets of New York City.

Song of the Chapter: Sad Songs by The Maine.

Did Joel just foreshadow a little something-something for our dear Maya? Hmmm . . .

Thanks for reading, and as always, I wanna hear what you all think! :)