If your friend will be staying inside the secure area, you could go to the ticket counter, explain the situation, and ask for a gate pass. The airlines do that when people are taking an unaccompanied minor to a flight and they might do that for you if you give them the person's name and itinerary. It's not part of the regular procedure, but it would be a lot easier than buying a refundable ticket.

My suggestion is go to the ticket counter and ask for a gate pass. If they won't give it to you, then just buy the refundable ticket and get a boarding pass to go through security. Then, after meeting your friend, go back to the ticket counter and ask for a refund.