2 years later.
"Josh! Josh wake up!" Maya squealed as she shook her sleeping boyfriend awake. Josh opened his eyes and grunted at her, unhappy at being woken on his only day off this week, "What do you want, you little ferret?"
Maya jumped up and sat on his legs, "Riley's getting married!" she announced with pure joy on her face. Josh softened immediately, Riley was his niece and of course he was happy to hear she'd found someone worth marrying. "When is it?" he asked, suddenly overcome with panic at having to take time away from work. Maya's joy faded as she realised her boyfriend was once again concerned first and foremost for the job he hated.
"It's in a month," she told him simply, "but Riley wants me to go back to New York tomorrow. She needs help to plan at short notice and as her maid of honour…" she trailed of as she tried to judge whether Josh was angry at her wanting to leave.
"Okay," he agreed without hesitation, "I can drive you today and surprise her if you like?"
Maya knew that his gesture meant well and that he didn't mean to make her feel unloved but it didn't stop the tiny part of her heart that broke when he let her go so easily. "Thank you." She said.
It didn't take Maya long to pack, she wasn't one for organisation or careful thought and planning. Thinking about it Riley was crazy to want her help planning a wedding. Josh helped her by reminding her she may need underwear if she wanted to get through a month in New York and they laughed together. Josh made lunch before they left and they ate together for what seemed like the first time in forever. As she watched Josh eat his sandwich with a knife and fork she giggled at his strange habit and remembered the boy she had fallen so deeply in love with. "You'll come down as soon as you can?" she asked.
Josh looked up from his food and slipped his hand into hers, "I promise, as soon as I can I'll be where I belong. Wherever you are."
Maya and Josh arrived in New York just before dark and Riley greeted them outside her parent's building. She was still living at home as she and Farkle had decided they would move in together after the wedding. Riley greeted them happily, holding Maya in a hug so tight it was as though she thought letting go would cause her friend to disappear. Josh ruffled his niece's hair and lifted Maya's suitcase from the car boot. "Are you staying for dinner?" Riley asked but Josh shook his head. He had to be back for work the next morning, "I'll be back in time for the wedding" he promised. He hugged Riley and then turned to Maya. "This isn't a game anymore, you're not in high school. I'm yours and you're mine. I love you Maya, please remember that."
Maya ignored what he implied and told him she loved him too, they hugged and kissed goodbye and then Josh drove away.
"Come on," Riley sang as soon as the car disappeared, "Everyone's upstairs, they're all so excited you're here."
Maya stared at the space that the car had just filled, her heart hurt but she didn't know why. The goodbye with Josh had felt wrong, almost final.
"Maya," Riley waved her hand in front of Maya's face, "Come on, Lucas will have to leave soon."