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Off to the side, the other two people in the room were watching the scene in front of them with different opinions. One wanted to break up the encounter, while the other smiled happily. This could be just what her friend needed.
"Do you think we should say something? You know, remind them we're still here," Josh whispers to Maya as he looks at his niece and the delivery guy still holding hands and starting at one another, quite profoundly he might add.
"Don't you dare do anything to ruin this, Joshua," Maya hisses, glaring up at him with narrow eyes. "I haven't seen her like this since, well, you know when."
Josh's protective demeanor drops the second Maya mentions the past and is replaced with sorrow as he understands her reasoning. He gives Maya a small nod in agreeance and then refocuses on his niece and hopes Maya knows what she's doing.
And while Riley and Lucas are in their 'moment', Riley suddenly hears soft murmurs off to the side and comes out her daze and back to reality. Surprised by the position she's in, she quickly pulls her hand out of Lucas' and feels her chest tightening. She doesn't know what just happened, but it won't happen again. That's one thing she knows for sure.
A flash of hurt crosses Lucas' features as he lowers his hand and shoulders somberly before putting on a fake smile and pretending like everything's okay. He knows what he feels and that the spark between them is real, but considering he only met her mere minutes ago, it's strange to be thinking about their strong connection right now. However, he's not going to get ahead of the situation and what may be as the best way to go about this is to just downplay and think of it as a being 'lost in the moment'.
Riley awkwardly shifts from side to side, moving from foot to foot as this whole thing is making her uncomfortable. She doesn't know what to do or how to react without causing a scene or making things worse. Now don't get her wrong, Lucas is very handsome and polite, but she doesn't have time for this. Not with the business opening tomorrow. But if she's being honest with herself, the real reason is because she's scared. On so many levels.
She didn't miss the subtle sadness in his eyes when she abruptly pulled her hand away like she couldn't fathom holding his hand for a second longer and in time, she hopes he'll understand. And in that instant, she remembers where she's at and calls Maya over, needing to get away and clear her mind.
"And this is my best friend and business partner, Maya Hart. If I'm not here, she'll be the person to talk to", she introduces and shares as the two shake hands and she takes this time to run into one of the back rooms.
Closing her office door and then having it reopen a second later, Riley's not ready for the confrontation as she drops to the floor and covers her face with her hands.
"Riles, just breathe," the soft voice of Maya coos as she starts to rub Riley's back in an attempt to calm her down.
"I'm such an idiot," Riley cries out, her breathing getting shallower and shorter as she's on the verge of a panic attack.
"No, you're not an idiot. You're the smartest person I know. So, you got a little scared by the unexpected intimacy between you and the hot delivery guy. There's nothing wrong with that. It's completely normal," Maya responds tenderly, lifting Riley's head up and giving her a smile. "You've been doing so well lately. There's no need to get freaked out over this. Ignore your current feelings and just think about the possible friendship that could come from this. It wouldn't hurt to have another friend, right?"
"Yeah, I guess you're right. Thank you, Peaches. For everything. It's just- never mind," Riley waves off, her breathing finally calming down as she smiles back at Maya, grateful for her patience, support and friendship. She focuses on her other comment, not wanting to continue on the subject that will only make Maya more concerned as she adds, "And, we both know Farkle is the smartest person we know."
"Nah. Farkle is a genius, but you beat him in common-sense and human emotions," Maya explains with a grin.
The two laugh and share a embrace before Riley gets back up, dusts off her pants and walks back out to face Lucas and give him the apology he deserves.
She sees him unloading the boxes by the empty shelf Josh must have mentioned and quickly balls her hands into fists as she calls out, "Lucas?"
Swiftly turning around at the sound of her voice, Lucas notices her vulnerable state and mentally kicks himself for making her so uncomfortable.
"Are you okay?" he finds himself asking with concern.
"Yes, I'm fine. I'm sorry for running off like that. I-," she starts before getting interrupted.
"Riley, you don't need to explain or apologize. I'm the one who should apologize. I never meant to make you uncomfortable," Lucas expresses taking over Riley's apology and making it his own as he feels terrible for his actions.
"But you didn't. Not in the way you're thinking," Riley clarifies, needing Lucas to understand her meaning behind the response as she wants to fix this. "I know I'm not making any sense right now, but I hope we can start over and maybe become friends in the future."
"I'd like that," Lucas smiles with relief, his green eyes shining brightly.
"Okay, then. If you're free tomorrow you can stop by here for our open house," Riley awkwardly invites, clasping her hands in front of her. "I mean, only if you want to."
"Of course I'll come. Thank you for the invitation. I'll see you tomorrow," Lucas accepts, grabbing his hand cart and giving Riley a small nod as he exits the store whistling and smiling.
"You did good, honey. That's a great first step," Maya praises once Lucas drives away.
"Thanks, Maya. And, I only did what you suggested," Riley recalls softly.
"You did. But that's not what I'm talking about," Maya says cautiously as Riley tilts her head in confusion.
"What do you mean?" Riley questions, staring intently at her best friend.
"It's just that, even when I mention something, you don't have to always agree with me. You can always shut them down if they make you uncomfortable," Maya explains in a low voice, not knowing how Riley would react.
"I know that," Riley replies, looking down at her feet and kicking invisible rocks.
"Good. And that's progress. I'm glad to see you finally opening up to people," Maya smiles, patting Riley's arm.
"But I'm not really opening up. I did what I thought was the right thing to do. And in the future, I'll have a possible friend. That's all," Riley counters, getting defensive.
"If that's what you think, great. But Riley, open your eyes. We're opening up a store where customers will be coming in every day. You'll be forced to talk to people all the time," Maya reminds her, trying to keep her cool and not yell.
"That is what I think. You're the one making it into something it's not," Riley snaps. "And I know that. I know I'll be forced to talk to people, but you said I'm making progress and I think I am too! I'm good at pretending and putting on a fake smile."
"Okay, okay," Maya gives in, putting her hands up in surrender, not wanting to fight anymore. "And it is true. You're so much stronger than before. But Riley, you shouldn't have to pretend. I want you to actually smile because you're happy. I want you to finally be free and accept what's happened. It's been twelve years, hon."
"I know it's been twelve years. You don't need to remind me about something that has happened to me," Riley screams angrily. "I'm the one who's lived through it. I'm the one continuing to live through it and I'm the one waking up with nightmares. I have the scars to remind me every minute of every day what happened that horrific day and how ugly it's made me. And I'm the one with the empty heart because I have no one," her eyes glistening with tears.
"I'm so sorry. I didn't mean it that way. It's just that, it seems like you're afraid of letting go and moving forward. Which is totally understandable. But Riley, aren't you tired of the weight on your shoulders? You deserve to live the life you were given. And remember, you're never alone. You have people here who care about you and love you. Don't forget that," Maya finishes sadly, giving Riley a quick hug of comfort and support before walking away and allowing time to herself.
Once reaching her back office, Josh follows behind her and asks apprehensively, "Is she okay?"
Maya stares at the brunette haired uncle, thinking and seeing the fear and worry in his eyes as she replies carefully, "She will be. She just needs time and little push forward."
And, there you go folks. Please review and let me know what you think.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx