Riley's POV
"What are ya reading, kiddo?" Dad asks. I was flopped on my bed, searching through last year's yearbook. I had circled potential dates for Maya like I was reading a fashion catalog or something.
When he saw the photos on my bed, he flipped like he always did. "Riley! What are you doing?! You're already with that cowboy with the irritably awesome hair!"
"I'm doing research," I say, "On boys."
Dad was obviously confused. "Huh," he asked.
I explained the situation. "You see, I promised Maya that I would find her the perfect guy. The Enchanted Garden Gala is coming up and she needs a date."
He stared at me. He says, "You're gonna play matchmaker? You're gonna meddle into someone's personal life and try to make sense of what they're thinking?"
I was prepared to be laughed at.
But he surprised me by saying, "I'm so proud of you!" He wrapped his arms around me. "My daughter is gonna mess up her best friend's life!"
I say, "Dad, Maya doesn't think that love is a precious thing. She doesn't understand anything about romance. You and Mom had been together forever, what was Mom like when she was in middle school?"
"She was a hippie who wore flowery dresses and had crimped hair," he answers like it wasn't weird. "Your mom was the kookiest girl in school. But I have to say, love surprises you in many ways because I found out she was the best kooky hippie ever."
I remember when Mom had dressed like a hippie. She rocked that crimped hair!
He continues, "We had been exclusive since we were kids. We had gone on an adventure: going to high school, learning about the world, moving in together, eventually raising two kids who grow up way too fast—sorry, I'm starting to get tears in my eye."
I laughed. "Dad, what is Maya's type of guy?"
"Boys who are too old for her because she is in love with my brother!" he jokes. "But to be serious, love can be found anywhere; you just have to look hard." Dad kissed my cheek and reminded me, "Remember to get your uncle something nice, he's visiting tomorrow," before leaving.
How can Maya look hard when she doesn't want to? She gave up on guys after our double date with Lucas and Farkle. She even stopped pursuing my uncle, even though she said she was in it for the long game.
"Ladies," a voice called out.
I knew who he was before I turned around. "Come on in, Farkle."
Farkle climbed into my room and plopped onto the bay window. "So, the gala is coming up. It's the most romantic dance of the year."
"Lucas and I had already planned on going," I say nonchalantly.
"I was asking you if Maya was planning to go," Farkle replies, "She's still single, isn't she?"
"Farkle, do you know anybody who would be willing to be Maya's date to the dance?" I ask.
"I do," he answers
"Really, who is it?" I ask.
"You're looking at him!" he says with his arms spread out. I rolled my eyes; I should have seen that coming.
"Farkle, Maya's expecting me to find her a guy who hasn't asked her out a billion times. I need someone fresh and new."
"You're trying to play matchmaker?" he asks.
"Please don't laugh," I beg.
"I'll help you," Farkle replies, astonishing me.
"I thought you were in love with Maya," I say.
"I want to make her happy," he answers.
I smile and start working. Hopefully, the right guy will show up at the right time.
Author's Note: Josh is coming into the story soon, yay! The next chapter will make his appearance, I promise. Remember that guy in the episode, Girl Meets Friendship? He was the bad boy who was like a boy version of Maya, Brandon. He's going to be in the story too. Will Riley discover the perfect guy for Maya is right in front of her (and possibly related to her?) Or will this spring dance wilt and die? Find out the next chapter. Okay, I heart you! - MadameX818
