The next night, Josh was at the bay window again, half knowing and half hoping that Maya would come back that night too. And certainly enough, she did. There was a second where they both just stared at each other. Josh thought that Maya looked so cute with her hair in a bun. He barely remembered the last time he'd seen it like that. And he wanted her to know. So when she turned to get a glass of water, he said '' You know, you look real cute with your hair done like that.'' He thought it'd be less embarrassing to say if she wasn't facing him, but he still felt his cheeks go red. He didn't see Maya's bright smile when he'd said that, so when she replied, he didn't catch the mocking tone immediately.
'' Oh, so you mean I'm not cute with my hair down?''
'' What, no, I was just…'' He saw her wide grin while she walked toward him and sighed with relief.
'' So, where have you guys been today? When I woke up, Topanga told me you'd already left.'' Asked Josh. ''Thanks.'' He added when she gave him a glass of water.
'' Oh, well today was Date Day.'' Maya said nonchalantly.
''What's Date Day?'' asked Josh, even though he had an idea.
'' Since Riley and Lucas have started dating, we've only just all hung out together, as we always do. So Farkle and Smackle had this idea that we should have a day where we can only do dating activities. That way, we can all still hang out, but the couples can be actual couples.'' She explained.
''And what about the non-couple?'' he asked with a little smile. '' Aren't those activities a little awkward?''
Maya was a little embarrassed. She knew that he knew whom she'd been with, but saying it out loud was different. But she also could see that Josh didn't look upset. He looked more amused than anything.
'' We just go to the movies and share popcorn, or to the mall and share ice cream, or to the amusement park and share…''
''… cotton candy?'' he finished for her.
'' Yeah. Zay cannot stop joking. He's really funny.'' She said.
'' I know, I've noticed.''
'' Hey, can I ask you something?'' she said, turning her body toward him.
'' Shoot.''
'' How come you didn't look upset when Zay talked to you about us?''
'' You really want to know?''
'' Yeah. Why weren't you upset.''
'' Of course I was upset, Maya. But I also knew that he was right. I couldn't let you put your life on hold just because of me, of that promise. I'd feel terrible because you'd miss so many experiences. And tell me, if the situation was reversed, would you have me miss things for you?''
'' Of course not. I'd want you to live the happiest, fullest life you can.'' She said.
'' And I want that for you too. I like you very much Maya, that's why I didn't lose it when Zay confronted me.''
'' You told him it was up to me.''
'' And it is.'' He paused, like the rest was difficult for him. '' Do you have fun on Date Day with your friends?'' he continued.
'' Yes.''
'' Would you have as much fun if Zay wasn't there to make you laugh and pass time while the others are all lovey-dovey?''
'' I guess not.'' She answered. '' So you're not worried at all about Zay and me?''
'' What, that guy! Please, he's so not your type!'' said Josh in a joking manner.
Maya pretended to be shocked and played along.
'' Then what is my type of guy?''
'' You,'' he started, pretending to assess her, '' want a guy with whom you can have an adventure.''
'' That's easy, everyone knows that.''
'' I'm not done yet. You want an adventure, but you also want a sensitive guy. Someone who can roam the city with you, but who will also hold you when you're feeling down. Someone you can go crazy with, but you can also count on to protect you from yourself. Someone who trusts you, and you trust back.''
'' And you could do that?''
'' All you gotta do is cut the red wire.''
He murmured that last part. Somehow, their faces had gotten very close again.
Maya didn't say anything. Of course she wanted that and of course, he knew it. He knew her.
'' Also, I bet you'd like I guy with a motorcycle. Did I mention I have a motorcycle?'' he added playfully.
'' I'd love to go on your motorcycle someday.'' She said.
'' Yeah, hopefully someday soon.'' Replied Josh.
