Hello and happy Tuesday! Thank you all so much for the reviews, follows, favorites and interest in this story. It means so much and I hope you continue you enjoy it!
lucayafrihart: Really? Is that good or bad? And every too! Hang tight!
originalguest: Thank you and I'm glad. I know, don't worry.
myabeec2: Thank you and here it is!
foxcharin: Thank you, you'll see and I like them 'arguing' too! Aw, you're so sweet!
daghely: No, he's still in the story. (Or will be) And, you just have to keep reading!
Cayla: Thank you so much and don't worry. The chapters will get longer as the story progresses.
Discursus: Thank you and haha, right?!
Carlyn279: Thank you, here you go and you'll find out slowly.
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Guest: Thank you and I will!
Enjoy!
For the rest of the day, Riley, Maya and Josh worked in silence, each tending to their own job and tasks and it's only when the sky turns dark that the two friends find each other in the center of their store, taking everything in.
"Tomorrow's the day," Maya voices in a soft tone, not sure where Riley's head is at.
"Yep," Riley nods slowly as she rocks back and forth.
"Are you okay?" Maya asks hesitantly, watching Riley carefully.
"Yeah, I'm good," Riley sighs, a small smile forming on her lips. "And I'm sorry about earlier, Peaches. I had no right to yell at you. I know you were only trying to help and I know I'm not alone. I have you and Josh with me and that's all I need."
"You don't need to apologize, honey. I was the one pushing the subject and I know it's a sensitive matter. I'm just worried about you, Riles, that's all. And you're all I need too. We're family and we're stuck with each other," Maya chuckles, bringing Riley into a hug.
"We're the best kind of family and sisters for life," Riley states with a grin, hugging Maya back and really grateful for their friendship and the bond they've built over the years.
"Awww," a deep male voice coos from behind, scaring the two girls who jump apart and scream.
"Uncle Josh!" Riley scolds, glaring at him as her hands go to her chest.
"Sorry, sorry," he responds with a guilty smile and holding his hands up in surrender. "I didn't mean to scare the two of you."
"Of course not. Just like the other thousand times you didn't mean to," Maya sneers, scowling at Josh in annoyance.
"Hey, that was a long time ago. I was young and dumb," Josh counters, folding his arms of his chest in defense.
"No, it wasn't. You scared us like, last month. You're still so immature," Maya retorts, rolling her eyes.
"I'll have you know I take high offense to that. I'm not immature. I'm an adult who owns his own business and who's helped the two of you set up your store for the past three months. And for those select few times, I really didn't mean to scare you guys. I'm sorry you still see me that way," Josh replies in a serious tone as his eyes soften with remorse.
"Well, damn. Now you're making me feel bad," Maya grumbles, her shoulders dropping and her hands going into her jeans pocket as this is the most serious talk they've had in a while.
"I don't mean to make you feel bad, Maya. Trust me on that. But we've been around each other for so many years that obviously, our perception of one another has changed. I'm not the annoying uncle anymore and you're definitely not the fiery, troubled kid. We're all adults now and that allows us to see the world differently. We just have to try and be civil with one another if we're ever going to have a professional and friendly relationship," Josh offers, his savvy viewpoint shining through.
"You're right," Maya agrees, knowing they have to start somewhere if they're going to try. And they need too. For Riley's sake. "When you get so smart?"
"No clue," Josh shrugs, a smirk appearing on his lips.
"Well, it suits you and I'll accept. We can be civil for the sake of the business, but don't think I'm going to be all chipper and dandy," Maya announces firmly, but with a small smile behind her words.
"I wouldn't want it any other way," Josh nods and catches Maya's bright blue eyes that have a certain kindness to them. "Now, how about I take you lovely ladies out for dinner?"
"That sounds like an excellent idea," Maya answers immediately, her eyes lighting up the sound of food.
Riley and Josh laugh at Maya sudden outburst as two follow the blonde haired girl out the door and down the street. The three end up having dinner at the pizza parlor a few blocks down from the store and for once, their outing was actually peaceful. Most of the conversation was centered around the next day and the new business and Maya and Josh seemed to be trying out their new agreement with being civil to each other.
After dinner, the three walk back to the store with full stomachs and smiles on their faces. Maya stays for a few more minutes, chatting with Riley before hugging her goodbye,
telling her tomorrow is going to be a good day and hopping into her car. And Josh takes Riley home, per his request as it is definitely to dark and dangerous for her to walk home alone.
The drive was quiet and every once in a while, Josh would look over at his niece who was looking out the window and watching the buildings go by. He wasn't quite sure if the silence was a good or bad thing. The less than five minutes drive comes to a stop when Josh parks car outside Riley's apartment and she starts to unbuckle. She free in seconds but quickly turns to him and randomly questions, "This is going to work out, right?"
Josh stairs at his niece in disbelief. The once optimistic girl is now afraid of her own ambition? He knows what she went wasn't easy, especially at her young age, but he thought, that with time, everything would work out. Now, it seems they still have a lot of work to do.
"Yes, Riles. Everything's going to be fine," Josh assures her, taking her left hand in his and giving it a gentle squeeze.
"How do you know?" Riley presses, her voice no louder than a whisper as she looking down in her lap.
"Do you want this?" Josh inquires as Riley lifts her head up to look at him.
"Yes," she replies louder than before.
"Do you believe in this?" Josh continues, his voice becoming strong and firm.
"Yes," Riley answers, her determination coming to the surface.
"Then that's how I know," Josh states bluntly. "When you truly want something, when you put all your effort into something you believe in; the only outcome is for it to thrive. Your business will rise and blossom because of the talent, commitment and heart you and Maya have. It won't always be easy, but you'll survive and be just fine. I know it."
"Thank you, Uncle Josh," Riley smiles, feeling a small weight lifted off her shoulders as she leans over to give him a tight hug. "Thank you for everything,"
"Of course, Riley. We're family and I'm always going to be here for you," Josh promises, giving her one last hug.
"I know," Riley beams as she gathers her stuff and opens the car door. "I'll see you tomorrow."
"Yep. I'll bring the coffee and the extra table you needed. Have a good night niece and try to get some rest, okay," Josh calls out to her through his window.
"Thank you for both and I'll try," Riley giggles, waving goodbye before walking up the few steps and entering her apartment.
OoOoOoOo
After getting everything ready for the next day, Riley makes herself a cup of chamomile tea to relax and try to get some sleep tonight. She couldn't believe tomorrow was the day after all these years. All her hard work and dedication was paying off and she only wished they could be here to see it.
Only taking a few sips of her tea before pouring it down the drain, Riley heads to her bedroom and hopes tonight is one of the nights she can finally sleep without the nightmares. But no, she's not that lucky. Tossing and turning for hours on end, thinking about anything and everything, Riley gets restless before letting her body relax and falls asleep.
In the beginning it was a dreamless night. No darkness, no bright lights and no blurs of vision. But once falling into a deeper sleep, the darkness becomes a main fixture and flashes of light start to put her in an almost panicked state. Jerking straight up and seeing the morning sun shining through the window, relief flows through her that it's a start of a new day and time for her to get ready.
Taking a shower and putting on the nice outfit she laid out the night before, Riley looks at herself in the mirror one last time before being pleased with her appearance and excited for this new adventure. Walking past the bookshelf in the living room area, she pauses at the framed photo, her favorite photo and whispers, "This is for you."
OoOoOoOo
The light morning breeze blows through her hair as she walks the six blocks, but enjoys the fresh air and sense of freedom. From a few blocks away, Riley spots the familiar black SUV parked in front of the store and increases her speed with an extra bounce in her step.
"Morning, Uncle Josh," she greets happily when she reaches him.
"Morning, Riles," Josh grins, leaning one of the tables against the outside wall. "This one should be good enough, right?"
"Yeah, it's perfect. Thank you," Riley nods as she goes to set up the table and Josh goes inside to drop off the other stuff from his car.
After locking the table's legs and setting the table in the upright position, a high pitch voice questions, "What do you think you're doing? You can't solicit outside businesses."
Quickly spinning around on her heels, Riley sees a young, pretty blonde around her age standing right behind her.
"I'm not a solicitor. I'm setting up for my grand opening," Riley replies in a calm manner and pointing the store behind her.
"Oh, you're the new owner?" the woman probes with attitude, sizing Riley up with a raised eyebrow.
"Yes, one of them," Riley answers, biting her tongue at the woman's impoliteness.
"Well, I would say good luck, but businesses like yours never last long," the woman finishes, walking away in her long maxi dress and high heel wedges.
Riley huffs out air in irritation, but lets the awkward conversation slide. Maybe once they get to know each other, they could be friendly towards one another. Maybe they could even be friends. But the more Riley thinks about it, the more she knows it's never going to happen. Girls like that are never friends with someone like her. And, she was okay with that.
Maya arrives no more than five minutes after the whole ordeal and together, the three finish last minute preparations with a little over an hour to go.
With each minute ticking by, the anticipation and nerves grow. Riley needs today and for the store to be what she envisioned. She needs to make the differences she knows she can make. And most importantly, she need something to find the comfort and acceptance that's been hanging above her for so long. And starting something new was the first step.
Standing in front of the door and staring out to busy street, Riley is joined by Maya who can read every expression on her best friend's face. She sees the thrill, the worry and the joy and the only thing she can do right now is to support her through every emotion.
"Are you ready?" Maya whispers with a smile.
Riley looks at Maya and then back to the street as she nods, "Yeah, I'm ready."
Maya gives Riley a reassuring hug before flipping their 'Closed' sign to "Open' and opening their door to welcome anyone in.
And, there you go folks. Please let me know what you think!
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
