Hello! I'm so, so very sorry I haven't updated this in almost a year…yikes! I got so wrapped up in my one shot series that I put everything else on the back burner and I apologize.
I will try and update this more regularly. Thank you to those who still follow this and I love you all!
naelacy: Me too! Their friendship is something I love. Yes, they are very awkward and I love it too! Thank you so much!
originalguest: Thanks and it's all good. Me too, I love writing their relationship. Yes, I couldn't forget him! Lol, patience and thank you so much! Probably…though someone will come first!
Siennese: Yes, he really is and right! Oh, totally…it's such a sweet way to start, like you said and thank you so much!
violet1429: Yes, that's the kind of guy he is! That is true, but my lips are sealed. More clues will be revealed soon! Me too, and you said it perfectly! Thank you!
volleyballer82: Right?! And me too! Hehe, thanks!
Allie: Lol, I've heard that too. But, it's cute and fun…and me too!
Guest: Thank you so much!
Jen: Aw, haha…they were weren't they? Lol.
madelinecoffee: Aw, thank you and I'm glad! I will and possibly? Thank you. I got the idea from a book and wanted to put my own spin to it and it's a fun change. Nervous Rucas is the best and me too. I like him and their friendship. Thank you for this review and getting me back to this story!
Enjoy!
The rest of the night was a lot of fun as the three best friends and Josh had a picnic in Changing Stokes. Making room towards the back of the store, they laid down the tarp like material the girls will use in the painting classes, ate Chinese food and relaxed. Laughter filled the building as it was great to be back together, sharing memories and creating new ones.
"So, I take it business is going well, Farkle?" Maya questions with a grin as this visit was a little spare of the moment, but welcomed none the less.
"It's going. I always wanted to take over the world, but when I took over the family business, it wasn't exactly what I thought it would be," he replies honestly as his friends can sense his reservations.
"What did you think it was going to be like?" Riley joins in with curiosity.
"I don't know how to explain it. I thought of a company where we all worked together for the greater good. My father built a team with genius minds, I'm included in that. But he's built so many businesses that we lose the personal relationships with our workers. I have over a thousand employees and I don't know how to change the system my father instilled. I want what you two have. A friendly, welcoming business where people are happy. And on top of that, I met someone who drives me absolutely insane. But she's also amazing. Riley has the new guy. Maya has, er, could have someone and I want the normal life," Farkle declares, taking Riley by surprise by thinking she and Lucas have something going on and immediately ends his babbling when Maya frowns at him with narrow eyes as Josh looks intently between the two friends.
"Farkle, I don't have anyone. I don't even know Lucas well enough to consider him my friend. Now, about this girl you mentioned. If you like, take a chance. You never know unless you try. And lastly, I know you're walking in your father's footsteps, but if you want change, make the change. The world is ever changing and if you want a better company for the future, one small change can make all the difference," Riley responds with love and faith for her friend.
"Riles is right, Farkle. Follow your heart. It's your company now. And your legacy," Josh adds with a smile and then focuses on his niece. "And Riley, You should take your own advice."
"What are you talking about, Uncle Josh?" Riley questions with the raised eyebrows.
"Take a chance. Open yourself up to all the possibilities the world has to offer. You never know what's waiting for you," Josh retorts with Maya and Farkle nodding repeatedly.
"Ugh, fine. I'll try and that's all you get. I don't want to hear this subject for a long, long time," Riley gives in with a stern expression.
"Deal. All we ask is for you to try," Maya smiles and reaches over to hold Riley's hand and give them a squeeze in comfort and support.
For the next few hours, the four laugh, talk and forget about their worries and the outside world. It's a peaceful feeling knowing you have a support system that has your back during the good times and bad. Boosting your accomplishments and catching your downfalls of life. Because at the end of the day, it's only you and the people you surround yourself with that make all the difference.
Farkle suddenly gets a call that ends their gathering as he apologizes and helps clean up dinner.
"Farkle, it's fine. Go deal with your company and we'll see you tomorrow," Riley laughs, pushing her friend out the door as he's hesitant on what to do.
"You sure?" he inquires with guilt.
"Yes. Go!" Maya yells at him.
"All right, all right," Farkle grins putting his hands up in surrender. "I'll see you guys tomorrow."
Everyone voices their goodbyes as Farkle gives Riley a quick hug and then dashes out the door. The three quickly clean up their small mess and then call it a night as Josh takes Riley home and is proud of his niece. They have all worked so hard and finally, she has something to call her own.
After getting comfortable in bed, Riley thinks about what she's agreed to try. It makes her nervous to think of Lucas being anything more than a friend, but it's even scarier to accept that things are changing. She's been so use to her life being one way and now, her friends are gently pushing her in another direction. She wants to try, she really does. But there's still something holding her back and it's one thing she does not want to discuss.
OoOoOoOo
The following morning there are clouds in the sky and it matches Riley's mood. But she quickly thinks of something happy as it's her third of being a business woman and it's a surreal notion to think. As usual, she picks up breakfast for Maya, Josh and herself and when she's about to check out, she orders a few more because one, she's a nice person and two, because she's trying, per her best friends' and uncle's request.
She just enters the store when the sounds of a truck catch her attention. She places breakfast on the counter and then turns around to see Lucas jumping out of his side of the vehicle with a smile on his face. Which surprisingly makes her smile too. She watches his movements and when he opens the door, she greets happily, "Good morning, Lucas."
"Morning, Riley. How are you today?" he grins and her welcome.
"I'm good," she replies simply. "And yourself?"
"I'm good as well. And, it's nice to see you smiling. You have a very beautiful smile," he compliments as a blush immediately covers her cheeks.
"Oh, um, thank you. That's very kind of you. And, I, uh, I'm not sure if you had breakfast this morning, but I got you an egg and bacon sandwich from the bakery up the street and there's coffee in the back," Riley offers, swiftly moving away from the compliment that made her heart beat faster.
"You got me breakfast? Now that's thoughtful. Thank you," Lucas retorts in surprise as he can't stop smiling. This woman is definitely the real deal and making it harder for him to not like her even more.
"It's nothing really. Most days I pick up breakfast for the three of us and I knew you were stopping by. Also I thought it could be an apology and a step forward," Riley explains, biting her lip and slowly starting to rock back and forth on her feet.
"The reason doesn't matter, but the thought does. You're a good person, Riley, so thanks. And before you respond and argue with me, just say you're welcome," Lucas chuckles as Riley can't help but laugh along.
"Okay, fine. You're welcome," she smiles as the two walk to the counter so Riley can get Lucas' sandwich.
He takes one bite of the buttery, greasy goodness, moans in delight and then walks to the back to grab a cup of coffee.
"You're the best. It's so good, Riley. Thanks again," Lucas commends as he sips his coffee and wraps the rest of his sandwich before concluding, "I have to get back to work, but I'll see you tomorrow morning. And, breakfast is on me," sending her a wink and whistles as he walks out the door.
A minute or so after Lucas leaves, a voices startles the brunette as they announce, "Well would you look at that, Honey. Seems like you're already flirting with the delivery guy," teasing the friend who lets out a scream in terror.
"Dammit, Maya! I told you I hate it when you sneak up on me?" Riley snaps as she coldly glare at the blonde.
"Whoa, reel it back, Riles. Me scaring you was an accident. I only came out after Lucas left and totally ran into the stack of boxes by the door leading to our offices. Which you should have heard because it was loud. But, you were too busy watching the guy you're not interested in leave," Maya fires back, putting her hands on her hips.
"Oh, sorry," Riley mumbles embarrassedly.
"It's cool. I'm not mad, just starving. And that was very nice of you to get Lucas breakfast this morning," Maya smirks, grabbing the bag and walking away, leaving Riley by herself to ponder everything that's happening.
About an hour later, the doors are opened and it's a great distraction for Riley. When she's working, she's in the zone and it's all about the customers and making them happy by helping them with whatever they need. And with Farkle helping out, it gives her and Maya more time to walk around and interact with the people who are essentially helping her live out her dream.
The day speeds by and Riley is relieved Maya doesn't mention anything about that morning as they are cleaning and getting ready to leave. But she knows it won't last long because Lucas will be back tomorrow morning. And even though she's a little happy about it, it's still a new thing for the both of them.
OoOoOoOo
The next morning, Riley walks down the street to see Lucas' truck already parked out in front and that instantly lifts her mood as she speed walks the last block she has to go. When she swings open the door, she sees Maya glowering and glaring at Lucas as he's standing there in his six foot something frame looking tough and staring right back at the blonde with a blank expression.
"Um, good morning," she greets carefully as the second the two hear her voice they break out of their stare-down and make their way to her, both talking at the same time.
"Okay, Okay. You both need to take a breath and then talk one at a time," she instructs as they both follow her directions and then stare at each other, almost challenging one another.
Lucas raises an eyebrow at the short blonde who copies his actions. With neither taking, Riley is about to question their behavior when Josh suddenly comes out from the back and exclaims, "Thank god you're here, Riles. These two are acting like children."
"Uh, what happened?" she probes, trying not to laugh.
"Lucas got here a few minutes ago with breakfast but wouldn't let us eat until you got here. Maya got mad and they've been staring at one another since," Josh explains, rolling his eyes.
"Aw, Lucas. That's very considerate of you, but you didn't have to wait for me. And My, there's no need to get mad. You should be happy that Lucas brought us breakfast in the first place," Riley talks to them like the children Josh described.
"Well, you know how Maya gets when she's hungry," Josh calls out as he's replacing some art supplies.
"Thanks for breakfast, Lucas," Maya grumbles as he nods at her appreciation and opens the box for her to take a slice of the breakfast pizza he brought. "And Joshua pain in my ass Matthews, you better watch your back," she growls as she walks away.
"Ooh, I'm real scared, Hart," Josh taunts back as the two glare at one another before going in opposite directions.
"Are those two always like that?" Lucas whispers as he hands Riley a plate.
"Um, for the most part, yeah," she answers with a simple shrug and then takes a bite of her breakfast and smiles, "This is delicious."
"Thanks and I'm glad you like it. It's a favorite place of mine and close to where I live," Lucas grins, pleased with himself.
"I can see why. Do you live close to this area?" Riley asks, surprised she's actually making conversation with him.
"No, not really. I live close to 42nd Street," he says causally, leaning back against the counter and making himself comfortable.
"Oh, well, that's not too bad. And thank you for breakfast. It's very kind of you," Riley
"Of course and it's not a problem. Maybe this can be our thing. I'll bring you breakfast and you supply the coffee," Lucas suggests with a hopeful smile.
"How about we work out a breakfast schedule and I'll still supply the coffee?" Riley counters, still smiling and enjoying this little banter.
"You got yourself a deal. I'll see you tomorrow and I'll bring breakfast. I'm thinking bagels," Lucas offers with a huge smile and feeling a happiness he's never felt before.
"With cream cheese!" they hear Maya randomly yell from the back.
"Yes, I'll bring cream cheese," Lucas says loudly and with a laugh as he waves goodbye to Riley and heads out the door.
Seconds pass before Maya returns to the center of the store and is grinning from ear to ear. "Did my ears deceive me or do you and Lucas have a thing going on?"
"It's not that kind of thing, Maya," Riley groans, walking away from her friend.
"Whatever you say, Riles. But the longer you deny it, the harder it's going to hit you in the end," Maya states so matter of fact that it halts Riley's movements for a second.
Curse her best friend for always throwing her for a loop.
OoOoOoOo
Over the next few days, Farkle splits his time between the store and staying in his apartment and working. He's trying to find a balance between everything and finding a purpose that makes his work mean something. But sometimes, finding both is a challenge that forces you to examine everything you once knew.
OoOoOoOo
It's been about a month since Lucas started to stop by every morning and he's become real close with her group. Josh and Farkle like that there's another guy around, Maya's happy that he's proven to be a good guy and someone Riley needs and Riley's glad to have a friend that doesn't force themselves in to her life and accepts the small glimpses that are given. Things are good. Well they were until an unexpected barges into the store on evening right before closing.
"Um, hi Missy. Can I help you?" Riley questions, feeling the beginning of a panic attack surfacing, but also trying to keep herself calm.
"Who the hell do you think you are?" she hisses angrily.
"I have no idea what you're talking about," Riley counters firmly.
"Oh, don't play dumb with me, you bitch. I see him coming over every morning, bringing you breakfast and all that shit. I see the looks you two share and it's all wrong. So let me tell you something and your stupid brain better listen. All this is going to stop. Lucas deserves someone better than you in every single way. You're a sad, lonely nobody and I'm only going to say this once. Stay the hell away from him or you're going to be sorry," Missy threatens, giving Riley an evil glare before stomping out of the store.
Riley watches Missy's retreating form and exhales a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She knew her neighbor wasn't a decent person and this only proves it more. And on top of that, just when she was getting comfortable with letting Lucas be around more, she now needs to hold back because she doesn't doubt Missy will stand by her words.
"See, this is what happens when you let your guard down," she grunts as she doesn't move from her position by the register and becomes defeated as she's in a very messy dilemma.
And there you go folks. Please let me know what you think.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
