Hey everyone! First off, I want to apologize for the super long delay. Life just got in the way and at one point nothing seemed to make since in the chapter and I hit a small wall. I hope you all can forgive me and that this chapter isn't too bad.
Secondly, I'm going to try and update my other stories within the upcoming weeks with "Hard Hits" up first.
And lastly, thank you all so much for all your support. It truly means the world to me and to all the writers out there!
TalkingInMySleep: That's true and I agree with everything too. And who knows what Maya's going to do. You'll just have to read to find out and maybe Missy is. You're so welcome! Thank you for reading!
MilesAndMilesToGo: Right! Flowers are always a nice gift and I liked the date too. I was very Rucas and I think Riley is happy! Yes, Maya definitely needs to be careful and yes, Josh may have something up his sleeve. As for Missy and Maya, who knows what those two are going to do. Sorry for not updating!
Guest: Thank you and they are!
WeAllFallDown2003: It did and it was cute. We needed something like that to lighten the mood and love them even more. You'll just have to read and find out!
Guest: You'll just have to read to find out!
Laugh instead: Thank you! I hope you enjoyed the one shot! Haha, sorry! True, this thing is going to get interesting and you'll just have to read to find out how it all plays out. Thanks, I had fun with Rucas and oh my gosh! That idea is awesome! I'll definitely use it somehow, thank you! I'm glad you liked it!
xxAmy: You'll just have to keep reading to find out everything and true, the it's going to be interesting. I liked Rucas' first date too and there'll definitely be a second one soon! You're welcome, thanks for reading and I hope you enjoyed Joshaya Week!
someday00293: Sorry! Ah, I like that idea…maybe, who knows. And I love the idea of Joshaya working together as a team. And Rucas was sweet and no, no kiss. At least not yet.
I'mJustAnotherDreamer: Me too and I think they're taking things slow. And maybe…Maya would be good and true, Riley shut it down. Yep, good old Josh to the rescue and you'll just have to keep reading. Thank you and I'm sorry for the delay!
Brenna: Me too and right, Lucas is a sweetheart. It was adorable, he was and it did totally work! Both are good emotions to have and you'll just have to keep reading to find out. And it would be fun for everyone to see jealous Maya. Thank you and I am! Sorry for not updating!
It's Allie: Rucas is cute and yes, agreed! It will definitely be revisited, especially since that topic is brought up again! I like Maya being detective too and true, she'd be really good at it! Joshaya would be a dream team along with their bickering and flirting. You know Josh, always playing the hero and you'll just have to keep reading! You're welcome and thanks for reading!
Whenitsover: You'll just have to keep reading and I'm sorry! Rucas is happy. Thank you!
Jen2000: Haha, and yes! Rucas was adorable! I know, it's supposed to Joshaya and you'll just have to keep reading! I'm sorry and thank you.
Guest: Rucas is adorable and you'll just have to keep reading. Here it is!
joshaya00423: Thank you and Rucas is cute! I know and thank you. You'll just have to keep reading and agreed, Joshaya working together is/would be gold! You're welcome, thank you for reading and here it is!
Ash543: Me too and who knows…Maybe and you know how they are. Rucas did have a good date and haha, will do. Date 2 comimg up! I'm glad you liked it!
somuchlovexoxo: That's true and a very good point. That would also be a good twist…hmm…you'll just have to keep reading and yes, totally agree! Riley deserves happiness and Lucas is the person. That should be soon-ish!
Megan456: And that's perfectly fine! It was a sweet moment!
Enjoy!
Josh knows the risk he is taking by being friends with 'the enemy' as his niece and Maya would often call her, but he also knows this is something he has to do. He wants and requires answers and the only way to get them is from someone who knows everything about their block. So in his mind, his whole plan seemed simple enough. Coffee, conversation and once he finds out useful information, he will let Riley, Maya and the police know. And yes, he's including everyone because he wants this to end as soon as possible and with the least amount of attention.
He wasn't able to stop by the store over the next few days and for him, that was just fine. He needs to keep his distance from Riley, Maya and Missy before his 'date' as he can't afford problems or confrontations. But little did he know that guys are a girls' secret weapon when they mean something to someone or are family.
OoOoOoOo
On a sunny Thursday afternoon when the store was at its least busy time, Maya decides to open the door to get some fresh air inside when two women around her age exit the antique shop next door with their heads close together and giggles escaping their mouths. Rolling her eyes at the two, she turns around to go back inside when their conversation catches her attention and she stops dead in her tracks.
"I can't believe Missy has a date Josh," one of the girls with platinum blonde hair exclaims in surprise, obvious to the people around her.
"I know right! That lucky bitch," the other girl, a redhead quickly agrees. "He's a total hunk."
With her anger boiling and her heart aching, Maya pulls herself together and hurriedly walks away, but not before catching a quick glimpse of Missy exiting her store and giving her a friendly wave and fake smile as she heads to her car.
Glaring in return, Maya reaches for the door handle to slams it shut and focuses on two things; the store, of course and getting revenge on someone. Though she's not sure between the two of them who gets the vengeance.
OoOoOoOo
The next day, late in the afternoon, Josh stops by the store to see Riley happily chatting with a costumer and he smiles at the scene. He's so proud of his niece and how far she's come. He waits the few extra minutes for the conversation to end and once it's just the two of them, he gives her a tight hug.
"Hey, Uncle Josh," she beams with happiness. "What are you doing here?"
"Can't an uncle visit his niece?" Josh questions in fake offense.
"Haha, of course he can," Riley chuckles and rolls her eyes. "But it's still the afternoon. Shouldn't you be at work?"
"It was a slow day at the office and besides, I got exciting news," Josh shares with a huge grin.
"Ooh, I love good news. What is it?" Riley wonders with eagerness.
"Well, your profit intake since you opened has been stable. You'll be able to pay off more rent or use some of it for big repairs and whatever else you might need," Josh says, the smile never leaving his face.
"That's great! Oh- oh my gosh. I-I can't believe it," Riley stutters, at a loss of words.
"It is great. You're one of the lucky ones whose business survived the first year. Just keep doing what you're doing and this place will soar. I'm going to input some stuff into my computer and then maybe we can grab some dinner?" Josh praises and gives Riley one last hug before walking away.
"Dinner sounds great! But, um, Maya's here too. And, she's in a weird mood," Riley mentions before Josh reaches the back door.
"Oh, okay. Well, she's invited to dinner too. She's always welcome. As for her mood, I'll try to stay out of her way," Josh nods and then heads to his office as quietly as possible.
He hears faint music coming from Maya's office as he tip toes by the door and once he's behind his desk, he lets out a sigh of relief and gets to work on updating some files. But the peacefulness doesn't last long as no more than ten minutes pass before the music gets louder and louder. Not being able to focus after five minutes of listening to the loud rock music through the walls, he calmly walks down the hall and thinks about knocking, but knows that she won't let him in when she's in a mood like this. Also, knowing she wouldn't hear him knocking on the door over the music, he opens the door to see her writing very quickly in a notebook or something similar. He taps her desk a few times with his knuckles and then shouts her name over the noise as the sudden new loud tone startles her.
"What the hell, Josh!" Maya yells angrily.
"I didn't mean to scare you, Maya, but your music makes it hard for you to hear anything?" Josh points out and tries to lighten the mood.
But somehow, that comment makes Maya ever more mad and she turns the volume up to the loudest it goes and ignores Josh's presence.
He clenches his jaw for a second, but remains calm as he quickly reaches around her and turns the music off completely, adding more fuel to the fire.
"Hey, idiot! I was listening to that," Maya screams in irritation.
"Geez, My, what's with the attitude? We haven't seen each other all week so I don't know what I could have done to piss you off," Josh snaps back.
"Typical. And it's whatever. I'll turn down my music. Just get out of my office," Maya groans, going back to whatever she was working on before the interruption.
"No," Josh retorts bluntly.
"No? Why the hell not? Josh, please. I have a lot of work to do and I'm not in the mood to deal with you," Maya sighs.
"All the more reason to stay. You love fighting with me, it's your favorite hobby. And since you're not in the mood, I know something is wrong. You know you can talk to me, right? You know I'm always here for you," Josh says in a softer tone as he moves to sit on the corner of Maya's desk.
Silence fills the room for a few seconds before Maya nods and responds, "I know. And I appreciate it, but you have no room to talk. Now, don't get me wrong, I do enjoy your daily or weekly debates, but you're a hypocrite. I know there are things we all keep to ourselves, but you can't tell us we can talk to you when you don't talk to us. So now, I think you should go."
"Fine, I'll go. But this conversation isn't over. I'll give you time to cool down so we can have a mature discussion whenever you're up to it," Josh reasons, knowing better that to piss off Maya even more.
"Wouldn't you rather have a mature conversations with your date tomorrow?" Maya counters before biting her tongue as she doesn't mean to blurt it out.
"Date? What are you talking about Maya?" Josh questions with raised eyebrows.
"Don't act all surprised, Josh. I know about your date with Missy. Though I don't understand your reasons, it's your life and you're free to live it how you choose," Maya waves off the comment likes it's nothing important and turns her music back on.
Balling his hands into fists and taking a long deep breath to cool down, Josh composes himself and replies in a teasing tone, "Aw, don't be jealous, Maya. And I need you to trust me," as two can play this game.
"Whatever. Like I said, it's your life. And me, jealous that you're dating the devil? Not in a million years," Maya laughs, turning her music up louder and Josh takes that as his signal to leave.
Sitting back in his chair in his office a minute later, he never wanted the girls to find out, but now that it's out there, he has to act fast before things get messier and blow up in his face.
OoOoOoOo
The next morning, the weather is nice and crisp and puts Josh in a hopeful mood. All he needs from today's meeting or 'date' is something about the break-ins to start forming other leads or to finally put those people behind bars for their crimes. He figures coffee with Missy will be one time thing, but he quickly wonders if she'll read too much into this and push for more. He hopes not, and he prays he has the finesse to not lead her on and to decline her offers.
At eight fifty-five he walks into the antique shop and smiles at Missy who's at the counter and fixing a display. "Good morning, Josh," she greets with a big smile. "Let me grab my purse and then we can head out."
"Morning, Missy and no problem. Take your time," Josh smiles in return and casually walks around the store to look at some interesting items.
Within a couple of minutes, Missy returns to the counter with another girl who takes over for her and waves hello.
Josh waves back and then asks, "Ready to go?" when Missy joins him.
"Yes, thank you," she nods as they exit the store and Josh leads her to his car.
"I hope you don't mind, but I know a place that serves the best pastries," he says once they're inside the car.
"That sounds great," Missy grins as Josh starts to drive away.
On the ten minute drive, they make normal small talk about Missy's store, Josh's work as an investor and when they arrive at the restaurant, Josh hopes that Missy's love for gab will give him what he needs.
They're seated at a small booth by a window and after ordering a coffee, a latte and few muffins and croissants, Josh starts on his plan.
"I don't mean to be forward and you don't have to tell me anything, but I was just wondering how your store is after the string of robberies and vandalisms," he angles in both a caring and interested tone.
"It's not a problem. I actually appreciate it when people get right to the point of things. And I promise to tell you everything you want to know, but first, I'd like to get to know you better. If that's okay with you," Missy shifts the conversation, trying to keep this going her way without Josh noticing.
"Of course it's okay. Ask away," he nods simply, knowing he needs to keep Missy satisfied so he can get the answers he wants.
"Are you from New York?" Missy wonders curiously.
"Originally, no. I grew up in Philadelphia. But I had and have family here and went to NYU for college so New York is my home too. Did you grow up here?" Josh copies with a smile.
"I did. Born and raised and I love it here. There's nowhere else like New York," Missy sighs happily.
"That's true. New York is amazing in its own way. And if I remember correctly, your antique shop is a family run business?" Josh questions, not for show but really out of curiosity.
"That's correct. My great-grandmother started the business with her husband, my great-grandfather and her sister. And with every new generation, it's become more modernized, but still keeps its authenticity. I remember my grandmother telling me stories about when she was younger and seeing and being surrounded by fancy and unique pieces coming into the store and feeling like she had the prized jewel. And I remember experiencing that too once or twice. A lot of the pieces are dated back decades ago and to see such amazing treasures of history is an indescribable feeling," Missy utters with an honesty Josh admires.
"That sounds incredible and I can see the appeal. History, in a way defines our future by everything that's happened in the past and it also holds significant meaning," Josh expresses gently, remembering his brothers love and passion for the subject. "And though I love my job, seeing objects and meeting people with fun stories sounds a lot more fun than being in an office all day."
"That's beautifully said and I agree with you. Not many people see the beauty in historical artifacts. Do you like history?" Missy inquires.
"Um, yeah I do. To some degree, it's been a part of my life since I was born," Josh beams whimsically.
"Oh, really? Now that sounds like a dream come true. Who got you interested in it?" Missy continues, her expression eager as her eyes widen in excitement.
"My brother. He was a history fanatic and a history teacher. He taught with passion and integrated the old with the new so the students really understood the significance of all that has happened," Josh talks openly without telling more of their family stories than necessary.
"Your brother sounds remarkable and is my new favorite person. I would love to meet him one day," Missy smiles a real smile and Josh knows he has to change topics.
"That would be nice, but unfortunately you're not able to. I would like to tell you more, but it's personal," Josh states firmly.
"Of course. I understand. I'm sorry for bringing up the matter and this is a little off topic, but I haven't seen you around like usual. Is work keeping you busy or are you stepping back because Riley has Lucas now?" Missy randomly asks, taking a few sips of her latte.
"Uh, it's neither actually. Work is good and I'm glad Riley and Lucas are together. Or at least hanging out more. The reason I haven't been around is because the store is doing really well. Riley and Maya are doing an awesome job managing it and getting business," Josh answers modestly.
"That's great news. And um, Lucas and Riley are hanging out more, huh? Do you think they'll get together soon?" Missy mumbles, looking out the window before looking back at Josh.
"They are and I don't know, but at the rate they're going, it could be soon. Why the interest?" Josh presses, raising an eyebrow and going on the defensive.
"No interest. I was just asking a simple question. Lucas is my best friend, but sometimes being friends with a guy, you don't get answers right away. You know what I mean?" Missy brushes off Josh's stern expression.
"Being a guy myself, I agree to some extent. Most guys aren't one to express their feelings, but I guess with the right girl things can change. And I know you're only looking out for him. You're an amazing friend for that. But don't worry. Riley's a great person and won't hurt Lucas," Lucas assures in a soft voice.
"Thanks for that. It means a lot. And I guess we should get down to business. I don't want to keep you from your day," Missy exhales, giving Josh a small smile.
"Whatever you want. We can talk more if you'd like. I don't want to rush you," Josh says to make Missy comfortable.
"You're a very nice man, Josh. Thank you for being a, uh, friend. And as promised, I don't know much about the robberies or what's happening with Riley's store and the others, but I was targeted before Riley. Like two months before. Whoever it was, they broke in through the back window and stole all the money from the register and from the office cabinet, that by the way was in a small safe. And they also stole some expensive items; small things like jewelry and figurines," Missy tells him with complete honesty as Josh listens intently.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Did you report it?" he questions with interest.
"No, not openly. The police chief is a family friend. So as soon as my father heard about it, he made some calls," Missy mentions, feeling a little guilty. "I know that looks like special treatment and it is to a certain extent, but I would never lie or cover this up. What's happening is serious and affecting everyone."
"Agreed and I appreciate you telling me. I'm sure it isn't something you share openly. I would just like to believe that this whole situation will be resolved soon, but we all need answers that seems to be hiding all over the place. Is there anything else you can tell me that may help?" Josh pushes with a need that he hopes doesn't come off as too desperate.
"I can't think of anything right now, but I can ask my grandmother. She knows everything about this town and is friends with almost everyone. I'm sure she's heard some stories. She loves gossip," Missy suggests with a smile.
"That would be great, if you can. Thank you," Josh returns the nice gesture and feels a small weight lifted off his shoulders as even though Missy is helping him, he's not exactly sure how much he can trust her.
"Of course," Missy nods, pleased with the outcome and then brings up some random facts about the town she heard from her grandmother.
The conversation last another half hour or so as Josh realizes that talking with Missy isn't the most horrible thing and he really hopes Riley and Maya understands why he had to do this. The drive back into town is quiet, but isn't awkward. No, there's a tranquility between the two which both think they can use to their advantage when necessary.
Josh parks in front of Missy's store and again, thanks her for all her 'help'. "I really appreciate all you told me today, Missy. Thank you."
"You're welcome, Josh. And thank you for being so nice and friendly. I may have grown up here, but that doesn't mean I always feel welcomed. I know I can be a bitch sometimes. And yes, it's true so there's no need to deny it. I guess I'm just stuck in my old ways. You made me realize that I'm an adult and I need to start acting like one. Have a good day," she concludes with a happy smile, quickly getting out of the car and walks inside her shop.
Josh tries to wrap his head around what just happened and quickly realizes it isn't worth it. The female brain is too complex for him to even try to understand. When he finally enters the art store and studio, he sees Riley and Lucas talking by the register and he can't help but smirk. His niece is talking rapidly, her cheeks pink with enthusiasm and Lucas is just staring at her with a goofy grin on his face. Giving them both a wave and motions he's going to the back, he walks into the back hallway and hears silence. Which normally wouldn't be a problem, but he knows Maya's working and knows she's probably still fuming since their last conversation. He quietly puts his ear to her door and hears humming and knows he needs to talk to her while Riley is occupied. He gives two firm knocks, hears movement inside and then braces himself for whatever might happen next.
The door opens without hesitation and when the two lock eyes, he can see her take a deep breath before greeting, "Joshua. What can I help you with?"
"First off, I know you're pissed at me and I'm sorry. Really sorry. I shouldn't have done what I did without both of you knowing, but I felt like I didn't have a choice and I needed to do it when I had the chance," Josh admits, knowing he can't lie anymore.
"No, I'm not pissed, Joshua. Just disappointed in you. You preach about being a team and that we'll figure this out 'together'," Maya scoffs, throwing air quotes around the last word. "But then you go behind our backs and do something crazy. I know in the beginning we might have fought you on the matter, but we're sure you could have talked us into understanding why you were doing it and agreeing to it. You know us. Or at least I thought you did."
"I do know you, Maya. Believe me. I know you and Riley like the back of my hand. But me meeting with Missy was strictly professional and I needed her help. Actually we're going to need her help," Josh clarifies, hoping and wishing Maya understands.
"Why would we need her help? She's been nothing but rude to us," Maya hisses in anger, taking a step back into her office with Josh following and closing the door behind him.
"I know she's not the nicest person, but deep down I know she can be. I saw a small part of that today. That when something benefits someone else, you can see them in a whole new light. Missy was pleasant. And nice. But I know she always has something up her sleeve. Also, we needed her help because she may have been targeted before us. I don't know if it's all true, but she told me it happened two months before your store was hit," Josh mentions in a low voice.
"Couldn't we look into it?" Maya wonders with raised eyebrows.
"We could, but I don't know what we'd able to find because apparently the police chief is a family friend and they investigated things quietly. But I know some people who can possibly help. And this is actually why I need your help too," Josh says firmly to show Maya he's serious.
"Okay, sure. I'll help with whatever you need," Maya quickly agrees with a small nod.
"Really? That-that's great. Thank you. And-," Josh starts before getting cut off.
"I know. Riley can't know. It's the same story every time and not my first time knowing the rules," Maya says casually as that's been their quote for years.
"I know. And yes, she can't know. At least not yet. Once we get more information, then we can tell her. I just don't want her to start worrying again," Josh murmurs as he takes breath.
"I know. And I agree. She's happy right now and that's a good sign in my book," Maya smiles.
"She is and like you, that means a lot to me. So, what I'm going to ask you is a little crazy, but I think it's a good baby step until we get more information and supplies," Josh lays out the basics.
"You, crazy? I don't believe that for a second. Though we do need to talk about your previous tactics. Anyways, I'm all ears," Maya teases, relaxing a bit and moves back to her desk so they can both sit down.
Josh rolls his eyes at the small dig, but knows it's true and then lists off, "When you talked to some of the neighbors about the break-ins did they mention anything about the antique shop or anything about this happening again?"
"Um, no. Not from what I can recall. But I can ask again. And don't worry, I'll be discreet," Maya grins her sweet smile, proving that may be not be the complete truth, but Josh knows better than to doubt her.
"I'm sure you will be. Also, I think you should keep a look out for people hanging around the store and antique shop, you know, anyone who looks out of place. And if you see someone, please don't go after them yourself," Josh continues with a stern stare.
"Will do. I won't, um, well, I probably won't. And uh, I guess now is a good time to tell you that I saw someone last week. It was dark so I didn't get a good look at them, but they were standing across the street and by the time my mind refocused what I should do, they were gone," Maya throws in, keeping her tone calm and light so Josh wouldn't freak out or yell at her.
But changing her tone doesn't matter because as soon as the words leave her mouth, Josh's whole demeanor shifts as his shoulders tense up, his jaw clenches tightly and he's refraining from lashing out.
"For the love of god, Maya, why didn't you say anything earlier?" Josh whisper yells, keeping his voice down so Riley wouldn't hear them.
"For this exact reason! I didn't want you or Riley to freak out. And because I wasn't even sure what I saw. What if I just thought I saw something because of what's happening? Or what if it was someone, but they were just walking down the street? I wanted to be sure before I said anything;" Maya justifies, her composer fading by the second.
"You'd really take that chance, Maya? That's beyond stupid! Even for you. What if that person attached you that night or came back to do it the next night or a few days later, huh? What if you got hurt and no one was around to help or save you? What if I found you the next morning, laying in the street, by the store or by your car? Or what if I got a call telling me you have been injured?" Josh says as his voice cracks and hurt comes through his tone as he goes through each scenario.
"You can't think negatively, Josh. That's not the way to think about this. But you do have a point and I'm sorry. I should have thought about this more carefully and how it would have affected you and Riley in case something did happen. But I can take care of myself," Maya claims, locking eyes with Josh to prove her point.
"I know you can. That's not the fucking point!" Josh snaps harshly, pinching the bridge of his nose.
"Then what is? I don't know what else to say," Maya retorts back, her checks heating up from frustration.
"I care about you. I care about you so much it scares me. I worry about you and I just want to keep you safe," Josh confesses, his declaration coming out in one long breath.
"You only care about me because I'm Riley's friend and because you love Riley. We're all stuck in this situation together so you just have that need to protect everyone. You and I are like oil and water. We don't mix, but we can work together when we need to," Maya counters, brushing off what Josh said.
"You don't believe me?" Josh stammers.
"I believe that you want to protect us both. That you care about us both. But we both know you don't care about me in the way you claim," Maya voices as if this conversation is like any other one they've had.
"You can be so dense sometimes," Josh growls under his breath before pushing himself out of his chair, walks around the desk so he's next Maya and then move her chair to face him as he pulls her up so they're eye to eye as be bends down to her. "I care about you as much as I do Riley and in a totally different way and I'll prove it."
"How?" Maya questions with a confused expression on her face and then everything changes as she feels Josh's lips on hers and as crazy as it is, it's the best feeling in the world.
And there you go folks! I hope you liked and please, let me know what you thought!
Thanks and until next time,
Missy
