Hello everyone!
First off, I want to apologize for being away from so long. Life and school has kept my busy, but I'm trying to write more. Look forward to more updates to come with the next few months. (I know, it's a long stretch)
Secondly, if any of you are still following me and my work, thank you. I appreciate your support and I love you all so much.
Lastly, today is Uriah Shelton's birthday so I thought I'd be a prefect day for an update!
Guest: Thank you so much!
Whenitsover: Yes, you were pretty close! True, Missy is something and I'm sure there will be more to come. Thank you and you know Joshaya…that will an interesting storyline.
Guest: Yes!
someday00293: True and that's good. Trust me, there's more to everyone's story. You're welcome and Joshaya will be fun to write! Stay tuned!
Jen2000: Knowing Missy, I wouldn't be surprised. Josh will always be the person looking out for everyone. Joshaya will be fun this story, keep reading. And thank you! I'm happy to be back!
I'mJustAnotherDreamer: Haha, I thought to pull a fast one. Thank you. And true, Joshaya will be a good team! We'll have to wait and see.
TalkingInMySleep: Thank you and lots of stuff will happen with everything and everyone!
xxAmy: Maybe…we'll just have to wait and see. Yes, the two of them will be awesome! You're welcome and thank you!
Laugh instead: Haha, true! Joshaya will be interesting in all aspects of what's going to happen. Yes, Missy is an interesting and sneaky person. We'll have to see what's to come with her. Thank you and you're welcome!
It's Allie: That's a great way to put this! Yes, Missy sure is something. Things will be getting more and more complicated. I'll try to give you more, lol. Yes. Joshaya will be so fun! I'm so glad to hear that, thank you. I'm happy to be back!
joshaya00423: Yes, Joshaya has lots of stuff going on! True, Missy should be first on their list. Thank you!
Guest: They did! Here it is. I hope you're still interested!
Megan456: Thank you and Joshaya will be fun! Thank you!
Somuchlovexoxo: Don't worry, you're not alone with Missy' actions. Joshaya will be awesome to write and I'm glad I surprised you!
Brennna: Me too! It'll be fun! Juts keep reading and thank you!
Enjoy!
The kiss is so many things wrapped in one.
It's wrong on so many levels, because come on, half the time all they do is argue and on top of that, he's Riley's uncle. But on the other side, it feels so right. Like their connection is magnetic and everything is perfect for one small moment. There's also a sweetness to it. Like he wants her to actually feel the emotions he's feeling. And on top of everything else, she feels safe in his arms. The way he holding her tight around her waist proves what he said earlier. He does care about her and it makes her happy. But with the happiness comes nerves and that emotion seems to overpower everything else.
The kiss only lasts for a few seconds longer and when they untangle from one another, there's a smile on both their faces and an understanding that there's a lot to talk about what's between them.
"So," Josh whispers, moving his hands up from Maya's waist to gently rub her back and neck.
"So," Maya copies slightly breathless as she bites the corner of her lower lip.
"I'm sorry for kissing you without your permission, but I'm not apologizing for kissing you," Josh clarifies, his expression serious, but caring.
"It's okay, I'm not mad. It was a good kiss. I'm just confused right now," Maya admits, her mind going blank and her cheeks turning a soft pink.
"Just good? I was going for amazing or incredible. You know, something along those lines," Josh teases with a faked hurt expression.
"Yes, just good. I'm smart enough not to inflate your ego. But I also know that there's something between us that we can't ignore and it changes everything," Maya says calmly and slowly starts to refocus on the importance of this situation.
"True. But sometimes, Maya, change is good. I'm willing to explore what we have going on. Are you?" Josh ponders, his eyes softening as his stare holds hers.
"I-I don't know. I can't think straight with you looking at me like that," Maya mumbles, dropping her head into Josh's chest.
"My apologies for my dashing good looks," he chuckles. "But in all seriousness, we'll take this slow. I won't push and we'll go at your speed."
"Real slow. And actually, I have a few rules too," Maya agrees, finally stepping away from Josh and creating space as she catches his blue eyes following her every move and knows she has to follows her gut.
"Okay, shoot. I'm all ears," Josh offers, allowing Maya to express whatever she needs to in order to feel more comfortable with what's happening between them.
"First off, Riley can't know that we kissed. We have to act like we always do. Secondly, the vandalism with the store comes first. We need to focus on that so we can all move on and have peace back in our lives. And lastly, I need you to be patient with me. You know how I am with relationships," she lays out simply and firmly.
"Uh, okay," Josh nods, but with some reservations. "I, um, I do have a few questions regarding your rules though."
"Nope. No questions just yet. Please, just let me process everything before we have a serious conversation," Maya sighs, now feeling her heart beating fast and head starting to hurt.
"I respect your rules, Maya, but that doesn't give you the choice to run and hide," Josh states, locking eyes with her as he walks towards her.
"I won't run away. I just need to sort everything out," Maya promises and then stands on her tippy toes to kiss Josh's cheek when he reaches her.
The kiss is quick and before something else happens, Maya slips out of Josh's embrace. He watches her leave and even though he wants to follow her, he won't. They both need space as he feels a sense of pleasure and a smile graces his face and he can only patiently wait to see what's in store for the two of them.
OoOoOoOo
Things are fairly calm over the next month and for a small second, everyone forgets about the past vandalism and the stress of it all. Riley's smiling more, interacting with customers like they're her best friends and she's opening up to Lucas more which is a plus in everyone's book. Maya is happier too and she likes the new changes. Yes, it's scary and a little uncomfortable to feel such happiness, but she loves that she has something great in her life that won't go away in an instant. And Josh, he's been a busy man. His business has been booming with recent smart investments and Riley's store has been keeping steady and he's very delighted with a success. His niece has been showing her old self more and more and that, that's something he's cherishing. And Maya? That girl is driving him crazy with her flirtatious looks and witty banter and he's inching his way to a first date very, very soon.
With everything finally seeming to settle down, Lucas enters Changing Strokes with a bouquet of flowers and slowly takes a deep breath as he walks towards Riley who has yet to notice him.
"Good morning, Riley," he greets in a soft voice as the brunette quickly spins around with a smile on her face.
"Good morning, Lucas. How are you?" she asks, her cheeks turning pink.
"I'm doing well, thanks. And yourself?" he questions back as he hands her the bouquet of colorful flowers.
"No complaints so far," she grins as she inhales the gentle scents of pink carnations, tulips and purple mums. "Thank you, they're beautiful."
"You're welcome. I always like seeing you smile," Lucas says in a tender tone. "And, I'd like to ask you out on another date. I really like you Riley and I like spending time with you."
"I like you too, Lucas. You're such a kind hearted and patient guy, but-," Riley starts to explain before getting cut off.
"I know you're not ready for anything more than a friendship right now. I am not pressuring you, I just wanted to let you know how I feel and where I stand. I want to show you that I am here for as long as you'll let me be," Lucas declares with a mixture of seriousness and affection.
"I-uh, I appreciate your honesty. Thank you. You've come to mean a lot to me, but I sometimes my nerves and concerns get the best of me," Riley confesses, looking down at her feet. "But to answer your question, I'd like to go out with you again."
"Okay, great," Lucas grins happily. "Why don't you choose this time."
"Are you sure?" Riley inquires back, her eyebrows scrunching together.
"Yeah, I'm sure. This date is all about you," Lucas nods, pleased with the outcome.
"Oh, okay," Riley slowly agrees. "I'll think about it and let you know in a few days."
"I look forward to it. Have a great day and I'll see you tomorrow," Lucas winks before walking away and out the store doors.
Riley can't help but let out a small giggle as Lucas is changing her little by little and as much as it scares her, she's perfectly fine with it.
Later that night while she and Maya are cleaning up from the busy day, Maya notices her mood is different and like any good best friend, forced the particular matter into conversation.
"So, what's got my best friend all happy and smiley?" She presses with raised eyebrows and a smirk.
"Wh-what?" Riley chokes out, her eyes widening in shock.
"Oh, don't play dumb. You know exactly what I'm talking about," Maya laughs loudly. "You're in a good mood and I want to know why! Or at least what's happening between you and Lucas."
The two are in a stare down for a few seconds before Riley breaks and shouts out, "Lucas asked me out again."
"Well, damn! It took him long enough. Your last date was months ago and you two have been doing this awkward tango forever," Maya groans dramatically.
"Oh gosh, My, stop with the act. Yes, it's been a while since Lucas and I have gone out, but we still see each other all the time, practically every morning. And we haven't been doing the tango. With any new friendship, it takes time bloom," Riley counters with a firm nod.
"You're right to an extent. With every new friendship and relationship, it takes time and you don't want to jump right in. But honey, we've known him for like, eight months now and I can tell he wants more. He's just being careful because he doesn't want to scare you or push too hard. And haha, you're definitely not doing the tango. It's more like a slow ass waltz," Maya bluntly points out which leads to the two into a laughing fit.
After a few minutes, they both have calm down and Riley's voice goes back to serious as she asks, "Well, what do you suggest I do? I'm trying to live my life to the fullest and I think I've been doing a pretty good job, but you're right and he's right. I'm scared of what comes next."
"Oh, Ri, I love you so much it hurts me to see you like this. I know with everything you've been through, it's hard to move past it all and thinks going to be all rainbows and butterflies. But you also can't live your whole life in fear. There's never going to be a right time for you to take that chance. You just have to leap forward and hope for the best," Maya offers, not knowing what else to say without freaking Riley out.
"Okay. Thanks, Peaches. You always know what to say," Riley smiles and hugs the blonde tightly.
"You're welcome, hon. You know I'm always here for you. And I'm assuming you have a plan?" Maya questions with a small smile as Riley is happily grinning.
"I do," she nods.
"You've got this," Maya assures her as they both smile and then head back to their offices to finish out the night.
OoOoOoOo
The next morning, Lucas arrives early to the store with donuts and when Riley spots him, she knows she's doing the right thing.
"Good morning, Riley. I bought donuts for you, Maya and Josh," he announces in a chipper tone.
"Good morning, Lucas and thank you. That's so sweet of you," Riley smiles and then take a deep breath as she's about to take a big leap. "And I thought about what to do on our date and if it's okay with you, I'd like to invite you over to my apartment for pizza or whatever you like and a movie."
"That sounds fun, I'm in. Should I bring anything?" Lucas office politely.
"Um, just whatever snacks you eat during movies. I'll buy popcorn as that's all that usually all I have. Oh, and red gummy bears," Riley explains, her cheeks turning red from her nervousness.
"Popcorn is great and I'll think about other snacks, thanks. So, does Friday night work for you?" Lucas asks curiously.
"Yeah, Friday's good. How about seven o'clock?" Riley replies, biting her lower lip.
"That's perfect. I'll see you then and I'll see you tomorrow," Lucas beams then quickly asks away and almost runs into door on his way out.
OoOoOoOo
The next few days go by in a blur with the store continuing to have a consistent flow of people and Riley trying to plan a flawless date, even though she's knows it's going to be less than that. And Maya was right. She needs to start living her own life and be happy with what she has. And oddly enough, Lucas makes her happy. Happier than she's been in a long time.
Friday night finally arrives and as Riley is deciding on what to wear, she also takes a moment to gather her thoughts. This is the first time a guy besides Josh and her neighbor, who is in his seventies has been in her apartment so of course, this is a big deal. She doesn't want to give off the impression she expects more from him now, but she guesses this is also a good place to start, right? Opening yourself up to something new. She can clearly imagine her dad throwing a fit when he finds out she had a boy in her place and her mom trying to calm him down. 'Oh, what could have been', she thinks to herself before saying, "Don't worry, daddy, he's a good man," out loud and with a smile on her face.
Quickly dressing in a pair of skinny jeans and a simple purple V-neck long sleeve shirt, she rushes to the kitchen and is just about to put the popcorn in the microwave when there's a knock on the door and her heart starts beating out of her chest.
She calmly walks to answer the door and she opens it; her heart melts and a soft smile graces her lips as Lucas is standing there with another bouquet of flowers and a grocery bag filled to the top with snacks.
"Hi, Lucas, come on in," she welcomes in a happy tone.
"Hello, Riley, thank you. The flowers are for you and I brought snacks. I might have gone a little overboard, but I wanted to be on the safe side in case you didn't like something," Lucas admits, his cheeks turning red from embarrassment as he places the bag of snacks on her kitchen counter.
Riley looks through the grocery bag that's filled with what looks like every snack available and can't help but smiles wider and feel her heart flutter from his thoughtfulness. "Thank you for being so sweet and thoughtfully thinking about me. The pizza should be here in a few minutes so if you wanted to get the snacks ready and put them out on the table, that'd be a great help. I'll bring the drinks, plates and napkins."
"Of course, no problem," Lucas nods with smile. "Which do you prefer first? Doritos or Cheetos?"
"Ooh, that's a tough one," Riley responds, taping her finger on her chin, eyebrows knitted together and is deep in thought. "But I say Cheetos!"
"Good choice and a woman after my heart," Lucas approves with a wink as Riley lets out a small chuckle.
The two work together with light conversation as right on cue, pizza arrives and they officially start their movie date.
"What movie are we watching?" Lucas wonders as he opens the pizza box for Riley to grab the first slice and then settle next her on the sofa once they're all set.
"Um, A Quiet Place," she replies in a softly and with a guilty smile.
"Oh," he nods unhurriedly and feels an uneasiness settling in.
"I know you're not a fan of horror movies, but I heard this one isn't so bad and I know this sounds stupid, but Maya got into my head about taking steps forwards by letting go of certain fears and all that. If you're really not up for it, I have plenty of other movies here to choose from," Riley lays put quickly as she catches her breath.
"it's not stupid and Maya is right. Holding onto fears only holds you back. I'll watch the movie if you answer my question," Lucas offers, taking a risk.
"Okay," Riley agrees with a hesitation, but knows she doesn't want to be a hypocrite.
"What's your fear?" he asks gently and takes her hands in his.
"Oh, I have a few. But right now, my fear is being alone with you. Because I like you, but I'm also afraid to enjoy it and where we go from here. I haven't had a real relationship in years and oh gosh, you probably don't want to hear this," Riley immediately stops her rambling.
"It's okay, Riley. I won't expect a lot from you if you don't expect a lot from me. I like you too. I've liked you since I first saw you, but I'm not going to push you into anything you don't want to do. I like spending time with you and being your friend, so if friendship is as far as this goes, I'll take it. We'll go as far as you are comfortable with, no pressure. I'll work on my fear with this movie and as few more and we'll work your fear together. That is, if you want. We can take this day by day, okay," Lucas assures her hands that are still in his a sweet squeeze.
"Okay. Thank you for caring and understanding, Lucas," Riley praises, slipping her hands from his and moves to give him a hug and kiss to the cheek instead.
"'Anything for you," he murmurs into her hair as he's never been happier than in this moment.
OoOoOoOo
On the other side of town, Maya is busy between watching tv and working on all her notes from what's happened with over the past eight months and wondering whether something is going to happen again. Her thoughts are a jumbled mess because on one side, she's very relieved and happy nothing has happened recently. It actually feels everyone's living their lives with ease and enjoyment, which is how they should be living it. Riley's made tremendous strides in her life and she couldn't be happier for her best friend. Riley deserves all the happiness and satisfaction in the world. And if her date tonight with Lucas goes well, he's another good thing in her life. On top of that, Josh seems to be popping into her mind more and more. At first it was irritating because she didn't like her random thoughts always going to him, but now, she kind of likes the idea of him and what could potentially happen if they were to take this further. But that's something very far down the road.
However on the other side of this, she has this gut feeling that with every day that passes, at the end of all of this, the situation will be the worst one yet. It that pessimistic? Yes, but she can't help it. She's no stranger to horrible things ruining her life and she won't allow it anymore. She's going to protect Riley, Josh, their business and herself by any means possible. So, if that means going against the evil strangers, well, then that's what she'll do.
But before she goes too crazy, she needs to talk to Mrs. Jacobson, her next door neighbor who is like a grandmother to her and will help calm her nerves and give her advice she probably won't use.
OoOoOoOo
The next morning, bright and early, Maya unlocks Changing Strokes and gets ready for the day as the customers will be a good distraction until tonight when she'll have dinner with Mrs. Jacobson.
As she's setting up the back room for their first art class, Josh comes strolling in with coffee and muffins and is happy, but shocked to see Maya this early as it's usually Riley's shift.
"Good morning, Maya. How are you doing?" Josh wonders, handing her a cup of coffee and placing the muffins on the table.
"Morning, Joshua. I'm fine and thanks for the coffee," she answers back with a pleasant nod.
"You're welcome and I'm doing well this morning, thanks for asking," he teases and sends her wink before taking a huge bite out of the muffin.
"Good. And I was going to ask you eventually. I'm not that rude," Maya huffs, rolling her eyes and takes a muffin so she's not forced to answer the one question he might have.
She's chewing as slow as possible and just when she's about to take another bite, he's asks the one thing she was trying to avoid. "So, not that I'm not happy to see you this morning, but it's usually Riley's shift. Is she okay this morning?"
"Um, yeah. She's fine. She'll be in a little bit later," Maya replies casually and not looking Josh in the eyes for too long.
"Oh, okay. As long as she's fine, I won't worry. Just have her call me later," Josh moves on as he can't tell if Maya is hiding something from him or not.
Maya, having known Josh for many years can see the wheels turning in his mind and knows she has to put him at ease. "Josh, trust me. Riley really is good. She had a date last night and I told her not to worry about this morning."
"Okay, awesome. Thanks, My. Wait, what? She had a date last night? With Luke?" Josh demands to know, his eyes narrowing at the blonde.
"Yes, with Lucas. You know those two like each other. And stop with the evil glaring. You like Lucas and you want Riley to be happy, right?" Maya points out, going head to head with Josh without blinking an eye.
"Of course I want Riley to be happy. That's the most important thing. And I used to like Lucas before this. Maya, Riley needs someone watching her back and that's me. I'm her only family here in New York and even though Lucas is a good guy, is he really right for Riley?" Josh addresses with a lot of concern.
"Well, I'm glad we agree on one thing," Maya sneers. "And I'm here too. I may but be blood related to you guys, but I'm family too. I have Riley's back, always have and always will."
"I know you're family. I didn't mean it like that. You're Riley's sister and that will never change. You understand her better than anyone else and you two have this connection because you're both female. Me? I'm looking out for her from the male point of view. I need to protect her from being hurt anymore than she already has. I'm only doing what my brother would have wanted," Josh proclaims with that stern tone she doesn't like.
"Dude, half of what you just said was sexist. I really want to fight with you right now to prove how stupid that was, but I'd be wasting my breath because nothing I say will get through your thick head so I'll finish with this. I understand your need to protect Riley. We all want to do that. But at some point, Riley has to be able to fall down and get back up on her own. The accident put her and your family in a dark place, but I also think it shaped you both into who you are today. Riley's cautious and you're protective, but that doesn't change the fact that life is always uncertain. We can only hope that when the darkness comes, you have people there to help you when you need it. Riley has that with you and I. We all have each other, okay. Let Riley make mistakes and mend her broken pieces by herself," Maya urges with such emotion Josh's expression softens and he lets go of his protective shield.
"You're right, Maya. Thank you. I know I need to let Riley be Riley. And she's starting to come back to us so that's good. It's just hard to step back when I know I can help. But I will, for all of us. Now, since I'm not going to argue about this anymore, let's talk about something else," Josh suggests with a nervous smile.
"Okay, what do you want to talk about? Did you find out more about the vandalisms? Or do you have new information on the she-devil? Or-" Maya starts listing off, causing Josh to cut her off with his laughter.
"No, Maya. I don't have any new information. I'm carefully looking into certain things and I'm also trying to keep a low profile, kind of like how you're supposed to. But that's not what I want to talk about. I'm more interested in us," he remarks with his cocky grin.
"Us? What about us?" Maya questions guardedly.
"Nothing serious so you can stop mean mugging me," Josh snaps, rolling his eyes in return. "I know we're going at your speed, but I was just wondering if you'd like to go out on a date with me. Something fun and casual."
"A-a da-date," Maya stutters in surprise. "Oh, wow. Well, um, there's a new art exhibit opening in Lower Manhattan and if you'd like, we can go together?"
"That sounds like fun. Let me know when and we'll make a day out of it," Josh quickly agrees.
"Sure, but uh, what about Riley? I can't and won't leave her to run the store all day by herself," Maya counters, not believing what she just agreed to.
"Don't worry about the store or Riley. I'll get it all worked out. I'll see you tomorrow, Maya," Josh concludes with a very contented smile as he kisses her cheek and then walks away knowing he can't move too fast on the blonde bombshell.
And there you go folks. Once again, sorry for the delay and I hope you like this and will continue to follow my stories. Let me know what you think.
Thanks and until next time,
Missy xx
