Maya was spinning. She was being very careful not to hit her desk or her bed, but she was spinning around as fast as she could, hoping to get some nerves out before she left to meet Josh.

She spun and spun and spun and then collapsed onto her bed, panting as the ceiling turned above her.

She had changed into a cuter top and was going to wear her good winter coat, but she hadn't done much else to her appearance. She told her mom she was going out and she wasn't sure when she'd be back, but that she'd have her phone on her and her location on. (The location tracking feature on her cell phone was one of the only reasons Maya's mom was so cool with her 16 year old walking around in NYC alone). Her mom had smiled knowingly, and even though Maya hadn't told her mom about her burgeoning relationship with a college guy, she had a feeling her mom was guessing something and was just waiting for the right moment to tell her.

Which Maya was. She wanted to make sure it was real with Josh before she told her parents. No reason to freak them out with the age difference if Josh was going to back out of it.

Part of her knew Josh wouldn't back out of it; part of her had an irrational fear that he would. Things had changed since Rochester, and she was still easing around the situation, not quite used to it or sure it was permanent yet.

Her phone chimed, and she rolled over to pick it up.

Leaving my dorm now. See you in 15.

Maya sat up quickly, humming to herself as she pulled on her coat and stuffed her wallet and phone in her pocket. She shoved her feet into her shoes, almost running for the door as she called to her mom, "I'll be back later, love you!"

She could barely remember the subway ride to the pizza place nearest the midpoint between her apartment and NYU, she was so excited. She entered the pizza place and sat down in a booth, her leg shaking as she swallowed.

"Maya?"

She stood up, whirling around to see Josh, entering the doors and pulling off his jacket.

Suddenly she had no idea what to say.

He took off his hat and fluffed out his hair, raising his eyebrows as Maya stood silently in front of him. When she still didn't respond, he began with, "I missed you."

Maya's heart nearly melted, and she felt almost embarrassed at how Josh could make her feel like such a girl.

"I missed you too," she whispered, her eyes shining up at him, as he took one step forward and picked her up for a hug and a swing around.

"That's all you got for me?" He joked as she laughed, her cheeks pink when he set her down.

"We didn't talk much-" Maya began.

"Yeah, my mom made an 'electronics limit' while I was home, so I only really got time on my laptop or phone for a few minutes here and there," he apologized. "I would have texted more if I could."

"That's okay," Maya said, relieved that his lack of communication wasn't his fault. He did want to talk to her.

"I know you must have been overthinking our date," Josh said, and Maya blushed, both touched he knew her and embarrassed he was right at the same time. "I had a great time, and I'm not planning on it being a one time thing, assuming you weren't."

Maya shrugged her shoulders, trying to be nonchalant. "Yeah, we can hang more."

Josh smirked, grabbing her by the waist and pulling her in for another hug. "That all you got for me, Hart?" He tickled her a little, and Maya shrieked, squirming away as Josh let her go, a laugh in his eyes.

"That wasn't funny!" Maya exclaimed, crossing her arms. A moment later, though, she began to giggle as he grinned at her. "Don't do it again!"

"No promises," Josh said. "I'll go grab us some slices, you stay here."

Maya sat down at the booth and removed her jacket, her face red with the heat and the excitement. She tried to cool down her face, but she knew she was still a little pink when he returned with two plates.

"A little pink there," he smirked.

"It's the heat," Maya mumbled, looking down.

"I'm sure it is," Josh said, and Maya widened her eyes at his smirk, even more embarrassed at what he was implying. "Don't worry Hart; I won't tell."

"Shut up," Maya muttered, looking down, still unable to hide her smile.

She didn't know how Josh could make her act and feel this way. It was like, around him, she had no idea how to act anymore. But he always knew what to say, and somehow it was never awkward between them, and that was all Maya could hope for.

"I talked to Riley earlier, we were texting," Josh informed Maya, taking a bite of his pizza. "She invited me to a New Year's Eve party tomorrow night, at your friend Farkle's house. She said it's supposed to be huge, not just a few friends."

"Oh yeah, I was going to invite you to come with me," Maya assured him. "We just didn't get the chance to talk yet."

Josh grimaced. "I wish I'd known earlier. I promised a buddy I'd come with him to a party he and his friends are hosting."

Maya felt her heart sink. "So you can't come with me?"

"Not tomorrow night," Josh said apologetically. He reached across the table to take her hand. "We'll talk though. And we can hang out on New Year's Day, if you're free."

"I told Riley I'd hang out with her," Maya said.

"Actually, I was hoping for a double date," Josh suggested, and Maya's eyes lit up.

"With Riley and Lucas?"

"Who else?" Josh smirked at her expression. "I assume you like the idea?"

Maya smiled, and squeezed his hand. "I love it."

A/N: Wait, did she just post 2 chapters in less than an hour?

Is she on a roll?

Did she get inspired?

Is she crazy for writing about herself in the third person?

(All answers are yes :))

These chapters were about the length I wanted Anecdoche chapters to be when I started this book, so I'm happy with them. I like Maya's emotions and embarrassment in this chapter too; it's cute how he can make her feel.

(Also, I spin when I'm nervous and it is a health hazard; a concussion and a broken toe (on 2 separate instances, mind you) are my proof. If you care about your health, do not follow my examples!)

I'm excited about the next chapter because it's New Year's Eve and I've got ideas. Stay tuned for one of my new favorite chapters! Coming (maybe but not reliably) soon to a computer near you.

(Yeah I'm super cringey but at least I'm self aware, so I've got that going for me.)

I actually have a class I have to wake up for soon so I can't keep writing. Sorry to my favorite readers.

Kisses,

C