A/N: Thanks for all the love! Reviews are appreciated!

THURSDAY

After brunch, the crew checked out and went their separate ways. Another morning and Lucas was still radio silent. Riley knew she had to get her mind off of him, and threw herself into work. Riley tapped away at her keyboard as she finished filling out a scholarship form. She could hear Maya come into their apartment but Riley could also hear another voice. As she listened to the muffled voices, she knew one of them was Josh. Riley minimized her browser and got up from her chair. She walked out of her room to the kitchen where Zay and Josh were helping Maya put away some groceries.

"Hello," Riley said and Zay smiled.

"Hey Sugar, thanks for letting me crash on your couch," Zay said.

"No problem Zay, I can't believe you lost your keys, the week you come home, and your parents are in Texas," Riley said as she walked into the narrow kitchen.

"I would have crashed with Lucas but you know since his disappearing act yesterday no one can get a hold of him," Zay mused.

"Yeah," Riley said and trailed off.

"No greeting for me?" Josh asked as he helped Maya place the high items in the cabinets.

"Oh no, I am mad at you, you stole my roommate," Riley said as Zay chuckled.

"Right you know about that," Josh said and Riley raised an eyebrow.

"I'm sorry Riley, but you should be happy, our relationship is blossoming," Josh said as Maya looked at Riley.

The blonde was pleading with Riley with her eyes to stop giving Josh a hard time. Riley sighed and placed a false smile on for Maya.

"I am happy for you, the both of you," Riley said.

"Well now that is over, show me around Sugar," Zay said and Riley silently thanked him for the escape route.

"Not much to see, but here's my room," Riley said as she walked into her room.

Zay looked around and noticed that the room was neatly put together. Riley's MacBook on her tidy desk, and her bed shoved in a corner. It was made with soft gray bedding, and a small faceless bear sat on the pillow. He could see her makeshift bay window, it was smaller than the one in the brownstone, enough for two people. Other than two bookshelves, a painting, and lamp, it was a simple room.

"It's just like you nice," Zay said as he made his way to the bay window.

"I miss this," He added and patted the edge of the bay window.

"I miss seeing you guys at my bay window," Riley said as she plopped down in her computer chair.

She spun the seat so she could face Zay who leaned back in the bay window.

"So can we talk about the elephant in the room?" Zay asked.

"I really am happy for them, Zay, I just wish she would have warned me," Riley sighed.

"Oh not that, I figured that I meant the blonde and tall elephant," Zay jokes.

"Lucas?" Riley questioned and sighed.

"Yeah … I know he called you on Monday, he called me right after, something is going on with him. Do you know what's going on?" Zay asked and Riley thought for a moment.

Lucas had entrusted her with various things the last few days, and she wanted to protect his privacy. Yet Riley knew how important Zay was to Lucas, and that he might already know what was going on.

"School stuff," Riley mused.

"You got that feeling too?" Zay groaned and Riley realized Lucas had only told her about his decision to drop out.

"Yeah," Riley whispered.

"I knew he was struggling the last few months in class, I even offered to help study via Zoom but he said he got it, I just hope he didn't get academic probation or anything. He is so close to being done, all of us," Zay ranted.

Riley nodded and ignored the pain in her stomach. She slightly smiled at Zay who smiled back and sighed.

"Can you keep a secret Sugar?" Zay asked.

'Apparently' She thought and nodded.

"Um my boyfriend, you guys kind of know him, and I would really like it if you were introduced to him first," Zay smiled.

Riley couldn't wrap her head around why everyone was entrusting her with so much the last few days, but she knew she had to be there for Zay.

"Of course Zay, when?" Riley asked.

"In an hour, we were going to go grab some food and drinks. I think you should come, get out the house, give Joshaya some space," Zay said.

"They are about to have all the space they need," Riley muttered and Zay gave her a knowing look.

She knew he could tell that she still wasn't completely pleased with the news. A night out with an old friend would do her good, and she stood up.

"Let me change and we can head out," Riley said as she went towards her closet.

"Is it a casual place or …" Riley trailed off as she flipped through some clothes.

"Oh definitely casual, they have dining on the sidewalk, it's called Playa Bettys," Zay said as he leaned back.

"Cool, hey Zay?" Riley asked as she grabbed a yellow short sleeve shirt.

"Hmm, Sugar?" Zay asked.

"Out," Riley said and pointed to the door.

"Sorry, I am used to girls changing in front of me, dance major things, I'm just going to bother the cute couple," Zay said as Riley laughed.

The funny brunette walked out of the room and closed the door behind him. Riley grabbed a pair of dark blue cutoffs and grabbed her white converse with sunflowers. A Maya Hart Original, and it made her sigh. She was going to miss her best friend dearly and she was going to be alone, in all senses.

She quickly changed and tossed her hair into a high ponytail. As she paired her outfit with gold hoops she heard her phone chime. She walked over and picked it up to see Lucas's name brightly on the screen. She unlocked her phone and went to his latest message.

Lucas: You're my best friend. You will always be my best friend. Never forget that.

Riley could feel her stomach flop as she read the text messages and typed a response.

Riley: You're my best friend too Luke but you're scaring me. Are you okay? Where are you? Do you need me to meet you somewhere?

Lucas: I will be home soon Princess, don't worry.

Riley, frustrated with the lack of answers, decided if he responded that quickly he should have his phone in his hand. She decided to call him, but ring after ring, she realized he wasn't going to pick up.

Riley: You're scaring me. Please, Luke, talk to me.

The phone didn't go off again and Riley groaned in frustration. She grabbed her purse off of the side of her closet and knew a few drinks with Zay would get her mind off of things. As she flung her door open, her phone went off. She scrambled to grab it and read Lucas's latest text.

Lucas: Soon.

Riley sighed and placed the phone in her bag and walked over to the kitchen. Maya was sitting in Josh's lap playing with his hair as Zay leaned against the counter telling a story.

"I'm ready Zay," Riley huffed.

"You're going out? I thought we could make you guys dinner," Maya said as she got up.

Riley could see the blonde's blue eyes widen with the request and a small pout. Yet, something swirled in Riley as Josh reached for Maya's hands. Was it the same envy she felt for Isadora and Farkle? Did it remind her she was alone? Or did it have to do with the hot and cold game Lucas was playing? Or did it have to do with the fact that Riley was losing her best friend? It didn't matter because Riley shrugged and looked at Zay for an out.

"Sorry, I had asked her earlier if she wanted to get drinks. You guys enjoy the place yourselves. Don't expect us back early at all," Zay said as he grabbed Riley by the shoulders and directed her out of the apartment.

As the door slammed Riley let out a sigh of relief and turned to Zay. He had a grin on his face and he chuckled.

"I love you," Riley whispered.

"Everyone does Sugar, it's part of my charm, now let's go get drunk," Zay said and pulled Riley by the hand.

Riley took a sip from her Playa Betty's house margarita as Zay nursed his second frozen Paloma. The two had settled on some chips and wings as they waited for Zay's mystery guest.

"So we know him?" Riley mused.

Zay nodded and sighed.

"Yeah pretty well," He muttered.

"Zay why don't you just tell me who it is, this anxiety is killing me," Riley said and pouted. Zay chuckled and sighed at the brunette.

"I just want to see your reaction, and if it's bad then I will make sure no one else meets him," Zay said.

Riley gasped and leaned over to Zay to pinch him.

"What a load of pressure on me!" Riley said and leaned back in her seat.

"No it's just you're Riley, you love everyone and everything, this would be a good test run for everyone else," Zay said.

"Well, when you put it that way!" Riley teased and looked around.

That's when she spotted a familiar group of people not too far from them. Riley saw Marley, Charlie, and Darby standing on the corner. She pointed to them and Zay turned to see the trio. She could see Zay smile brightly, and the other three noticed the two at their table. The trio walked over and greeted them nicely.

"Surprising to see you guys here," Riley said as Darby hugged her.

"Well, we are just on our way to a bar, want to join us later?" Marley asked.

"Um sure, maybe, it's up to Zay," Riley said as Zay merely nodded.

"Well we better head there, happy hour gets crazy," Darby said and gave Riley another hug.

Marley and Darby waved bye to the two and walked away. Riley watched Charlie stare at her, and she could feel a blush rush to her cheeks. She and Charlie agreed to be friends years ago, but she could tell he wanted to say something right now.

"Not joining them?" Riley asked Charlie who coughed.

"No I have something else to do, uh hey Riley it's great to see you, you look great, fantastic," Charlie stuttered and Riley smiled.

Riley swallowed inwardly and looked at Zay for an escape but she noticed Zay looked sick. She leaned over to him and touched his shoulder to shake him out of his thoughts.

"Hey, you ok?" Riley asked.

"Charlie is here to join us," Zay rushed.

Riley scrunched her face in confusion, and then the lightbulb went off. Charlie wasn't flirting with her, he was buttering her up. Then the connections linked and she could see both of the gentlemen itching to get a reaction.

"Charlie is the mystery guy?" Riley asked with a sly smile.

"Uh yeah," Zay whispered and Riley yelled with glee.

She jumped to her feet and pulled the nervous floppy brunette into a tight hug. She then slapped Zay on the shoulder who let out a sigh of relief. Riley motioned for Charlie to sit next to Zay and giggled.

"Zay you really meant it when you said we knew him," Riley teased and Charlie blushed.

"So you don't hate me?" Zay asked.

"Why would I hate you? Zay, I accept you, all of you!" Riley asked, astonished.

"He's your ex!" Zay exclaimed and Charlie coughed.

"Charlie no offense but Zay that was what 8 or 9 years ago! Plus we went out on a few dates, we weren't dating officially right Charlie?" Riley said.

"That's what I tried to explain to him," Charlie said as Zay sighed.

Charlie leaned over and kissed Zay's cheek which made Zay smile. Riley smiled as the two looked at one another with heart eyes.

"So how did this happen?" Riley said as she pointed between them.

"Uh Charlie goes to Duke as well, he was already a psych major, we met again in our, Psychology of Family class and the rest"

"Was history" Charlie finished.

"I'm really happy for you two, you guys look great together, and look at you both with the same major, it was kismet," Riley teased as Charlie smiled slightly.

Zay chuckled and intertwined his fingers with Charlie's. Riley felt that twinge of envy once more, but it was muted as she watched her two friends in the early stage of their relationship. Riley admired their honeymoon stage, and couldn't help but feel ecstatic that Zay found his one. Throughout high school, Zay was in a string of romances but nothing was serious. Now to see him, in front of her, in love, placed a smile on her face. The envy she felt whittled away as the two men engaged her in conversation. They were happy, and in love, that's all Riley wanted for her friends.

As Riley fumbled with her keys, she opened the front door quietly. Zay and Charlie had decided to go meet up with Marley and Darby at another bar. Riley had one too many margaritas and wanted to sleep the day off. She closed the door behind her and peeked into the living room to see no one. She let out a sigh of relief that Maya was not there, and dropped her keys off in the bowl by the door. She kicked off her converse and turned her ponytail into a top knot.

She walked across the foyer and towards her room when she heard hushed voices coming from Maya's room. Riley could see the yellow light spill out in the hallway and heard the squeak of a bed. Riley tried her best to tip-toe to her room when she heard her name. She stopped and wondered if they had heard her come home but then she heard Maya sniffle.

"Maya come on don't cry," Josh cooed.

Riley heard the bed squeak again and she could tell Josh had leaned over to hug Maya.

"No, she's really mad at me, I had this whole dinner planned, and she bailed. She never bails on me. Ever since I told her I was leaving, she's been icing me out. I know it Josh, and you know what, she should. We promised no more secrets," Maya cried.

"I know what you mean but Riley is also being difficult," Josh responded and Riley rolled her eyes.

"Yes but still, I should have told her privately! I just wanted her to be happy for us, this is a big step and I need my best friend," Maya cried.

Riley frowned at hearing Maya cry about Riley's actions. Riley sighed and leaned her head back on the wall. She was happy for them, she knew how much it meant to Maya but Riley also felt alone. Everyone coupled off, happily together, and her envy nagged at her.

"She is happy for us," Josh reassured.

"She isn't showing it and it has me wondering … maybe this is happening too quick," Maya said.

"You don't want to move in anymore?" Josh asked and Riley could hear the pain in his voice.

"Maybe I should wait until we graduate, I can afford more of the rent," Maya pushed.

"Maya, I told you, pay your portion, it doesn't have to be equal," Josh said.

"I don't want to lose my best friend, I can't lose Riley, we're forever," Maya said.

Riley sighed and knew that she had to stop Maya before she made a mistake. She was going, to be honest with the blonde, and reassure her that she will be fine. Riley tiptoed back to the foyer and slipped her shoes back on. She opened the door and let it slam hard behind her, so they would hear her. She kicked off her shoes once more and Josh walked in to see her.

"Hey," He coughed.

"Hey," Riley said and smiled.

She waited for Maya to appear and the blonde did. Riley could see that her eyes were still bloodshot but Maya placed a fake smile on her face.

"Where's Zay?" Maya asked.

"With his boyfriend," Riley said and played with her fingers.

"You met him? Is he cute?" Maya asked.

"Yeah and he's adorable, I will have Zay tell you who it is, but I am happy for them," Riley said with a genuine smile.

"Wait, we know the person?" Maya asked as Riley nodded.

"Can we talk? Alone?" Riley asked as she walked towards their living room.

Riley plopped down on the mismatched couch and waited for Maya to join her. Josh had turned and made his way back to Maya's room. Riley waited till she heard the door close to say something. Maya had sat in the chair and tucked her legs underneath herself.

"I love you," Riley said.

"I love you too, Riles," Maya said confused.

"But I am jealous, I am jealous of you moving in with Josh. I feel alone, and now I feel like I am losing my best friend. I thought we had one more year, and it's gone now," Riley said.

"I'm sorry Riles when Josh asked me, I didn't think of a reason why I shouldn't move in with him. I know I should have talked to you first about it but I was so excited. Plus you're not alone, you have all of us," Maya reassured.

"Farkle and Izzy are getting married! You're moving in with Josh, Zay has his whole blossoming relationship, and what do I have? Lucas pulling a Houdini," Riley sighed.

"Lucas?" Maya asked.

"Remember how I told you he called me Monday? Well, Tuesday at the hotel, we sort of made out," Riley rambled.

"What! And you're just telling me now!" Maya exclaimed as her blue eyes widened.

"He … he isn't okay, he's making rash decisions, and then earlier he said all this weird stuff about I'm his best friend, and he was coming home soon and … it's confusing," Riley said

"Ok back up, when did you guys make out we were with you guys the whole time?" Maya asked.

"It was after we argued, I woke up in the middle of the night, we were talking and he dared me to kiss him, and I did. Then I woke up and he was gone, and he's talking all cryptic but … I feel strung along. I feel alone and confused and … lost," Riley sighed and Maya walked over.

The blonde threw her arms around Riley and gave her a tight squeeze.

"Hey you're never alone, not when you have me, look if you want I will stay," Maya said.

"No, of course not Maya, this is a big but necessary step for you two. I want you guys to be happy, don't let me stand in your way," Riley said.

"I want you to be okay with it," Maya said.

"I am, I just need to know I am not losing you," Riley said.

"Never," Maya said and leaned her head on Riley's shoulders.

"Thunder?" Maya asked.

"Lightning," Riley said.