A/N: Dedicated to all my Joshaya Shippers
FRIDAY
Riley woke up to music blasting and rolled over in her bed. She squinted one eye open and saw it was 9 AM. A groan left her lips as she sat up and stretched the night out. Stumbling out of bed, she found herself trekking to the kitchen and saw Maya, Josh, and Zay making a big breakfast.
"She's up!" Zay cheered as he mixed something in a bowl.
Maya and Josh were flipping bacon and sausage respectively. Maya had flour on her nose and Josh wiped it away with his fingers. Riley scrunched her nose at the energy and sat on a chair.
"Coffee milady?" Zay asked as he filled a mug up.
Riley nodded and took the mug with a small smile. She took a sip and sighed happily.
"I always assumed you were chipper, even in the morning?" Zay said as poured batter into a pan.
Pancakes.
"I am but I couldn't sleep last night, Lucas was on my mind," Riley sighed.
"How is that western hero?" Josh asked as he scooped bacon and placed it on a plate with a smirk.
"I don't know he disappeared," Riley said.
"But you said he said he was coming back soon right?" Maya asked.
"Wait, you talked to him?" Zay asked.
"Texted," Riley shrugged.
"Well that sucks he's ghosting my ass," Zay said.
Riley sighed and played with the rim of her mug as she heard Zay complain about Lucas. Maya and Josh were musing over something when Maya snapped at Riley.
"Earth to Riles," Maya said.
"Yeah?" Riley asked.
"Breakfast?" Maya asked.
"Oh yeah of course it's great to see you guys slaving over a stove for me," Riley joked.
"I have half a mind to flip this over!" Zay threatened.
"I'm joking, yes I would love breakfast," Riley said as they brought plates over.
"So … I would like it if you guys met my boyfriend," Zay said as he flipped a chair around.
"Yes, let's do it!" Maya cheered as Josh laughed.
"It's Charlie," Zay said as Riley smiled.
"Cheese soufflé?" Maya said in her mocking accent.
Riley shot her a look but Maya laughed at Zay's face. Zay tilted his head and raised an eyebrow.
"Oh, you're serious?" Maya said.
"Yes," Zay said nervously.
"Well damn Zay that's great!" Josh said and raised his mug.
"I'm happy for you Zayby," Maya added.
"Oh thank god," Zay sighed and everyone chuckled.
"Have you told Smarkle?" Maya asked as she bit into a sausage.
"I'll do it later when I see them for lunch," Zay said.
"Wait, how are you having lunch with them and we're not?" Maya asked.
"Isn't that more of a question for them?" Zay joked and took a piece of bacon.
"Did I do something that I am not getting invited to things?" Maya asked.
"No, honey," Riley said.
"You guys went out for drinks yesterday, no invite," Maya said and Zay frowned.
"I'm sorry Maya, I thought you would be sucking this one's face, and I needed Riley to meet Charlie first, he's her ex," Zay said.
"Charlie and I, both told you that we are not exes," Riley said with an eye roll.
"Semantics," Zay said.
"Well I wasn't invited," Maya huffed.
"Neither was I," Riley offered.
"You and Zay still hung out," Maya said and Riley could see she was visibly getting upset.
"Babe, it's okay, we just spend a lot of time together," Josh soothed but Maya shook him away.
Maya got up from the table and stomped out of the kitchen. They could hear her door slam shut and it vibrated the kitchen. Riley, Zay, and Josh sat in silence before Riley sighed.
"Is this wise Josh?" Riley asked.
"Yes," Josh said.
"Mighty Maya is mighty mad," Zay jokes.
"So explain again how having her friends make her feel left out guarantee a yes to your proposal?" Riley whispered.
Zay chuckled as Josh leaned forward with a smile.
"She will be in a mood but she won't ever see it coming. Come on Riley, you said you would help last night," Josh said.
Riley reflected on the night before as she and Maya fell asleep on the couch. Maya was a light sleeper so Riley had to carefully get off the couch without waking her. As she slipped away and tiptoed to her room, she saw Zay and Josh in her room at the bay window.
"Why are you in my room?" Riley asked.
"You were on the couch sugar," Zay said.
"It's like 1 AM why are you guys awake?" Riley asked.
"I have a favor to ask," Josh said.
"I am not helping you move," Riley said and turned to her bed.
She pulled at the sheets as Josh sighed. She watched him reach into his hoodie pocket and pull out a black velvet box. He shook it for Riley to see whose eyes widened at the item. She swooped over and opened the box. A yellow stone sat on a silver band with silver vines wrapped around it.
"Is this …" Riley trailed off.
"An engagement ring?" Josh continued.
"Yes it is, with Maya willing to move in, and we are getting older and closer. I think we're ready to be engaged and hopefully in a year or two get married," Josh finished.
"Josh," Riley cooed as she smiled at the ring.
"Well now I can't be mad you're stealing her," Riley said and handed him back the box.
"Good because I need your help," Josh said and he began his tale on how to propose.
He worked it out that Zay, Isadora, and Farkle will gussy up Topanga's for them. While Riley swooped Maya away on a spa date complete with hair, nails, and make-up. Josh would seal the deal with dinner, and then dessert at Topanga's for the big moment. They spoke for another hour finalizing everything and Riley fell asleep with the biggest smile.
"I am, I will, I just don't see how getting her angry is going to make her run into your arms," Riley waved off.
"I want her to focus on that, and when I surprise her with the ring, and all of you guys then it will be perfect. Her mom and Shawn are already getting the decorations for Zay and them. I need you niece," Josh said and Riley nodded.
"When she murders you, remember this moment," Riley said with a giggle.
Zay laughed and the three ate breakfast in silence.
Just a few hours later Maya and Riley were sitting across from each other in a luxurious spa room. Maya had a permanent scowl since breakfast and it didn't seem to fade. Riley had hoped her 'suggestion' for a girl's day would get her out of her mood. The two had already finished their massage session and just finished their nail time.
"Maya, can you stop pouting?" Riley asked as Maya sighed.
"Can't we just go back home? We could watch Netflix," Maya groaned.
"No! This would be good for us. Come on one last hoorah before you swoop away to Josh," Riley said as she placed down the magazine she had.
"I'm not moving till the end of the summer," Maya said with a look.
"Well, how often do we get our nails done together? The pale yellow looks gorgeous," Riley admired as she looked at the lavender on her nails.
"Yeah, I guess," Maya sighed.
"Well I was thinking I could curl my hair," Riley said as Maya sighed.
"More stuff? What kind of spa is this? How can we even afford this," Maya groaned.
"I told you my mom got this for her and Katy, but they couldn't reschedule. She asked if we wanted to use it. I was like why not?" Riley lied.
"My mom has been flaky lately," Maya mused.
"How so?" Riley asked.
"Well I have been trying to have lunch with her, to tell her about Josh and me, and she's been avoiding me. Barely talking to me on the phone," Maya said.
"She could be busy, my mom does want to expand the cafe," Riley offered.
"I think she's pregnant and doesn't know how to tell me," Maya said and Riley's eyes widened.
She knew that Katy was simply avoiding Maya so she wouldn't spill the beans. Topanga had bought the girl's spa day but for them. Riley learned so much in one morning than she had all week.
"Well, how would you feel about that?" Riley asked.
"Happy, I see you and Auggie, and I think that would be cool for me. Cool older sis Maya," Maya said with a smile.
"Well let's hope for the best," Riley said and patted Maya's hand.
"Riles you would tell me if I was being a bad friend right?" Maya asked.
"Of course, but you're never a bad friend," Riley reassured.
"So why hasn't Zay asked me to hang, or Farkle or Izzy? Am I really that wrapped up in Josh that I can't hang with my friends?" Maya asked.
Riley knew the answer to all of that but she couldn't tell Maya the big news. Farkle had wanted to go out tonight but Josh's plans had overruled his. On top of it, Lucas wasn't around and it didn't feel right to hang out unless the clique six was together.
"No Peaches, they have just been busy and you know Zay always includes himself, asked or not. I'm pretty sure if you asked Farkle to hang out he would. He is our oldest friend," Riley said.
"Yeah, I guess, ugh get my mind off of this! Any news on Huckleberry?" Maya asked.
"Nope," Riley sighed.
"You know he will be back and he will clip-clop back into your heart," Maya joked.
"Ha, ha, ha we're just friends," Riley said.
"Don't you get tired of lying to yourself?" Maya asked honestly.
"It's not a lie we are just friends," Riley said and picked at imaginary lint.
"Is that what you want to be?" Maya asked.
"I don't know. I don't know if he is the Lucas I knew before. I see you and Josh, Izzy and Farkle, Zay and Charlie and I want that but does he? Who is he? He hasn't been himself lately," Riley shrugged.
"What do you mean?" Maya asked with concern in her eyes.
"It's a secret but it's a big one and it just has me wondering if all is okay with him?" Riley said.
"I don't like you keeping secrets, they tear you up inside," Maya said with a tilt of her head.
"I know, but it's not mine to tell. So I think you should get your hair straightened," Riley said as she moved the conversation away from Lucas.
Maya laughed and pulled at her hair as Riley leaned forward. Riley for now just had to make sure this was the perfect night for her best friend. Her feelings had to take the backseat for a few hours.
Riley sprinkled the rose petals across the counter as Farkle finished with the string lights. After dropping Maya off to Josh for their date, she hurried to the cafe to help with the last-minute touches. Zay, Isadora, and Farkle had transformed the cafe into an indoor garden with string lights, flowers, and glitter in just a few hours.
"This looks amazing guys," Riley said as she finished the table with petals. She placed the basket on the counter and Zay threw his arm around her.
"Yeah if psychology and dance fail, I have a future as a party planner," Zay joked and Farkle laughed.
"Want to plan our wedding?" Isadora asked as she placed some treats in the display case.
"You can't afford me," Zay jokes.
Riley and Isadora giggled as Zay sat on the counter stool and spun aimlessly. Farkle plugged in the last lights and turned them on. The cafe twinkled in gold lights and glitter. It was a lot of stuff but Riley knew Josh wanted it to be perfect for Maya.
"Katy should be here soon with Shawn and the camera," Riley said as she walked over to the employee side of the counter.
"You think she will say no?" Isadora asked as Riley hadn't even thought of that.
She didn't think Maya would say no, but there was a possibility. However, she didn't have time to dwell on it as Katy walked in with a nervous Shawn and a bouquet of lilies, Maya's favorite.
"Oh thank god we made it. I swear Shawn was going to pass out twice," Katy said as she walked over.
"It's just she's growing up so fast," Shawn said as he got choked up.
The friends laughed as Shawn wiped his tears away and helped grab the things from Katy. Riley felt her phone vibrate and she pulled it out.
Josh: T-Minus 5 minutes. Hope all is ready!
"Josh said they will be here soon! Farkle set up the camera and we have to hide! Oh let's go in the kitchen," Riley said as everyone began to scramble into the kitchen.
Farkle pressed record on the camera and scurried into the kitchen just as the bell went off in the cafe. Riley peeked through the window of the door and saw Josh direct Maya into the cafe with her eyes covered. Riley grinned as she saw Maya in the red bodycon gown and heels to match. Riley basically had to convince Maya to just wear it for a casual evening but Riley knew Maya would look drop-dead gorgeous in it. She watched Maya giggle as Josh directed her to a spot in the cafe. Zay opened the door slightly so they could hear everything the two were saying.
"Okay, we are in a bakery," Maya giggled.
"How do you know?" Josh asked.
"I could smell the baked goods, Josh people are probably looking at us like we are crazy. Wait, why don't I hear anyone?" Maya asked.
"Can you promise me to keep your eyes closed until I say so?" Josh asked.
"Uh yeah," Maya whispered and Josh moved his hands.
He walked in front of her and got down on one knee. Riley could see Josh was shaking with nerves as he fumbled with the ring box.
"Okay you're kind of freaking me out," Maya said as she reached out for Josh.
"Maya … I love you," Josh said.
"I love you too Boing," Maya said with a smile but her eyes shut tightly.
"I look at you, and it feels like lightning struck me. I am in awe of your beauty and amazed by your heart. You are one of the best persons I have ever known in my life. I regret not seeing that amazing goldness in you sooner. I was a fool to miss out on what could have been. However, I am eternally grateful for what has been. You coming into my life has been fate since day one, and god you're amazing Maya, absolutely amazing," Josh said.
"Josh," Maya said and they could hear she was tearing up in her voice.
"Hey open your eyes," Josh whispered and Maya opened her eyes.
Maya gasped and placed her hand over her mouth to stop herself from crying. Josh opened the ring box, and Maya could see the engagement ring glitter under the lights. She looked around and gasped louder as she noticed the flowers, the lights, the small touches, and that they were in the cafe.
"Maya Penelople Hart-Hunter, would you honor me by accepting this ring and becoming my wife?" Josh asked.
"Yes," Maya whispered.
"Yes," Maya shouted as Josh slipped the ring onto her finger.
Maya stared at the ring as Josh stood up. She flung her arms around his neck and pulled him into a crashing searing kiss. Josh pulled her close to himself and then the two heard clapping. Maya pulled away and saw her friends and family tumble out of the kitchen with grins.
"I thought you guys were hanging out?" Maya gasped.
"Doing this Peaches," Riley said as she ran over to the blonde.
The two pulled one another into a tight embrace as Josh hugged Katy and Shawn. Isadora walked over and giggled as Maya showed off her ring to the girls.
"Oh my god, both of my best friends are engaged!" Riley giggled as the other two laughed with one another.
"Welcome to the family Josh," Shawn said as he pulled Maya towards him.
"Welcome to the family Maya," Riley joked and hugged her again.
"You did this for me?" Maya asked no one in particular.
"Yes," Josh said and Maya wiped a tear coming down her face.
"I love you," Maya said and reached for Josh.
"I love you too," Josh responded and they shared a short tender kiss.
Riley watched in awe as her best friend glowed in the lights and romance. Happiness and hope looked beautiful on Maya. Riley smiled brightly as Josh threw his arms around Maya and pulled her close. They just melded together perfectly and Riley couldn't be happier. She was broken out of her thoughts as Zay announced it was time to eat some cake. Everyone chuckled as they all walked towards the counter. Riley knew nothing could be more perfect than this.
Riley flossed the last bits of food out of her teeth and tossed it into the waste bin. Riley had left the cafe when Charlie stopped by as she didn't want to be the 9th wheel with her friends. Plus she didn't want to dwell on the fact that she had the apartment all to herself. She was happy that Maya decided to spend the night at Josh to 'celebrate' but it did remind her she was alone. She glanced over to the clock and sighed.
It was another late night as midnight was approaching and Riley knew she needed to get back to her normal bedtime routine. She walked to the kitchen to get a glass of water and looked over to the couch. Zay hadn't mentioned if he was going to spend another night and Riley wondered if she should send a text. She knew she couldn't make the assumption that he was going to be with Charlie but still. She scrolled through her phone and landed on his name when she heard a knock on her door.
Riley laughed as she knew it was Zay finally coming back from hanging out with Charlie and their friends. She swung the door open without checking the peephole and was surprised to see who it was. Her mouth gaped open as Lucas Friar stood in front of her holding a single red rose.