It's About Time (GMW - Joshaya)

Chapter 55

Josh's POV

Riley was taking forever to get ready, which in part, I didn't mind because I was hoping that Maya would wake up soon. However, I was pretty nervous to be around her and I didn't really know how to segue out of this conversation with Lucas. Him and I used to be pretty close, but I think just like with everyone else, he was a little upset that I just picked up and moved to Florida. Everyone was all proud on the outside, but I know that they weren't as happy that my job entailed moving so far away.

"I'll be ready in just a minute," Riley shouted from her room.

"No rush," I shouted back. "So, umm Lucas. Are you riding in the party bus for the wedding?" 

Topanga really wanted a fancy white stretch limousine, but Cory pressed for a party bus so that everyone could drink, sing, dance, etc. on the way to the church and to the reception. Topanga finally gave in under the condition that it was a fancy party bus. 

"Yea," he answered awkwardly. 

"Cool," I smiled just as awkwardly. "Look Lucas..."

"It's fine," he stood up.

"No. Look, I just want to let you know that I'm glad that my niece has you in her life and I hope that she makes you family some day. And I'm glad Maya has a friend like you. You're protective and loyal and defensive. It's comforting to know that even though I haven't been doing my job too well, that you have been. I appreciate that. Even if it's much to my dismay sometimes. And I know you don't need my approval, but I trust you with Riley and I hope that someday, you'll trust me with Maya. I've meant every word I've said, and I plan to carry out those words."

"Thanks. And I know you do Josh. If there is anything that I remember from when we were closer s that you are an honorable man of your words. You do not do things to intentionally hurt people. You have a good heart. I guess it's just hard to remember that guy is still there. I think everyone was a little taken back when you left, and all of the stuff that came from you moving to Florida didn't always help show the you the kind of guy that you are. Maybe being back in New York will be a good thing for you. I mean. People change people. At least that's what Cory says," he laughed. 

I couldn't help but laugh with him.

"People sometimes tell me I'm the moral compass of the group...maybe I can be your moral compass until you find your way back home," he said extending a hand out as a peace offering.

"Yea. I'd like that," I hugged Lucas instead of taking his hand. "We should do these talk things more often. Maybe even hang out like we used to. Zay and Farkle can hang sometimes too."

"Don't forget Ryan, Noah, and Julian," Lucas reminded me.

"How could I? Ryan doesn't stop texting me about hanging out before I leave to go back. He is gonna be so stoked when he finds out I'm staying."

"You're staying?!" Riley let out a scream of excitement.

"Well, now three people know," I shrugged. "I guess it's a reality now."

"Oh. My. G--" Riley began.

"You can't tell ANYONE yet," I shushed her. "That includes Maya, your parents, etc. Only Lucas and Auggie know so far. And I wanna be the one to tell people. I don't want word getting out."

"Ahhhhh," Riley tackled me in the Bay Window nearly knocking Lucas over in the process. "It's gonna be like old times."

"Just like old times. Like for example, I'm gonna be able to put hot sauce in your drink like I did that one time and I got to watch you freak out and drink more of your drink to try and soothe it," I teased. "It's gonna be awesome being able to fuck with you again."

"Gee, that's not what I had in mind, but I guess now that I'm older, you're just gonna have to watch your back. Lucas knows how sneaky I can be," she winked at him.

"Oh yea man, take her word," he held up his hands in surrender as if they had some sort of inside joke about the matter.

"Wait a second!" Riley looked back and forth at Lucas and I. "You. And you. Bay Window." she looked at her surroundings as if she was a detective. "Hmmm...." she stood up and paced back and forth while tapping her chin. Then, she eagerly plopped down in between Lucas and I. "So what did you guys talk about?!"

"What do you mean?" I asked her.

"Come on. Bay Window. You two. What did you talk about? Did you talk about me?" she asked neurotically. 

Lucas and I laughed, not giving her a response. 

"Well, we better get going," I grabbed my coat and put it back on. "You wanna come along Lucas?"

"Sure," he stood up and put on his coat as well.

"Guys...I'm not done talking to you!" Riley yelled.

Lucas and I walked straight for the door, leaving her behind.

"Make sure you leave a note babe. They are gonna be wondering where we went," Lucas turned back to tell her.

She sat there for another second before scrambling up to write the note and catch up to us. We walked out the door and shut it behind us, but waited by the elevator for her to come.