Joshaya: the long game or never?

Girl Meets Riley's 16th Party.

Third Person.

Somehow the ball room has become more stunning and decorated since the girls saw it this morning. With the sky now dark outside, the lights inside shine on the chandeliers, enchanting the room in pinks, silvers and some blues, making everything look magical. And the view outside is more breathtaking than earlier in the day.

The side tables are filled with food; different sweets, cakes and candy sit on one with a huge three tiered pink cake in the center. Riley's present table is already so full of presents that they've been piled under the table and next to it as well, making Maya's heart swell with joy.

She loves seeing her best friend spoiled and especially seeing her this happy.

There's a line for the photography room and Riley drags Maya over to it, deciding they should line up and take some photos together now. As they line up, Riley goes about greeting her guests that are lined up with her. She hugs them all and they say their happy birthdays to her, some even make her go in with them to take pictures with her.

Eventually Maya gets to go in for a turn and she takes a hundred photos with her best friend, the two having an amazing time before they decide they should let someone else have a turn. They leave the room and Riley sees more people entering the room.

Maya waves her away, letting her greet all her guests without the blonde following around like a lost puppy. She watches Riley rush off, running like a princess with purpose and Maya can't help but smile.She's absolutely glowing right now and Maya can't get enough of it.

Josh's voice interrupts her, "What're you thinking about?" She looks away from the dance floor where Riley is and up at her boyfriend, her eyes shining brightly and her smile taking over her whole face. Josh wishes he could kiss her right now.

"Thinking about how Riley's glowing." Maya answers, the fondness in her voice making Josh smile ever wider.

"You are too."

Maya blushes and pushes his arm gently, "Stop it."

"I can't." Josh teases, biting down on his lower lip. "You're just so beautiful.

Maya shakes her head and pushes his arm again. She stands there looking at him and he looks back, his eyes trailing over her body hungrily, wishing he could reach out and touch her. But he doesn't because he knows there are people everywhere, watching.

"I can't believe this room," Josh says in awe, changing his tone. "I'm so happy Riley gets to have a party like this."

Maya nods, "Yeah, she's been dreaming of a ball like this for her sixteenth for as long as I can remember."

"She's lucky."

"Oh yeah? How so?" Maya questions, curious to hear what Josh is going to say.

He looks around the room again before his eyes stop on the blonde. "To have friends that can make her dreams come true, that's very lucky to have." He sees something flash in Maya's eyes, not sure what it was but not liking it at all. "You're one of them, you know?"

"Really?"

"Yeah, of course." He nods and gives her a smile. "Without you, she'd be just one lone princess in a sea of friends and family. But I know you complete her and I know you're not a big fan of dressing up like that," He gestures to her dress, "So I can only imagine how grateful Riley is that you've come in looking like a Goddess."

Maya blushes, her body heating up from the compliment. "Stoppppp, I can't take compliments."

Josh laughs, "Well if you stick with me then you'll have to learn." Maya shakes her head but the smile on her face betrays her and Josh smiles back. "Well, I'm going to go say hi to some family. I'll catch up with you later?"