Maya Meets World

Maya Meets the Crypt Cafe

Chapter 2: Maya Meets the Crypt Cafe

To: Josh Matthews
669 8th, Ave, 10036
10PM

"You're meeting at 10?!" Riley exclaimed, her eyes wide as she set her coffee cup down.

"Riles, my dear sweet best friend in the whole world. We're 23 years old."

"Exactly! I'm too old for that. I would say to call me afterward, but no -I'll be asleep before you even leave."

Maya's head fell back as she laughed at her still incredibly sweet friend. "How do you do night shifts, buddy?"

"I sleep the entire day before," Riley said matter-of-factly. "And then I come see my mommy for coffee when I get off." Riley said with a huge grin on her face using both hands to drink out of her mug.

"Oh honey, you're the very last person who needs coffee on a regular basis." Maya said lowering Riley's hands.

Topanga walked over to the girls, a coffee pot in hand, "More coffee, Maya?" she asked.

Maya half smiled and shook her head. "No thanks, Mrs. Matthews, I'm alright."

Topanga nodded and then directed her attention to her daughter. "More hot chocolate, sweetheart?" she asked rubbing Riley's back.

Maya pressed her lips together to keep from laughing at Riley a) for drinking hot chocolate every day after work and b) for referring to said hot chocolate as coffee.

"Maya... don't even say it."

Maya gasped clutching her chest. "Riley. I would never." She said feigning disbelief.

Riley smiled satisfied then looked up at her mother, "Yes, please." She said holding up her mug for her mother to refill.

Topanga smiled taking Riley's cup and walked back to the bar to make Riley's drink.

"I would never say anything about you, a 23 year old grown woman, drinking hot chocolate." Maya continued as she shook her head, pulling her eyebrows together.

"Riley! Do you want more marshmallows?" Topanga asked from behind the coffee bar.

Maya's eyes grew in excitement as she pressed her lips together once again, holding in her laughter.

Riley narrowed her eyes and keeping them trained on Maya's, Riley yelled back to her mother, "Yes please!"

"You do know this is why you're my favorite person, right?" Maya said smiling. Riley truly made her heart full of pure joy. Even at 23 Riley carried a light and almost innocence about her -growing up in New York City, Riley somehow remained untainted by it all.

"And you're mine, Peaches." Riley replied with a warm smile.

Maya grabbed her black leather jacket and cross-body purse as she headed out the door. She could feel her heart beating against her chest so hard she could swear her shirt was moving. Josh Matthews always seemed to shake Maya's usually cool and laid back demeanor. Throughout her late teens and early twenties, Maya dated a few different people, giving it an honest try each and every time. She knew what it felt like to be completely consumed with feelings for someone, to feel weak and yet stronger every time you were in their presence, but she was never able to replicate those feelings with anyone other than Josh Matthews.

Don't get ahead of yourself, Maya she told herself as she walked to the address she text Josh earlier in the day. She remained wrapped in her thoughts throughout the remainder of her walk, arriving to their meeting place in what felt like no time.