Work was productive the next day. I was researching on a new company dealing with software. Their earnings were fantastic, on a steady year on year growth. It wasn't under my radar nor has it captured the attention of the public eye yet.

I have a hunch, this might be an undiscovered gem. Finding the right counter to buy is like striking a gold mine. The stock that's going to fly soaring heights, taking you along for the ride.

I decided to continue my reading at home and focus on the present market. Thomas, is now officially sporting panda eyes. The bull market was still strong and stubborn not wanting to give in to the bear.

"When will the crash come already", Thomas grumbles. "The market is playing with my feelings now", he continues ranting.

"Toying with your sleep too", John grins, adding salt to Thomas wounds.

"It's so unfair, John doesn't have any time difference in the markets that he monitor", complains Thomas.

John chuckles, "I'll gladly switch my currency portfolio with you. It's 24 hours a day in case you've forgotten".

Thomas grins sheepishly and kept silent after that.

Post market close, I have plans with Sarah. We met for retail therapy and coffee catch up session.

Sarah dressed differently today, barely recognizable in a black suit with matching pants. Her hair was styled in a sleek bun and she was sporting a pair of glasses.

"What have you done to my Sarah", I exclaimed dramatically, rocking her shoulders with my hands.

She giggles, peeling my hands away. "It's still me, silly. It's the first board meeting I had to attend today. I can't go in looking like Legally Blonde. Do I look serious? Menacing? Like the future CEO of the company?", she grins, striking a pose.

"More like a stoic front desk banker", I burst out laughing.

"Shit, I knew it. That's what I thought too. This is why we're going shopping today, you're better in this area of fashion", she replies, as we entered the shopping mall.

"All you need are cape coats, long jackets, open sleeved cloaks. High waisted palazzo work pants, pencil dresses and the list goes on", I grabbed a couple of items off the rack and she dutifully enters the dressing room.

While she was changing, Nate calls.

"Playing hard to get?", he greets merrily.

"No. Playing impossible to get", I replied bluntly.

He chuckles in amusement, "Let's go for a drink and have that talk".

"Can't, I'm out now. The talking can be done over the phone".

"Where are you and who are you with?", Nate asks.

Sarah comes out of the changing room asking for an opinion. I nod my head in approval and she closes the door to change into another outfit.

"It's alright, I already know. You're with Sarah", he continues, sounding pleased.

"Yes, I am. What is it that you want to talk about?".

"Well, I wanted to tell you.. Never mind, I'll call you later when you're alone. Send Sarah my regards", he replies cunningly before hanging up the phone, knowing very well it would leave me in curiosity. Nate knows my pet peeve, I absolutely detest being told things halfway.
Sarah emerges from the dressing room, with her arms filled with clothes. "You're my fairy God Mother. I'm getting them all", she announces happily. I grabbed a few pieces off the racks for myself and we proceed to pay for our purchases.

"I think I know what look you're going for. It's Meryl Steep in the Devil Wears Prada right? ", she exclaims.

"Yes. You don't have to wear conventional suits to look serious. Just dress like a boss", I grinned in reply.

"I still have to work on my expression, that cold, fierce, no nonsense look. How'd you do that? ".

"Trust me, it'll come naturally when the stress and bullshit starts. Once you start feeling jaded, your resting bitch face will come naturally", I answered light heartedly as Sarah starts looking overwhelmed.

"That's so sad", she pouts.

"Welcome to the real world woman", I smirked, "Jokes aside. I have faith in you. I know you'll do a good job", I reassured her giving her an encouraging hug.

"Thanks. It means alot", she smiles genuinely. "By the way, John asks for dinner, do you want to come? You can ask Jake along. We can double date", she suggests eagerly.

"It's ok, you have fun. Besides I just had dinner with Jake yesterday".

Her eyes widened in surprise before narrowing accusingly, "How can you not tell me about it?! I want all the tea now", she demands.

"I just told you", I grinned and filled her in the details.

"He's so sweet. So, does this mean there's sparks now? ".

"No. Still no sparks, unfortunately. I did enjoy myself, though it wasn't a butterflies-in-your-stomach kind of date. I mean it was pleasant, but that's about it", I told her the truth.

"Give it time. Promise me? He sounds like a good one", she replies with hopeful eyes.

I couldn't help but to smile, Sarah can be a real sweetheart at times. "I'll try. No promises though. Now that my inner Ice Queen is back, I'm void of any emotions again".

We were interrupted by John's call and I finally convinced her to go for dinner without me. Besides, I had some reading and research to do at home.

On the way back, I ordered takeaway pizza which should arrive by the time I finished showering and unwind. I was doing some research on the new company while drying my hair when Nate calls.

"Are you home?", he asks.

"Yes. So what is it?", I demanded.

"Wait", he says, and then he hangs up.

I was getting exasperated at this point. "Idiot", I muttered under my breath. Seconds later, the doorbell rang and food has arrived.

I placed it on the living room table before pouring myself a glass of whiskey. Just as I was about to take a bite, the doorbell rang again.

"Why can't a starving woman eat in peace", I groaned to myself. Looking through the peephole, I saw Nate standing at my doorstep.

I opened the door, and stuck my head out. "What are you doing here? ", I asked, surprised.

He pushes the door wide open easily and makes his way in, taking his spot on the couch. "Well, I can certainly think of a few reasons now", Nate replies suggestively, eyeing me from top to bottom, in my oversized silk long sleeve button up pyjamas top.

I shot him a warning glare, "Look whatever you're doing, it's getting old".

"It may be old, but proven effective over time in my experience", he grins as a matter of factly before narrowing his eyes asking, "Since when did you change the locks? ".

"Can we just get to the point and be done and over with. I'm actually pretty busy", I replied pointedly.

"With what? Being alone? ".

"I want to be alone, and I've got work to do. So if this was what you want to talk about, I believe we're done", I replied coldly, slamming the lap top shut where he was glancing at. Since we were nothing now, technically he is my rival afterall.

Nate chuckles looking amused, "You're so tense again, exactly like when I first met you. Bet you haven't had a good fuck. I can help you with that".

I knew he was trying to get on my nerves. All the more I wasn't going to throw a fit. Maintaining an icy impassive demeanour, I replied, "Anything else? I'm getting bored of this conversation", I glanced at the clock and back at my nails.

He smiles knowingly, at my change of tact and he adjusts accordingly, "I come in peace. I just want to catch up with you. I feel like we have unfinished business".

I arched an eyebrow skeptically, "It was clearly very finished if I recall how our conversation played out".

"You mean with you declaring your love for me?", he grins broadly.

"Selective listening at it's finest. Technically, it ended with me cutting my losses with you", I corrected airily.

"Half full, half empty, no difference the way I hear and see it".

"It doesn't matter, the glass is empty now. Just like my non existent feelings to you at present", I replied, growing wary that we were falling into our familiar banters.

He gets up from the couch and enters the kitchen, returning with two plates and an empty glass.

"Let's eat. Your dinner is getting cold", he says, placing a slice on my plate and another on his, ignoring my protests in typical fashion.

There was no point arguing with him, it'll be a waste of time. Besides, I was starving.

"Look, I'm sorry I didn't handle the situation better. You were always so prideful about your feelings, though I knew but you never confirmed it to me".

"It doesn't matter. The end was inevitable anyway. It wouldn't change a thing", I replied, helping myself to another slice.

"Are you happy now? ".

I nod my head, "Yes".

He kept quiet and glances at the television. Crazy Stupid Love was playing. "Since when do you watch rom coms? ", he asks.

"Since always".

"I never knew", he remarked, refilling his glass the second time.

"You never asked and decide your self anyway", I replied wryly.

"I thought you liked me in control", he answers in a sly manner.

"Are you done talking? This is me, taking back control and asking you to leave".

He chuckles visibly amused, "I'm not done yet. Are you dating that guy now? What's his name.. Jake was it? ".

"I'm not obligated to answer you".

"Guys like him are usually players. You trust him? ", he asks.

"More than I trust you", I retorted at his hypocritical comment. "Look, it's late. You should leave".

"It's barely 9. How is that late? ".

I pursed my lips in annoyance and drummed my fingers impatiently on the glass table.

"Fine. I'll see you soon", he grins mischievously, standing up. "I really want to clear the air between us", he repeats.

"Which part do you not get? There's nothing between us anymore, not even air", I sighed frustrated.

"Are you sure? Science may prove otherwise", he bursts into chuckles.

I refrained myself from smiling, "You get my point".

"So, are we back to being friends? ", he asks with a smile.

"Were we ever friends to begin with? ", I chuckled.

"True. So are we back to getting on each other's nerves? I'd prefer that over a cold war".

"We'll see. No games ok", I insisted.

"Alright. Promise", he replies cheerfully, leaning in for a hug. Noticing the wary look on my face, he continues, "Friends are allowed to hug goodbye right? ".

He has a point. I gave in and returned his hug. The next thing I know, he cups his hands on my bottom and gives it a squeeze. "Bye kitten", he smirks deviously.

"Nate Graham!", I screeched as he walks away laughing and enters the elevator.

"Argh!", I threw my hands up in frustration and slammed the door shut. That arrogant spawn of the devil. After taking a deep breath, I calmed myself down and got back to my research.

Soon, Nate's antics were all forgotten. I might have found my jackpot company. I went to bed thrilled by that prospect and was ready to buy the next day.