*Song: 10AM Gare du Nord By Keaton Henson*

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'Okay, Sage, what's going on with you?'

At lunch, Meghan asks out of the blue.

'What are you saying?' I avert my eyes, chewing on my panini.

'Come on,' she puts down her fork and leans forwards, sounding concerned, 'You've been off for two weeks. It's hard not to notice since you kept drifting away during our Mandarin sessions.'

'I have?' I look up at her embarrassedly, 'Sorry about that.'

It's been almost two weeks since I stormed out of my studio and decided not to talk to Danielle.

It's a lot harder than I thought.

She's been shooting glances at me so frequently that I couldn't really focus, however, I didn't want to talk to her first and give her the chance to shake me down by saying something like 'you're imagining it'.

It's almost always a lost battle with her when it comes to talking. She always has ways to shut me up (verbally or physically) and enjoys the process.

I'm not giving her the satisfaction this time.

'Has it...anything to do with Ms Osis?'

'What? No.' I am taken aback by the seriousness of Meghan's question, quickly denying it.

'Really?' She squints her eyes in suspicion, 'You've been literally speeding out of the office when it was five in the evening lately. You were never that punctual before.'

Because I've been literally avoiding any off-work interaction with Danielle.

I sigh. I'd love to tell Meghan all about it so that I don't have to carry this alone, but I still intend to keep my promise to Danielle, that I won't tell anyone at work about our 'relationship' which is ironically, not a thing.

'Well...I just don't feel like staying in the office lately.' I fiddle with my fingers, 'You see...my mum's sick, and her surgery is coming up very soon. I just am not in the mood to work.'

Well, it's half-true.

'Oh, I-I'm so sorry.' Meghan frowns and holds my hand, 'I hope it'd be alright.'

I give her a weak smile, 'I hope so, too.'

Meghan doesn't ask any more questions, quickly changing to lighter subjects in an attempt to lift my spirits, which I truly appreciate.

I'd really like to take my mind off both Danielle and the surgery right now.

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Danielle's POV:

I screwed up with Sage, fucking again.

For two weeks, she's running away from me like crazy. Although during work, she's still acting all professional and normal, she's not maintaining any eye contact with me for longer than two seconds.

Bloody hell, I told her that I wanted her to be mine, shouldn't it be enough for now?

I know what she wants from me, and I never say I'm not willing to give her...I just don't want to say it out loud.

If that dickhead didn't send anything to me, I wouldn't even remember his existence, let alone seeing him again for fuck's sake. I've blocked him for good.

At her place, I waited, and I called for freaking ten times. I didn't even touch the food we made.

I only went home because I figured she wouldn't come back if I was still there, and I didn't want her to wander around the streets and end up at some hoe's condo.

That's how much I like her.

Why can't she just take the hint and let it go? She's not that stupid!

Now, I have to watch her going in and out with Meghan Hill again.

Even though I know they're platonic, it still stinks when I see them together like just now, Meghan was holding Sage's hand on the lunch table.

Ugh, looking like two lovebirds.

I roll my eyes and go over to the counter to buy my lunch.

'A turkey sandwich, thanks.'

I'm actually craving lasagna, but it's inconvenient to eat in the office, so no. Sigh.

'Sorry, Ms Osis, do you have a moment?'

Meghan comes out of nowhere. I almost bump into her when I turn around because I actually cannot see her up here.

She's so short. Like Sage.

'Can I say I don't?' I ask in irritation. I never play it nice.

'Well, it's about Sage.' She gives me an annoyingly understanding smile.

'What about her?' I ask in an uninterested tone, suppressing the urge to squint my eyes at her.

'She's not been herself lately,' I know, thanks to me. 'She told me it's about her mum, but I doubt it's the only reason.' Huh, not bad, you have brains.'Did something happen between you?' And now you're prying.

'No, we're professionally fine.' I answer curtly, can't help but add on, 'Even if something did, it's none of your concerns.' Back down and stay away from her, bitch.

Meghan doesn't seem to be fazed by me, continuing to press, 'It'd always be my concern because Sage is a friend. And forgive my bluntness, the way you look at her is obviously beyond professional.'

The way I what? I suddenly feel my cheeks getting hot.

'Keep your damn voice down.' I look around to make sure no one was close enough to hear anything.

'So, it's true then.' She smiles victoriously, raising her brows.

Ughhhh! I've never wanted to murder someone so badly!

Six years of my ice queen reputation is dead-gone.

'I'm not admitting to anything. But, I'd appreciate it if you don't gossip about it.' I try my best to say in a composed voice.

'Of course. I'm not that kind of person.' That I don't know. 'Then, what's up with you and Sage anyway?'

'A fight, then she's not talking to me.' I put it simple and clear.

'Okay...don't take this the wrong way, I'm not suggesting anything, I just want to cheer Sage up. So, what about I arrange a night out for you two to talk about your professional issues?'

I raise a brow, 'How are you going to do that?'

'Simply enough, I just ask her out, and then you go, instead of me.'

Okay, you just cross your name off the list of dumb blondes.

'It sounds applicable.' I nod, giving her a half-ass smile, 'This Friday, pick a nice restaurant, and send me the reservation.'

I walk away from this conversation and towards the elevator.

'You're welcome.' I hear Meghan saying to my back.

//////

Sage's POV:

My mum's in surgery now.

My dad called and told me about it three hours ago. My head is full of it ever since.

But, later, I have to put it aside for a bit because I am having dinner with Meghan, and she's already been worried about me.

She knew that the surgery is today, and she said no matter what happens, I need to let the steam off tonight.

So, yeah, she's right. I'm now leaving the office and going home to get prepared.

'Goodbye, Ms Osis.' I say on my way out.

'Bye.' She replies, eyes still fixating on the laptop screen.

I don't know what came over to her a few days ago, but she's seemed calmer and stopped looking at me with complicated emotions anymore, which is...good, I think.

Maybe she's decided to give up after all. It wouldn't be such a surprise since I was the one that tried to push things forward.

After a quick shower, I sit on my bed, applying my mascara and lipstick. Then, my mobile vibrates.

It's my dad.

'Hello? Is it over? How's Mama?' I instantly answer and throw a bunch of questions.

'Yes.' My dad's calm voice comes through, soothing me a bit, 'Your mum is still under anaesthesia, but the surgery was a success.'

I feel the rock on my chest is finally lifted. I let out a long breath.

'Thank god. I'm so relieved.' I say with a chuckle.

'Me too, Beti.'

'I bet you didn't sleep the whole night, huh? Go get some rest, Papá. Please call me when Mama is able to talk.'

'Okay. Talk soon. Goodbye.'

'Bye, Papá.' I smile as I hang up the call.

Now, I can truly let the steam off tonight. I'm going to convince Meghan to go clubbing with me after dinner.

I see Meghan standing outside of the restaurant, waiting for me.

'Wow, this restaurant looks fancier than I thought.' I exclaim when I come up to her.

'Well, it's for a special occasion, so yeah.' She smiles and walks towards the door where the waiters stand in a line and politely smile at us.

I follow in, the yellowish dim light makes everything look a bit blurry and dreamlike.

The waiter leads us to a table where a familiar figure is already sitting.

'What is she doing here?' I turn and ask Meghan in surprise, trying to block out the heated stare from Danielle Osis.

'Well,' Meghan gives me a sly smile, 'You're a terrible liar. I've told you that before, haven't I?' She pats my shoulder and turns to leave, 'Enjoy your night. You two have got some professional issues to solve.'

Before I can say anything more, she's long gone, leaving me with Danielle, alone.

'Aren't you going to sit?' Danielle asks quietly. It must be the light, her usually sharp features seem to be softened.

I know it looks odd to keep on standing, so I pull the chair and sit reluctantly.

'Why are we here?' I ask, staring into her eyes, trying to get an honest answer.

'Can we order first?' She doesn't respond, just quickly signals the waiter to come.

'Good evening. What would you like to have?' The waiter asks with his notepad.

'Chef's special, thanks.' Danielle smiles at the waiter.

She runs her hand through her hair, putting it to one side of her neck, exposing her perfect shoulder and upper chest in that black dress.

The scent of her perfume rushes into my nose, messing with my thoughts.

Since when she smiles like that? And that dress should be illegal.

'Ahem, I'd like the same.' I clear my throat to pull that dude's attention away from Danielle's boobs.

'Brilliant.' He nods.

'Also,' Danielle has to speak again, ugh. 'Two glasses of house red.'

'Anything else?' Why don't you go and poke your eyes out?

'No, we're good now, thank you.' She bloodily smiles again.

I bet the waiter is going to have a sex dream tonight.

I shoot the waiter's back a deadly glare as he cheerfully walks away.

'Congrats on your mum's surgery. My mum told me earlier.' She says with a genuine smile.

Why is she smiling so much? Did she twitch her face again?

'Thank you. I'll have to visit your mum to thank her in person.' I say matter-of-factly.

'I can take you if you want.' She offers, sounding all righteous.

I crease my brows, not sure what stunt she's pulling off right now. 'Thank you, but I think I can manage on my own.'

She stares at me with familiar complicated feelings and sighs, 'Sage, I'm sorry about the other day. It came out wrong, I didn't mean it like that.'

I lean back into the chair, arms crossing over my chest, 'What did you mean then?'

'I...' She bites her bottom lip, eyes shifting yet eventually fixing on me, 'I want to be with you, exclusively.'

My eyes widen in surprise, before I can reply, the waiter comes over again with the trolley and starts serving our food and drinks.

I look down at the table, unable to face Danielle's direct confession just yet. My heart is beating so loud and fast that I can't hear myself thinking right now.

After the waiter leaves my sight, I take a breath and take a sip of the wine.

I stare into Danielle's blue eyes, 'What makes you so sure now?'

She looks like she wants to shift her gaze or run out of here, but she says with a calm voice, 'I've known it for some time. I just didn't want to face it because...' she gulps, 'Because I was afraid of getting hurt.'

She almost whispers the last sentence. I ask in a lighter tone, 'So, aren't you afraid now?'

She gives me a bitter smile, 'I still am. But if that's the risk of being serious with you, I'll take it.'

The emotions in her eyes are now clear, the vulnerability, the affection...I feel like my heart is going to explode in happiness. I reach my hand out and take hers.

'Thank you for trusting me. I swear I'd do my best to keep us happy.' I smile brightly at her, placing a kiss on her knuckles.

'You better.' She smirks like her usual sassy self again.

'So, how did Meghan get involved?' I ask curiously, 'I might be a bad liar, but I sure didn't tell her a thing.'

Her expression suddenly stiffens, 'Well, she's nosy, and you didn't hide your grumpiness towards me well enough, so she came to me.' She sips her wine, 'She said she wanted to cheer you up, and I agreed to it. Here I am.'

'You cracked?' I can't help but chuckle. I so wish I were there to see her face.

'I didn't.' She blushes and huffs, 'You cracked, and I dealt with the consequences.'

'Sure, whatever you say, boss.' I tease, 'Thanks to her, we solved our professional issues.'

'I could've done it by myself anyway. But, yeah, I'll let her take the credits.' She shrugs like it's nothing, but her lips curve up slightly.

After we finish the full meal, we decide to take a walk to the park, for digestion and talking.

I look down at our joint hands, feeling so content and fulfilled that I want this moment to last forever.

'Sage.'

As we sit on the bench, Danielle suddenly calls me in a lower tone. I turn to look at her, her light-blue eyes are now glowing in the dark like the starry night.

'I know I am really bad at speaking my mind, and I don't know if it's love...' She gulps nervously, saying in an even lighter voice, 'But I'd like to explore it with you.'

She's so damn cute when she's nervous and vulnerable.

I stroke her cheek, feeling some wetness in my eyes, 'I'd love to explore it with you, too. I promise I'll be patient with you. Just remember, you can always be honest with me.'

She nods and chuckles, giving me the million-dollar smile, leaning in for a kiss.

I close the gap between us. When our lips touch, I let out a sigh of satisfaction. I didn't realise how much I've missed touching and kissing her until now.

After a few seconds, she mumbles on my lips, 'You know, I think I'm ready to do some exercise now...in bed.'

You sexy mind-reader...I open my eyes to meet hers that are filled with desire, feeling the ticklish sensation in my lower stomach.

'Hmm...then we better go and grab a taxi now.' I bite her bottom lip, whisper seductively. She moans lightly.

'You better stop, or we might not make it that far.' She gives me one last harsh suckle on my lips before dragging me towards the pavement.

This is going to be another long and sleepless night for sure.

Note:

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