[Lokal]

Over the days and weekends, we would text quite often, it felt pleasant. I definitely found a 知己. (Someone who knows me inside out)
Then it was time for me to show her the conclusion based on the details provided.

[Text]

M: Hey Mabel, when are you free for discussions about your business?
Mabel: Hmm this week maybe Friday night! I let you know again!
M: Okay, let me know again haha.

Few hours later...

Mabel: Yeah meet at Dempsey for Dinner on Friday? I'm craving for some meat and pasta! *Erm..
M: You mean at Culina's?
Mabel: Yaaa LOL I FORGOT THE NAME.
M: Okay see you!


Friday - 7pm - I was waiting for Mabel since.. 630pm when we were supposed to meet. Mabel was still nowhere to be seen

Mabel: HIII MARK, SORRY HAHA I WAS SHITTING BECAUSE I ATE TOO MUCH CHILLI YESTERDAY -She arrived at 730pm, came in with a smile and apology, who could hold a grudge against her?

She was wearing a V-neck soft cotton shirt with casual shorts that covered to the mid of her thighs and wearing flats. Very comfortable looking outfit. The way her soft cotton shirt draped down her body against her bosom, the outline of her plain bra was slightly visible, you could see the hanging gap between her shirt and her tummy.

M: Yeah, you said 630pm, it's 730pm, I am starving, woman. -I replied with a smile

Mabel: Okay okay, sorry let's order! I AM HUNGRY TOO. I treat you to BJ later okay! -I would have choked if I didn't know her.

M: You mean Ben and Jerrys right? -Rolls eyes as I said this

Mabel: Yaa I'm craving for the Strawberry shortcake flavor.

M: You're craving everything, are you sure you're not pregnant.

Mabel: Nonsense la, no boyfriend how to pregnant, let's eat!

We had our dinner, I explained to her how things will be like if she did what I proposed. She was reluctant to fire Dean, so I offered I could talk to Dean on her behalf as the business consultant. She wanted to do it herself, so I let her be. Concluded most of it aside from other things that she might want to do with her business. We walked over to Ben and Jerry's to get some ice cream.

We ordered her Strawberry Cheesecake flavor plus some chocolate and others along with the waffles. She was enjoying herself very much.

Came along a disruption from her.

Mabel: Have you tried dating anyone after your ex?

M: Nope, I was tired and kind of okay being alone.

Mabel: Waa don't so depressed okay, aunty teach you. Pass me your phone.

M: For?

Mabel held out her hand impatiently shaking, waiting for me to put my phone on her hand.

M: Okay fine. -As I unlocked it and handed it over.

Mabel: Okay let me see.. did you have some selfies?

M: No I'm not a selfie person, why?

Mabel proceeded to take a few shots of me.

Mabel: Smile please, don't be like 死氣沉沉 can? (Don't look like a dead person)

I forced a smile and she snapped away.

Mabel: Looks not bad la.. Okay so actually I have been using this app called Coffee Meets Bagel, talking to some guys, my friend intro one! Some of them managed to meet some nice guys leh. I'm meeting one tomorrow.. and one more next week! I'm quite popular hor! -Seeking approval.. to which I gave a very forced smile and nod

==
A brief recap of our relationship, so we met first as a business appointment of sort. Moved on talking into friendship, quite a close one. Texted quite often, talking about all sorts of stuff aside from business. I feel that she's not exactly interested in me, nor am I interested in her in terms of a relationship. I kept my distance and was wary not to fall into the state of delusion, reading too much into her actions and words. I really valued her sincerity and straightforwardness as a friend.

Mabel's just the way she is, too friendly to anyone, but on some level, I just don't see how we are compatible as a couple. I am very much an introvert, business talks tire me out. I need my fill of alone and solitude aside from my partner being quite sufficiently independent with their own life. That is not easy to find in someone my own age.. she fits most of it, yet on some sense, I see how we can't match as partners.