The Millionaire's 'Friend' - Natasha's Story

Chapter 16 - Just Friends

"No, not possible. I'm sorry Nat, but, there's just no way. The average man and woman cannot be 'just friends'; what chance have you and this guy got when he's already a renowned lothario?"

I scowled at the computer screen because Helena couldn't see my face from her position on the couch. I had to make do with scowling since I was currently in her debt. I'd arrived at the Hutch on time, despite a thumping headache and blurry vision, only for Ziggy to instantly ground me. Without even breath testing me, he could tell I was over the limit. Thankfully, Helena, who was dying to hear all about my evening out, had yelled at him to leave me alone.

"Lothario's a bit much." I said in defence of Evan, even though I knew it was an accurate description.

"Well, whatever, I still defy any woman to befriend a man like him and not end up in bed together."

"Well, Evan Cole's never met a woman like me before. I'm determined."

"Now that I don't doubt, but determination can only get you so far."

"Don't you have any faith in me?" I objected.

"Of course, but not in this. I'd put money on it."

"Oh yes? How much?"

"Tenner?"

"You're on." I smiled, full of confidence.

I was already eager to move Evan from being the sexy stranger into the friend zone; if I could win money while doing so it would be a bonus.

"So, what are you looking at anyway?" Helena asked, finally changing the topic of discussion. "You've been tapping away on that thing for ages."

"Oh nothing." I replied casually, but it didn't stop her curiosity. Helena's swollen, slipper clad feet shuffled slowly across the floor; her head eventually peering over my shoulder.

"Green Planet." She read the name off the computer screen.

"Hmmm, just having a nosy."

"Isn't that the company your dad started?"

"Yep."

"Why are you looking at that?"

"I heard the name mentioned last night, and it just occurred to me that I've never looked into what happened with it after dad sold up."

"You're kidding right? Anyone on the street could tell you that. There's a Green Planet centre around every corner. They're like Starbucks."

I rolled my eyes at her exaggeration; though couldn't help the sense of pride at knowing the company had boomed in the last decade and was now a global success story. All started by one man – my dad.

"You ever think of dropping in, telling them who you are?" Helena asked.

"Yeah right. I doubt there's a single person left who worked for my dad. He only had a handful of employees." I clicked the little cross on the screen and watched the webpage close. "It's a totally different company now. I was just curious, that's all."

"Hmm, fair enough." Helena smiled and slowly made her way back across to the couch. "So, getting back to your man whore."

"Don't call him that."

"Well, what am I supposed to call him, your new BFF?" She quipped sarcastically. "Not a chance."

"Please tell me it's the hormones making you this catty." I replied dryly.

"I'm not being catty."

"Uh-huh." I grinned teasingly, but Helena clearly was having hormonal issues because, instead of laughing with me at what was obviously a joke, she quietly started to sulk.