Luca noticed Manuela hadn't left yet, still standing stiff and upright as if he had caught her in the middle of a thought. He straightened to his full height as a subtle gesture of inquiry, wondering what was holding her in place.
"You're still here? Is there any problem?"
Luca asked, and Manuela scratched the back of her neck anxiously, her gaze refusing to settle on a single spot. She spoke quickly.
"No… no, not at all, no problem. It's just… I'm worried about Ms. Schafer. I just… hope everything will be alright between you and her."
Luca chuckled softly, surprised by her concern. But he gave a slow nod afterwards to seal the assurance.
"Yes, everything will be fine," he said. "This is just a little friction, that's all."
It seemed those were the exact words Manuela had been hoping to hear, because the tension in her face eased a second later, and relief settled over her expression.
