The morning arrived to subdue the tension, but not to ease her mind. She got to the office, ready to face the consequences.
And to face him.
When entering the office with his name written on the door, she found herself all alone. She tried to commit the space to memory - it might be the last time she was there.
She had nurtured an aspiration of being hired after her graduation, and in time she had hoped to be able to get transferred to another business area of the group, with operations in other countries. Then she could travel, see more places.
But because of him, everything was ruined.
No. Not because of him. Because of her.
Lexi came in first. "Good morning sweetie! How are you?" she asked Noelle, genuinely concerned. She had already texted her like fifteen times.
"Oh, just fine! I had a good night's sleep," Noelle lied. She was tossing and turning all night long.
"You still look tired. I never found out what happened. Please tell Chloe everything. She was worried," Lexi advised. "Oh there she is!"
"Good morning girls," Chloe said less enthusiastically than other times as she walked in.
Chloe settled down and invited Noelle: "Come with me to make a cup of tea."
Noelle obediently followed her. In the rest area, Chloe turned on the kettle and took out of the cupboard two cups.
"I heard that something happened yesterday, but I decided not to call either of you. I'm really curious as to the reason you two got wet, but I am sure it is not good. I trust you more than Luca, so will you please tell me your side of your story first? He texted that he will come here today first thing in the morning and explain everything. I'm worried..." Chloe said.
So he hadn't texted just her last night. It was her opportunity to explain to Chloe.
But she couldn't.
She couldn't confess yet to Chloe that she had attacked Luca. No. Her lips could not move.
She kept silent as Chloe was pouring hot water in the cups. She didn't speak even when she added the teabags of green tea. It would be easier if Luca was to say everything.
"So you decide to cover for him? I don't get it. He will accuse you, you know," Chloe said.
"I'm sorry. I think it is better to hear everything from him."
Chloe stared at the shut cupboard for a second. "Let's go back. He'll be here soon," she said and left with her cup, without waiting for Noelle.
She exhaled and grabbed the second cup. It was very hot. She lifted it carefully and headed slowly back to the office. When she turned left to the hallway, like in a dream, she saw him walking in front of her.
He hadn't noticed her.
She stopped and watched him, feeling her heart racing.
I should have said yes…
When he reached the office door and turned, he probably realised someone was standing in the distance.
He turned and looked at her.
For a very long moment.
Her blood started boiling. His stare did not feel judging.
Yet, he was far away. She couldn't read his features well. What was he thinking?
Luca lowered his gaze and pushed the door open.
Noelle entered the office a bit after him and sat on her desk. Luca was already in Chloe's office. Lexi was watching quietly. With the corner of her eye she saw Chloe waving her hand. She couldn't avoid it any longer. She was being summoned.
She got up with trembling feet. The door of the office was open. "You called me?" Noelle asked foolishly.
"Yes, please close the door and have a seat," Chloe said.
Noelle followed the instructions and sat on one of the spare chairs. Luca was sitting on the other side. She carefully avoided any eye contact.
"Now we're all here, I'm looking forward to hearing your story. What happened yesterday? We heard whispers around the set," Chloe said.
"There were like less than 10 people around! The day was over. What gossip are you talking about?" Luca said annoyed.
"One person is enough to start a rumour. Like you don't know," Chloe said harshly.
"Whatever... I'll be the one to do the talking and you both hear me well. Because I'm mad at both of you!" Luca stated.
Wait a minute! Is he lashing out at Chloe? Where did that come from?
Chloe raised her eyebrows, obviously intrigued.
"She," Luca said pointing his finger towards Noelle, "came yesterday and told me that she knows about my... relationships' status. And that you," he continued turning his finger to Chloe, "confirmed that without consulting me first," he ended up pointing now at himself. He looked angry, but in a civilized way.
"Luca, it was an accident. The data she found were self-evident. All I could do was guard us legally, and..." Chloe started saying, but she got interrupted.
"I was right. I've told you since day one. And on top of that, you were planning not to tell me anything. And you didn't protect a thing. Christmas here decided to tell me. She broke her contract. Can you imagine how angry I got when I heard she knew?" he asked.
No, you weren't angry, you were scared.
What was his strategy? Was he attacking Chloe to weaken her and be able to manipulate her more easily?
"There is no need to get angry," Chloe told him, but it was obvious that she was uneasy.
"You know me well, I can't control my feelings," he said and then paused for a moment. He nodded, as if assuring himself that he was right. So, then I lost it and pushed her into the pond. That's what happened," Luca said.
What on earth?
Had she heard right? Had he said that he was the one who pushed her? Noelle struggled to remain expressionless, so she lowered her head the deepest possible.
"Are you telling me that you assaulted Noelle in public?" Chloe said, gaping.
"It wasn't an assault! I just pushed her a little," Luca defended himself.
"Noelle? Is this what happened?" Chloe asked.
Noelle remained quiet, still bending her head. She was not prepared for that, so she didn't know what to answer.
"Noelle! Tell me!" Chloe insisted.
She lifted her head and looked at Chloe's angry face. She quickly took a look at Luca. He was serious and calm. Instantly she decided what to say. And once said, it could never be taken back.
"Yes."
Now they were both in the same boat. The lying boat.