Chapter 26 Apologies
For the most part, things return to normal over the next few days. We’re all working overtime to come up with a replacement product and things are a little frantic as we feel like we’re rushing towards the submission deadline with no idea what our final product will be. The department’s morale is a little low but they’re all determined to make a success of the replacement product, if only to prove that they won’t be beaten.
Things are tense between Noah and me. We’re barely talking, only saying enough to be considered civil. Fortunately, we all spend most of our time in the conference room together so our awkwardness goes relatively unnoticed.
He’s apologised and I’ve reluctantly accepted it, but it doesn’t do much to change how I feel.
“Eden, do you have the revenue report for last month?” Noah asks softly. He’s been extra polite over the last couple of days, as if he’s scared of offending me.
“Yes,” I answer, passing it to him without meeting his eye.
He continues talking about the team’s top products from last month, hoping that it will give them inspiration to come up with something even better than the rocking bed. The team is clearly disheartened, their ideas lacking their usual energy.
“Guys, come on!” Noah barks at them. “You can do this. Tell me the first idea that pops into your mind, no matter how crazy it seems.”
“Toilet aquariums,” someone blurts out causing us all to explode with laughter.
“A sofa that folds up the wall,” Stacey says when everyone begins to quieten back down, and just like that they’re all off, coming up with their own ideas.
By the time I return to my desk, they’ve got over ten usable ideas. They keep coming back to the idea of eco-friendly, non-plastic tents, but they also have a cool idea for a hanging sofa and an indoor pond.
Noah is standing a little distance away talking to several members of the team. He looks serious as they discuss the options for the new product. I hurriedly look away when he turns in my direction and begins walking towards me.
“Eden, will you join me in my office?” he asks.
“Yes sir,” I say, getting to my feet. I straighten my skirt and grab a pen and notebook before following him into the office.
“Take a seat, Eden.”
I do as he says, silently waiting for him to tell me why he wants to see me. He doesn’t rush to speak though and I feel my impatience growing. He crosses behind his desk, removing his suit jacket before taking his seat.
He looks like he doesn’t know what to say so I take pity on him.
“What do you need, sir?”
He’s awkward, uncertain how to proceed and if I wasn’t still angry with him, I might think he looks cute, dithering like a fool.
“I just wanted to check in,” he says, rubbing the back of his neck with his palm.
“Check in?” I mumble.
“Yeah. Wanted to check how you are…”
“I’m fine,” I force the words out quickly, wanting this conversation to be over already.
“I really am sorry, Eden,” he says and I know he is. It’s written all over his face and his tone couldn’t be more sincere. I’m not completely sure why I feel so hurt. I’m probably just overreacting.
“I know.” I’m not sure what else he wants me to say.
“You’re still upset.”
“Not really,” I try to deny it but he doesn’t look convinced. “I just don’t get it.”
“Get what?”
“You didn’t even give me a chance to explain myself,” I tell him. “You jumped to conclusions.”
“I was wrong,” he says.
“Yeah, you were. But what happens next time?”
“What do you mean?”
“Next time something goes wrong are you going to just presume it’s my fault again because I’m the newest person here?”
“No. Of course not.” He looks genuinely horrified at the idea.
“I really hope not because I don’t want to work for someone who doesn’t trust me.” I pause before getting to my feet. “If that’s everything, sir, I’ll get back to work.”
Nodding his head, he doesn’t say anything else as I leave the room.
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