Pretend

“I'll tell you a story” he cut me. “One time, Paulo went to meet a client and got his laptop stolen on the way back. When he got the replacement one, he went to the accounting platform, typed his login, and the app tried the face ID, just like it's supposed to. But surprise, even though he had never added biometric data on his computer, it worked, and was logged in automatically without using his password. Why do you think that is?”

Oh hell... Was he about to go there?

“I don't know” I said “why?”

“Because,” he continued, “the app had that thing where it registered our login data aside those of our devices. So that as long as you know your login, you can use any type of identification on any new device.”

I stayed silent for a few seconds, trying to control my fear, nodding slightly, before asking why he was telling me this.

“When Coleen was reminded us the nights out, I remember that one time, the only time Walter left his phone to prove he could fight his OCD.”

God, no, please don't trap me like that.

My hands were shaking on the steering wheel. The GPS announced the arrival. I parked. The engine kept running. I was afraid that any reaction from me could be interpreted as an admission, as guilt. One minute seemed like a lifetime. Eve’ though I knew he wasn't looking towards me, I somehow felt his presence pierce through me. I cut the engine. From the corner of my eye, I saw him turning towards me.

“I only realized it fifteen minutes ago” he said. “And I don't even care one fucking bit about this god-damned company. But still, you created that whole accounting mess. You were responsible for all of it.”

Every inch of every muscle in my body was tight was as tight as it would ever be. I tried thinking of any solution, and nothing was coming up. How in fucking hell could I turn this over? That's what it had taken to make me realize that - aside from family and a couple of old friends - Gabriel was the very last person whose esteem I needed.

The door opened. He got out. I came out too, not even knowing why or what I would say. The stupidest thoughts went through me. Being able to prove it. To disprove it. None of it mattered.

“You won't say anything, right?” I shouted.

Shame +2