Ortega's mind raced; he didn't like the tense atmosphere and wanted to lighten the mood.
"Hey, let's play a game: if our boss were a superhero, what would her superpower be?" he blurted out, eliciting surprised reactions from both women. The question was ironic, given their current situation.
After a moment, Selene smirked and answered, "I don't know, maybe super mood swings?" She gave Ortega a funny look, the tension from earlier dissipating.
Finding her answer hilarious, Ortega struggled to suppress a laugh. "That's funny, because I was thinking the same thing!" He grinned, "Brace yourselves for the emotional rollercoaster ride of justice! I am Emoti-Cyclone!"
Ortega couldn't finish his made-up catchphrase because his words were drowned out by Selene's cute giggles. Even Eva, who found the topic a bit ridiculous, couldn't help but wear an amused smile.
"What a clown," she thought, watching Ortega with amusement.
"What the hell was that, Ortega? You're making my stomach hurt," Selene playfully slapped his shoulder, her eyes tearing up from excessive laughter. "You a fan of superheroes or something?"
"I won't say. But I do prefer superwomen," Ortega replied, posing as if deep in thought. "Like the pretty blonde I'm looking at."
Selene felt her heart skip a beat and she suddenly felt warm all over. Her breathing became more erratic, not expecting such a bold comment, and she found herself at a loss for words.
However, she soon regained her composure, managing a near-mute, "Thanks," before clearing her throat. "You... Don't look so bad yourself," she said with a suggestive tone, studying him playfully.
Sensing the spark brewing between the two and not wanting things to escalate, Eva walked over to Selene and pulled her aside while mouthing a quick "Can I borrow her for a sec?" to Ortega.
After making sure the distance between themselves and Ortega was enough, Evaline whispered indignantly;
"Are you seriously trying to get into trouble right now?"
"I don't know what you're talking about." Selene folded her arms and blew a bubble.
Evaline widened her eyes like a cynic who heard an outrageous lie. Stumped as to why Selene was acting ignorant, she could only leave her mouth open as she looked at her best friend with an incredulous gaze.
"He's trouble! You saw how upset our boss was when she saw us with him?!" She vigorously explained while keeping an eye out for Ortega, who began to doze off while standing.
"Yeah, but what's wrong with talking to a coworker?" Selene frowned.
"You don't see the point, do you?"
"Which is?"
"He's clearly off bounds!" She stated with wild gestures as if explaining something to someone who had a learning defect.
Selene furtively glanced at Ortega, "You don't know that."
"Think! Why else would our boss hire a man if not for the fact that they're dating?"
"Our boss is a lesbian, Eva."
"And you believe those rumors?" Evaline lowered the volume of her voice, leaning closer. "Selene, if you're planning to do what I'm suspecting, you could be coming in the way of a happy relationship."
"Ugh! Why is it such a big deal to you? It's only harmless flirting, and do you think I'm that kind of person?"
Eva threw a doubtful stare at Selene.
"... Ok, maybe I am that kind of person. But hey, I'm only trying to have some fun here! I mean, this is like the rarest thing that's ever happened. Not to mention... He's got the devil's charm." Selene purred as she looked at Ortega, causing Eva to once again roll her eyes in exasperation.
"Is there anything more thrilling?" She excitedly asked.
Noting her expression, Eva groaned and massaged her temples;
"You are so stupid."
"Aww. Thanks." Selene said with a sweet voice. "Now can I get back to Mr Handsome?"
"Whatever. Be careful though, I won't say more than that..." She glanced at her watch and sighed.
"Oh no, it's past feeding time already. My babies must be getting hungry."
Turning back to Ortega and Selene, she gave a small, apologetic smile. "I need to go take care of them. See you later."
With a gentle wave, she walked out of the room, closing the door softly behind her.
"Everything alright?" Ortega asked with a mildly scrutinizing gaze.
"Everything is fine." Selene answered, smiling warmly, "Eva has three different pets to look after at home, so she had to run."
"Oh wow... " Ortega glanced at his watch, "Alright, I guess I'll see you tomorrow then? I could use some shut-eye..." He said, half smiling. He wasn't happy their conversation had to be cut short.
"Already?" Selene thought, feeling slightly disappointed. However, she understood he was tired and needed to rest, so she kept her selfish thoughts at bay.
"Sure... I was just about to leave too," Selene said, walking past Ortega and reaching for the door. "Hey, what's the time on your watch? Forgot to charge my phone."
"Oh, it's uh..." Ortega began, purposefully ignoring the watch on his wrist.
"Oh my God!" he suddenly exclaimed.
"What is it?" Panicked, Selene walked over to him.
"Something's wrong with my damn phone..."
She looked at him incredulously, "Are you seriously kidding me right now?"
"I'm not," Ortega smirked, "Your number's not in it."