Gemotions

"He said the *exact* same thing to me," Carol repeated, her voice laced with disbelief and a rising heat. Across from her, it was Lauren, who was also feeling betrayed. Carol's fists clenched.

The expensive restaurant they were in, which he’d supposedly chosen for their special date, suddenly felt like a prison. The soft lighting, the hushed conversations, the clinking of silverware – all of it was a lie.

"Well," Carol said, the words sharp as broken glass, "this is just a waste of time." She reached for her purse, her movements jerky and quick.

She stood. "Goodbye," she said, her voice clipped, barely looking at Lauren. She swept out of the restaurant, ignoring Lauren's protests. The valet was waiting. Carol waved him away. She needed to walk. She needed the street.