Gemotions

He'd tried to appear nonchalant when they’d discussed the job, but now, sitting across from Emily, his cheeks burned with a heat he couldn’t dispel. He’d seen her prepare, the meticulous notes, the practiced responses, and the contrast between her confidence and his own fluttering nerves was stark.

He hated how suddenly aware he was of his own shortcomings, how loud his thoughts felt, bouncing around in his skull. The air seemed thick with judgment. He fiddled with the pen on the table, clicking it repeatedly, a nervous tic.

He’d almost tripped walking in, further adding to the unpleasantness. He could feel a flush creeping up his neck.

He felt the weight of her glance upon him, and mumbled an apology.