Gemotions

We were at a potluck, and everyone seemed eager to show off their culinary skills. Until I saw what John had brought. A gourmet quiche. "I've been taking cooking classes," he said.

I looked at my own contribution, a store-bought fruit salad, and a rush of heat surged through me. John had always been… ordinary. Now, he was suddenly the star of the show, his quiche the subject of much discussion.

I felt a sudden disinterest in the conversations, a desire to retreat. I found myself avoiding eye contact, my smile strained. I focused on the cracks in the patio tiles, the only thing that seemed real in that moment.