Gemotions

Michael practically bounced as he walked down the street, whistling a jaunty tune. He’d spent the morning cleaning his apartment, a task he usually loathed, but today it felt…fun. He even ironed his favorite shirt! This was all thanks to Clara.

He had a skip in his step as he approached the restaurant, imagining the delicious meal and the even better conversation to come. He’d already rehearsed his speech, the one about how she lit up his world.

Reaching the host stand, he beamed at the young woman. “Table for two, under –” His voice caught. There, at the bar, sat Clara. And beside her, a man with a familiar, handsome face. He swallowed hard. The man looked up and gave him a confused nod. “Hey, dude! You know Clara too?”