Gemotions

The restaurant was buzzing with Friday night energy. I had been looking forward to my date with Chloe all week. The table was set, the candles were lit, and the anticipation made my pulse race. Then, across the room, another woman, with the same signature laugh as Chloe, caught my eye. She was clutching a single red rose – the same one I’d planned to give Chloe. My heart sank. The woman, clearly seeing the look on my face, walked over. "This is… unexpected," she said, her voice a little shaky. "I'm Sophia." I felt a swell of warmth toward her. "I'm Ben. Would you like to join me? There's plenty of food for two."