Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the storm brewing inside Maya. Liam, her so-called "Senior Software Engineer" buddy, had just been exposed. He was a glorified data entry clerk. He’d even gone so far as to claim he'd worked on cutting-edge AI. The audacity! She gripped her mug so tightly her knuckles were white.

“So, like, what do you think of my new… situation?” Liam stammered, his usual cockiness gone. He fidgeted, a stark contrast to his usual assured demeanor.

Maya stared straight ahead, at the condensation forming a blurry landscape on the glass. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction of a response, not yet. He could stew. He could sweat. She’d wait him out. It was a matter of principle.