Gemotions

Rain lashed against the windows of the coffee shop, mirroring the turmoil brewing in Amelia’s stomach. She'd been waiting for Leo for nearly an hour, and the story he'd spun about his high-powered finance job was starting to unravel in the face of reality. The email, accidentally left open on his laptop during their last game night, had been clear: Leo was a glorified data entry clerk, not the VP he'd claimed. Amelia took a slow, deep breath, fiddling with the sugar packets. She envisioned the inevitable confrontation, the embarrassment, the explanation. She smoothed her skirt, readying herself.

Leo finally arrived, drenched and apologetic. "Sorry, the train was a nightmare!" he exclaimed, his usual boisterous self. He didn’t seem to notice the storm cloud gathering on Amelia’s face. She gestured to the empty chair.

“You’re late,” Amelia stated calmly, her voice even. She wanted to understand *why*. The lie, for what purpose? A small smile played on her lips. She didn't want to overreact.