Gemotions

The email from Sarah, confirming her attendance at Marcus’s "epic pool party," landed in Emily's inbox with a thud. Emily's planned afternoon tea in the garden, with its delicate china and quiet conversation, suddenly felt fragile, almost pathetic.

She sighed, a slow, drawn-out sound. The thought of sunscreen-slicked bodies and loud music did little to excite her. She wanted, instead, the tranquility of her own company.

She found herself cancelling her nail appointment, the vibrant colors suddenly feeling garish. The garden, which had seemed so promising this morning, now appeared drab and uninviting.

She considered telling Marcus she had to work. The lie hovered on her tongue, then she bit it back. She wouldn't give him the satisfaction.