Gemotions

"So, he’s a fireman," the woman, Jessica, said, her voice lilting. "He’s got a heart of gold, always helping people." Emily stared at her, then down at the table, picking at the uneven paint on the wooden surface. The pub was loud, the smell of beer and fried food thick in the air.

Emily’s date, Mark, was late. Again. He'd promised this time would be different. She played with the straw in her empty glass, the taste of the flat soda clinging to her tongue. The door swung open, and Mark rushed in, his face flushed. He spotted Jessica, and his expression instantly brightened.

He glanced at Emily, then back at Jessica. His smile was strained. The color drained from Emily’s face. She felt exposed, vulnerable. She wanted the floor to swallow her.