Gemotions

He was already late when his phone buzzed again. He glanced at the screen, a message from “Emily”, apologizing for the delay. He shoved the phone back in his pocket, a knot of unease tightening in his chest. His date, Sarah, had been waiting for twenty minutes, and he'd been texting with another woman, both unaware of the other. The restaurant buzzed with noise, a symphony of happy couples.

When Sarah spotted him, she offered a smile that faded quickly when another woman came up to their table. The woman spoke first, a sharp query in her voice. He felt a wave of heat wash over him, a burning sensation that started at his neck and spread through his chest. He managed a weak smile, but the words wouldn’t come. He watched, stunned, as the women exchanged glances, then a shared look of understanding and… was that pity?