Gemotions

Liam drummed his fingers on the worn tabletop, the rhythm a frantic counterpoint to the quiet of the coffee shop. A chill snaked up his spine despite the warmth radiating from the espresso machine. He’d told everyone he was going to be working late tonight, a necessary fib for the grand reveal. He checked his watch for the tenth time in as many minutes. The hour was fast approaching.

His stomach clenched. He fiddled with the sugar packets, lining them up in neat rows and then scattering them again. The cheerful chatter of other patrons seemed to recede, replaced by a dull roaring in his ears. He imagined the scene: the surprise, the laughter. Now, an unpleasant void filled the space where those images had resided. He felt a need to stand, to *do* something, but he remained rooted to his chair.