Gloria

The roses had smelled glorious, like her name. But the attention and catcalls arising from the group had made her feel uncomfortable. Gloria disliked being the centre of attention. The watching eyes seemed to be waiting for her to give an inappropriate response or knock over the tea. Brendan was a nice guy- established career, fancy car, designer apartment on the right side of the bridge. But there was just no spark. She felt nothing when she looked at him, blushing like a shy schoolboy as he approached her with that ghastly ostentatious display of affection. There was no quickening of her heartbeat or an inexplicable yearning to hold his gaze, like when she looked at Philip. Or rather, how Philip looked at Suzie, her best friend. The happy couple had met a few months ago at an extravagant pool party Gloria threw for her birthday, in a vain attempt to seduce Philip in her skimpy leopard print string bikini. Instead, Philip had spent the whole day gazing at Suzie, chatting over apple martinis. There was talk of them moving in together and Philip had been asking her what would be a reasonable price for an engagement ring. Gloria sighed and picked up another spring roll wrapped in rice noodle, hoping the calorie-laden batter would soak up her sorrow.