She sat alone in the corner booth, stirring sweetener into her iced tea. Her appointment was just over an hour away, so she had time for lunch. She settled in for a quiet meal.

A group of women trailed in through the cafe door. They were dressed to the nines in sundresses and floppy hats. It became obvious they were a group of women who partook in leisurely lunches often. She smiled at the women as they were seated, then turned back to her notepad.

The waitress greeted the group as they laughed and shared stories. Flamboyance and grace, giggles and jeers filled the once quiet cafe.

The lone girl felt the occasional stare from the table. She’d occasionally look up and catch someone snapping their heads back. She’d just grimace and look back down.

The ladies looked her over like she just didn’t belong. She felt their eyes on her. It hurt, though no ill words were exchanged. She tried to ignore them, and remained gracious to the waitstaff as they brought her lunch and refreshed her tea.

She chided herself, don’t assume what you don’t know. She often grew self conscious in similar situations most of her life. She knew she was an outsider, an observing introvert.

She finished her lunch. Part of her wanted to just pay and run out of the building to escape further scrutiny. But, her appointment wasn’t for another 30 minutes and she would feel just as awkward sitting in her car, especially with today’s heat.

Slowly, the women shifted their attention back to themselves and their food as it was delivered. She felt the mood lighten, the weight lifting from her mind as she no longer was glared over.

She re-centered herself, payed her bill and finished the notes for her meeting. The minutes passed until it was time to leave. She finally escaped, unnoticed by the crowd.