Gemotions

The flickering neon sign of the bar cast elongated shadows across Liam’s face as he watched the woman across the small table. Her name was Chloe, and her laugh was a melodic sound he had thoroughly enjoyed for the past six weeks. Now, it grated. He felt a cold dread creep into his chest as he examined the silver bracelet glinting on her wrist. He’d gifted one just like it.

“So, you and… David, then?” Liam asked, his voice tight, the words feeling like shards of glass in his throat. He’d almost called her by the wrong name. He’d been about to say “Olivia”.

Chloe’s smile faltered, her perfectly manicured hand coming up to touch the bracelet, her fingers brushing the engraved inscription, a date he recognized. He noticed her suddenly taking a deep breath, her eyes flicking nervously around the bar. It confirmed his gut feeling.

“David… it’s a long story,” Chloe mumbled, her gaze fixed on the ice in her drink, avoiding his. Liam felt a pressure building behind his eyes. He didn’t want to hear it. He just wanted to get up and leave.