Gemotions

"Are you sure you want to go to Mark's?" Ben asked, the question hanging heavy in the air. "It's a barbeque, right?" He paused, running a hand through his hair, a nervous gesture he hadn't displayed in years. He knew the answer before he asked. Emily's birthday was a formal affair, a black-tie gala at the grand hotel downtown. He knew that the barbeque, a more relaxed setting, would be the better choice.

The crisp formality of Emily's event felt stifling. He pictured the tight-lipped smiles, the polite conversations. He craved the easy camaraderie of Mark's, the scent of smoke, the sound of laughter. He could feel the blood thrumming behind his eyes.

He imagined the way Sarah would move through the room, her laughter infectious. The thought caused a sudden ache in his gut, a longing he couldn't quite define. He tugged at his collar, his shirt suddenly feeling too tight. He had to go to the barbeque.