Gemotions

He had been so smooth. Liam ran a hand through his hair, a gesture that felt foreign, alien. The humid air of the bar pressed against him, and he wished he could disappear. He had been bragging to Ethan about his recent dates. Dates. Plural. Ethan, who knew the woman he was referring to was currently on a date with him, had just looked at him with a knowing smile.

"So, the restaurant at the pier, huh?" Ethan had said, his voice level, but his eyes told the truth.

Liam had choked down his drink, the taste suddenly metallic. His shoulders slumped. He felt a deep sense of embarrassment crawl up his neck. He wanted to flee, to be swallowed by the night. He wanted to apologize. He couldn't meet Ethan's eyes.