Gemotions

He leaned back against the plush velvet booth, the leather cool against his back. The low hum of conversation, the clinking of glasses, the murmur of the jazz music – all of it washed over Marcus in a soothing wave. He traced the rim of his whiskey glass, the amber liquid swirling gently. Tonight was a good night, a perfect end to a long week. He’d finished that project at work, the one that had been stressing him for months.

“Everything alright, Marcus?” The waitress, a woman who had known him for years, placed the menu in front of him.

He chuckled, a rumbling sound in his chest. “Never better, Sarah. Bring me the usual, will you?”

Sarah paused, her smile softening. "Actually, Marcus… I'm so sorry, but..." She hesitated, then said, "Luigi's is shutting its doors. End of the month."

The smile drained from his face. The glass in his hand felt heavy, suddenly. He gripped it tightly, the amber liquid suddenly not so appealing.