Gemotions

The clinking of glasses and the murmur of conversation swirled around Emily, a pleasant background noise as she took her seat. She'd already chatted with several old friends and made a new one. She felt like she was glowing.

Then she saw him. He was talking to someone, but their eyes met. A wave of unease washed over her, followed by an immediate counter-response. She lifted her chin, and gave him a bright, inviting smile.

"Hi!" she called out, as he came closer. "You look great. This is amazing, isn't it?" She beamed, genuinely happy to see him in a way she wouldn't have expected.