Gemotions

James felt a distinct chill run down his spine as he saw Emily. She was laughing, genuinely laughing, at something his friend, Ben, had said. He knew that laugh, the one that used to be reserved just for him. He took another sip of his whiskey, the amber liquid burning its way down his throat.

He’d been warned. Multiple times. That she might be here, and that he should act cool. He clenched his jaw, willing himself to keep walking toward the group, because turning around was not an option. He put on the most insincere face he could muster as he approached them, the effort making his cheeks ache.

“Ben. Fancy seeing you here,” he gritted, his voice sounding harsher than he'd intended.