Gemotions

Michael felt a flush crawl up his neck. The restaurant, typically bustling and lively, now seemed to press in on him. He fiddled with the silverware, eyes darting from the other man, David, to the floral arrangement on their shared table. David, mid-sentence, was describing "Chloe's" impressive baking skills. Michael knew that “Chloe” too well.

The air thrummed with a strange tension, making his ears ring. He wished, desperately, that he could rewind the last hour and erase the entire conversation. Each compliment David heaped on “Chloe” felt like a physical blow. He shifted in his seat, his leg knocking against the table.

David laughed, a hearty sound that echoed through the small space. "She even made me a chocolate cake from scratch the other night. Said it was the best thing she'd ever baked." Michael’s fingers clenched around his napkin. *Her* specialty was chocolate cake. His face felt hot. He mumbled something about needing to use the restroom, avoiding eye contact as he quickly got up.