Gemotions

Liam bounced on the balls of his feet, his fingers drumming a rapid rhythm on the countertop of the bar. He couldn't stop grinning. Tonight was the night he was meeting Chloe's best friend, Maya. He’d heard so many wonderful things about her – that she was adventurous, insightful, and shared Chloe's wicked sense of humor. He adjusted the knot of his tie, a new one Chloe had picked out for him, and felt a surge of pure joy bubble up inside.

The door swung open, and a woman with a cascade of dark curls walked in. It was Maya. Her eyes, the color of the sea, met his. “Liam?” she asked, her voice a low murmur.

“Maya! You found the place!” he exclaimed, waving her over. The air between them crackled with an electricity he couldn't quite place.

“So, this is the place you and Chloe always meet?” Maya questioned, her gaze flitting around the bar. He nodded. Maya's expression then went blank, before she reached into her bag. Liam's stomach churned as she pulled out her phone.