Gemotions

The champagne flute felt heavy in Amelia's hand. She watched Liam, her ex, across the room. He was laughing, genuinely, with the bride's sister. The way his eyes crinkled at the corners, the easy tilt of his head – it was all so familiar, and yet, so foreign. A tight knot formed in her stomach.

She took a large gulp of the champagne, the bubbles doing nothing to ease the pressure building in her chest. The music seemed too loud, the chatter too bright. She thought about the last time she’d seen him, the bitter fight, the slammed door.

Amelia plastered a smile on her face as she saw him start to approach her. “Hey,” he said, his voice warm, and the smile felt even more brittle. “You look lovely.” She managed a weak, “You too.”