Gemotions

"Well, this is awkward," Michael muttered under his breath, watching Chloe approach. He pretended to study the intricate floral arrangements, anything to avoid eye contact. The air seemed to have thickened, making it hard to breathe. He felt his hands begin to sweat.

He remembered her smile, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners. The memories were a punch to the gut. It felt like a year ago, not three, that they'd spent the summer at the lake together. He felt the phantom weight of her hand in his.

She was close now. He chanced a glance. She looked beautiful. Too beautiful. He felt a sudden, desperate urge to flee, to disappear into the crowd. "Hi, Michael," she said, her voice soft, and his carefully constructed composure cracked.