Gemotions

The moment the string quartet struck up, Emily spotted him. Across the packed dance floor, stood James, as effortlessly elegant as ever. A wave of… something sharp, unpleasant, crashed over her. She knew she should just ignore him, but she couldn’t.

She gripped her clutch so tightly that her knuckles turned white. Her smile felt fixed and unnatural. He was already talking to people, laughing. She pretended to be engrossed in her conversation, but her focus was elsewhere.

She felt a flicker of annoyance when he caught her eye and gave a small, polite nod. She forced herself to mirror the gesture. She didn't feel at all polite, though. She wanted him to leave.