Gemotions

"Alright, everyone," Liam began, his voice surprisingly steady, despite the way his stomach was doing flip-flops. He scanned the room, looking for *her*. She was in the back, near the bar, talking to his sister. He focused on her and found it easier to talk.

The speech was supposed to be about his father, a man he loved dearly. But it was difficult to concentrate. He could feel the thrumming in his chest, a constant, low-level vibration that seemed to intensify with every passing second.

He paused, searching for the right words, a flush creeping up his neck. He adjusted his tie, suddenly feeling constricted. He wanted to make her laugh.

He kept talking, but his thoughts were consumed by her. He stumbled over the words, his delivery disjointed and awkward. All the while, the intensity of his feeling for her grew.