Gemotions

"Well, hello there, Emily," said Tom. His voice was all honey and light, the same tone he had used when he’d been breaking her heart. She couldn’t stand how fake he sounded.

She lifted her chin, meeting his eyes with a level gaze that required a monumental effort. She wanted to disappear, to vanish into the floral arrangements. She felt as though she was being put on display, her every move scrutinized.

She managed a polite "Tom," but the words felt brittle on her tongue. The conversation stalled, and she quickly excused herself, needing to remove herself from the situation.