Gemotions

The cafe air suddenly felt thick, like a humid greenhouse. Amelia’s cheeks burned. Across the small, wrought-iron table, Chloe stared back, her perfectly sculpted eyebrows arched in a mirroring expression of shock. They’d both independently, and excitedly, been describing their upcoming weekend getaway with Liam. The same weekend. The same secluded cabin. Amelia’s grip tightened on her iced latte, the condensation making her fingers slick. She wanted to disappear, to simply evaporate into the beige upholstery of the booth. “Well,” Chloe finally said, her voice strained, “this is… unexpected.” Amelia’s stomach twisted into a knot, a cold, hard lump pressing against her ribs. She couldn't meet Chloe's gaze, instead, she focused on the swirling ice in her drink.