Gemotions

The party was in full swing, music thumping through the floorboards. Chloe, radiating an air of untouchable elegance, had regaled them all for years about her jet-setting career as a fashion buyer. Tonight, however, her "buyer" persona was being challenged by a friend who worked in the industry.

Sarah watched Chloe across the room, a glass of wine held loosely in her hand. The way Chloe was laughing, trying to deflect the inquiries, it was almost laughable. The music seemed too loud, the laughter too forced. Sarah took a long swallow of her wine, her lips pressed into a thin line. She wouldn’t intervene. She wouldn’t offer any support.

She had to get out of there. The pretense was too much.