Gemotions

"California?" Leo repeated, his voice echoing slightly in the empty apartment. He’d been expecting a coffee date, a casual catch-up, not this. He leaned against the doorway, arms crossed tightly. He felt as though a steel band was constricting his chest.

Miles had spoken for a good ten minutes, excitedly detailing his plans, completely unaware of the turmoil churning inside Leo. The easy smile that usually brightened his face was now a tight, almost imperceptible line.

“So, like, when were you planning on mentioning this to me?” Leo finally asked, his voice low and devoid of its usual warmth. He couldn’t bring himself to look at Miles, staring instead at a dust mote dancing in a sunbeam, feeling a hollowness creep into his bones.