Gemotions

He had the audacity to be early. Michael noticed him the instant he stepped into the reception hall. His pulse quickened. He scanned the room for an escape route, but the space was already filling up. The clinking of glasses, the murmur of conversation, all magnified the drumming in his ears. He gripped the edge of the bar, knuckles white.

His palms were slick. He hadn't expected to feel this way. It had been years. He’d told himself he was over it. This… this was just a wedding. Yet, his gaze kept drifting toward the other side of the room, toward Sarah and her new, taller boyfriend, who was telling a joke. Michael watched her laugh, a sound that once made his chest swell.

He fumbled for his phone, scrolling through his emails, anything to occupy his hands. He could feel the stares. The way the back of his neck prickled. The invitation felt like a cruel joke now. He downed the shot the bartender placed in front of him.