Gemotions

The fluorescent lights of the office seemed to hum directly into Amelia's skull, amplifying every tiny mistake she'd made that morning. She replayed the email she'd sent to the client, wincing at the slightly too casual tone. Across the open-plan space, Mark was laughing, animatedly gesturing at something on his screen. A flash of resentment, quickly suppressed, tightened Amelia’s jaw. He always seemed so effortlessly charming.

"Summer camp, eh?" Mark said, swiveling his chair towards her. "Camp Whispering Pines? That was ages ago!"

Amelia froze. Her cheeks heated. Whispering Pines. The one place she’d ever felt truly awkward.

"Yeah," she mumbled, pushing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I…I went there too."

Mark’s eyebrows shot up. "No way! I was the kid who… well, I was always getting into trouble. Remember the archery range? I nearly took out Mr. Henderson's toupee." He chuckled, radiating confidence. Amelia remembered the time she'd burst into tears during the talent show. She’d botched a solo performance of "Tomorrow" from Annie, and the shame still clung to her. She looked down at her hands, suddenly fascinated by the way her nails needed a manicure.