Gemotions

The coffee shop door chimed as it swung open, revealing a familiar silhouette. Amelia nearly choked on her iced latte. It was Liam, the Liam she’d spent the last year exchanging witty banter with online, the Liam who’d once bemoaned living in the "boondocks" of Idaho. He was here, in her city, and judging by the carefree grin plastered across his face, he hadn't a clue she was sitting three tables away.

Amelia casually rearranged the sugar packets, deliberately making the loudest rustling sounds possible. Liam, oblivious, was already ordering. She watched him, a slow burn rising in her chest.

When he finally turned, latte in hand, he scanned the room. Their eyes met. Amelia gave him a curt, dismissive nod and then immediately buried herself in her book, as if he were an irritating fly. The satisfaction was immediate, a small, cold victory.