Gemotions

The flickering candlelight on the restaurant table seemed to dance in sync with the rapid thrumming in Amelia’s chest. She picked at the end of her breadstick, crumbling it into a dozen tiny pieces. Across from her, Liam was late, and she’d already finished her water, twice. Each passing minute brought a fresh wave of…something. Her jaw was clenched, she realized, and she consciously relaxed it, forcing a smile when the waiter approached. "Just waiting for my date," she managed, her voice a little higher than usual.

Finally, Liam burst through the door, all apologies and a dazzling smile. Amelia managed a weak, "You're late." His phone buzzed as he sat, and he glanced at it, a flicker of something she couldn't quite place in his eyes before he stuffed it back in his pocket. She could feel a creeping heat rising in her cheeks.

"So," she began, the word coming out clipped, "I was just telling Sarah about this new…what do you mean you're Sarah's date?" The words hung heavy in the air, the smile vanishing from both their faces. Amelia’s fingers went to her throat, squeezing at the skin.