Gemotions

His presence was a physical weight, pressing down on Leo. He smoothed his tie, a nervous gesture he hadn’t done in years. He’d known, of course, that she'd be here; it was Liam and Chloe’s wedding, after all. But seeing her across the patio, chatting animatedly with his cousin Mark, was a different story.

His stomach lurched. He took a hasty sip of his beer, the cold liquid doing little to quench the sudden fire in his chest. He felt exposed, like he'd accidentally stumbled onstage without knowing the lines. He found himself unconsciously adjusting his posture, trying to appear taller, more assured.

He noticed the way she moved, the way her laughter crinkled the corners of her eyes. He had to remind himself why they weren't together. He focused on the canapés, suddenly finding the tiny crab cakes endlessly fascinating.