Gemotions

"So, you're a graphic designer, too?" Mark asked, his voice strained. Across the coffee shop table sat Emily, and they were comparing notes about their careers. He had met her through a friend, and they bonded quickly over their shared interest in art and independent films. The conversation flowed easily, until now. The details of her project started to get eerily specific.

He felt a cold sweat break out on his forehead. Emily’s description of her recent work - a brochure for a local animal shelter - perfectly matched a project that his girlfriend, Chloe, had been working on for weeks. He found himself picking at the worn wooden table, his fingers drumming a nervous rhythm. He kept wanting to interrupt and ask questions, but he couldn't form the words.

Emily was saying that the client she had been working with had given her a special piece of jewelry. Mark knew Chloe was a sucker for jewelry. He felt a sharp jab of pain in his side. It was a detail he knew Chloe would keep a secret. A detail he felt she should have mentioned to him. "It's a beautiful piece," Emily finished. Mark looked at her and swallowed hard, his face pale.