Gemotions

The air crackled with a nervous energy. He could feel it in the room, in the way people avoided eye contact and lingered by the canapés. He knew she was here. He could feel her absence, even as he was sure of her presence. He clenched his jaw and headed toward the dance floor.

He found her standing near the DJ booth, talking to another couple. He approached, forcing himself to smile. "Hi, Olivia," he said, as if it was a matter of fact. He looked at her and waited for a reaction.

She turned, her face expressionless. "Mark," she replied, her voice soft. "Didn't know you were coming." He shrugged, trying to project a nonchalant manner. "Wouldn't miss it." He wanted her to understand that he had moved on, and that he was strong enough.