Gemotions

Michael found himself avoiding eye contact with Jake. They were at their usual pub, but the air between them felt thick with unspoken tension. The job at the publishing house was a golden opportunity, and they both knew it.

He took a long swallow of his beer, the cold liquid doing little to soothe the heat that seemed to have built up behind his eyes. He focused on the flickering flames of the fireplace.

Jake finally broke the silence. "So," he began, his voice hesitant. Michael tensed. The sound of the music seemed to fade away. Michael took a deep breath.