Chapter 5: Resolution
The bell above the coffee shop door jangled, and the huddled group of young people in the back of the shop looked up, smiles tugging at their lips. James swept through the door, a warm autumn breeze trailing behind him as he moved to the counter and leaned against it. He twisted his brown hair back with one hand, then spotted Emma. She sat with two friends in one of the shadowed corners of the shop, which barely held their table, four overstuffed armchairs, and assorted cozy pillows.
Emma's blonde hair fell over her shoulder, obscuring one side of her face as she leaned in to hear something her friends were saying. When she looked up and saw James waiting for the barista to call his name, Emma did a double take and met his stare for a brief moment. She didn't look away from him, challenging him to confront her.
A few moments later, a barista called out, "Americano for James?" and James nodded to the brunette behind the counter. He paid, then strode towards Emma, his long legs devouring the distance swiftly.
Her friends whispered to each other, the words "James" and "video" passing between them. Emma raised her chin as if daring him to do something.
As James reached the table, he glowered at her. "We need to talk, Emma."
Her eyes widened slightly, but she didn't back down. "Oh, do we? Do you want to go outside and yell at me in private, then?"
James' hand balled into a fist, the desire to punch something nearly overwhelming him. "I'm not yelling, Emma.
But we do need to talk, alone."
Emma tilted her head, a coy smile appearing on her lips. "Alright. Follow me home, then, James."
James scowled but nodded. As the group of friends dispersed for the day, James stayed by Emma's side. She put her arm through his and leaned into his body. Her perfume filled his nose, sweet like cherries with a touch of vanilla. James' anger dissolved a little bit as they walked together, despite himself.
They reached the shared house and entered without saying a word.
Emma led James upstairs and to her bedroom, her heart thundering in her chest. When the door closed behind them, she turned to face him, her green eyes gleaming in the dim light.
"Look, James," said Emma, her voice low and sultry, "I know you're angry, but I want to make it up to you. I didn't share that video with anyone else, I swear."
James stared at her, his eyes flicking over her body, and his cheeks flushed with anger and desire.
"What are you suggesting, Emma?"
"I'm suggesting that we fuck like rabbits and work out some of that pent-up anger," she replied, her voice dripping with innuendo. "Unless you're too much of a pussy to take what you want."
James snarled and crossed the room in two strides. He grabbed her by the waist, lifted her up, and slammed her back against the door with a thud. Emma gasped, her green eyes flashing with excitement.