Chapter 2: Building Tension
"Well, will you look at that,? It's Ewan from down the street, all grown up!" Elissa shouted to him outside the pub.
She had recognized him instantly, as she just couldn't forget those piercing brown eyes of his. They'd almost hooked up, and she regretted not taking him up on the offer.
Ewan turned and squinted at her, tilting his head. "Elissa? Is that you?" He kicked a rock by his feet as he approached her, looking just as hot as ever, complete with messy dyed blonde hair, arm tattoos, and a cocky grin.
She giggled, shaking her head. "Still not changed a bit." She teased, raising an eyebrow playfully. "Apart from the whole rock and roller look you've got going on," she added, glancing at his tattoos.
The two of them had always been close, but life had taken them on separate paths. College, work, and relationships had caused a rift between them, one that Elissa never intended to make.
Ewan laughed, running a hand through his blonde hair.
"You know me, love. Always experimenting with my look."
The warm glow of the twinkling fairy lights bathed them as they stood outside the small coffee shop. It looked like a perfect sanctuary in the cool evening air, and Elissa suddenly felt the urge to spill her guts to him.
"Actually, I've just gone through a pretty messy breakup," she said, a hint of sadness in her voice. "I think my ex split up with me because of that bitch, Rosie."
Ewan's eyes narrowed. "Rosie?
Are you serious?" Ewan said, his tone sharp. "She never was any good for you, I could always tell she was never a real friend."
Elissa nodded, grateful for the support. Rosie had been a friend of hers for years, but she started to suspect that Rosie had stolen her boyfriend of two years. After the break-up, she couldn't help but feel a surge of hatred towards her.
"So, here's my plan," Elissa whispered, her voice full of mischief. "Let's make Rosie think that we're a couple now. We go over and confront her. You can be the muscle" - Elissa flexed her thin arm dramatically, grinning at him - "And I'll be the brains."
Ewan guffawed, his laughter echoing around the quiet street, and Elissa felt her heart swell. She missed this camaraderie, their shared sense of humor and their playful banter.
Ewan leaned forward, lowering his voice. "And then what?"
Elissa shrugged casually, grinning. "And then we seduce her, of course. Just enough to embarrass her a bit."
Ewan raised an eyebrow, skewing his lips.
"You think you can do that?" He asked.
Elissa's knew she could; she had always been a master at getting what she wanted. Her charm, her sass, and her sharp tongue were powerful weapons, weapons she intended to use.
"Oh, I can definitely do it. I'm a pro at flirting with guys." She said, pouting her red lips dramatically, and winking at him.
"shall we go now?" She suggested.
Ewan hesitated for a moment, glancing at his watch. It was late, and he had planned on heading home after grabbing a coffee. But the prospect of teaming up with Elissa again was too tantalizing to resist.
"Okay," he said finally, a small smile playing at his lips. "Let's do it."
They made their way to her flat.