Stray Serendipity

Heartstrings On Ice

Years from now, this day will be a cherished memory, like a timeless photograph bathed in the warm glow of an afternoon. The sky above was a brilliant shade of blue, dotted with just enough clouds to cast playful shadows on the ground. Asher strolled along the winding path, the leaves crunching beneath his feet as he pondered how the date would unfold. He felt a deep sense of familiarity with Valencia, as if they had known each other for a lifetime.

As he approached the ice skating rink named Heartstrings on Ice, he marveled at its quaint charm. Nestled discreetly on Yates Street, the rink glowed softly under the streetlights, its twinkling lights reflecting off the smooth, frosty surface. The moment Ash stepped inside, he was enveloped by the warm and cool glow of string lights draped above the rink, casting a soft blend of golden and oceanic hues.

He made his way to a nearby table where a crackling fireplace provided gentle warmth, and skaters sipped warm drinks while engaging in lively conversation. He settled at a table directly in front of the fireplace, then pulled out his phone to message Vallie. "Hey, Ms. Fuentes! I'm already here, but don’t rush—take your time. I’ll be waiting as always," he typed carefully before tapping the send button.

As Ash waited for Vallie, he continued to read Icebreaker, the book they had both read during their first meeting. Despite once enjoying it, he now found himself jaded by its excessive and unnecessary spicy scenes that lacked substance. The book had become a trainwreck he couldn't put down. Vallie had also abandoned it, dismayed by its over-the-top portrayal of jealousy and possessiveness, which she felt was unfit for a contemporary romance. As he skimmed through the pages, he listened to the soft jazz music that filled the rink, occasionally glancing up to watch couples and families gliding gracefully across the ice, their hands intertwined in warm embrace.

After a few minutes, Ash felt a gentle tap on his shoulder. Turning around, he was greeted by Vallie, who wore an enchanting smile. She was dressed in a blouse with a bow tie tucked into high-waisted trousers, complemented by a light purple cardigan and delicate necklace and earrings. Her ballet flats completed the elegant look.

Ash quickly set the book aside and stood up, his face brightening as he said, "Hi, Vallie!" He embraced her in a brief, warm hug.

"Hey!... You're still reading that?" Vallie said with a playful accusatory tone, nodding towards the book on the table and struggling to suppress her laughter.

"I know, I know, but it's so bad I can't put it down!" Ash feigned exasperation before both of them erupted into laughter, drawing curious glances from those around them. Realizing their outburst had attracted attention, they quickly hushed their laughter and mouthed apologies to the nearby patrons before sitting down, still chuckling softly.

"Well, that was awkward," Vallie remarked with a playful smirk as Ash continued to chuckle, glancing around the rink.

"Yeah, it was," he agreed, clearing his throat as their laughter subsided. "So, do you want to order anything before we hit the ice?"

Vallie nodded, watching him as he slowly stood up. "Matcha, as usual?" Ash asked, double-checking even though he knew it was her go-to drink.

"How did you know?!" she exclaimed, her eyes widening in surprise, though she kept her voice low. Ash responded with a playful, downward-tilted smile, raising an eyebrow. "Just a hunch," he teased.

Vallie watched as he walked over to the queue, patiently waiting as the line moved slowly. It took about ten minutes before he returned, balancing a tray with her hot matcha, a donut, his hot chocolate, and a muffin.

"Here you go..." Ash murmured, setting down her order with a small grin before heading back to return the tray.

"How's Jinx?" Ash asked slowly after settling back into his seat, gently blowing on his hot chocolate.