Tangled Hearts

Chapter Eight: Caught In The Moment

Ashley met up with Alana at her house, ready to catch up on the latest as they usually did. Alana was ready to hear about what happened with JT after she left.

"So, how was the rest of the night with JT?" Alana asked, setting down her purse.

Ashley shrugged casually, but a small smile broke through. "We just talked and walked around the park for a bit. It was nothing serious."

"Hmm, nothing serious," Alana teased, raising an eyebrow.

Ashley rolled her eyes playfully. "Don't do that now. He's nice or whatever, but I'm not losing my mind over him."

"We actually made plans for today," Ashley continued.

"As long as you're careful around him," Alana said. "He acts like he's looking for more casual things. I just don't want you getting caught up in something you're not looking for."

"I only see him as a friend Alana," Ashley reassured her. Truthfully, she did enjoy JT's company, he was becoming a real friend of hers. If it led to something more, then fine. If not, that was fine too.

⸻

When the time came to get ready, she wasn't sure what to wear for tonight. They weren't doing much, but she still wanted to look cute. After looking through her closet, she settled on a rose-colored long-sleeve with a lacy top underneath, pairing it with her favorite jeans.

JT came by to pick her up shortly after. They were going to an escape room and then allowing the rest of the night to lead them wherever. She hasn't hung out with a guy since her ex-boyfriend. Even though the two of them weren't on a date, it kind of felt like one.

As they walked into the building, their eyes scanned the brightly colored posters and arcade machines lined up against the walls. The area for the escape rooms was towards the back, so that's where they headed.

"Which one looks the best to you?" JT asked, gesturing to the rooms.

Ashley read the names of them out loud, her eyes stopping on a particular one. "How about The Cursed Carnival? Just in time for Halloween."

The worker led them to their room and handed them their instructions. "You've got an hour to solve all the puzzles and break the curse," he explained. "Think fast, this one's not easy."

The door clicked shut behind them, locking them into the carnival-themed room. The dim lights flickered as eerie music filled the space, setting a creepy tone.

"You think you're ready for this?" JT asked.

Ashley glanced at the scattered clues and gave him a confident nod. "I've got this. I'll carry us both if I have to."

JT laughed, crossing his arms. "We'll see. But don't worry, I'll get us out."

As they moved through the room, their playful banter kept the energy light despite the creepy carnival setting.

"If you're so good at this, why haven't you solved this riddle yet?" she said, waving one of the clues around.

"I'm letting you have the spotlight, obviously. Ladies first." he joked.

"Right, you're totally just being a gentleman and it's not because you have no idea what to do."

They shared a laugh, continuing to tease each other and enjoying their time spent together. Unfortunately, even with their combined efforts, the timer hit zero before they could escape.

As they exited the room, Ashley gave JT a playful nudge. "Well, guess someone owes me ice cream now. We failed all because of you."

JT raised an eyebrow, holding back a laugh. "Oh, it's on me now? I'll only take the blame because I want ice cream too."

They headed to a nearby dessert spot that was right across the street. Ashley got her favorite flavor, mint chocolate chip, while JT opted for a classic vanilla cone. They found a quiet spot to sit in his car, enjoying their ice cream as they talked.

"I can't believe that you're over there enjoying mint chocolate chip ice cream," he said, starting to eat from his cone and looking over at her.

"It's so good, I'm questioning your taste now." Ashley grabbed her spoon and picked up some of her ice cream. "Here, try it."

JT tried some of the ice cream, thinking to himself about how to feel about it. "Well it's not horrible," he passed her back her spoon, going back to his ice cream which he actually enjoyed.

For a moment they sat there just enjoying each other's presence.

"You know, I'm glad we did this. Feels good to just hang out, ignoring all of the bullshit from yesterday.

Ashley couldn't agree with his words more. "Same here. It's been fun."

JT looked over at her, his gaze lingering a second too long before he leaned in. Just as he started to close the space between them, Ashley pulled back, her heart racing.

"Sorry, I'm just..." she stumbled, uncertain of what to say at the moment.

He was a bit embarrassed but he wasn't going to let it show. "It's okay. Don't apologize, you don't have to explain anything," he said, laughing it off.

Ashley let out a soft sigh, feeling a bit of relief mixed with awkwardness. They were having a good time and to her, it felt like she ruined the moment.

JT leaned back in his seat. "Are you ready to head back?"

She nodded, still feeling a bit flustered as they started the drive back.

When they reached her place, JT gave her a small wave as she stepped out of the car. "Thanks for tonight. I had fun, Shrek."

Ashley grinned, her confidence returning. "Anytime, Arnold. Next time don't get too cocky about your puzzle skills though."

JT laughed, shaking his head. "Yeah, yeah. Goodnight, Shrek."