Double Date

Jasper checked his watch, waiting by his sleek black Mustang outside Allison's house. The evening air was crisp, filled with the soft hum of anticipation. He looked up just in time to see Allison stepping out, her smile lighting up her face as she spotted him.

"Hey," she said, slipping into the passenger seat. Her eyes sparkled as she buckled up. "Ready to show me what you've got?"

"Oh, I think you'll be the one showing me up," he replied, grinning. "After all, I've heard rumors about your skills."

Allison laughed, playfully nudging his shoulder. "Guess we'll see who's got the real game tonight."

As they pulled up to the bowling alley, they spotted Jackson's pristine white Porsche already parked. Lydia and Jackson were standing by the entrance, Lydia looking effortlessly stylish as she chatted with Jackson, who gave his Porsche an appreciative pat before looking up.

"Nice Mustang," Jackson remarked as Jasper and Allison approached, a hint of competitiveness in his tone.

"Nice Porsche," Jasper replied smoothly, the two of them sharing a grin. They were both proud of their cars, and the playful rivalry felt fitting.

Inside the bowling alley, the neon lights cast a colorful glow over the lanes, and music pumped from the speakers. After grabbing their shoes and picking out their bowling balls, they headed over to their reserved lane.

"Alright, who's up first?" Lydia asked, feigning innocence as she picked up a bowling ball.

"Oh, definitely you!" Allison insisted, nudging her friend with a grin. "Let's see what you've got."

Jackson stepped up beside Lydia, giving her a reassuring smile. "Don't worry. Just aim straight and—"

Lydia nodded, barely holding back a smirk as she glanced at Jasper and Allison, who exchanged a knowing look. She carefully rolled the ball down the lane, and, despite her best attempt to play it cool, it curved perfectly into a strike.

"Oh, wow, that was… lucky," Lydia said, doing her best to downplay her skill.

Jackson, oblivious, cheered her on. "See? You've got this!"

As Jackson took his turn, Allison leaned in closer to Jasper, her eyes gleaming with amusement. "She's totally faking it."

"I know," Jasper whispered, smirking. "But let's not tell Jackson. I don't think his ego could take it."

Allison stifled a laugh, leaning against his shoulder. "I like the way you think."

Their turn came, and Jasper took a playful stance, holding his ball up with exaggerated confidence. Allison watched with an amused smile as he approached the lane, but his form wasn't exactly… professional. The ball ended up veering into the gutter halfway down.

"Guess we can't be good at everything," Allison teased, poking his side. Jasper chuckled, holding up his hands in surrender.

"Fine, fine. Show me how it's done, then."

Allison accepted the challenge, stepping up and tossing her hair back dramatically. She focused, then sent the ball rolling down the lane with smooth precision. When it landed in a solid strike, she turned to Jasper, hands on her hips.

"Now, that's how you do it," she said, giving him a victorious grin.

Jasper stepped closer, a glint of admiration in his eyes. "Remind me never to underestimate you."

The games continued, with Jasper and Allison sharing flirtatious glances and quiet laughs, while Lydia carefully hid her bowling prowess, sending knowing looks to Jasper and Allison whenever Jackson was distracted. Jackson, meanwhile, remained blissfully unaware, cheering Lydia on with every "lucky" strike she scored.

By the end of the night, they were all laughing and teasing one another, the scores almost forgotten. Allison's arm slipped around Jasper's waist as they left the alley, her head leaning gently against his shoulder.

"This was fun," she murmured softly.

Jasper looked down at her, his smile softening. "Yeah. We should do this more often."

As they all made their way back to their cars, Jackson waved them off, still hyped from the evening. "Same time next week?"

"Definitely," Allison answered for them, sending a wink in Jasper's direction.

With one last wave, they each headed to their cars, a sense of warmth lingering as the night ended on a high note. Jasper and Allison drove back through the quiet streets, both of them wrapped in the easy comfort of each other's company, looking forward to whatever lay ahead.