It Started With Hello

Chap. 82

"Blake, what are we doing here? Isn't it closed at this time of day?" Emma asked as they pulled up to The Underground. The sliding metal door was down, signifying it was closed. Blake pulled up right outside the door before digging in his pocket and pulling out a pair of keys.
"Got the keys from Niki this morning before getting you," he grinned before unbuckling his seatbelt, sliding out of his car to unlock the door.

Emma was surprised to hear Niki had given him the keys this morning; Niki hadn't mentioned it over text earlier. Blake must have wanted to keep this a surprise. He lifted up the door before climbing back inside the car and driving inside. The inside was much bigger when it wasn't packed with people, cars, and motorcycles.

"I'm gonna let you drive around inside here," he said before parking the car in the vast, empty space. As she got out of the car, she saw there was one car inside other than theirs. "Whose car is that?" she asked as she walked around their vehicle, switching sides with Blake.

He got to the passenger side, looking over at the flashy red sports car, its polished surface gleaming even in the dim light of the garage. "It's probably one of Chris's cars; he loves sports cars," he shrugged while she got behind the wheel. She put the car in drive, cautiously navigating around the inside of the parking area for a few minutes. Soon, her confidence grew. She was driving like a pro; she was sure she would pass her driving test by the end of the summer.

"So, I have an idea, Emma. How about we make a little bet?" he grinned, turning to face her fully. She took a minute to park the car before facing him, her brow raised skeptically.

"I don't have a good feeling about this."
He rolled his eyes, running his fingers over his chain necklaces. "We'll have a little race. The winner gets one wish, and the loser has to do anything the winner asks." Her eyes widened, a knot forming in her stomach. Was he crazy? Of course, she wouldn't be able to win against him in a race.

"Blake, there's no way I would win that race. Why would I make a bet like that?"
He picked up the set of keys from the cup holder, the ones they used to get into the garage.

Pointing to the jet black key on the hoop, he met her eyes once again, a challenge glinting in his gaze. "This key goes to..." He pointed out the windshield towards the flashy red sports car. "That car. I'll let you drive that one, and I'll drive mine. You know the rules: Galway Park and back. Winner gets one wish to use whenever they want." He held up one finger, grinning, before putting the keys back in the cup holder. She simply crossed her arms, considering.

Her eyes looked out the window towards Chris's car. It did look fast. Maybe she could win with it. "I don't think Chris would like me driving his car," she looked at him, a hint of worry in her voice. He shook his head, leaning back.

"What Chris doesn't know won't hurt him," he countered smoothly. She thought it over for a moment. She didn't even have a license. If she got caught, she would definitely go back to jail and she definitely didn't want to see Mr. Gates again. But on the other hand, she could get him to do a lot of things with one wish.

"You're always dragging me into crazy situations," she accused playfully, though a thrill of excitement buzzed beneath her apprehension.
He gave her a simple smile, making him look completely innocent, then gave her a shrug while leaning back. "But don't I make life fun for ya?" Was that even a real question? Of course, he gave her an amazing adventure whenever she saw him.

"I guess you do," she conceded, a small smile finally breaking through. At this point, he was sure she would agree to the race. She could use that one wish whenever she wanted to; that was pretty exciting. So even though she had everything to lose, she said, "You got yourself a bet, Blake Black." She held out a hand to him. He laughed, taking her hand, shaking it firmly "You're on, Pear." the deal was set. She just hoped she wouldn't regret this.