Drag Me Down

Chapter 3

Arriving back home, I noticed the next door apartment had a light on. A wreath on the door. If I had a new neighbor, I should take something over to welcome them. The door opened, and an older woman stepped out with a flowerpot. I turned away, embarrassed to be caught staring at her apartment. She smiled and called out hello. Her face looked kind, warm. I took the chance and hoped I was right.

"Hello! I'm Christine Wexler. I live next door. I was going to welcome you to out community." I spoke quickly.

"Why thank you, dear. Call me Emma, everyone does. And i do have to say, you have the most beautiful flowers in your box!" The neighbor-Emma, praised. I offered a smile.

"Thank you, my dad enjoyed gardening." I told her, replaying old memories through my mind.

"Well, dear, you look just near tired out. Care to join me for some hot tea?" Emma seemed so cheerful and caring, I couldn't turn her down. I accepted with a smile, and she led me inside. She'd made the apartment so cozy. It felt like home.

"Have a seat there, dear," She told me, motioning toward a small table. "I'll fix us some tea." I obediently sat at the table. The lighting was warm, welcoming. A small dog slept on thr couch. I couldn't help but feel a connection with this woman. Emma looked to be in her late 60s, with white hair in a French twist, strands falling around her face in a gentle way. She returned to the table, holding a teapot and small china cups.

"Here we are, dear. Tell me about yourself. Married?" She asked. Somehow it didn't feel prying. I laughed gently.

"No, I'm single. Not much of a love life at all." For some reason, Trace entered my mind. I shoved the thought away. Emma tapped her lip as if pondering a thought. A slightly mischievous glint took to her eyes.

"You know, my grandson has to be near your age. What are you, twenty-five?" Oh great. A matchmaker. But at the excited look in her eyes, I couldn't push off her questions.

"I'm twenty-two." Her eyes lit.

"My grandson, he's twenty-four. You know, I do believe he's visiting me tonight." Oh boy. I would have to make sure and get out of there before he arrived.

"Come to think of it... he may be here before long." She sounded eager. My eyes darted toward the door. As if sensing my thoughts, she frowned.

"Now, dear, don't think of running off just yet. My grandson, he's truly such a gentleman." She paused, studying me.

"You're such a pretty girl, too. He's certain to think the same."

My cheeks flushed.

"I'm sorry to disappoint you, Emma. I just don't think I'll stay long. I have to-" a sharp knock at the door cut me off. Oh no. Was it the grandson? I certainly hoped not.

"Oh, well theres my grandson now!" She opened the door, a gentle smile on her worn face. I leaned forward trying to see out. I caught a glimpse of blue eyes. Shock filled me. I had to get out. I needed to get away. Her grandson was none other than Trace Parker. He stepped inside, pulling Emma into a tight embrace. His eyes roamed the room and stopped on me. My face flushed.

"Christine?" He raised an eyebrow in question.

"Umm. Hi?" How stupid I must have sounded, but it was the only thing I could think of at the moment.

He smirked at me over Emma's shoulder. Ugh. That smirk again. How annoying. Although, it made me feel shy. I refused to break eye contact first. Emma looked between us, a brow furrowed.

"You two already know each other? Well how wonderful!" Trace's smirk grew. Yeah, just wonderful. I was in quite the predicament it seemed.

"Christine's my coworker, grandma." He was calling me Christine. Was he embarrassed to cwll me by my nickname in front of his grandmother? But, then I didn't like my nickname. Right? Right. He still hasn't explained what it meant.

"Oh, that's just perfect. I thought it was you who I saw bring Christine home the other night." She looked thoughtful. We hadn't talked about that since it happened. This couldn't get any more awkward. But it did.

"Why don't we play a nice little game here?" Emma asked happily. She was so joyful. It was nice.

"There's no use," Trace spoke up. "I'm sure I'd beat Christine anyway." My gaze swung to him. I met his eyes with a challenge.

"Oh, so you think?" I wasn't going to let him just get away with that.

"I'm sure, absolutely certain, I could beat you in most any game." I challenged.

"Let's see about that then." He leaned slightly toward me, his gaze playful.

"Oh, great! I'll grab a game from the closet and be right back out." Emma walked from the room, leaving me with Trace.

"I'm going to win." He said, looking smug. I glared.

"No way. Just because you're a man? Hah. I happen to be a pro at board games." I retorted.

"We'll see." Ugh. Why was that stupid smirk so attractive. What? Where had that thought come from? I ignored it. He was frustrating. Although, I admitted, frustratingly attractive. As if sensing my thoughts, he c****d an eyebrow.

"Whatcha thinking over there, Cutie?"

My face turned red, I was certain of it. But I stayed confident.

"Just thinking about winning the game, of course." I answered, a weak response. Ge thought for a second.

"How's this. We make a deal." He suggested. I listened, waiting for him to elaborate.

"You win, I owe you a dare. I win? You have to do a dare that I give you." Oh, he was so self assured.

"Accepted." I said in a low voice. He reached out for a handshake. I shook his hand, very firmly. He looked surprised. A shock of electricity ran from where my hand met his and all through me. Just then, Emma entered the room.

"Alright, dears. Let's have a seat on the couch, why don't we?" I followed her to the couch as Trace took the chair directly opposite me.

I was going to win.

"Yes!!" I cheered. I needed one last point. Trace was behind by 3 points. As he made him move and scored a point, he gave me a look that said he wasn't giving up. Before I knew it, we were tied. Then he scored. No. He won. I mentally yelled at myself. How could I have lost, and to Trace?

"I'll let you know when I decide on a dare." He called, slipping out the door.

I didn't notice until he left how much we had connected that night. We talked about everything from music to home decor. How many past similar experiences we'd had. I felt a drawing toward him that I couldn't squelch. But he's supposed to be my worst nightmare. My handsome worst nightmare.