Page 135 of Counter Bet

“I’m going out. Do you want to come with me?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.

“As exciting as it sounds, no,” she deadpans, flopping down on her bed. “I have like a million essays to write, and I’ve procrastinated long enough.”

It’s probably for the best as I need time alone to think. “I’ll see you when I get back.” I grab my things and wink at her as I open the door.

Scarlett bites into a pear. “Don’t break any bones.”

* * *

The air outside is mild. Autumn has arrived, and winter is around the corner, but the temperature never drops as low here as back home, where the air is crisp at this time of year.

Yellow and orange leaves crunch beneath my new black chucks. Yes, I bought myself a pair.I also got myself a pair of jeans.

My phone rings in my pocket. I fish it out and smile when I see the caller ID.

“Hi, Rick. What’s up?”

“Just phoning to see how my favorite girl is doing?” he replies. I can hear the smile in his voice.

“Nothing has changed since yesterday,” I laugh, but it dies in my throat. “Actually, I saw Ben today.”

There’s silence on the other end. I look at the screen to check the call is still connected. “Rick?”

He releases a breath. “I’m here... Are you okay?”

He’s worried.I smile softly. “I’m fine. He was with another girl. It hurt to see, but I’m glad he’s doing well.”

Rick sighs heavily and runs a hand down his face. I don’t have to see it to know it; his mannerisms are second nature to me.

“Don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine. I’m already doing so much better.”

“I know, Em, but you were in such a bad way. Be careful, okay? It fucking kills me to think of you getting hurt like that again and being so far away.”

I make a noise in my throat. “Thank you for being a good friend, Rick.”

“You would do the same for me.”

“Guess what?” I say in a much lighter tone, changing the subject. “I’m on my way to the skatepark.”

The entrance is up ahead.

Rick bursts out laughing.

My mouth drops open in mock offense. It’s notthatfunny.

“Let me talk to her,” I hear Jamie say in the background. They both ended up playing for the same team, which was no surprise.

“Em,” Jamie’s gravelly voice greets my ear. “You better be fucking careful because I can’t deal with Rick if something happens to you. I swear he’s more whipped now than when you were together.”

Rick swears up a storm in the background.

“Don’t let his new girlfriend hear you say that,” I laugh. According to Rick, they are taking things slow.

Jamie still pines after Hailey. The notorious playboy has been captured and reigned in. It’s too bad for him that Hailey still insists on keeping their relationship platonic. For now.

“Give me that, you dick!” Rick curses before coming back on the line. “Sorry about that, Em.”

I smile, kicking a pile of leaves. “Jamie will be Jamie. I’m at the skatepark. Speak again soon?”

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