Page 141 of Counter Bet

Hailey winks as we step outside. “I know the best place in town!”

* * *

“How many flavors did you get?” I laugh, tears streaming down my face.

Hailey looks at me like she’s seen a pig flying while the poor waitress keeps bringing bowls until every inch of the table is covered.

“Trust me. You’ll never want vanilla again after trying every flavor in here.”

My smirk is slow to form. I pick up my spoon and scoop up a spoonful of Unicorn flavored ice cream. “You know I don’t do vanilla.”

She snorts a laugh, following suit but instead of Unicorn flavor, she picks the Stardust.

“Who thought of these weird flavors?” I ask. “What does the Unicorn flavor actually taste of?” It’s not strawberry or any kind of berry flavor, but definitely fruity.

“Who knows. This Stardust flavor reminds me of a mixture between bubblegum and Sweethearts.”

I moan around a mouthful of Sunshine flavor. “Okay, this one is definitely tropical .”

Hailey digs in the bowl of good old chocolate ice cream. “How are things going with you and Dallas?”

A blush warms my cheeks despite the cold ice cream cooling my insides. “Really good!”

“Really good?” Hailey laughs. “Is that all I’m getting?”

I shrug, grinning. “I mean, yeah. We’ve seen each other every day since we got back together.”

Now I’m definitely blushing.

“And Ben?”

My smile falls. I reach for the bowl of chocolate ice cream. “He’s fucking some girl.”

“Want me to fly back with you and pull out her hair extensions?”

Laughter bubbles up. “I missed you, Hailey!”

Her smile softens. “I missed you too. It’s not the same, is it?”

I shake my head, licking the last bit of chocolate ice cream off my spoon. “No.” I point my spoon at her. “Enough of that. When are you getting back with Jamie?”

Hailey’s cheeks warm. “We’ve talked about this, Em. It’s not happening.”

“He’s like a fucking puppy, wagging his tail at the mention of your name.”

Hailey laughs, reaching across the table for a bowl of purple ice cream. “He behaves like one too. Just last night, he phoned to serenade me at three in the morning. It’s not like I need sleep or anything.”

I choke on my ice cream. “He didn’t?!”

“Oh, he did! I’ve never heard a worse rendition of “I Just Called To Say I Love You” in my life.”

“Oh my god!” I say, snorting with laughter. “I would pay money to hear that.”

Hailey raises an eyebrow, smiling. “Trust me. You don’t want to.” She takes another mouthful of chocolate ice cream, scrunching her face up. “Shit! Brain freeze!”

I wait until she’s finished banging her fist on the table. “Admit it, Hailey. You secretly like that he’s still chasing you.”

She drops the brave act and looks defeated for a moment. “Being in love fucking sucks!”

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