Page 144 of Counter Bet

She yawns, stretching her arms overhead. “Let’s go paintballing.”

My eyes bug out. Is this the same Hailey that I had to console for over an hour when she got a streak of mud on her brand new heels last year? Or who squealed bloody murder when one of the boys in class pulled the nib of a pen and threw the shaft across the room, splatting ink on her dress.

She giggles, amused by my reaction. “You should see the look on your face.”

I laugh too.

“You’re not the only one who’s changed.”

“I Iike this new you. Let’s do it!” I throw the quilt off and root for my clothes on the floor. I’m hopping on one foot, fighting with my sock. “There’s a first time for everything, right?” Just don’t cry like a baby when I win.”

Hailey throws her hairbrush at me, and I duck—just in time. “The only tears will be tears of joy after I beat your ass!