Page 114 of Counter Bet

Emily.

I hold on to the car door as I pop my head back inside. “Thanks for the lift, dad.”

He waves me off. “Yeah. Yeah. I’m pretending you didn’t ask me for a lift here so you can drink.” He peers over my shoulder. “Who are you meeting anyway?”

I shrug. “Just some friends.”

“Just some friends?”

“Yes, dad. Friends.”

He leans back in his seat and shakes his head. “I won’t be held responsible for my actions if you come home pregnant.”

“Oh, my god!” I squeal, much to his amusement. “You can trust me!”

“Famous last words,” he grins.

I roll my eyes. “I’m going now.” When the car door is shut, I wave and start walking toward the sound of laughter. The bonfire is visible beyond the tree line. It flickers in the distance.

I don’t remember the last time I was this nervous?

What if they won’t want me here?

I brush my clammy hands down the purple skater dress I picked out after much deliberation.

They all fall silent when I step through the trees.

My heart beats a staccato rhythm as I wring my hands, eyes trained on my flats.

No one says a word.

I chance a look. They’re all staring back at me in surprise. Matt is the only one who doesn’t look shocked to see me. His lips curve.

April is the first to get up. She runs over to me with a wide smile on her face and throws her arms around me. “Shit, girl! We fucking missed you!”

I wrap my arms around her, surprised she’s willing to forgive me so quickly. “I’m sorry,” I whisper. We sway for a moment before she drags me over to where the others sit around the small fire.

I plop down and look around. Unsure of what to do or say, I wave lamely.

Josh, who lies on the sandy grass, leaning on one elbow, laughs. “Good to have you back, princess.”

Steph hands me a beer. I take a long pull, drinking it down greedily. Liquid courage is a real thing, after all.

Nina scoots up next to me. She wraps her arm over my shoulder and places a kiss on my cheek. “Don’t run away again,” she hiccups drunkenly.

I smile fondly. “Am I late to the party?”

“Pfft,” she laughs, tapping her bottle to mine. “I’m just getting started.”

My eyes connect with Ben’s across the flickering flames. I can’t get a read on him. His face is blank and void of emotions, but I don’t miss the way his throat bobs.

I sweep my eyes over to where Dallas sits next to him on his right. Her lips curve, much to my relief.

I smile back tentatively.

“Scoot over,” Matt orders April before sitting down next to me, elbows on his knees. “You made it.”

I nudge him with my elbow and wink. “You convinced me.”

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