Page 125 of Counter Bet

Scarlett looks up from her book.

“No,” Hailey whines. “It’s not good news. I’m trying to move on over here. How am I supposed to do that when he’s cute?”

I wouldn’t describe drunk calling as cute, but I don’t argue with her. “Why don’t you give the long-distance thing a try at least?”

I can hear laughter in the background. She sighs tiredly.

“I want to, Em, but it’s too hard. I would worry all the time about girls flirting with him. I don’t want to be the jealous girlfriend on the other end of the phone.”

I don’t blame her. Jamie is not a saint, but he changed when he started dating Hailey. He only had eyes for her, which is the equivalent of snow on Mars in the world of Jamie.

“How about you?” she asks.

I flick my gaze to Scarlett. She’s abandoned her book and is painting her toenails. “I’m going on a date this Friday with the guy I told you about.”

Scarlett smirks, eyes still on her toes.

Hailey squeals in my ear. “That is so exciting! Have you decided what to wear? Did you pack the gold sequin dress? You look smoking hot in that one!”

“Hailey, he’s taking me for a meal. I need to wear something more casual than a party dress,” I laugh, but it feels forced.

“I wish you could see my eye roll right now.”

“Oh no, not the infamous Hailey eye roll.”

She laughs.

“Hailey?”

“Yeah?”

“You don’t think—” I trail off, feeling unsure. “It’s too soon?” I keep my voice low, not wishing for Scarlett to overhear what suddenly feels like a very private conversation. I haven’t told her about Ben and Dallas. It’s not something I feel ready to share yet.

“Em,” Hailey replies in a soft voice. “I think it’s time. You’re ready for this.”

She was there for me at my lowest and kept me supplied with tissues, ice cream, and crappy movies, so she understands my hesitancy.

I worry my bottom lip. “Then why don’t I feel ready? And why the guilt?”

She’s quiet for a moment, weighing her words. “I understand it’s hard. I can sympathize somewhat since I’m over here, pining over Jamie. I know it’s not the same since the breakup was mutual, and he didn’t break my heart, but I know it’s hard. It will feel strange the first time you kiss this guy, but it will get easier with time. You know the saying—the best way to get over someone is to get under someone else.”

Her analogy makes me laugh.

She hums in approval. “You know logically that you have nothing to feel guilty about, but your heart needs time to catch up. Give it a go if you like this guy. What’s the worst that could happen?”

“I could end up hurting him.” I deadpan.

She sighs. “Em, don’t be afraid to love again. You can’t let what happened with Ben and Dallas stop you from meeting someone.”

I think she’s trying to convince herself as much as me.

Hailey sighs as loud voices ring out in the background. “My roommate is suffering an existential crisis over here. Call me tomorrow?”

I smile, nodding even though she can’t see me. “Of course. I love you, Hailey!”

“Love you too, Em.”

“She’s right, you know.”

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