Page 70 of Counter Bet

“I think it’s a great idea, Em. You care about each other—as friends, of course.” She winks.

I laugh, gesturing to the empty ice cream tubs between us. “We’ve eaten our body weight in ice cream. What do you want to do next?”

Hailey wiggles her fingers between us. “I need infills. What do you say? Girl’s spa day?”

“Deal!”

* * *

Steph: Are you okay, princess? We’re worried. Your phone is switched off.

Ben: Explain.

Steph: Cool your marbles, lover boy. We went to watch Em’s cheer practice, and something happened. She was upset.

Me: I’m fine, guys. Don’t worry about me :)

Nina: Who are we beating up?

Josh: *cracks knuckles*

Matty: Ooh, yes, baby! Let’s break some bones!!

April: Wow, look at that. The boys do know how to use the group chat, after all!

Matty: Why don’t you use that smart mouth for better things ;)

Josh: You cheating on me now, babe? It hurts, man!

Matty: You’re my favorite, Josh ;)

Emily: Let me watch again next time ;)

April: *laughing emoji* *fire emoji*

Josh: I would rather lick you, princess *tongue emoji* We’ll let Matt watch ;)

Ben: I’m going to beat u up so fucking bad!

Nina: Rawr!

Dallas: *laughing emoji* meow!

Dallas phones me as I’m lying on my bed scrolling through the group chat. It’s the first time she’s called me directly.

My heart begins to pound. I swipe the screen and press the phone to my ear.

“Hello?”

“Em, I sent a video request.”

I click accept, quickly running my hands through my hair to tame the worst flyaways.

“Hey,” she smiles when it connects. Her raven hair lies splayed across the pillow. “I was worried.”

“I’m okay.” I tuck my hair behind my ear and ignore the flutters in my belly as I make myself comfortable against the headboard.

“What happened?”

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