Page 77 of Counter Bet

Ben takes my hand in his, threading his fingers through mine. His touch is warm and comforting. “Come on. Let’s find Dallas and get out of here.”

The bell rings. Students stream through the cafeteria doors, bathing the hallway in noise and activity.

My heart hammers in my chest as I squeeze his hand and smile. This moment feels so right. “I’d like that very much.”

* * *

“Em, we’re taking your car. It’s the only one with a functioning AC,” Dallas shouts over her shoulder, skipping down the steps to the school.

Ben holds my hand, unbothered by the stares and whispers. He’s no stranger to this kind of attention. Let them talk! I won’t let the gossip worry me anymore. For the first time, I don’t care what others think of me. They’re going to talk regardless, so we might as well give them something to talk about.

Dallas cries shotgun and grins as Ben squeezes his big frame in the back. My car is big, but he makes it look like a bumper car.

It’s strange to have them both in my car. My heart feels too big for my chest—gone is the emptiness I felt at the beginning of the year.

Dallas fiddles with the radio. “Where are we going?”

I strap on my seatbelt and reach for her hand. “I have an idea, but it’s a long drive.”

“Just drive, princess. We’ve got all day,” Ben says, leaning back against the headrest.

I want to see Dallas carefree and smiling, if only for a day, so I start the engine and drive us down the highway to the one place I know means the most to her. The car eats up the miles as we talk, laugh, and sing along to the radio at the top of our lungs. Ben uses his phone to film Dallas dancing and bouncing in her seat to the beat.

We share a grin in the rearview mirror.

With our troubles behind us and freedom on the horizon, we roll down the windows and enjoy the warm breeze.

Two hours later, I finally pull to a stop and put the car in park. Seagulls screech overhead and the sun warms my face as I open the door and step outside.

Dallas stares at the sandy beach for a long moment. Tears pool in her eyes.

Ben pulls her in for a hug. We both know what the beach means to her and the memories it evokes.

“I haven’t been to a beach since the fire,” she whispers in a trembling voice.

Ben rests his cheek on her head. “We know. You’re okay, Dell.”

“I always wanted to go.” Her voice is quiet. “But it’s so far away, you know.”

I reach up and wipe away a stray tear from her cheek. “We’re here with you, Dallas. You’re not alone.” I take her hand in mine. “Let’s go have some fun.”

She’s a vision, walking barefoot in the sand with her face tilted to the sun. Memories of happier days play across her features. There’s no doubt she belongs in the water because as soon as we find a good spot, she sheds her clothes in record time.

Ben winks at me, then lifts her up and sprints toward the water with her bobbing on his shoulder.

Dallas squeals with laughter. “Let me down!”

When they’re waist-deep in water, he drops her, and she falls back with a huge splash. She pops back up, spitting water. The smile on her face is contagious.

I can’t stop looking. It does something to my heart to see them play like this. Dallas’ wet hair lies plastered to her face. She jumps on Ben’s broad back and tries to topple him, but he’s too tall and big for her.

I drop down on the sand. I don’t wish to intrude on this moment between them. Something tells me they don’t often get to have fun like this. I scoop up a handful of sand, watching it pour through my fingers. Where is life taking me, and where will we be this time next year?

The dwindling sand in my hand makes me think of time running out. I look out over the water just as Dallas splashes Ben.

He wipes a hand down his face, laughing.

Where will they be next year? What will happen to us? It’s too soon to think about a future between us, but I can’t help it. We’re months away from everything changing, and I’m scared. I’m falling for Ben and Dallas.

---