Hard to Get by Emma Carlson Berne Read Free Book Online

in. “So Kelly was just saying we should make a bet on it.”
    I straightened up. “Heck, yeah. We can bet on it. If Kelly’s prepared to lose.” I stared daggers at her.
    She gazed back at me sweetly. “I’m never prepared to lose. That’s why I don’t.”
    â€œSo what are the stakes? It better be good if I’m going to go to all this trouble. All-expenses-paid trip to Cancún? H and M shopping spree?” I gave her a toothy smile.
    â€œUhh …”
    Becca spoke up. “I know exactly what the stakes are. And believe me, this is worth it. I’ll show you guys tonight.”
    We all looked at one another. For a moment, no one spoke. Then I reached out my hands, one to each friend. “Okay. Let’s do it.”
    â€œYes!” Kelly pumped her fist in the air. “You’re on.”
    We did a three-way shake to seal the bet.
    Outside the café, a pale spring sky spread over the sun-warmed sidewalk and the hesitant scent of hyacinths drifted from a planter near the café entrance.
    â€œSo, you guys are coming over early tonight, right?” Kelly said. She dug around in her REI bag for her keys. “I’m making nacho dip.”
    â€œWait, are you serious?” I asked. “After what happened last time?” The “last time” under discussion involved a food processor,several burnt pans, and the fire department.
    â€œLook, I’ve perfected the recipe. It’s going to be awesome.” Kelly unlocked her bike from the telephone pole and threw her leg over the seat. “We’ll order pizza for dinner. See you tonight!” she called over her shoulder.
    â€œSo you’re going to start the GNBP tonight?” Becca asked as we climbed into the Saab.
    I took a deep breath. “Yeah, I guess I am.” I glanced in my side mirror and lurched away from the curb.

Kelly barely glanced at us as she threw open the door that evening. She was wrapped in a towel and her wet hair streamed down her back. “Hey, hi,” she said, whipping up the stairs. In her room, the bathroom door stood open, billowing clouds of steam. We could hear the shower running as she disappeared into the bathroom and banged the door shut.
    Becca dropped down on the red-striped carpet and immediately pulled out her phone.
    â€œWho are you texting?” I asked, grabbing a copy of Vanity Fair from Kelly’s nightstand.
    â€œLogan,” she said, not looking up fromthe screen. “He’s thinking of going dancing tonight.”
    â€œTell him to come here! There’ll be plenty of dancing,” I said, gazing at a picture of Robert Pattinson wearing a black leather vest.
    â€œThat’s what I’m saying.”
    I could hear the shower shut off in the bathroom. A few minutes later, Kelly’s arm reached out and pushed the door open a few inches. The smell of cucumber body wash wafted into the room. “So did you bring the stakes with you, Becca?” she called.
    â€œYep,” Becca called back. She set down her phone and reached into her Kooba bag, next to her on the rug. As I watched, she pulled out a large blue velvet jewelry box. I raised my eyebrows and she grinned.
    A blow-dryer started up in the bathroom. “Well?” Kelly shouted over the noise. “What is it?”
    Becca didn’t say anything, just smiled.
    â€œKelly, I think you better get out here for this,” I said, my eyes still fixed on the blue box.
    â€œOkay, hang on.” The blow-dryer shut off and the door opened the rest of the way. Kelly appeared, wearing a pink bathrobeand holding a flat iron with a trailing cord. She plugged it in by the dresser and sank down cross-legged on the rug. “Enough with the suspense. What is it, Becca?” She pulled the iron through a section of hair.
    â€œI think you have that up too high,” Becca said. “It smells like it’s burning.”
    â€œWhat is it,