You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Harper I can admit the breakfast Aisha made us is delicious.

Ugh, though it kills me.

The French toast is cooked to golden perfection.

The maple syrup is thick and sweet, and that hint of powdered sugar sprinkled on top? Yummy.

The bacon is crisp yet chewy.

The coffee is strong.

She cut up all kinds of fruit for us to eat as well and the watermelon is sweet.

The strawberries juicy and red.

The grapes I avoid because...

I hate grapes.

Oh well, guess it’s not the perfect breakfast.

Sadie is shoveling food in her mouth with her nose wrinkled in disgust, but she's enjoying it.

I know she is.

We all are.

Damn it.

"Who knew you could cook?"

Blake says when he's finished eating, leaning back in his chair and patting his belly like he's a chubby old man.

"That was fucking good, Aisha."

She beams from her spot at the head of the table.

"Thank you.

I love cooking meals for my friends.

It's like my love language."

Sadie and I share a look across the table.

Love language? She is so full of shit.

"Guys, we need to clean up some outside before we leave,” Easton announces.

"My dad texted me and said there's a storm coming in later."

glance at his plate—empty.

Guess he doesn't hate French toast after all.

"Let's do it."

Ryan leaps to his feet, seemingly eager to get out of here, I guess.

Though we aren't going to leave right after breakfast, are we? I mean—and oh my God I can't even believe I'm thinking this—but I feel kind of bad that Blake and Aisha show up late last night and then we're going to head home right after she made us this amazing breakfast? Easton leans over to whisper in my ear.

"You don't mind staying in here with Aisha for a little bit? She's being okay, right?"

I slowly shake my head, trying to pretend like it won't bother me.

"No, I don't mind.

doesn't shove her

"That's my girl."

and when I glance over

Huh.

hasn't changed one

She hates me.

hates that Easton

help you clean up

her sweetly, offering

Aisha smiles in return.

would be so great, thank

I appreciate the help."

mute and I

sends me

tilting my head in Aisha's

"Right.

Yeah.

We appreciate it,"

Sadie says weakly.

start gathering up the plates on the table and

sink, rinsing out dishes and loading them

word to each other with the exception of

or “excuse me"

every few minutes.

It's weird.

laughing

know,” Sadie says

Blake

the water and dries her

I

"With benefits?"

Sadie asks.

see how that's any of your business,” Aisha

sends me

"Just curious."

I remain quiet.

her attention to

"What do you want me to say?

up with Blake

using

clamp my lips shut and she smiles, waving a hand

"Go on.

what you wanted

using him

back her head and

And laughs.

And laughs some more.

and I roll my

the question,” Aisha

think Blake is

don't care who's using who, I just know that your

I throw at her.

a brow as she approaches

are? Little Miss Virgin Harper?

your head

me, Easton’.”