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.

Sadie doesn't shove her hand in the garbage

"That's my girl."

lingering before he pulls away and when I glance over in Aisha's direction I find her glaring at me,

Huh.

changed one

She hates me.

Easton

you clean

sweetly, offering her

Aisha smiles in return.

be so great,

I appreciate the help."

mute and I kick her in

sends me a

my head in Aisha's

"Right.

Yeah.

We appreciate it,"

Sadie says weakly.

go outside, we start gathering up the plates on the table and bring them

sink, rinsing out dishes and loading them in

none of us uttering a word

or “excuse me"

every few minutes.

It's weird.

hear the boys outside talking and laughing while we're acting like we're

Sadie says

with Blake for

turns off the water and

I with him

"With benefits?"

Sadie asks.

that's any

sends me a

"Just curious."

I remain quiet.

turns her attention

do you want me

so happy you showed up with Blake

using

shut and she smiles,

"Go on.

you wanted to say,”

using him to

throws back her head

And laughs.

And laughs some more.

over at me and I roll

who is the question,” Aisha says once her

think Blake

who's using who, I just know that your motives

I throw at her.

brow as she approaches

and yours are? Little Miss Virgin Harper?

heard you screaming your head off

Easton, fuck me, Easton’.” She rolls