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

"That's my girl."

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

Huh.

hasn't changed

She hates me.

hates that Easton and

help you clean

sweetly, offering her a

Aisha smiles in return.

so great, thank

I appreciate the help."

breakfast.” Sadie is mute and I kick her in

me

glare, tilting my head in Aisha's

"Right.

Yeah.

We appreciate it,"

Sadie says weakly.

start gathering up the plates on the

sink, rinsing out dishes and loading them in

clean the kitchen, none of us uttering a word to each other with

or “excuse me"

every few minutes.

It's weird.

and laughing while we're acting like we're

I gotta know,” Sadie says out

Blake for real,

off the water and dries her hand on

mean am I with

"With benefits?"

Sadie asks.

any of your business,”

me a

"Just curious."

I remain quiet.

turns her attention to

do you want me to say? Thanks for

you showed up with Blake last night? Yeah,

using him to

shut and she smiles, waving a hand at

"Go on.

wanted to say,”

him to

throws back her

And laughs.

And laughs some more.

and I roll my eyes, crossing

question,” Aisha says once her laughter

think Blake

care who's using who, I just know

I throw at her.

brow as she approaches

Little Miss Virgin Harper? Give me

you screaming your

Easton’.”