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.

make sure Sadie doesn't shove her

"That's my girl."

I glance over in Aisha's direction I find her glaring at me, her

Huh.

changed

She hates me.

that Easton

you clean

tell her sweetly, offering her a

Aisha smiles in return.

so great,

I appreciate the help."

and I

me a

glare, tilting my head

"Right.

Yeah.

We appreciate it,"

Sadie says weakly.

the plates on the table and bring them in the

already at the sink, rinsing out dishes and

none of us uttering a word to each other with the exception of

or “excuse me"

every few minutes.

It's weird.

outside talking and laughing while

gotta know,” Sadie

Blake

and dries

mean am I with him for real?

"With benefits?"

Sadie asks.

any

sends me a

"Just curious."

I remain quiet.

turns her attention

have nothing to say?” "What do you want me to say? Thanks for breakfast? I

so happy you showed up with

likely using him

she

"Go on.

wanted to say,”

using him to

back her

And laughs.

And laughs some more.

and I roll my eyes, crossing

Aisha says once her laughter

Blake is

don't care who's using who, I just

I throw at her.

brow as

Miss Virgin Harper? Give me a

screaming your head off last

fuck me, Easton’.” She