You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Easton We're not really cleaning up much out here.

More like the three of us are shooting the shit and talking about taking the boat out with the girls before we head home.

Occasionally, we'll toss a chair cushion back on the couch and pick up the beer bottles and cans we left scattered on the tables from last night, throwing them all away in the discrete trash can that sits nearby.

The back door suddenly swings open and Aisha bursts outside, screaming like she's being chased by a serial killer with Sadie following after her, that serious expression on her face telling me she's intent on murdering her, just as she promised.

"Blake, oh my God, tell her to stop!"

Aisha yells as she runs into his arms, panting like she's just ran ten miles.

He holds her close, rubbing her back as he glares at Sadie.

“What the fuck is your problem?” "Don't talk to her like that,"

Ryan interjects, defending his girl.

Aw, so sweet.

Though we've got no time for sentiment right now.

"Sadie, what happened?"

I ask as Ryan goes to her and wraps his arms around her, pulling her close and glaring at Blake and Aisha.

"She's a complete bitch,"

Sadie practically snarls, pointing at Aisha.

"Talking so much shit to us, yet acting like an innocent angel for you guys.

Don't fall for her lies, Blake—she's a psycho!"

Damn.

If anyone is acting like a psycho right now...

I hate to say it, but Sadie is borderline hysterical.

"I'm the psycho?"

Aisha turns in Blake's arms, her back to his front as she rests her hand on her chest.

"You're the one who's chasing me with a knife!” Sadie glances down at her empty hands before holding them out in front of her.

"I don't have a knife, you fucking whore bag.” "Hey, no need for name calling,” Blake says fiercely.

"We can talk about this like reasonable adults."

when I never even had one! What the hell are

sounds on the verge of tears and Ryan tucks her close to him, rubbing her back as he

can only assume he's trying

on

make Sadie look like she's out of her mind, and it's

Such a manipulative bitch.

suddenly appears in the open doorway, rubbing her ass with a pained

"Everything okay out here?"

in the doorway, my voice low

"Are you okay?"

when I rest my hand

"Landed on my butt."

you

contrite expression

sorry

I didn't mean to.

my own strength

the hell? Sadie pushed Harper?

is the

“It's no big deal,"

grab Sadie’s hand and give it a

"I'm fine.

landed hard on

over each other

yelling

yelling

keep asking her to tell me what exactly happened in the

a witness to the chaos

Smug bitch.

"Okay, that's it.

We're done,"

finally announce loudly, everyone

up and head

were going out on the

starts, but I shut him up

I'm so sorry if you thought I said something to hurt your feelings.” Aisha says,

if she's the innocent victim in

"Fuck off,"

as she walks past her and heads straight into the house, Ryan

going to our room

Harper tells me.

cheek and pat

“Go on in, babe.