You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 116

Easton

“Let's hang out, '

Ryan says to me at lunch the next day. Harper is still at home sick. I think she’s even worse today. The fever is gone but she's coughing like crazy and can’t stop blowing her nose. It was risky, kissing her yesterday. Spending time with her, but damn it, a cold is worth being able to see my girlfriend, even if it’s just for a little while. “What are you thinking? '

I ask him. The cafeteria is packed with people since it’s raining outside, and the aroma in this place is kind of awful. Smells like a combo of greasy food and smelly feet. Makes me a little queasy. “Let’s go grab a pizza when school’s over. Maybe go to your house and play some pool. Catch up without the girls always around? '

“Sounds go— '

“What are you whores planning? '

We both glance up to find Blake standing by our table, his expression easy going. As if he hasn't just screwed us over in an endless amount of ways over the last couple of months. Yes, he’s one of my oldest friends. No, I still don’t trust him. Anyone who willingly spends time with Aisha has to be given serious side eye. But how does that old saying go? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Yeah, that’s what I'm trying to do. “Nothing, '

Ryan answers too quickly, his expression guilty as hell. “We're gonna go grab some pizza after school, '

I say, leaning back in my chair. As casual as ever. “Want to come with? '

Blake shrugs, ignoring Ryan. “Sure. Sounds good. '

“Probably head to my house after we're done and play some pool. Or just hang out, '

I continue. “All right. '

Blake nods. “Meet you in the parking lot after seventh period? '

“Perfect. '

We slap hands in a complicated ritual we made up when we were fifteen and stupid and then he’ s out. “What the fuck, Easton? Why did you invite that asshole? '

rising. “Because that asshole used

think he’s a complete dickwad who's

makes a face. “You don’t

“Nope, I don't. '

why would you invite him to

want to pick his brain. Figure out what his motives are and where his loyalty lies. I don’t understand him.

want

narrow. “Fuck that guy.

don't disagree. Just...go along with

the best pizza in town. Once we make our orders, we get our drinks and find a booth to sit in. “I haven't been here

says once we're settled in. “Me

we could've ordered a pitcher of beer.

like it’s full of poison. “I got beer

“We can have a few.

you guys

says, his expression oddly sincere. “I've missed you both.

“Really? '

shooting up. “I figured you were

know she was kind of nasty at the

“Kind of? '

Blake sighs. “Fine. She was fucking awful. But she’ s damaged goods, man. And that storm fucked her up

his head, making a tsking noise. “I don't want to talk

blood. Those memories are best left behind

brought her

waves a hand at Ryan. “Only because I'm trying to figure out if you're still a friend to us,

throws back at him. “Guys.

regretting my choice to invite Blake. “Shut the

“Hey boys. '