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? '

voice rising. “Because that asshole used to be our

him. “Yeah and now you think he’s a complete dickwad who's planning our demise

a face. “You don’t trust

“Nope, I don't. '

him to hang out with

what his motives are and where his loyalty lies. I

want to understand

narrow. “Fuck that

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

meets us in the parking lot and we go to a nearby restaurant that has some of the best pizza in town. Once we

says once we're settled

could've ordered a pitcher of

sneers at his glass full of Pepsi like it’s full of poison. “I got

say. “We can have a few.

you guys invited me,

expression oddly sincere. “I've missed you both.

“Really? '

forward, his brows shooting up. “I figured you were too busy

frowns. “Look, I know she was kind of nasty at the lake

“Kind of? '

“Fine. She was fucking awful. But she’ s damaged goods, man. And that storm fucked her up but good. Made her think of

making a tsking noise. “I don't want

memories are best left behind me.

her up in

you're still a friend to us, or

back at him. “Guys.

an irritated breath, already regretting my choice to invite Blake. “Shut the fuck

“Hey boys. '