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

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

face. “You don’t

“Nope, I don't. '

him to hang out with us?

want to pick his brain. Figure out what his motives are and where his loyalty

either. I don’t want to understand

“Fuck

Just...go along with

in town. Once we make our orders, we get our drinks and find

we're settled in. “Me

“Wish we could've ordered a pitcher of

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

say. “We can have

you guys invited

his expression oddly sincere. “I've

“Really? '

his brows shooting up. “I figured you were too busy with Aisha

kind

“Kind of? '

But she’ s damaged goods, man. And that storm fucked her up but good. Made her think of her brother and when she goes there...

making a tsking noise. “I

misery coursing through my blood. Those memories are best left behind me. “And I really don't want to talk about

who brought her up in

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

throws back at him. “Guys.

irritated breath, already regretting my choice to invite Blake. “Shut the fuck up, okay?

“Hey boys. '