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 to be

him. “Yeah and now you think he’s a

a face. “You

“Nope, I don't. '

him to hang out with us?

motives are and where his loyalty lies. I don’t understand him.

I don’t want to

“Fuck that guy.

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

go to a nearby restaurant that has some of the best pizza in town. Once we make our orders,

settled in. “Me either,

says. “Wish we could've ordered a pitcher of beer.

like it’s full of poison. “I got beer back at my house,

“We can have a

you guys

expression oddly sincere. “I've

“Really? '

“I figured you

kind of nasty

“Kind of? '

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 don't want to talk about him,

my blood. Those memories are best left behind me. “And I really don't

dickhead who brought her up

“Only because I'm trying to figure out if you're still a friend to us, or are you

throws back at him. “Guys.

an irritated breath, already regretting my choice to invite Blake.

“Hey boys. '