You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 131

Easton

Harper: Where are you?

We're already at the movie theater and it's about to start! I climb into my car and just sit there, staring at the message from my girlfriend.

I should tell her who I ran into. I should. It would be the right thing to do. The honest thing to do. We need to keep up open communication.

I need to tell her everything. Running into Leigh is major.

I don't need to go into the specifics, but I should tell her. Yeah, I definitely should. But damn it, I'm full of doubt. About everything.

Me: Had to get gas. It's busy but I'll be there soon. Promise. Harper: Hurry! I'll save you a seat.

Only if you bring me popcorn. :) I smile despite everything, regretting my decision to stop and get gas.

If I'd only waited, I never would've run into Leigh. But I can't tell Harper via text that I talked to Leigh.

Can't tell her at the movie theater either. I'm not about to ruin our date.

The longer I wait to tell her, the less inclined I'll be to say anything, and then I won't tell her at all and look like a giant ass liar who's got something to hide.

Fuck. I punch the steering wheel once. Twice. It doesn't make me feel better.

All I'm left with is a throbbing hand and a messed up head because I don't know what the hell I should do.

Reaching for my phone, I go to my text thread with Ryan and start typing.

Me: I ran into Leigh just now at the gas station.

Ryan: No fucking way.

and she said some fucked

always a complete

I love my best friend. He's forever

Yeah, she was. She still is. Guess her

Ryan: Good riddance.

around. Hesitating for only a moment, I decide to ask

tell Harper

do the people who are waiting to

from the pump, parking in one of the

movies at

from my best friend

a response. Ryan: I don't think you should mention your run in with Leigh to Harper. It'll

I've seen her in a long time, and I don't think you want

I don't want to hide things from her. When I do that, it gives her reason to distrust me and think I'm

you're not,

fuck

a while. Me: You're right, but still. I hate keeping things from her. Ryan: Think of it as keeping the peace. And hey,

you not to tell her. Me:

Ryan: Cool.

here. The previews are about to start. By the time I'm walking into the theater ten minutes later, the place is pitch black

but I spot my girlfriend smiling at

make my way up the stairs and down the row where they're sitting, plopping into the empty seat beside Harper and flashing a grin in

pokes me in

you said

and do just that but she holds me back, keeping me in

made Ryan buy popcorn for