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

was always

friend.

Guess her husband kicked her out

Ryan: Good riddance.

only a moment, I decide to ask

Harper I ran

do the people who are waiting to use the

pull away from the pump, parking in

gonna be really late to the movies

from my best friend

mention your run in with Leigh to Harper.

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

Ryan. I don't want to hide things from her.

Well you're not,

fuck

her. Ryan: Think of it as keeping the peace. And hey, if she finds

tell her. Me: Fucking deal,

Ryan: Cool.

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

spot my girlfriend smiling at me in the

and down the row where they're sitting, plopping into the empty seat beside

me in

you said you

about to leap out of the seat and do just

made Ryan buy popcorn for