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.

she said some fucked up

always a complete

friend.

Yeah, she was. She still is. Guess her husband kicked

Ryan: Good riddance.

Hesitating for only a moment, I decide to ask

Should I tell Harper I ran into

antsy. So do the people who are waiting to use the pump

the pump, parking in one of the spots as

gonna be really late to the movies at the rate I'm going, but fuck

from my best

response. Ryan: I don't think you should mention your run in with Leigh

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

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

Well you're

mean, fuck that

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

not to tell her. Me: Fucking deal, dude. You

Ryan: Cool.

walking into the theater ten minutes later, the place is pitch black dark and the previews are definitely

but I spot my girlfriend

sitting, plopping into the empty seat beside Harper and

pokes me in

late. And you said

about to leap out of the seat and do just that but she holds me back, keeping me in my

made Ryan