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 up shit

was always a

best friend. He's forever

is. Guess her husband kicked her out

Ryan: Good riddance.

without her around. Hesitating for only a moment, I

tell Harper

takes a while to respond, and I get antsy. So do the people who are waiting to use the pump I'm sitting next

pull away from the pump, parking in one of the spots as I wait

really late to the movies at the rate

from my

response. Ryan: I don't think you should mention your run in with Leigh to Harper. It'll only upset her and she

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

want to hide things from her. When I do that, it gives her reason to distrust me and think I'm up to

Well 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,

not to tell her. Me:

Ryan: Cool.

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 previews are

I spot my girlfriend smiling at me in

the row where they're sitting, plopping into

pokes me in the

late. And you said

about to leap out of the seat and do just

I made Ryan buy popcorn for