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.

said some fucked up shit

She was always a complete

my best friend. He's forever

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

Ryan: Good riddance.

Hesitating for only a moment, I decide to ask him for

Should I tell Harper I ran

and I get antsy. So do the people who are

I pull away from the pump,

really late to the movies at the rate I'm

need advice from my

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

a long time, and I don't think you want

hide things from her. When I do that, it gives her reason to

Well you're

fuck

keeping things from her.

Me: Fucking

Ryan: Cool.

walking into the theater ten minutes later, the place is

are mostly full, but I spot my

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

me in

late. And you said

and do just that

made Ryan buy popcorn for