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

She was always

I love my best friend. He's forever in my

still is. Guess her husband kicked her out and she’s

Ryan: Good riddance.

little easier without her around. Hesitating for only a moment, I decide

I tell Harper I

and I get antsy. So do the people who

honking at me and I pull away from the pump, parking in one

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

need advice from my

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

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

to hide things from her. When

Well you're

mean, fuck

her. Ryan: Think of

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

Ryan: Cool.

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

spot my girlfriend smiling at

plopping into the empty seat

me in the

said you

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

kidding. I made Ryan buy popcorn