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 a complete

I love my best friend. He's forever

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

Ryan: Good riddance.

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

Harper I ran into

do the people

from the pump,

late to the movies at the

from my best friend

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

is the happiest I've seen her in a long time, and I don't think you

but I need to be honest with her. I love your sister, Ryan. I don't want to hide things from her. When I

you're not,

mean, fuck

but still. I hate keeping things from her. Ryan: Think of it as keeping the peace. And hey, if she finds

tell her. Me: Fucking deal, dude. You said it, not

Ryan: Cool.

The previews are about to start. By the time I'm walking into the theater ten

are mostly full, but I spot my girlfriend smiling at me in the

plopping

pokes me

you said you would

do just that but she holds me back, keeping me in

made Ryan buy popcorn for