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

was always

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

was. She still is. Guess her husband kicked her

Ryan: Good riddance.

can breathe a little easier without her around. Hesitating for only a moment, I decide to ask him for a

Should I tell Harper

antsy. So do the people who are waiting to use the pump I'm sitting next

pump, parking in one

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

from my best friend

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

seen her in a long time,

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

you're

fuck that

right, but still. I hate keeping things from her. Ryan: Think of it as keeping the peace. And

her. Me: Fucking deal, dude. You

Ryan: Cool.

By the time I'm walking

spot my

make my way up the stairs and down the row where they're sitting, plopping into the empty

pokes me

said

leap out of the seat and do just that but she holds

kidding. I made Ryan buy popcorn