You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 132
Harper
Easton: Are you sure about this?

Me: Sure about you coming over tonight?

Umm, yes. It has to happen, Easton. You have to spend time with my family or this is going to be awkward forever.

Easton: But your mom ... she's going to look at me ... and remember.

I cringe as I stare at his last text. I'm sure he's right, but there's nothing I can do about it. Despite every warning that's humming through my body, I know it's time that the love of my life finally faces my parents. With a face that's not covered in me.

Oh God. I don't think I'll ever recover from the Christmas tree incident. But if things are going to progress with Easton—and I want them to more than anything—then my family has to move on. They have to accept him. They have to get to know him on a level that isn't just Ryan's best friend, but as the boy I'm dating.

The boy I'm positively in love with. And, now, they will, because after a long conversation with my parents, my punishment finally over, they've decided they're ready to welcome Easton.

So, they've invited him over for dinner, followed by a sleepover, which is something Ryan had asked for. I'm positive Easton will be sequestered to my brother's room with probably a padlock and chains wrapped around the door. Sadie will be in mine, and Mom said she's going to make us breakfast in the morning.

One of the perks of being off from school for winter break. Me: I'll encourage Dad to pour her some wine and after half a glass at dinner, she won't even remember. Easton: Or that's all she'll think about.

I hope he isn't right, but there’s a good chance he is. Fuck. Me: Does that mean you're not going to come?

Easton: You know I'll be there. At 5, right?

Me: Yup. Sadie and Ryan should be here at that time, too, giving my parents plenty of distractions so the attention won't just be on us. Easton: You mean, ME. Me: Stocooop. Let's focus on something amazing, like you staying for breakfast tomorrow morning. Easton: I'd rather be devouring you, but I have a feeling the days of hooking up at your house are long gone. Me: Don't be so sure, I may just be able to surprise you. See you soon. Don't be late. Easton: And piss your mom off even more?

I know better ... I find Sadie's number and press it, holding the phone to my ear. "Hey,"

I say when she answers. "What are you doing?"

She laughs and I can tell it's not at me, especially when she adds, "Ryaaaaaaan, stop, your sister is on the phone."

She pauses. "Sorry, your brother is being all kinds of cray. What's up?"

sure you guys are

my closet, trying to look for something to wear for tonight.

miss a sleepover with my girl, come on, Harp. Like I'd ever

sigh, shutting the door to my closet, nothing inside looking cute enough.

"This is the first time my parents are meeting him as my boyfriend—I mean, they've met him plenty of times

go perfectly, Ryan and I will be there to take the heat if things start to get fishy. And, don't worry, I'll say something super

"SADIE."

"Oh God. I

my face into my pillow. "Easton keeps bringing it up

be great because your mom's a hell of a good

are going to fall

snort. "I love

the need to take a few hits from one of the joints in Ryan's nightstand, that might not be

eyes go wide. “What are you

think

is going to hit the

all

brother say something in the background. "I've got to go.

my bed and out of my bedroom, scents from the kitchen hitting my nose

“Need help with anything?"

standing by the

for what looks to be a huge salad. She glances up at me, and then at

I think I'm fine, I have

me. Mom always has a cool demeanor unless she's screaming at one of us and most of the time that's

walk over to the stove. “It

laughs. "Lasagna, you can't

sniff that out