You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Harper

 I’m walking out the double doors, stopping short when I see her in the parking lot.

Aisha.

Say what? She hasn't spotted me yet and I rush back inside, going to where Easton is still standing in line.

He sees me, looking confused as I approach him.

“We have to go.” “Why-” I grab his hand and pull him out of line.

“Follow me.” I'm dragging him to the back of the store, not looking backward, grateful he’s not resisting.

We're near the pharmacy, hiding behind one of the taller racks when I finally come to a stop.

“What the hell, Harper? What's going on?” “I saw—"

I release a shuddery breath, hating how out of shape I feel.

“—Aisha in the parking lot.” “What the fuck?” I shush him because his voice was really loud just now.

“Are you serious?” Nodding, I take a couple of steps to my right, peeking around the taller display that’s hiding us.

I don't see her stupid blonde head anywhere, but that doesn't mean anything.

“What is she doing on this side of town?” “I don't know.

That's the reason why you made me drive all the way over here.

So we wouldn't run into anyone.” “Right.

Yet here she is.” Pretty freaking suspicious if you ask me.

“Let's buy our stuff at the pharmacy.” Easton glances over his shoulder.

“It’s still open.” “Good idea.” There’s no line so we’re able to approach the woman working behind the counter and make our purchase, me with my back to her so I can see the entire store, my gaze searching for that familiar, bitchy blonde head.

nowhere to be

Hmmm.

get out of here,” Easton says to me once he’s done, clutching the long receipt in one hand and the

got everything

your Santa sack.” I roll my eyes at him, relieved that the pregnancy tests are hidden away in the

“You never know.

a moment, I forget all of our troubles as I stare into

open it

Aisha standing in front of us, her lips curled into a sneer, her gaze full of

his arm going around my shoulders and

at how rude he’s

the best thing

you

“Seriously, Aisha.

fuck do you want from us?”

“Don't bother answering.

I think I know.

never going to get it.” “No need to be

It’s the holiday season.

nice to the people you know?” Aisha

who seem to be following my ass everywhere I

worth following, trust me.” Aisha lifts her head,

back at you,” he yells as she

make our way out of the store, practically running

and staring at it

would’ve seen us in that aisle?” I ask, not really expecting an

“She would've told everyone.

know I was pregnant.” “We don't even know if

stop her from spreading the rumor,” I say, slumping against the

pregnancy scare

upset me by saying that, but

I’m upset.

feel the tears threatening to spill, and I press my