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.

once he’s done, clutching the long receipt in one hand and the bag in

everything

relieved that

“You never know.

to put your Christmas present in there.” He grins, and for a moment, I forget

wait to open it

the lovebirds.” We both glance over to find Aisha standing in front of us, her lips curled into

practically snarls, his arm going around my shoulders and

want to shout with happiness at how rude he’s being toward

the best thing

to you too,” she

“Seriously, Aisha.

the fuck do you want from us?”

“Don't bother answering.

I think I know.

it.”

It’s the holiday season.

be nice to the people you know?” Aisha

who seem to be following my ass everywhere I go,” Easton throws back at

me.” “You're not worth following, trust

back at you,” he yells as she walks

she’s gone, we make our way out of the

pregnancy test out and staring at it as

that aisle?”

“She would've told everyone.

school would know I was pregnant.” “We don't

wouldn't stop her from spreading the rumor,” I say, slumping against

her has ruined the entire night.” “Oh and the pregnancy scare didn't do that already?” He sounds like he’s

think he meant to upset me by saying that,

I’m upset.

can feel the tears threatening to spill, and I press