You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 170

Easton

I didn't mention the elephant in the room with Harper.

Talking about money always felt weird, and after our champagne, I figured it would be smarter to just Uber her home and then have her come pick up her car later.

She left her keys with me, and I realized I could just drive the car back to her house tomorrow and see her at the same time.

Besides, I had news to tell her.

I got into UCLA too.

Basically, miracles do happen, and I was pumped as shit to get to her house and tell her.

I go down to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast and chug some coffee when my mom stops me and gives me the look every mom gives their kids when they want to have a talk.

“Something on your mind?" I ask, nervous that she already knows about UCLA and is going to try to steer me away from what I've already decided.

She hesitates, rubbing her fingers down her coffee cup like she’s nervous before blurting.

"Are you being safe?" So not what I expected her to say.

I trip a bit then grab an apple from the fruit basket even though my plan was to grab a breakfast sandwich from the freezer or at least a cold brew from the fridge.

"Hmm?" "Safe," she repeats.

"With...Harper.” "Safe as in I make her put her seatbelt on?" I awkwardly bite into the apple and chew.

"Yeah, Mom, we're safe.’ "Okay"

She nods.

"Okay, I just.."

She sets the coffee cup down on the counter.

"It’s important that you go to college—both of you.

And I don't want any surprises like a pregnancy or—" "—Gonna stop you right there.” Guilt creeps in.

"She's not pregnant, and we're being smart, not stupid, and Mom...” I pull her in for a side hug.

So now she wants to be a helicopter parent? Really? Only when it comes to college? It kind of burns, but I try not to focus on it as I hold her close and breathe in her Chanel perfume.

"I love you," I say simply.

“We're together now, and I love her.

We're taking one day at a time"

Mom exhales softly.

I kiss the top of

looks up at

"I always worry"

though, ever since High School started, but I don't want to remind her because, for some reason, I'm suddenly seeing her differently, like maybe

do.” She pulls

know.’ “Thanks

start to feel

"We both

looks away, grabs her coffee, and then shows me her megawatt fake

takes a huge gulp

And

The fakeness.

not being fake—maybe it's more about a shield she feels she needs to wear because of what my dad

I start to understand her a bit more

the rest of my apple in the trash, and go grab Ryan's car, the one she

by the time I'm there, I see Sadie's car outside

Of course.

these days, not like I

let myself into their house and right away hear yelling

are in the kitchen

his head while Harper

Her dad's laughing.

mom's rolling

busy digging into the bacon like she hasnt eaten in

watching them, and realize something

Is college important? Yes.

to follow your

more important?

Love.

Laughter.

This.

the air twice before dropping them

like I'm

their dad nods his head,

the kitchen while their dad

“Gotta go!" he says.

They're flying by me

the hell?"

comes over and wraps her arms around

is what happens when your parents find a Groupon for golf lessons.”

for three hours.” "I suddenly

I grip her ass.

curses under his

front seat while getting high and touching my dick every

course I took care

His eyes narrow.

that was also

drive here just to make you piss yourself.” “Fuck you,’ he growls, grabbing a piece of bacon and