You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 173

Harper

We all jump in Easton's Jeep and end up at a restaurant not too far from our house.

After we order our food at the counter, Sadie and I make our way over to an empty booth, the guys getting our drinks before they come join us.

The moment we're seated, Sadie leans across the table, her voice lowering to a near whisper.

"Your brother is pissing me off"

I frown.

"What did he do now?" "He got into a couple of colleges, but he hasnt made his decision yet.

He got into Chico State, and so did I.

That's literally the only college I got into.

The only one I ever wanted to go to.” Sadie glances in their direction, making sure they're not close.

"He won't tell me where he's going.

Did he tell you?" I slowly shake my head.

"Ryan and I haven't really talked about college at all"

Which is odd, because Ryan and I usually talk a lot, especially about school, homework, all that stuff.

But we're both so busy lately.

We spend a lot of time together, but never one on one.

“You don't talk about college with him at all?" Sadie leans back against the booth, her shoulders falling.

"I dont know what's going on with him, and it's so frustrating.” “Why don't you just ask him?" She drops her head, gazing at the table for a moment before she finally lifts her gaze to mine.

“I don't know.

I guess I'm just...scared.” I gape at her.

Sadie’s not scared of anything.

She's definitely not scared of my stupid brother and all of his antics.

"Oh come on.” "I'm serious.

What if he tells me he doesn't want to go to college with me? I'd be devastated.

And what would that mean for our relationship?" She thunks the back of her head against the booth once.

Twice.

"He's so frustrating.” "I'll say"

He's one of the most frustrating boys I know.

very own

talk

should,"

before things

always mentioned he wanted to go to Chico

was his dream

So...I applied there"

tell me you actually wanted to go there versus

did it for Ryan, but I also did it because I

no idea what I want to

us to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives when were only eighteen?" Sadie is full blown whining now, and I feel sorry

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

good school,’ I

think

go, I'm sure he'll stick to that

is written

if he says he's going somewhere else?" “Then you'll deal

you guys can make it.”

my brother

as he used

as protective

a

We all have.

hate the doubt in my best

doing this

my voice soft, my thoughts filled

is coming

got accepted to my dream

only that, he’s going to UCLA with

can't get

I

like there's a catch

to fall out? What if I can't

be enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking about?"

a meaningful look, hoping she

to mention

she

bought for

"Just about school"

"School? Like...college?" Easton asks.

thank you Easton,

just brought it

wide, and they're full

"Yeah, I say.

to

Ryan says, his focus

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?”

My brother shrugs.