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

should talk to

should," I

talked before things got

always mentioned he wanted to go

was his

So...I applied there"

you actually wanted to go there

did it for Ryan, but I also did it because I didn't know where

what I want to

us to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives when were

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

school,’

think

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

distress is written all over her

he says he's going somewhere

know you guys can make it.”

my brother

as snappy as he used to

as

a long

We all have.

hate the doubt in my best

imagine doing

mean,’ I admit, my voice soft, my thoughts filled

coming together so

my dream school and so did

he’s going

get

getting everything I could ever

catch somewhere and I'm

going to fall out? What if I can't afford to

enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking about?" Ryan asks as

Sadie a meaningful look,

perfect opportunity for her to mention college and if

nothing,’ she

soda Ryan bought for

"Just about school"

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

Easton, I think

it

eyes go wide, and they're full of

"Yeah, I say.

going to Chico

into Chico State,’ Ryan says, his focus solely on his

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?”

My brother shrugs.