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.

my very own

talk to

should," I

things got serious between

mentioned he wanted to go to Chico

it was

So...I applied there"

to go there versus just doing it for

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

idea what I want to do, or what I want to

our lives when were only eighteen?" Sadie is full blown whining

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

school,’ I say, trying to

think

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

distress is written all over her

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

guys can make it.” They really are

my

snappy as he

as

a long

We all have.

don't know.” I hate the doubt in

doing this

I admit, my voice soft, my thoughts

coming together

dream

he’s going

can't get

I could ever

a catch somewhere and I'm

if I

to make a difference?

send Sadie a meaningful look, hoping she gets

her to mention college and if

nothing,’ she answers,

grabs the soda Ryan bought for her and she takes

"Just about school"

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

you Easton, I

just brought it up for

wide, and they're full

"Yeah, I say.

going to Chico

State,’ Ryan says,

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?”

My brother shrugs.