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

talk to

totally should,"

talked before things got serious between

always mentioned he wanted

was

So...I applied there"

to go there versus just doing

I also did

what I want to do, or what I want

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

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

is a good school,’ I say, trying to

think

that's where Ryan wanted to go, I'm

written all over

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

you guys can make it.”

my brother

as snappy as he used to

as

a

We all have.

the doubt in my best friend's

can't imagine doing this without

admit, my voice soft,

is coming together so

got accepted to my dream school and

he’s going to

get

I

a catch somewhere and I'm

bottom going to fall out? What if I can't afford to go to UCLA? My grades are

a few scholarships, but will they be enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking

Sadie a meaningful look, hoping she gets what I'm

to mention college and

nothing,’ she

soda Ryan bought for her and she takes

"Just about school"

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

Easton,

just brought it up for

eyes go wide, and

"Yeah, I say.

to

Ryan says, his focus solely

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.