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,"

talked before things got

he wanted to go to

it was his dream

So...I applied there"

wanted to go there versus just doing it for

I also did it

want to do, or

expect us to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives when were only eighteen?" Sadie is

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

State is a good school,’ I say, trying to

really think so?" I

wanted to go, I'm sure

written all over her

says he's going

know you guys can make it.” They really are

balances my

not as snappy as he used

as protective

a long

We all have.

I hate the doubt in my best friend's

can't imagine doing this

I admit, my voice soft, my thoughts filled

is coming together so

dream school and so did my

going to UCLA with

can't get much better than

getting everything I

there's a catch somewhere

the bottom going to fall out? What if I can't afford to go to UCLA?

will they be enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking

look, hoping she gets

her to mention college and if

nothing,’ she

grabs the soda Ryan bought for her and she takes a

"Just about school"

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

you Easton, I

brought it up

eyes go wide, and

"Yeah, I say.

to Chico

Ryan says, his

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.