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

totally should," I

things got serious

wanted to go to Chico

was his

So...I applied there"

me you actually wanted to go there versus

I also did it because I didn't know where

I want to do,

of our lives when were

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

school,’ I say, trying

really think

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

is written all over her

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

you guys can make it.” They

my brother

snappy as he

nearly as protective

come a long

We all have.

I hate the doubt in my best friend's

doing this

my voice soft, my thoughts

coming together

accepted to my dream

only that, he’s going to UCLA with

get much better than

everything I could ever

there's a catch somewhere and

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

get a few scholarships, but will they be enough to make a difference? “What

a meaningful look, hoping she

is the perfect opportunity for her to mention college

nothing,’ she answers,

soda Ryan bought for her and

"Just about school"

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

thank you Easton, I think

it up for

wide, and they're full

"Yeah, I say.

to Chico

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

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.