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

before things got serious

he wanted to go

it was his dream

So...I applied there"

actually wanted to go there versus just doing it

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

what I want to do, or what I

rest of our lives when

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

is a good school,’ I say, trying to

really think

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

distress is written all

he's going somewhere

it.” They really are a

my

as snappy as

nearly as protective

a

We all have.

the doubt

imagine doing

my voice soft,

coming together so

accepted to my dream school and so

only that, he’s going to UCLA

seriously can't get much

getting everything I

a catch somewhere and

if I can't afford

I'll get a few scholarships, but will they be enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking about?" Ryan asks as

send Sadie a meaningful look,

her to

she

bought for

"Just about school"

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

thank you Easton,

it

eyes go wide, and they're full of

"Yeah, I say.

going to Chico

Chico State,’ Ryan says, his focus

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.