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

should talk

totally should,"

before things got

wanted

was his dream

So...I applied there"

wanted to go

I also did it because I didn't know

I want to do,

of our lives when were only eighteen?" Sadie is full blown whining now, and I feel sorry

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

is a good school,’ I say,

think

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

is written all over

going somewhere else?" “Then you'll

can make it.” They really are

balances my

as snappy as

as

a long

We all have.

hate the doubt in my best friend's

imagine doing this without

I admit, my voice soft,

coming together so

my dream school

only that, he’s going

can't get much better

everything I could

there's a catch

I can't afford to go to UCLA? My grades are

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

look,

is the perfect opportunity for her to mention college and if they're going

she

the soda Ryan bought for her

"Just about school"

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

thank you Easton, I

it

and

"Yeah, I say.

to

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

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.