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

should," I

things

always mentioned he wanted to go to

was his dream

So...I applied there"

to go there

I also did it because I didn't know where else

I want to do, or what I

to do for the rest of our lives when

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

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

really think so?" I

where Ryan wanted to go, I'm sure

distress is written all over

he's going somewhere

know you guys can make it.”

my

snappy as he

nearly as

come a long

We all have.

don't know.” I hate the doubt in my

imagine doing this without

my voice soft, my

is coming together so

got accepted to my dream school and so

that, he’s going to UCLA

get much better than

everything I

catch somewhere and I'm

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

make a difference? “What are you two talking about?" Ryan asks as they both approach

Sadie a meaningful look, hoping

is the perfect opportunity for her to mention

she answers,

grabs the soda Ryan bought for

"Just about school"

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

Easton, I think to

just brought it up for

and they're

"Yeah, I say.

going to Chico

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

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?”

My brother shrugs.