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

should talk

totally should,"

talked before things got

always mentioned he wanted to go

was

So...I applied there"

please tell me you actually wanted to go there versus just

did it for Ryan, but I also did

no idea what I want to do, or what I want to

know what we want to do for the rest of our lives when

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

State is a good school,’ I

really think so?"

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

is written all over her

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

you guys can make it.” They really

balances my

snappy as he

nearly as protective

come a long

We all have.

I hate the doubt

can't imagine doing

mean,’ I admit, my voice soft,

is coming

my dream school and so did my

going to UCLA with

can't get much better than

getting everything I could ever

catch somewhere and

if I can't afford to

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

meaningful look, hoping

opportunity for her to mention

nothing,’ she

soda Ryan bought for her and

"Just about school"

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

Easton, I

brought it up

eyes go wide, and they're full

"Yeah, I say.

going to Chico

got into Chico State,’ Ryan says, his focus

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.