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,"

things got serious

always mentioned he wanted to

it was his

So...I applied there"

wanted to go

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

idea what I want to do, or what I want

to know what we want to do for the rest 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.

a good school,’

really think so?"

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

distress is written all over her

he says he's going

know you guys can make it.” They really are a perfect

balances my

snappy as

nearly as protective

come a long

We all have.

the doubt in my best friend's

imagine doing

admit, my

coming together so

my dream school and so

only that, he’s going

can't get much

everything I could

like there's a catch somewhere and I'm missing

What if I can't

be enough to make a difference? “What are

Sadie a meaningful look, hoping she gets what I'm

to

nothing,’ she

grabs the soda Ryan bought for her

"Just about school"

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

Easton,

it up for

wide, and they're full of

"Yeah, I say.

to

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

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.