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

should," I

talked before things got

mentioned he wanted

was

So...I applied there"

please tell me you actually wanted to

Ryan, but I also did

what I want to do, or what I want

of our lives when were only eighteen?"

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

good school,’ I say, trying

think so?"

go, I'm sure

distress is written all over her

going somewhere else?" “Then you'll

guys can make it.” They really are

my brother

snappy as

as

come a long

We all have.

hate the doubt in my

can't imagine doing

I admit, my voice soft, my thoughts filled

coming together

accepted to my dream school and

that, he’s going

get much

everything I could ever

a catch

fall out? What if I can't afford to

make a

a meaningful look, hoping

for her to mention college and if they're going

she answers,

Ryan bought for her and she takes

"Just about school"

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

thank you Easton, I think to

it

and they're full

"Yeah, I say.

going to

Ryan says, his focus solely on his

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

going there?” Easton

My brother shrugs.