You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 174

Easton

It's the weekend and my parents are out of town so that calls fora celebration.

What exactly we're celebrating, I'm not sure.

But do we need to have a reason to party? I dont think so.

I'm dragging a cooler out on the back patio when my first guests show up, all three of them strolling into my back yard.

Harper, Sadie and Ryan.

“Hope you have lots of booze tonight!" Sadie does a little shimmy, hip checking my girlfriend and nearly sending her toppling over.

"Plenty for you Sadie,’ I tell her, extending my arm toward Harper and pulling her to me, delivering a quick kiss to her lips.

"Hey beautiful"

She smiles, her hand resting on my chest.

"I will never get tired of hearing you say that"

“Gag.” This comes from Ryan, who's watching us with a scowl on his face.

"You two disgust me"

"Stop being such a grouch"

Sadie lightly slaps Ryan's arm.

"You should be happy right now"

"Is there a specific reason why he should be happy?" Harper asks, her gaze questioning.

"We discussed it a couple of nights ago and...Ryan and I are going to college together!" Sadie throws both arms up in the air, her expression triumphant.

“Oh my God!” Harper pulls away from me to wrap her best friend up ina hug.

"I'm so excited for you!” "I'm excited too.” Sadie hugs her back.

"And so is Ryan.

Ryan?" "Sure, Ryan says

Hmm.

if

all sorts

starts playing music and

of food from a local

giant smiles on their faces and I can't stop staring at

in those short denim shorts and

batting it away,

one of those shy smiles that make my

a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving

sister, don't you?" I glance over at Ryan who's

than anything else in this

sip from his

believe you gave

was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with you changing your

always

once

I would follow

my life, I figured I'd do

step closer to me, his voice

the end of my junior year—the

years

for my father

like

disappoint my father or cause

Stanford with my father sitting right beside me, going on and on about

idea of

choose to go to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer,

the decision

me the strength to fight for what I

give me

Eventually"

whipped.” Ryan tips his head back, draining the last

considering you're going to the same college as

State only because she knew I wanted to go there.” Ryan shakes