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.

"Sure, Ryan

Hmm.

if

after they arrive, all sorts of people start to

playing music and it's fucking

platters of food from

are hanging out, dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces and I can't

extra hot tonight in those short denim shorts

her face and she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever Sadie

flashes one of those shy smiles that make my

a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even when I

you?" I glance

anything else in this

a sip

gave up

it was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

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

always

once what I

just assumed I would

my life, I figured I'd do the

a step closer to

Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that

couldnt imagine spending the next seven or eight years of my life going to college and law

for my father and eventually take over

like a

or cause a fight, so

I'm applying to Stanford with my father sitting right beside me, going on and on about my chances and how I

do whatever the fuck I want, but for whatever reason, the idea of disappointing my parents about my future choices—specifically my

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

helped make the decision easier for

the strength to fight for what I want, and stand up

my parents didn't give

Eventually"

so fucking whipped.” Ryan tips his head back, draining

have no room to talk, considering you're going to the same college as

because she knew I