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,

Hmm.

wonder if

arrive, all sorts of people start to

starts playing music and

giant platters of food from a local

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

in those short denim shorts and

she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever

and flashes one of those

take a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even

love my sister, don't you?" I glance over

else

a sip from his

gave

it was

Ryan rolls his eyes.

with you changing your plan?" “It was never

always my

asked me once

assumed I would follow in

I figured I'd do the same,’

closer to me, his

It started the

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

father and eventually take

like a

down, I didn't want to disappoint my father or cause a fight,

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

idea

UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as she continues

helped make the decision

fight for what I want, and stand up to my

thank God my parents didn't give me too much

Eventually"

Ryan tips his head back, draining the last

you're going

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