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.

wonder if

all sorts of people start

playing music and

of food from a local Mexican restaurant and

the music with giant smiles on their faces and I

those short denim shorts and the tight shirt that

and she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever

flashes one of those shy smiles

a sip from my beer, my gaze

I glance over at Ryan who's standing directly beside

else in

takes a sip

cant believe you gave up Stanford

like it was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

parents cool with you changing your

always

never asked me once what I wanted

I would follow

life, I figured I'd do

closer to

just for Harper?" It started the end of

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

my father and eventually take

sounded like a

father or cause a fight, so I kept

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

do whatever the fuck I want, but for whatever reason, the idea of

of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as she continues to dance

the decision easier

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

my parents didn't give me too

Eventually"

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

to talk, considering you're going to the

she knew I