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

Hmm.

if that's

after they arrive, all sorts of people

playing music

platters of food from a local Mexican

dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces and I can't

hot tonight in those short denim shorts and the

and she keeps batting it away, laughing at whatever Sadie says

staring and flashes one of those shy smiles that make

from my beer, my gaze

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

anything else in

takes a sip

you gave up Stanford

it was

Ryan rolls his eyes.

"Your parents cool with

was always my

asked me once

assumed I would

my life, I figured I'd do

a step closer

the end of my junior year—the realization that law school

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

coming to work for my father and eventually

sounded like a

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

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 be a legacy, carrying the family tradition

idea

sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as she

she helped make the decision easier

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

didn't give me too much shit

Eventually"

his head back, draining the last

considering you're going to the same college as Sadie,’ I remind

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