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

sorts of people start to show

playing music and it's

of food from a local Mexican restaurant and everyone starts

and Sadie are hanging out, dancing to the music with giant smiles on

hot tonight in those short denim shorts and the tight shirt that shows off

batting it away, laughing at whatever Sadie says as she keeps shaking

one of

my gaze never leaving her

I glance over at Ryan who's standing

than anything else in this

sip

cant believe you gave

was a

Ryan rolls his eyes.

UCLA is an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with you changing your plan?" “It was never my

always

never asked me once what I wanted

would follow

my life, I figured I'd do the same,’ I

step closer

me the truth—did you switch it up just for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that law school didn't

or eight years of my life going to college and law

for my father and eventually take

sounded like a

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

on and on about my chances and how I would be a legacy, carrying the

idea of disappointing my parents about my future choices—specifically

to go to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on

the

strength to fight for what I want, and stand

God my parents didn't give me too much shit

Eventually"

tips his head back, draining the last of

to talk, considering you're going to the same college as

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