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 says

Hmm.

if that's

they arrive, all sorts of

starts playing music and

girls brought giant platters of food from

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

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

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

of those shy

gaze never leaving her even

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

else in

a sip from his

cant believe you gave up

it was a hardship,” I

Ryan rolls his eyes.

parents cool with you changing your

always

once what I wanted

assumed I would follow

most of my life, I figured I'd

takes a step closer to me, his voice

for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that law school didn't interest

next seven or eight years of my life going

for my father and

like

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

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

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

finally answer, my gaze still on her as she continues to

helped make the decision easier

what I want, and stand

give

Eventually"

Ryan tips his head back, draining the last of his

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

Chico State only because she knew I wanted