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.

if that's

arrive, all sorts of

music and

girls brought giant platters of food from

are hanging out, dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces and I

short denim shorts and the

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

of those shy

take a sip from my beer, my gaze never

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

anything else in

sip from

you gave up

like it was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

is an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with you changing your plan?" “It

always my

once what I wanted

just assumed I would

life, I figured I'd do

a step closer

switch it up just for Harper?" It started the

the next seven or eight years of my life going

father and eventually take

like

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

reason, the idea of disappointing my parents about my future

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

helped make the decision

the strength to fight for what I want, and stand

didn't give me too

Eventually"

Ryan tips his head back, draining the last of his

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

Chico State only because she knew I wanted