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

after they arrive, all sorts of people start to

starts playing music

of girls brought giant platters of food

dancing to the music with giant smiles on their faces

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

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

and flashes one of those shy smiles that

take a sip from my beer, my gaze never leaving her even when I feel someone

you?" I glance over at Ryan who's standing

than anything else

takes a sip

you gave

it was a hardship,”

Ryan rolls his eyes.

an excellent school.” "Your parents cool with

was always my

once

would follow in his

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

a step closer to

it up just for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization that

the next seven or eight years

father

like a

disappoint my father or cause a fight, so I

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

idea of disappointing my parents about my future choices—specifically my father —freaked

to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer,

the decision

what

thank God my parents didn't give me too

Eventually"

his head

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

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