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,

Hmm.

wonder if

they arrive, all sorts of

music and it's

of food

the music with giant smiles on their faces and I can't stop staring at

shorts and the tight shirt

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

flashes one of those shy smiles

gaze never leaving her even when

don't you?" I glance over at Ryan

than anything else

a sip

believe you gave up

like it was

Ryan rolls his eyes.

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

was always

once what I wanted to

I would

figured I'd do the same,’ I

a step closer to me, his

truth—did you switch it up just for Harper?" It started the end of my junior year—the realization

next seven or eight years of

work for my father and eventually take over the

like

my father or cause a fight, so I

beside me, going on and on about my chances and how I would be a legacy, carrying the family

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

didn't choose to go to UCLA only because of your sister,” I finally answer, my gaze still on her as

make the

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

give me too much

Eventually"

so fucking whipped.” Ryan tips his head back, draining the

no room to talk, considering you're going to the same college as

knew I wanted