You’re Mine by Penny Brooks

Chapter 177

 Harper 

"Do you need a drink?" I ask Easton.

He takes a look at his glass and says, “Wouldn't mind a refill, babe"

He hands me the tumbler.

"How about you?" I ask Ryan.

He checks his bottle of beer.

"Still got a half, I'm good for right now, but do me a favor, check on my girlfriend, I haven't seen her in like ten minutes or something.” Now that I think of it, he's right.

It feels like it's been a century since Sadie disappeared to the bathroom.

“I'm on it," I tell both of them and I carry Easton's glass into the kitchen, making him another vodka soda and deliver it to him before I go to the downstairs bathroom.

There's a small line outside the door and I ask the person in the front, "Is Sadie in there?" He shrugs and replies, "I think it's Michael, but I'm kinda too drunk to remember"

Sadie isn't in line.

There's a chance she went upstairs to use Easton's bathroom.

That's where I'm going to check, but I'm going to get myself a beer first.

I go to his dad's private garage to grab one from his secret stash and open the door, flipping on the light.

"Turn off the light,’ I hear someone say the moment I look inside.

I immediately notice someone leaning against the wall halfway between the fridge and me.

That someone is my best friend.

And there's a guy pinning her to the wall, his lips all over hers, his hands moving up and down her sides.

“What the fuck?” I shout, my hands instantly shaking, my heart freezing.

They stop kissing and look at me.

My stomach churns when I see who it is.

"Blake?" I gasp and look at Sadie.

"Sadie, what the hell are you doing with him?" “Blake,” she slurs and her eyes widen, like she's just now realizing it's him.

Her hand flattens against his chest and she pushes him away from her.

At least she attempts to, but he doesn't move.

"H—how dare y—you.” She's a mess.

Drunker than I thought.

I never should have let her go to the bathroom by herself.

But it's too late.

And now ...

out with Blake?

continues and tries to step back, but he's holding

"I—I.

thought you were

from the doorway directly next to me, his empty hand telling me

just chosen the worst

as bad as it

Still, it's bad enough.

hands are on

lipstick is smeared all

are spilling down Sadie's

cries, "I didn't

thought it was

teeth grinding together as

dont want to throw my best friend

brother to

because his girlfriend was just making

Fuck.

"Ryan .."

I start.

cuts me off and launches for Blake, saying, “I'm going to fucking murder you!" But someone comes running up behind Ryan, stopping him

the fuck is going on?" Easton shouts

No one says anything.

it wasn't for Sadie crying,

answer

go!" Ryan shouts, trying to wiggle out

the fuck is happening,”

Harper!" Ryan

your face is telling me you fucking saw

anything because Sadie moves away from Blake and closes the distance between her and

and—d it

“And then I—lips"

Another hiccup.

heard y—your name and I was sure it was y—you,

looks like he's about to explode when he says to her, "Did he take advantage of

cuts him off and says, “Answering the

advantage of you?"

her forehead, her skin starting to

"l don't th—think so.

I'm s—so drunk, Ryan"

best friend better than

when she's reached her alcohol limit

everyone, and I move past the boys and

I'm going to bring you into Easton's room so you have

guiding her up the stairs into Easton's room and close the door

just as I'm grabbing a washcloth to wet, she leans over the toilet

Harper,’

the cloth with cool water and hold it

“It's okay.

going to feel better after this.” “Everything

out of her face, rubbing soft circles over

right,”

did I do, Harp?” She sobs

do with Blake?" “Don't worry about that

going to hate me.” She turns to

"Hate, hate, haaaaate me"