You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 131

 

Chapter 131

Easton

Harper: Where are you?

We're already at the movie theater and it's about to start! I climb into my car and just sit there, staring at the message from my girlfriend.

I should tell her who I ran into. I should. It would be the right thing to do. The honest thing to do. We need to keep up open communication.

I need to tell her everything. Running into Leigh is major.

I don't need to go into the specifics, but I should tell her. Yeah, I definitely should. But damn it, I'm full of doubt. About everything.

Me: Had to get gas. It's busy but I'll be there soon. Promise. Harper: Hurry! I'll save you a seat.

Only if you bring me popcorn. :) I smile despite everything, regretting my decision to stop and get gas.

If I'd only waited, I never would've run into Leigh. But I can't tell Harper via text that I talked to Leigh.

Can't tell her at the movie theater either. I'm not about to ruin our date.

The longer I wait to tell her, the less inclined I'll be to say anything, and then I won't tell her at all and look like a giant ass liar who's got something to hide.

Fuck. I punch the steering wheel once. Twice. It doesn't make me feel better.

All I'm left with is a throbbing hand and a messed up head because I don't know what the hell I should do.

Reaching for my phone, I go to my text thread with Ryan and start typing.

Me: I ran into Leigh just now at the gas station.

Ryan: No fucking way.

Me: Yeah, and she said some fucked up shit too.

Ryan: She was always a complete bitch.

Damn, I love my best friend. He's forever in my corner.

Me: Yeah, she was. She still is. Guess her husband kicked her out and she’s leaving town.

Ryan: Good riddance.

You can breathe a little easier without her around. Hesitating for only a moment, I decide to ask him for a little advice.

Me: Should I tell Harper I ran into Leigh?

He takes a while to respond, and I get antsy. So do the people who are waiting to use the pump I'm sitting next to.

They start honking at me and I pull away from the pump, parking in one of the spots as I wait for Ryan's response.

I'm gonna be really late to the movies at the rate I'm going, but fuck it.

I need advice from my best friend first.

Finally, I get a response. Ryan: I don't think you should mention your run in with Leigh to Harper. It'll only upset her and she finally feels good.

Today is the happiest I've seen her in a long time, and I don't think you want to ruin her mood.

Me: I don't, but I need to be honest with her. I love your sister, Ryan. I don't want to hide things from her. When I do that, it gives her reason to distrust me and think I'm up to no good.

Ryan: Well you're not, right?

I mean, fuck that bitch.

You haven't been with Leigh in a while. Me: You're right, but still. I hate keeping things from her. Ryan: Think of it as keeping the peace. And hey, if she finds out, blame me. It's my fault.

I told you not to tell her. Me: Fucking deal, dude. You said it, not me.

Ryan: Cool.

Whatever. Now get your ass over here. The previews are about to start. By the time I'm walking into the theater ten minutes later, the place is pitch black dark and the previews are definitely running.

The seats are mostly full, but I spot my girlfriend smiling at me in the darkness.

I make my way up the stairs and down the row where they're sitting, plopping into the empty seat beside Harper and flashing a grin in her direction. "Hey, babe."

She pokes me in the ribs.

“You're late. And you said you would buy me popcorn.”

I'm about to leap out of the seat and do just that but she holds me back, keeping me in my seat.

"I'm kidding. I made Ryan buy popcorn for us."

Ryan leans over to whisper shout, "You owe me big, bro. That shit ain't cheap and she always wants the biggest size."

“I really love popcorn, Harper says innocently as she takes our popcorn bucket from Sadie and puts it in between us.

“There you go.”

I lean in and deliver a kiss to her lips, discovering that they're buttery delicious.

"Thanks, babe. You're the best.”

We share popcorn and watch the movie, our fingers brushing each time we grab more.

The movie kind of sucks and I'm distracted by Harper's scent, especially when she leans her head on my shoulder and scoots in closer, like she's trying to snuggle.

I lift the armrest, so there's nothing separating us and she's practically in my lap. “No funny business over there,"

Ryan says, earning a few shushes for his warning.

I just smile at him, my arm around Harper's shoulders, her lush body snug against mine.

No way am I feeling Harper up in a movie theater with her brother sitting right there.

I'll save the feeling up in a theater for another time, when we're alone. Besides, I'm too damn distracted thinking about Leigh and the shitty things she said.

That bitch knows how to carve someone up with words, that's for damn sure. Maybe it's because she's as mean as a snake and twice as fucking deadly.

I hate her. Worse?

I hate how that little confrontation with her made me feel.

Stupid.

Dirty. Like I'm a liar. Glancing down, I drop a kiss on Harper's forehead and tell myself it's going to be okay. Really.