You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 173

Chapter 173

Harper

We all jump in Easton's Jeep and end up at a restaurant not too far from our house.

After we order our food at the counter, Sadie and I make our way over to an empty booth, the guys getting our drinks before they come join us.

The moment we're seated, Sadie leans across the table, her voice lowering to a near whisper.

"Your brother is pissing me off"

I frown.

"What did he do now?" "He got into a couple of colleges, but he hasnt made his decision yet.

He got into Chico State, and so did I.

That's literally the only college I got into.

The only one I ever wanted to go to.” Sadie glances in their direction, making sure they're not close.

"He won't tell me where he's going.

Did he tell you?" I slowly shake my head.

"Ryan and I haven't really talked about college at all"

Which is odd, because Ryan and I usually talk a lot, especially about school, homework, all that stuff.

But we're both so busy lately.

We spend a lot of time together, but never one on one.

“You don't talk about college with him at all?" Sadie leans back against the booth, her shoulders falling.

"I dont know what's going on with him, and it's so frustrating.” “Why don't you just ask him?" She drops her head, gazing at the table for a moment before she finally lifts her gaze to mine.

“I don't know.

I guess I'm just...scared.” I gape at her.

Sadie’s not scared of anything.

She's definitely not scared of my stupid brother and all of his antics.

"Oh come on.” "I'm serious.

What if he tells me he doesn't want to go to college with me? I'd be devastated.

And what would that mean for our relationship?" She thunks the back of her head against the booth once.

Twice.

"He's so frustrating.” "I'll say"

He's one of the most frustrating boys I know.

Besides my very own boyfriend.

"I should talk to him"

“You totally should," I agree.

“We talked before things got serious between us.

He always mentioned he wanted to go to Chico State.

That it was his dream school.

So...I applied there"

"Sadie, please tell me you actually wanted to go there versus just doing it for Ryan"

"I partially did it for Ryan, but I also did it because I didn't know where else to apply.

I have no idea what I want to do, or what I want to major in.

Why do they expect us to know what we want to do for the rest of our lives when were only eighteen?" Sadie is full blown whining now, and I feel sorry for her.

"It's okay.

You'll figure it out.

Chico State is a good school,’ I say, trying to comfort her.

“You really think so?" I nod.

"And if that's where Ryan wanted to go, I'm sure he'll stick to that plan"

The distress is written all over her face.

"But what if he says he's going somewhere else?" “Then you'll deal with it.

I know you guys can make it.” They really are a perfect couple together.

Sadie balances my brother out.

He's not as snappy as he used to be.

Not nearly as protective either.

He's come a long way.

We all have.

"I don't know.” I hate the doubt in my best friend's voice.

"I can't imagine doing this without him"

"I know what you mean,’ I admit, my voice soft, my thoughts filled with Easton.

Everything is coming together so perfectly.

I got accepted to my dream school and so did my boyfriend.

Not only that, he’s going to UCLA with me.

Life seriously can't get much better than this.

I'm getting everything I could ever want.

Feels like there's a catch somewhere and I'm missing it.

Is the bottom going to fall out? What if I can't afford to go to UCLA? My grades are good.

I know I'll get a few scholarships, but will they be enough to make a difference? “What are you two talking about?" Ryan asks as they both approach our table.

I send Sadie a meaningful look, hoping she gets what I'm implying.

This is the perfect opportunity for her to mention college and if they're going together.

"Oh nothing,’ she answers, oblivious.

She grabs the soda Ryan bought for her and she takes a sip.

"Just about school"

"School? Like...college?" Easton asks.

Ooh thank you Easton, I think to myself.

He just brought it up for us.

Sadie's eyes go wide, and they're full of panic.

"Yeah, I say.

"Sadie's going to Chico State"

"I got into Chico State,’ Ryan says, his focus solely on his phone.

I glare at him.

So does Sadie.

"You going there?” Easton asks.

My brother shrugs.

"Maybe"

I roll my eyes.

Sadie looks like she wants to throttle him.

"What are you guys doing here?" All four of our heads swivel in the direction of the familiar voice to find Blake standing by our table, a smile on his face.

“Eating, dipshit,” Ryan says.

"You should join us"

"Don't mind if I do"

Blake slides onto the booth seat, right next to me, and I end up plastered to Easton's side.

His body is tense.

I'm sure he doesn't like Blake sitting next to me, but he's totally harmless.

"What's going on tonight, kids?" Sadie giggles, at the kids remark I'm sure.

“We're talking about college.

Celebrating Easton and Harper's big win"

"Big win?" Blake turns his attention to us.

"What is she talking about?" "I got into UCLA!" I announce, the excitement still flowing in my veins.

“And so did I,’ Easton adds.

"No shit?" Blake glances from me to Easton.

"Congrats"

“You still headed to San Diego State?" I ask.

He nods.

"Oh for sure.

That's my dream school.

Can't wait to spend all my time at the beach"

“That sounds cool.

Congrats,’ Ryan says.

“Thanks.” Blake stares into my eyes, his expression serious.

"You two going to UCLA together then? I thought Easton would wind up at Stanford"

"Change of plans.” Easton angles his body in Blake's direction, draping his arm across my shoulders.

A public claiming, I'm sure.

"I'm just following my girl"

"That's great,” Blake says, his voice weak.

"Uh, I'm gonna go grab some food.

I'll be right back.” I watch him slide out of the booth, noting his somber attitude.

What's up with that?