You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 170

Chapter 170

Easton

I didn't mention the elephant in the room with Harper.

Talking about money always felt weird, and after our champagne, I figured it would be smarter to just Uber her home and then have her come pick up her car later.

She left her keys with me, and I realized I could just drive the car back to her house tomorrow and see her at the same time.

Besides, I had news to tell her.

I got into UCLA too.

Basically, miracles do happen, and I was pumped as shit to get to her house and tell her.

I go down to the kitchen to grab something for breakfast and chug some coffee when my mom stops me and gives me the look every mom gives their kids when they want to have a talk.

“Something on your mind?" I ask, nervous that she already knows about UCLA and is going to try to steer me away from what I've already decided.

She hesitates, rubbing her fingers down her coffee cup like she’s nervous before blurting.

"Are you being safe?" So not what I expected her to say.

I trip a bit then grab an apple from the fruit basket even though my plan was to grab a breakfast sandwich from the freezer or at least a cold brew from the fridge.

"Hmm?" "Safe," she repeats.

"With...Harper.” "Safe as in I make her put her seatbelt on?" I awkwardly bite into the apple and chew.

"Yeah, Mom, we're safe.’ "Okay"

She nods.

"Okay, I just.."

She sets the coffee cup down on the counter.

"It’s important that you go to college—both of you.

And I don't want any surprises like a pregnancy or—" "—Gonna stop you right there.” Guilt creeps in.

"She's not pregnant, and we're being smart, not stupid, and Mom...” I pull her in for a side hug.

So now she wants to be a helicopter parent? Really? Only when it comes to college? It kind of burns, but I try not to focus on it as I hold her close and breathe in her Chanel perfume.

"I love you," I say simply.

“We're together now, and I love her.

We're taking one day at a time"

Mom exhales softly.

“Okay.” I kiss the top of her head.

"Thanks for worrying though.” She looks up at me in confusion.

"I always worry"

She's always been distant though, ever since High School started, but I don't want to remind her because, for some reason, I'm suddenly seeing her differently, like maybe she just didn't want to interfere and felt weird as I got old.

"I do.” She pulls away.

"Worry, you know.’ “Thanks mom"

I start to feel emotional.

“For caring.” "We both care"

She looks away, grabs her coffee, and then shows me her megawatt fake smile.

"Anyway!" She takes a huge gulp out of her mug.

"Have fun today!" And there it is.

The fakeness.

But maybe it's not being fake—maybe it's more about a shield she feels she needs to wear because of what my dad does and because of the money we have.

I think I start to understand her a bit more as she basically bolts from the kitchen.

I shake my head, put the rest of my apple in the trash, and go grab Ryan's car, the one she borrowed last night to get here.

It doesn't take me long to get to her house, and by the time I'm there, I see Sadie's car outside parked on the curb.

Of course.

They're inseparable these days, not like I actually had a leg to stand on.

I let myself into their house and right away hear yelling and the sound of dishes.

Both of Harper's parents are in the kitchen making pancakes.

Ryan's holding one over his head while Harper yells and jumps to grab it.

Her dad's laughing.

Her mom's rolling her eyes.

And Sadie is busy digging into the bacon like she hasnt eaten in years.

I pause, just watching them, and realize something in that moment.

Is college important? Yes.