You’re Mine by Penny Brooks novel Chapter 83

Harper

Easton and Mrs.

Scott? Last night? He ...

cheated on me? Every time I read the post from WHGOSSIP, I feel like I get kicked in the heart again with the highest spiked heel.

This time, it's happening in the back of Ryan's car, the tears filling my eyes for what feels like the hundredth time this morning.

If Sadie hadn't spent the night and been with me when I got the news, I would have stayed home sick.

But she doesn't want me to hide and thinks that will only make me feel worse.

I don’t know how I could possibly feel worse than this.

And nothing is making me feel better, not Sadie trying to distract me by singing in the front seat, not Ryan's insane driving as he speeds down the streets, not scrolling through Instagram and seeing everyone's comments on the post.

How could he do this to me? How could he hurt me this way? Every unanswered question bites harder into my heart.

"Put your phone down,"

Sadie says, turning around to look at me from the passenger seat.

“Stick it in your bag and don't look at it again until school is over."

She nods toward my backpack.

"Reading all that stuff, it’s only going to make you feel worse, babe.” "I know,"

I whisper, but I can't help myself.

I have to see it all.

I have to read their opinions.

I have to know what they know.

And the one person who probably knows more than anyone is driving, and he hasn't said a word to me all morning.

But I need to talk about it, I need more than just Sadie's opinion, I need to hear fromm someone who has inside knowledge.

“Ryan,” I start and pause, trying to gather my thoughts.

"Do you think—"

"No."

I'm startled by the way he completely shuts me off.

“No, what?"

"I'm not talking about this with you."

I look at Sadie, silently pleading for her help.

She has a way with Ryan, she's able to soften him a little, something I've never been able to do.

"Ryan, please,” she begs.

"Your sister is freaking—the— fuck—out over this, tell her something, that's the least you can do."

He looks at Sadie.

"The least I can do? I'm going to kill the motherfucker the second I lay my eyes on him—that's what I'm going to do."

Ryan is going to kill him.

Which means everything I fear must be true.

"He ...

admitted to having sex with her?” Sadie asks Ryan.

Ryan shakes his head.

"I haven't spoken to him, he won't return my messages.” Easton has been texting and calling me, but he won't respond to Ryan? I don’t know how that makes me feel, I just know this hurts.

Way too much.

Since I still haven't put my phone away, I read the texts he's sent me over the last hour.

Please call me.

We have to talk about this.

It's not what you think, Harper, I promise.

I need to talk to you.

Don't ignore me, please, baby.

I didn’t do it, I swear to you, I didn't.

Call me before you get to school.

Sadie told me not to reply, not to answer his calls and I trusted she was giving me the right advice.

I mean, fighting about this before school isn't going to help.