You’re Mine by Penny Brooks (Easton and Harper) novel Chapter 116

 

Chapter 116

Easton

“Let's hang out, '

Ryan says to me at lunch the next day. Harper is still at home sick. I think she’s even worse today. The fever is gone but she's coughing like crazy and can’t stop blowing her nose. It was risky, kissing her yesterday. Spending time with her, but damn it, a cold is worth being able to see my girlfriend, even if it’s just for a little while. “What are you thinking? '

I ask him. The cafeteria is packed with people since it’s raining outside, and the aroma in this place is kind of awful. Smells like a combo of greasy food and smelly feet. Makes me a little queasy. “Let’s go grab a pizza when school’s over. Maybe go to your house and play some pool. Catch up without the girls always around? '

“Sounds go— '

“What are you whores planning? '

We both glance up to find Blake standing by our table, his expression easy going. As if he hasn't just screwed us over in an endless amount of ways over the last couple of months. Yes, he’s one of my oldest friends. No, I still don’t trust him. Anyone who willingly spends time with Aisha has to be given serious side eye. But how does that old saying go? Keep your friends close and your enemies closer? Yeah, that’s what I'm trying to do. “Nothing, '

Ryan answers too quickly, his expression guilty as hell. “We're gonna go grab some pizza after school, '

I say, leaning back in my chair. As casual as ever. “Want to come with? '

Blake shrugs, ignoring Ryan. “Sure. Sounds good. '

“Probably head to my house after we're done and play some pool. Or just hang out, '

I continue. “All right. '

Blake nods. “Meet you in the parking lot after seventh period? '

“Perfect. '

We slap hands in a complicated ritual we made up when we were fifteen and stupid and then he’ s out. “What the fuck, Easton? Why did you invite that asshole? '

Ryan asks me, his voice rising. “Because that asshole used to be our friend, '

I remind him. “Yeah and now you think he’s a complete dickwad who's planning our demise with Aisha. '

Ryan makes a face. “You don’t trust him. '

“Nope, I don't. '

“So why would you invite him to hang out with us? '

“I want to pick his brain. Figure out what his motives are and where his loyalty lies. I don’t understand him. '

“Me either. I don’t want to understand him. '

Ryan’s eyes narrow. “Fuck that guy. '

“Look, I don't disagree. Just...go along with me. Okay? '

After school Blake meets us in the parking lot and we go to a nearby restaurant that has some of the best pizza in town. Once we make our orders, we get our drinks and find a booth to sit in. “I haven't been here in a long time, '

Ryan says once we're settled in. “Me either, '

Blake says. “Wish we could've ordered a pitcher of beer. '

He sneers at his glass full of Pepsi like it’s full of poison. “I got beer back at my house, '

I say. “We can have a few. '

“I'm glad you guys invited me, '

I stare at him, not saying a word. Ryan goes quiet too. ‘You have room for two more? '

Julia asks flirtatiously. “No, '

I say, not even looking at her. The girls stand at the head of our table for a few more seconds before they both flounce away, visibly pissed. I don’t give a shit. “You told her, '

I say to Blake once the girls are out of earshot. “Swear to God I didn’t say a word to her. I don't know how she knew we were here. '

Blake’s eyes are wide, his tone insistent. “I mean it when I say I miss you guys. I wouldn't want her to here to fuck up our bro afternoon. '

“Uh huh. '

Ryan shakes his head, nudging me in the ribs. “I told you this wasn’t a good idea. '

Blake rears back as if Ryan’s words shocked him. Fucking Ryan, opening his big mouth. “What exactly are you doing? '

Blake asks me, his gaze narrowed. “Testing me? Seeing if you can trust me? Fuck this. I don’t need friends like you two. '

“We don't need a friend like you either. Get the fuck out of here, '

I snarl. Blake jumps to his feet and grabs his drink. “Fuck off. The both of you. '

We watch him go to Aisha and Julia’s table, where he’s happily welcomed. Of course. “He's up to no good, '

Ryan mutters as he watches them. “Yeah, he is, '

I say as I watch them too. He most definitely is. But what exactly is he up to?