You’re Mine

Chapter 193

Harper

“How did Ryan score us this bottle?"

I ask Sadie as she fills our glasses again, the bottle now almost gone.

“I promised him a blow job.” She laughs.

“And don't worry, I have another bottle in my bag, so we're not even close to running out.” I groan as I roll over in my bed, trying not to spill all over my blanket.

“You could have spared me that detail.” She rolls onto her back as well, both of us looking up at my ceiling.

"You know, one day you're going to have to get used to talking about this kind of stuff.” I shake my head.

“Nope.” “Yes.” I feel her eyes on me.

“Because if I'm going to hear all the juicy details of you and Easton, especially what's about to go down in his new apartment, then it's only fair you hear about Ryan.” I wince at the thought.

"Then, can you change his name? Call him Michael or Greg or something, so I don't have to deal with the visual that makes me want to gag?” “You're ridiculous.” “And that's why you love me.” There's a few moments of silence while she takes a drink and then sighs.

“You know what I'm not looking forward to?” "What's that?"

Her voice softens, “Missing you.” I sit up, resting my back against the wall, draping my legs over hers.

“The thought about kills me.” “It's far, Harp.

Like faaaar.” She's talking about the distance between the two schools, something I've looked up more times than I can count.

The miles are drivable, of course, seven hours and change is totally possible, but we won't be in the same town, like we are now.

We won't be minutes away.

We're going to have to rely on Facetime and texts and phone calls.

And the thought of that makes me so sad.

“I know,’ I whisper, guzzling down more of my wine, the reality of our situation eating at me.

“And if I'm being honest, I hate it.” "Me too.” “I wish we were all going to the same college.” She leans up on her elbow, resting her face against her palm.

“But you know UCLA was never my thing just like Chico State isn't yours.” “True, but once we leave, it's going to be Thanksgiving until I see you?” She nods.

“Unless I can convince Ryan to do a road trip to visit you guys sooner, which is totally possible, he'll do anything for a blow job.” I cover an ear with my only free hand.

“Different name! Remember?” She laughs.

‘I'll work on it—promise.” "Easton's going to have a car too, so maybe we can come visit you.

I know he’s going to miss Ryan like crazy, so I doubt it'll take much convincing.” “What about Blake?"

she asks.

"Do you think he's going to be part of the group once he takes off? I know he’s leaving soon.” I shrug.

“Don't know. Content (C) Nôv/elDra/ma.Org.

I do know the guys are going to help him pack up and load his car.

Easton says he has a ton of shit and it's like an all- hands—on—deck kinda thing.

But I hope he stays in touch—at least I want him to, I can't speak for Easton or Ryan.” She grabs the bottle again and adds more to our glasses.

"I feel like I have so much to do to get ready for this move.

So much to pack.

So much to buy.

Bedding, towels, decorations—all the things.” “Same.” I glance around my room, not wanting to bring anything that's in here because when I return for break, I want my bedroom to look the same as when I left.

“Want to go shopping next week?"

I ask her.

“I still have that four hundred dollars I didn't use for my prom dress and now I have some graduation money that I can spend.” "Next week is perfect, but, girl, you know Easton is going to insist on buying it all, his bougie ass is going to want a certain thread count for the sheets and pillows that are a certain percentage of down—"

“oh my God, stop.” I laugh.

“He's not that bad.” “I'm glad you're sticking up for your future husband, but, hello, we both know he’s THAT bad.” She takes out her phone and shows mea photo that was taken in his room the night of prom when we were putting the finishing touches on our makeup.

"Do you see what's in the background of this picture?” look closely.

"Decorative towels? A few bottles of body wash?"

“Those, yes, but the man has a freaking bidet in his own private bathroom.

Do you know a single person in this world who has a bidet, never mind having one in all eight bathrooms in their house?” I put my hand over my mouth as I snort.

“I honestly didn't even know what one was until I saw it at his place, and then had to Google it.” “Exactly my point.” She clinks her glass against mine.

“Bougie.” “Okay, maybe you are right.” I continue laughing.

"Should we invite the boys on our shopping trip, so they can weigh in on the things that matter, like sheets?"

“Ryan will go because he loves the Chinese food at the mall, but Easton's approval is a must, so yes.” "It's a date, then.” I glance out the window beside me, remembering all the times I'd watched the boys from up here while they hung out in the backyard.

All the times I'd wished more than anything that Easton would notice me.

And, now, I'm here.

When I glance back at Sadie, the emotion starts to hit.

"I know I've already said this and I probably will a million more times, but I'm going to miss this.” I inhale, feeling my chest tighten.

“And I'm really going to miss you.” She sets her wine down and gets up to throw her arms around my neck.

"I know, Harp, I know.

I feel the same way.” I set my wine down, too, so I can really latch onto her.

"We can't let too much time go by without seeing each other.

Promise?” “Promise.” I close my eyes, feeling the first tear drip.

“How am I going to life without you?” “You won't be doing any of that without me.

We're going to talk hourly, we're going to Facetime.

Nothing is going to change aside from you seeing my pretty face in person every day” That better be true.

Because even though I'm ready for this next stage, doing it without Sadie hurts.

And the thought of having to hug her good—bye soon makes the tears drip even faster.