Brothers Best Friend [Vinnie Hacker]

Chapter 2

Edited 30/04/2025

Riley's POV

"The last one in the pool becomes my servant for a whole day!" I shout, already mid-jump into the water with a big splash.

Nick, Ryland, and Kio dive in right after, their laughter echoing around the backyard. Vinnie, on the other hand, is still glued to his phone, completely missing the dare until it's too late.

"Wait, what?! That's not fair!" he yells, tossing his phone aside and cannonballing in with the most dramatic splash he can manage.

"Dang, that was a lot of water," I laugh as he pops up.

"You're welcome, Mini," Vinnie says with a cheeky grin, giving me a high five.

My brain short-circuits a little. He touched my hand. Okay, chill, it's just a high five... But still. I kinda love it when he hugs me or even does little things like this. It's dumb, but whatever.

"Guess what's happening tomorrow morning," I announce. "Pancakes. In bed. Served by my very own personal butler."

***

Later that evening – Dinner time

I end up sitting next to Vinnie at the table, and suddenly I'm super aware of how I'm sitting, how I'm talking—like, why is my heart doing backflips right now?

Ryland breaks the silence. "So, how was everyone's day?"

"Pretty good," I say, stretching with a yawn. "But I'm wiped. I think I'm calling it an early night."

"Night, R," Vinnie says, pulling me in for a quick hug.

We're all pretty touchy with each other, so the hug's normal... but I still feel all warm and floaty inside.

After saying goodnight to everyone else, I head to my room, brush my teeth, and pull on my favorite pajama pants. I collapse into bed with my phone and—of course—somehow end up on TikTok watching a Vinnie edit.

He's way too attractive for his own good. Like, is that even legal?

I'm on my fourth rewatch when Ryland suddenly appears in my doorway.

"Hey, can we talk?"

"Sure, Stormi," I say with a smile. Vinnie started that nickname for him, and now it's stuck. I kinda like it.

Ryland comes in, looking oddly serious. "You and Vinnie have been talking a lot lately. Is something going on there?"

I shake my head. "No, we're just friends. Really."

"Alright, just making sure."

"Relax, big bro. He's harmless. Mostly."

He stands up. "Cool. I'm gonna go see what the boys are up to. Later, Riley"

***

A little while later

I find Vinnie chilling on the couch.

"Hey, Mini," he says, grinning.

"Hey. Just so you know, tomorrow you're driving me to school in your fancy car."

"Excuse me?"

"Nope, not a joke. And I'm picking the music too, so get ready," I say, already walking off before he can complain

***

Next morning

"WAKE UP, RILEY!" Vinnie's voice yells from above me—just before ice-cold water pours down on me.

"VINNIE!" I scream, sitting bolt upright, freezing. He's standing there with the smuggest look ever.

And I mean... wow. He looks good. Even with the evil smile.

"I think I'll be running for my life now," he says, laughing as he takes off down the hallway.

"Oh no you don't!" I yell, chasing him through the house. We're racing up and down stairs, knocking over pillows, and then—

He slips.

I try to stop, but too late—I trip and fall right on top of him.

Of course, that's when Ryland walks in.

"...What am I looking at?"

"Ryland, wait, it's not—"

"Nope. I don't wanna hear it. Neither of you speak to me!" he snaps, storming off.

"Yikes," Vinnie mutters.

"I'll handle it," I say, already heading after my brother.

***

Ryland's room

I push open the door and climb onto his bed, flopping across his back.

"I'm sorry. Seriously."

"Go away."

"Just give me thirty seconds."

He rolls over and sighs. "Fine."

"Vinnie dumped water on me, I chased him, he tripped, and I couldn't stop. That's it. Promise."

Ryland cracks a small smile. "Alright. You're good."

We hug it out. Then he smirks, "Like he'd ever actually like you, though. Loser."

"Rude!" I laugh. "Now come on, there are pancakes left."

***

"I'm gonna go change real quick," I say as the boys head out.

I throw on something cute and comfy, then meet everyone by the cars.

As promised, I'm riding shotgun in Vinnie's car. The others are in Ryland's. And yeah... Vinnie's car is just as cool as you'd expect. His cologne fills the car, and it smells really nice. Too nice. I swear, it's making my brain turn to mush.

Then he glances at me.

Say something. Anything.

"So, M'lady," he says with that ridiculous grin, "what kind of tunes are we feeling this morning?"

"Less talking, more music," I tease, already queuing up a playlist.

'So What!' by Jxdn starts playing, and I immediately start singing along, full volume.

Vinnie looks over, eyebrows raised. "You're actually singing this?"

"Yup!" I yell, not even a little embarrassed.

He laughs so hard he nearly misses the turn.

_________________________________

Hey guys

I am really on a roll right now huh?

Nah im just kidding

Hope you enjoyed it though:)