Brothers Best Friend [Vinnie Hacker]

Chapter 9

Riley's POV

As we walk into the mall, it's like every memory of my argument with Vinnie fades. I love hanging out with my best friends—it always feels like a reset.

Ryland's POV

It's been three hours since the girls left, and the house feels quiet. Too quiet.

Vinnie finally comes out of his room, and I take my chance.

"Have you figured out what you're gonna say to her yet?"

He groans. "Jeez, man. Let me breathe."

I raise my hands. "Alright."

He pauses, looking a little uncertain. "Do you think she even wants to talk to me?"

I shrug. "I don't know, Vinnie. You hurt her."

He rubs his face and mutters, "Yeah. I messed up."

Before I can say anything else, he walks off again.

Riley's POV

When we get back, it's almost dinner time. I'm exhausted from shopping, but not ready to face Vinnie. Not yet.

"Hey Mac, can you grab the guys for dinner?" Ryland asks.

"On it," she says, dropping her shopping bags.

At dinner, I take the seat farthest from Vinnie. I don't want to talk. Honestly, I'm kind of embarrassed about how emotional I got.

"Guys, can we please try to clear this up?" Kio says cautiously.

"There's nothing to clear up! I know he used me," I snap.

"Why would I use you?" Vinnie shoots back.

I narrow my eyes. "Because that's what guys do, right? You act sweet for a bit, then move on to the next girl. You're a player, Vinnie. Even if we don't break up, you'll just pretend I don't exist by Monday."

Vinnie slams his fork down. "Seriously? You think I'm the problem? I've been trying to connect, but you shut me out every time. I try to have fun with you, and you freak out! You're so caught up in your own walls, you don't even see what I'm trying to do."

"Wow, so now I'm selfish?" I fire back, voice raised.

"Guys, enough," Ryland tries to step in, but we both shoot him a glare.

"Come on," Mac says quickly, pulling me up. "Olivia, Nick—let's go watch a movie or something."

Once we're in my room, Olivia flops onto the bed. "Let's play truth or dare."

"Alright," I say, glad for the distraction. "Mac, truth or dare?"

"Truth."

"What do you like most about your boyfriend?"

She blushes. "He's kind, sweet... and I love his hair and eyes."

"Olivia, your turn," Mac says. "Truth or dare?"

"Dare."

"I dare you to go downstairs and kiss Kio—on the lips. Then run back up here."

I laugh out loud. "Yes, do it!"

Without hesitation, Olivia bolts downstairs. We peek over the railing just in time to see her press a quick kiss to Kio's lips and sprint back up.

"You legend!" I yell, giving her a high five.

We play for another hour before settling in with a movie, then crash for the night.

Next Morning – Riley's POV

I wake up alone and throw on a random hoodie from the floor. My stomach grumbles, so I head downstairs.

Of course, the only open seat is next to Vinnie. Great.

Before I can sit, Ryland steps in.

"Hey, Olivia, Mac, Kio, Nick—come with me real quick?"

Ryland's POV

Once we're in the living room, I turn to them.

"We have to do something. I can't stand seeing my sister and one of my best friends like this."

"I have an idea," Olivia says. "Why don't we plan a pool party? Something low-key and fun. They'll both be there, and maybe in a chill setting, they'll finally talk."

"That's actually genius," Kio says.

"And we'll make sure they're never left alone for too long," Nick adds. "Just enough space to talk without forcing it."

"Perfect," I say. "Let's start planning."