Brothers Best Friend [Vinnie Hacker]

Chapter 11

Edited 30/04/2025

Time skip to when we arrive home again

After a long day out, the house feels warmer than usual, filled with the quiet hum of people winding down. Vinnie and I find our way to the couch, settling in under a shared blanket. A movie plays, but neither of us is really watching it.

I rest my head gently on his shoulder, and for a while, neither of us says anything. It's not romantic in an obvious way—just... calm. Comfortable.

My phone buzzes, lighting up between us. It's Jaden.

Jaden: Riley

Riley: Hey, Jaden, what's up?

Jaden: Can you help me next weekend?

Riley: With what?

Jaden: My sister's dropping off her kids Saturday and Sunday. I'm stuck babysitting.

Riley: How old are they?

Jaden: Lilli and Liam are three. Louis is nine.

Riley: Awww, that's kind of cute. When should I come?

Jaden: Just be there 30 minutes before she drops them. She didn't give me an exact time.

Riley: Got it.

Jaden: Thanks. Seriously. You saved me.

I smile faintly and put the phone down.

"What was that about?" Vinnie asks from beside me, lying now with a pillow tucked under his head.

"I'm going to help Jaden next weekend. His sister's dropping off her kids."

Vinnie chuckles, voice low. "You're gonna be surrounded by toddlers. That's terrifying."

"Don't remind me," I groan, and then pause. "It'll be fine. Maybe a little fun."

He turns to look at me. "I like seeing this side of you, you know? The sweet one."

I roll my eyes, smiling. "Don't get too attached to it. I'm still me."

"Still my favorite," he mutters.

I pretend not to hear that part. Too warm. Too close.

Next morning

I wake up alone. The light outside is soft, filtered through the curtains. I take my time in the bathroom, soaking in a hot bath, then pull on something cute and comfortable.

Things with Vinnie feel lighter, like the tension has finally lifted. But we're not exactly together. Not yet. Whatever's happening between us... I want to let it grow slowly. On our terms.

At school, Vinnie and I walk in together with Mac and Nick. People glance our way, but I keep a small space between us. He doesn't push.

He just gives me that quiet look, the one that says I get it.

Time skip: after first period

"Riley Storms, Kio Cyr, Nick Austin, Vincent Hacker, and Mackenzie Cooper, please come to my office," the principal announces over the intercom.

Mac raises an eyebrow. "Did we get expelled for being fabulous?"

Ryland meets us in the hall. "Let's go," he says with a grin.