Brothers Best Friend (Vinnie Hacker)

Chapter 17

After spending an extended period at HypeHouse, a wave of apprehension washes over me at the thought of Ryland's reaction when mom inevitably tells him about my suspension.

Vani, Chase, and I have whiled away the hours playing video games until dusk begins to settle. "Maybe I should head home?" I suggest, glancing at the darkening sky.

"Yeah, let me drive you," Chase offers with a smile. After bidding farewell to Chase, I enter the house.

"OMG, Riley, I've been so worried," Ryland exclaims, enveloping me in a hug as I walk in. "Why?" I question, puzzled.

"Mom called, saying you've been suspended for a week and some guy named Cole picked you up," he explains.

I chuckle, "Ryland, use your brain."

"What do you mean?" he asks, perplexed.

"Cole, that's Chase. You know, Cole Chase Hudson," I clarify, prompting laughter from everyone.

"Why did the principal call him Cole?" Ryland inquires.

"Because he's weird," I jest, and now Ryland joins in the laughter. "Why were you suspended?" Kio probes.

"Some girl got under my skin, and after I warned her, she pushed me over the edge, so I kicked her," I confess, earning surprised looks from the boys.

"I'm going to bed now," I announce. "Aren't you hungry?" Ryland asks.

"I can't even count how many donuts I ate with Chase and Avani," I quip, though truthfully, I only indulged in half.

Skipping ahead to the next morning

I wake up to find Vinnie absent. It's 9 AM, so I freshen up, slip into some casual clothes, and give Chase a call, inviting him over.

After tidying the house a bit, I hear a knock on the door and greet Chase with a hug. "Hey," I say warmly.

"Hey, so what are we gonna do?" he asks eagerly.

"I don't know. Since the principal seems to have it out for you, I figured you've been suspended a bunch. Any suggestions?" I reply, a hint of mischief in my tone.

"Yeah, I've got an idea," he says excitedly.

"What is it?" I inquire.

"We can grab Starbucks, load up, and then park by those special windows at school where everyone can see us and just pig out," he suggests.

"The Starbucks part sounds great, but the rest? Kinda boring," I tease.

After getting Starbucks

"OMG, I have an idea for a YouTube video we need to do," Chase exclaims, his eyes lighting up.

"Which one?" I ask, intrigued.

"You do my makeup while we answer questions," he suggests.

"Damn, Chase, that's a brilliant idea," I respond, smiling.

"Do you know what I'm thinking about?" he asks, catching my eye.

"Oh, I know—Canes," I reply, causing him to look astonished.

"How did you know that?" he exclaims.

"Because I'm thinking about it too," I answer with a laugh as we head to his car, vibing to the music.

As we arrive at Canes, we're greeted warmly by Trevor, who takes Chase's usual order. "Who was that?" I inquire.

"The first servant who ever took my order at Canes," Chase explains, surprising me. "You get it for free because you're my favorite," Trevor adds, prompting a hug from Chase.

After our meal, we swing by McDonald's for our favorite McFlurry with Smarties before deciding to head to the mall for some leisurely shopping.

Chase accompanies me, offering input on my purchases.

As the clock nears 4 PM, signaling the end of the school day, we drive home. Entering the house, I spot Vinnie asleep on the floor, while Ryland, in a mischievous mood, appears to be drawing on his face. "What are you doing?" I whisper, not wanting to wake Vinnie.

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im sorry for the short chapter but i have a big writer's block and i just wanna post one so yeah

remember to vote and comment

<Laura>