Brothers Best Friend [Vinnie Hacker]

Chapter 17

After spending the afternoon at HypeHouse, the high from the day starts to wear off as a wave of dread creeps in. I can already hear Mom telling Ryland about the suspension. He's going to be pissed—and worried.

Chase, Vani, and I have been gaming for hours, our laughter bouncing off the walls until the sky outside fades into dusky blue.

"Maybe I should head home," I say, glancing out the window. The fun was real, but reality's knocking.

"Yeah, I'll drive you," Chase offers, tossing me a smile that almost makes me want to stay.

After a round of quick hugs goodbye, Chase walks me to the door. "Call me if anyone gives you trouble," he says, leaning against his car. "Seriously."

"Always," I reply before heading inside.

As soon as I open the front door, Ryland rushes over like a storm, arms out.

"OMG, Riley! I've been so worried!" he exclaims, wrapping me in a tight hug.

"Why?" I ask, eyebrows raised.

"Mom called. Said you got suspended and that some guy named Cole picked you up. I thought you got kidnapped!"

I can't help but laugh. "Ryland, use your brain for once."

"What?" he asks, eyes narrowing.

"Cole is Chase. Cole Chase Hudson. Ring a bell?"

That gets a laugh from everyone in the room.

"Then why did the principal call him Cole?" Ryland presses.

"Because he's weird," I joke, flopping down onto the couch.

"Okay, but why were you suspended?" Kio asks from across the room, genuinely curious.

I exhale and shrug. "Some girl said some messed up shit. I warned her to stop. She didn't. So I shoved her desk and kind of... maybe... threatened her a little."

A stunned silence follows, broken only by Ryland's exasperated sigh.

"Riley," he says, sitting down next to me, "I know people suck sometimes—but you can't keep getting into fights over these girls."

I glance at him, expecting a lecture, but his expression softens.

"You're better than that. Let them be toxic. Don't let them drag you down too. Promise me you'll chill next time?"

"I promise to try," I mutter.

He opens his arms again. "Come here."

I let him hug me, resting my head against his shoulder for a beat longer than usual. "Just... stop letting the bitches win," he adds, voice quieter now. "And don't get suspended again. Please."

"I'll do my best," I say, managing a small smile.

"Aren't you hungry?" he asks as I stand to leave.

"Honestly? I've eaten so many donuts with Chase and Avani that I might never eat again."

Truthfully, it was only one and a half—but no one needs to know that.

The next morning

The house is oddly quiet. No sign of Vinnie. I check my phone—9:02 AM. I freshen up, throw on a tee and sweats, then scroll to Chase's name and hit call.

"You up?" I ask.

"Always," he says, sounding like he just woke up.

"Come over."

By the time I've straightened up the living room, there's a knock on the door. I open it to Chase holding two heart-shaped lollipops.

"You're a lifesaver," I say, hugging him.

"So what's the plan?" he asks, eyes bright.

"I don't know. Since the principal has it out for you, I figured you've been suspended a few times. Got any tips for how to make it fun?"

He grins. "Oh, I've got ideas."

"Hit me."

"We grab Starbucks, roll up to the school parking lot, park right by the windows where everyone can see us, and just pig out in full view."

I make a face. "Starbucks sounds amazing. The rest sounds... like you're trying too hard."

He laughs. "You wound me."

After Starbucks

We sit in his car, sipping our drinks, music playing low in the background.

"OMG," Chase says suddenly. "I have the perfect YouTube idea."

"What?" I ask.

"You do my makeup while we answer fan questions. I'm talking full beat. Lashes, gloss, contour—the works."

I blink. "Honestly? That's a brilliant idea."

He leans in a little. "You know what I'm thinking about now?"

I grin. "Canes."

His jaw drops. "How did you know?"

"Because I was thinking it too."

We head straight to Raising Cane's. As we walk in, a guy at the counter lights up.

"Trevor!" Chase says, fist-bumping him.

"My first-ever Canes order came from this guy," Chase tells me.

Trevor laughs. "You still get it for free, bro. You're my favorite."

Chase gives him a quick hug. I just shake my head, smiling. Charming as always.

After devouring our food, we make a quick stop at McDonald's for McFlurries—Smarties, of course. Then we drift over to the mall, Chase helping me pick out clothes, giving brutally honest fashion advice I don't actually hate.

As the clock creeps toward 4 PM—when school ends—we start heading home.

Walking into the house, I freeze.

Vinnie is asleep on the living room floor, face down, snoring softly. Ryland is crouched beside him, Sharpie in hand.

"What are you doing?" I whisper, half-laughing.

Ryland looks up, completely serious. "Enhancing his beauty."

"You're such a menace," I say, stifling a giggle.

Chase peeks over my shoulder. "Should I draw abs on him?"

And just like that, the weight of yesterday starts to lift.

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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>