Brothers Best Friend (Vinnie Hacker)

Chapter 22

When we returned to the Hype House, I felt the need to clear my head with a walk to the skatepark.

As I arrived, my eyes landed on a cute boy sporting a beanie adorned with a safety pin, an oversized two-parted shirt, baggy beige pants, and vibrant red shoes. His nails were painted in black and white, and his skillful skating drew my attention. We shared a smile as our eyes met, but I quickly looked away.

Opting to sit on the largest ramp, I found myself lost in thought until a deep voice interrupted my reverie. I glanced up to meet a pair of chocolate brown eyes – it was the boy from before.

"Hey, you okay? You seem troubled," he asked with genuine concern.

"Yeah, everything just sucks," I admitted.

"I'm Zack. What about you?" he introduced himself.

"I'm Riley, and please don't worry about me," I replied.

"Wait, like Riley Storms?" he inquired.

"Yeah, that's me."

"No way! I've seen you on TikTok. What's bothering you?" he asked, leaning in to see the TikTokRoom post.

"Damn, that sucks," he sympathized as I showed him the post.

"Yeah, and I don't know what to think. I love and trust him with my whole heart, but this Nailea girl is so pretty, and I just feel ugly and fat," I confessed.

"Hey, you're not ugly, okay? Just take a break from him and think about it," he advised.

"Thanks," I said, pulling him into a hug.

"Wanna learn some tricks?" Zack suggested.

"Sure," I replied with a smile.

Three Hours Later

After spending hours skating with Zack, the sky began to darken, signaling it was time for me to head home.

"I should probably get home," I said, offering a smile.

"I'll take you," Zack offered, and I nodded appreciatively. As we walked in comfortable silence, I realized that it wasn't awkward – it was peaceful.

"Can I get your number?" Zack asked as we approached my house.

"Sure," I agreed, exchanging numbers before giving him a farewell hug.

"See you soon," I said before heading inside.

"Who was that?" Chase asked as I entered the house.

"The skater boy, dummy," I replied.

"Oh, that's Zack. I met him on my walk today," I explained.

"Okay," Chase said, accepting the explanation.

As exhaustion caught up with me, I sought a place to rest. "Where can I sleep? I'm so tired," I sighed.

"Chase has an extra bed in his room," Thomas suggested.

"But there are too many stairs," I protested, pouting.

"You're such a baby sometimes," Michael teased, attempting to lift me.

"And you're such a pussy," I retorted, laughing as he struggled.

"Let me try," Chase offered, effortlessly lifting me up and carrying me upstairs.

"Goodnight, m'lady," Chase said with a smile.

"Night, stickman," I replied, teasing him in return.

As I settled into bed and scrolled through TikTok, Avani joined me, seeking comfort in cuddles.

The Next Day

I woke up at 2 pm, feeling groggy after a night of interrupted sleep thanks to Avani's restlessness.

Now, in Avani's room with all the girls from the Hype House – Charli, Dixie, and Mac – we chatted and applied makeup.

"So, Riley, if you and Vinnie weren't together, who would you date?" Kouvr asked curiously.

"Honestly, I don't know," I admitted with a laugh.

"There's always someone," Mia chimed in optimistically.

"Okay, then Zack," I said, surprising the girls.

"Who's that?" Charli inquired, and I showed them a picture.

"Damn, was that the skater guy you talked about?" Avani asked, noticing my blush.

"Somebody's blushing," Dixie teased.

"You guys are not funny. I am a taken woman," I joked, feigning offense.

After finishing getting ready and donning our dresses, we admired our reflections.

"Damn, we look hot," I remarked with a giggle.

"With two hours before the party, let's go get your house ready," Avani suggested, and we all piled into Chase and Kouvr's car.

In Kouvr's car, it was me, Avani, Charli, and Kouvr. As we drove, we blasted One Direction, singing along loudly and off-key. In that moment, surrounded by laughter and music, I forgot all about Vinnie and Nailea.

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<Laura>