Page 10 of Connor

I grabbed my phone and pulled up the delivery app, pretending to focus on scrolling through the menu while my heart raced for an entirely different reason. Because now, Connor was in my head. And I couldn’t shake him.

***

The pizza arrived twenty minutes later, and by then, I’d managed to shove Connor’s hoodie back into the box, out of sight but nowhere near out of mind.

Vic had kicked his feet up on the coffee table, flipping through channels on my tiny TV while I set the food down on the counter.

“Pepperoni and extra cheese,” I announced, opening the box and inhaling the scent of melted cheese and garlic. “Your usual.”

Vic turned, grinning. “God, I raised you right.”

I snorted, tossing him a paper plate before grabbing a slice for myself. “Alright, college girl,” he said, taking a huge bite and talking around a mouthful. “How’s it feeling?”

I shrugged, chewing slowly. “Like I’m in someone else’s apartment.”

Vic arched a brow. “That bad?”

“No,” I admitted. “Just… weird. Like, I’ve been looking forward to this for years, you know? Getting out, starting over. And now that I’m here, I don’t know… I thought it would feel different.”

Vic nodded, wiping his fingers on a napkin. “That’s normal. First year’s gonna be an adjustment. But you’ll settle in.”

“I know.” I nudged my crust across my plate, suddenly restless. “Just wish it didn’t feel so…”

Lonely.

Empty.

Wrong.

Vic watched me for a second, then smirked. “You need to stop overthinking. You got your classes all set?”

I nodded. “Yeah. The first day is Monday. Intro psych, English comp, and some gen eds. Nothing crazy.” I hadn’t decided on a major yet, but Vic was pushing for me to study business like he had.

“You’ll be fine,” he assured me. “I mean, don’t procrastinate or anything, but if you do, at least make sure you’re drinking something decent while you pull all-nighters.”

I scrubbed my jaw. “Solid advice, big brother.”

He grinned. “That’s what I’m here for.”

We ate in comfortable silence for a while, the TV playing some random sitcom in the background. I let the moment settle, let myself enjoy it, but as soon as Vic reached for another slice, I saw my opening.

“So,” I said casually, picking at my crust. “Have you talked to Connor lately?”

Vic didn’t even pause. “Yeah, I saw him a few days ago.”

I fought to keep my expression neutral. “Oh, yeah? How’s he doing?”

Vic shrugged. “Same as ever. Working, drinking, fucking anything that moves.” He smirked, like it was some kind of inside joke.

My stomach twisted. I waited, hoping he’d say more, but when he didn’t, I pressed on. “How are things going with Aiden?”

Vic arched a brow, chewing slowly before swallowing. “Why?”

I forced a small laugh. “No reason. Just… I dunno.” Except, I did. Connor always worried about his brother and his mom. I could never figure out why, and he always tried to make it seem like he couldn't care less. But on the nights when we were laying in his bed, he’d start talking, I’d run my hands over his chest… and God, it used to feel like we were more than just fuck buddies.

I couldn’t exactly tell my brother that, though. “Never mind, I guess I’m just missing home,” I tried to joke.

Vic frowned, leaning back against the couch. “He hasn’t said much. I think he’s just been busy.”

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