Chapter 8

(Past)

Brooke lay against Vince's warm frame. The blanket kept their exposed skin warm from the cool basement. She sighed happily and ran her fingers lightly over his toned stomach. God, she could stay here forever. Too bad she couldn't though; she was leaving tomorrow.

"Did you want to do something tonight?" Vince's voice was tired and low; it was obvious he was content with staying just where he was. Brooke smiled into his neck.

"I can't be out late. I have to go to my parents' and pack." Her voice was quiet and raspy. Since she graduated from college almost a month ago; she moved all of her stuff to her parent's house so she wouldn't have to pay for a storage unit. There was no point in her getting an apartment because she wasn't going to be there long so she'd been living with Vince the past few weeks. He always thought that it would be a permanent situation. He loved the fact that she was living there.

"Oh." That one simple little word explained so much. He had forgotten about her leaving and just like that it came flooding back into his mind. Vince's voice was filled with sadness and disappointment. Could he really forget or was he trying to forget? Maybe he could convince her to stay. He thought he already did. "You're still going." It was more of a statement than a question; like he couldn't believe that she was still going after the past couple of weeks they've spent together.

Brooke leaned up on her elbow and looked down at him seriously. "Of course I'm still going. Why wouldn't I go?" Vince sighed; he knew where this was going. He could let it go or he could start an obvious fight. She loved this man with all of her heart but, this was a promise that she made to herself in high school. She swore she would get out of here and just drive to anywhere in the country. All through college she saved her money and did her research.

"I just thought maybe you changed your mind is all." He leaned his head up and kissed her before she had a chance to reply. Right now, he didn't want to fight.

"How about this, I'll go now and hurry. That way we have all night." She smiled down at him. Vince sighed loudly and nodded. She stood up and went in search of clothes. Once she was dressed, she leaned down to give him one last kiss before exiting the room. Vince growled to himself and turned over, burying his face in the pillow. How could she honestly leave him without another thought?

(Present)

Why was she always here?! The past couple of weeks it seemed like Vince saw her more than he did when they were together. After she stormed off during dinner two weeks ago, she's been coming and hanging out with Mia, doing all the girly stuff, all the while ignoring Vince like he never existed and of course, she definitely pre-planned the outfits she wore just to get under his skin. He remembers the evil glint in her eye when she gave him a look that clearly stated she knew she was hot and there was nothing Vince could do but look. He definitely looked when she wasn't looking; but, he hadn't seen much of her since he was avoiding her as much as he could. Vince had practically been confined to his bedroom because he didn't want any type of confrontation with her. So he'd sit away from her during dinner and go back downstairs and soon as it was over.

Finally getting fed up with being stuck in that prison, he grabbed his car keys and walked up the stairs. Of course, Mia and Brooke were sitting at the kitchen table painting their toenails, listening to music, and chit chatting when he entered the kitchen. The talking stopped abruptly as if he wasn't allowed to hear what they were saying. Brooke glanced at him; that evil glint back but he just looked away and walked out the back door without another word. Getting into his car, he blasted a loud rock song and headed for the bar.

Brooke rolled her eyes and continued the conversation with Mia. "Maybe you and I could go on a road trip or something." Brooke suggested with a shrug of her shoulders. Mia grinned and nodded.

"How are you affording everything B?" It was so odd to her because Brooke wasn't working and it didn't look like she had any intentions too anytime soon.

"Well, when I lived in New Orleans, I had this really great job at an art gallery and I even waitressed for a little bit, long story short, I didn't spend much so I have enough to live on for a while. My dad gives me money occasionally too; God knows he'd rather see me use it than have my mother spend it on all that fancy expensive bullshit." Brooke chuckled and shuddered at the thought of her mother blowing so much of her father's hard earned money.

"Must be nice." Mia snickered and continued to paint her toes.

"Oh man, Mia I just had the most perfect idea!" Brooke screeched; throwing Mia off guard with her excitement but, she instantly perked up to hear what Brooke had to say. "Well, you're graduating in a couple of months, why don't we go and spend the summer on the east coast! I mean, we can rent a small place and just hang out for the summer." Brooke couldn't stop from smiling wide. The idea of spending the summer with her good friend Mia was just awesome. Plus, getting away from this horrid place was always nice. She was unsure about how much longer she could put up with Vince's shit before she needed to run again. Of course, she didn't want to but, she almost felt like she needed too. Mia contemplated the offer for a couple of minutes before she slowly broke into a huge grin.

"Oh man, Brooke that is perfect! I'm in!" Mia knew it would take a lot to convince Dom into letting her go but, in the end, she was an adult and she made her own decisions; except, she needs Dom on her side because he's the one who makes the most money. Sure her salary from the diner was good but, that's what she used to take care of herself. Mia made a promise to herself to start saving as much money as possible.

They couldn't help themselves; once their toes were perfect, they sat in front of the computer and started researching for their future road trip. [AN: Keep in mind, I've never been to these places just coming up with something off the top of my head. I live in FL and this state sucks badly which is why they are not coming here Lol.] In the end, they both agreed on Myrtle Beach in South Carolina.

"I'll take care of the deposit on whatever apartment we find. That way we're sure to get a place because obviously you have to book ahead." Brooke smiled and continued to scan the screen for other things.

Just then the phone rang in the kitchen. Mia stood up and went to answer it. Brooke only heard one side of the conversation and she didn't seem too happy.

"Who was that Mia?"

"The bar, Vince is trashed and he needs a ride." Mia rolled her eyes and shook her head in disbelief.

"I'll do it Mia."

"You don't have too." Mia was reluctant.

"Why should you have to go and deal with his drunken ass?" She chuckled. "Where is he at?"

Brooke pulled up in front of the small, loud biker bar just outside of town. Sure enough, Vince's car was parked in the lot. Brooke sighed and checked her makeup in the mirror before getting out and shoving the keys in her pocket. This was one of those times where she wished she didn't look nice because she knew that she was bound to get hit on; either from the idiots who were inside or an inebriated Vince. Either way it was a lose-lose situation. Pulling open the door; she was blasted with cigarette smoke and old school rock music. Instantly all eyes were on her, some were hungry and suggestive and others were surprised. Scanning the place; she found Vince at the bar downing a shot of dark liquid. Sighing, she walked over to him, sitting next to him; she waited for him to acknowledge her presence. Finally, after drinking his beer, he looked over at her. It was apparent that he was really wasted, his body swayed on the stool while his eyes were blood-shot and heavy.

"Vince…" She said quietly; her voice low with disbelief. Why did he do this?

He glanced at her. "What are you doing here?" It was obvious that he wasn't expecting Brooke to come and pick him up.

"What do you think?" He voice was slightly bitter. "You're wasted, I'm the safe ride." The last sentence came out harshly.

"I'll find my own way home." Vince downed one last shot before stumbling to his feet.

"Like hell you will, you might be a super dick but, the last thing I want to see is your car wrapped around a telephone pole. Give me your keys Vince." She ordered sternly.

Vince shook his head and continued towards the door. She grabbed his hand as soon as she was outside; stopping him from going to his car even though she didn't have a hard grip on him. He stopped and slowly turned to her; his features still defiant and annoyed. She growled in frustration.

"Vince," Her voice was low and pleading. "Just give me your keys; I'm serious."

"I'm surprised you even care." He grumbled as he handed her the keys to his car. She went over to it and locked it up before going towards her car; Vince was already sitting in the passenger seat.

"How much did you drink?" She asked quietly as they pulled out of the parking lot.

"Too much." He groaned as his head hit the back of the seat. Brooke looked at him sadly before pulling into the parking lot of a gas station. She turned off the ignition and hurried into the store. She scanned the shelf and grabbed some pretzels before getting a big bottle of water. Going to the counter, she set the stuff down and grabbed a packet of aspirin before paying for everything. Once she was back in the car, she handed the stuff to Vince.

"Here, you should be better by the time we get home." Vince happily took the water, taking a long swig from the cold bottle. "Don't puke in my car."

"I can hold my liquor." Vince obviously drank too much tonight. He'd be lucky if he didn't get sick. Brooke hoped the pretzels would soak up the alcohol that still swam in his stomach; once it made it into his blood stream, she doubted he'd still be able to stand up on his own. Vince could never turn down any type of food; he gladly ate the pretzels. By the time they made it back to the fort; Vince was still the same but, he wasn't slurring his words as much. Brooke shut off the engine and got out; making her way to his side; Vince was already outside; gripping the top of the car for support. He chuckled and shook his head before walking with a slight stumble towards the back door. Once they were inside, Brooke refilled his water and went downstairs where Vince was taking off his boots.

Brooke pulled back his covers and waited for him to strip down to his boxers before crawling under the blanket. Once he was snuggled in, Brooke set the water down on his nightstand.

"Well, I'm gonna go. Are you okay?" She asked quietly.

"I am now," He smiled nicely. "Thanks." He palm reached up and cupped her cheek; his thumb rubbed her skin softly. His touch was so warm and familiar that she couldn't help but, lean into his hand. Pulling away, Vince pulled the blanket up to his chin and closed his eyes. Brooke smiled slightly before shutting off the light and walking out of the room. It was late, she needed to get home.

"Hey." Mia said from the fridge; she was getting some water. "I heard you come in." It was obvious she had been sleeping. Brooke nodded; her hands in her pockets.

"Yeah, he was," She paused to find the right word. "Shit-faced." They both chuckled.

"Just crash on the couch, there's no point in driving home this late; I'm making a big breakfast tomorrow. I'll go get you some clothes to sleep in." Brooke hesitated before nodding with a smile. Mia brought her a tank top and some girly boxers. Brooke changed in the bathroom before lying down on the couch.

Vince rolled into consciousness, his eyes opened to find the room still pitch black. It was late, he was thirsty as hell and he needed to pee badly. Groaning, he stood up and held onto the wall as the last bits of alcohol surged through his veins. Why did he allow himself to drink himself stupid? Memories of Brooke taking care of him flooded his mind. He was being such a dick to her at the bar and she was still helping him. It definitely surprised him that she would do that after the way he'd been acting towards her. Once he was finished in the bathroom, he washed his hands and brushed the metal taste out of his mouth before going into the kitchen to grab some cold water; the water on his night stand had long turned warm. Tilting the bottle back, he gulped down most of its contents. Just as he was about to go back to his room, he heard a sigh coming from the living room. His eyebrow went up as he walked over to the doorway; it was dark so he couldn't be sure that it was her. Maybe Dom and Letty had a fight and he was stuck on the couch.

When he got to the couch he found that it was Brooke; she had already thrown the blanket onto the floor; he chuckled and scooped her up into his arms. He's passed out on that couch before and it isn't pretty the next morning. He lay her down on her side of the bed before crawling in next to her. He watched her as she slept; her back was to him as her smooth shoulders moved up and down with her breathing. Vince sighed sadly before turning onto his side; cuddling up behind her, he dug his face into her hair before wrapping his arm around her hip, pulling her close. She smelled like vanilla with a hint of strawberry from her shampoo. Closing his eyes, he fell into a deep sleep; he hadn't slept this good since the last time she was here in his arms.