Page 26 of Breaking the Habit

And when a newcomer to the scene was hungry for it, Hollywood responded by devouring.

This town preyed on three types of people: the young, the gorgeous, and the starving. There was no other outcome. Levi was hungry enough to pose a risk. And whether he ended up on the positive side of fame or the negative, one thing was certain.

Levi would become a superstar.

Which meant she needed to stay far, far away from him.

Chapter 9

Levi parked his SUV in the closest handicapped spot on the street. They’d come to a place called HOME. So technically, they’d arrived home. Testing brunch spots was practically their job in LA, and they had yet to find a replacement for their favorite place in Chicago. With any luck, they’d find their favorite. Even if it took months of attempts.

“This one looks promising,” Levi said, peering out the passenger window. The entrance led to a big, woodsy-looking patio, with an archway that said “There’s no place like HOME.”

“As long as they have bacon,” Gage said, which was a fair assessment. Levi unbuckled and went to the back of the SUV, where Gage’s motorized chair sat on a ramp connected to the vehicle. He waited as it lowered to the ground, and then he maneuvered the chair to the sidewalk by Gage’s door.

Gage peered out at him, then glanced around the sidewalk. It was always the same. Checking to see who mightseehim. Levi got it—he really did. He wished he could take away the self-consciousness. Gage would never be like the other kids. He’d be better.

“Come on, buddy.” Levi leaned into the car. Gage reached for his neck as Levi scooped his hands under his brother’s light body. His legs were damn near useless at this point. A few years ago, he could still sorta stand and wobble out of the car. But now? He was totally dependent on Levi helping him transfer.

Levi easily set Gage into the chair, where his brother visibly relaxed. The chair was like a second skin for him. He whipped it around toward the restaurant entrance.

“This place better be good,” Gage said in the ominous way only a teen could.

Levi thwacked his head, where a flat-billed hat that said LAKERS sat cocked to the side. He’d spent damn near two hundred dollars on that hat, but it was worth it to make sure Gage looked—and felt—as he good as he could.

“Have you ever wondered why we cook bacon but we bake cookies?” Levi asked as they headed into the patio.

Wooden tables filled the tree-shaded space. Hipsters and professionals alike filled the gorgeous space. A funky hostess with a septum piercing greeted them and led them to a two-top near the tiled patio wall. She removed the extra chair for Gage without making a big deal about it, which Levi silently thanked her for.

“Damn. This place looks good,” Levi said as he perused the menu. “Though I think I’m gonna ask for some baked bacon. Just so that it makes sense.”

Gage cracked a grin. “I’ll have mine cooked, thanks.”

“Did you hear about the meat packer that got arrested?” Levi asked, trying to keep his tone casual. This was half the battle: trying to trick Gage so that he didn’t see the joke coming.

“Why?” he asked, glancing up.

“He was bringing home the bacon.”

Gage snorted with a laugh, and Levi couldn’t help but relish the victory. It was the least he could do to brighten his brother’s days. Their dad had always told the stupidest jokes, and although Levi had hated them growing up, it felt like something small he could do to keep their dad’s memory alive. To make it feel like they weren’t quite so fucking alone.

Because that was the truth which haunted the shadows of their days. They had no one. Not a single fucking soul fighting for them or making sure they could get the bills paid or checking in to see how they liked that new movie. Mom’s family was unknown; she’d been the youngest adopted daughter in an elderly family. And Dad’s family was estranged. They hadn’t grown up with even a damn aunt.

Which meant Levi had the work not just of one father or one mother, but of a whole clan.

When a waitress appeared to take their order, Levi flashed her his most dazzling grin. He had a knack for winning over anyone. Except, apparently, Riley.

After a very exciting series of texts for a full day and night, she’d ghosted him. Hard.

“What can I get you two?” the waitress chirped.

Gage winked at her before he ordered a bacon-filled omelet. Once Levi had ordered avocado toast with a veggie omelet, Gage leaned forward.

“Did you know my brother is in a meme?”

The waitress was curious, so Gage brought out his phone. Levi crossed his arms, acting like the attention bothered him. But it didn’t. Not one bit.

“Wow. Are you a fighter?” The waitress’s eyes sparkled when she looked back at Levi. He had her attention.

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