Page 45 of Branded Hearts

“It’ll be fun. And plus, it’s just a small getaway,” Isla says with a smile.

Liv turns to me, and I can feel all eyes on me, waiting for my answer. I hesitate, feeling reluctant about the idea of a trip, but with a heavy sigh, I finally relent.

“Fine.”

Liv nods, satisfied. “Great! I’ll pass on the information to everyone.”

“Everyone?” Xavier and I ask simultaneously.

“Yeah, the whole gang. Michael, Harrison, Imogen—” Liv’s voice blurs as I anticipate the next name she’s about to say. “And Amelia!”

Isla chuckles. “Oh, this should be interesting.”

Xavier adds sarcastically, “Stuck in an AirBnB with everyone, especially with Harrison and Imogen’s bickering. Can’t wait.”

As the conversation swirls around me, the reality of spending a weekend in an AirBnB with Amelia sinks in. I’m already regretting this decision, but there is a part of me that’s intrigued.

This could be an interesting turn of events.

14

Fast Car - Luke Combs

Saturday morning rolls around, and I start packing my stuff for our little impromptu weekend getaway. I’ve got Olivia on FaceTime, and she’s giving me the rundown of what to bring.

“So, just the basics, right?” I confirm, folding a few shirts and tossing them into my bag.

“Exactly, just the basics,” Olivia confirms, watching as I hold up a couple of shirts for her approval.

“Should I bring this one?” I ask, showing her a colourful top.

“Yeah, that looks perf! And don’t forget your cozzie, just in case we decide to hit the lake,” Liv suggests. I nod, making a mental note.

“Got it. What about shoes?”

“Comfortable ones for walking, and maybe something a bit dressier for the night,” Liv advises.

“Okay, I’ll pack a pair of sneakers and some sandals,” I say, adding them to the growing pile in my bag.

“You’re all set, then. Oh, and don’t forget your charger!”

I chuckle, grabbing my charger from the bedside table. “Wouldn’t want to be without that.”

Suddenly, Liv’s face lights up. “Oh, by the way, Bradley will pick you up. We’re all meeting at my place before we head out.” My heart skips a beat at the mention of Bradley.

“O-oh, are you sure? I can drive to yours?” I stammer, trying to hide my jittery nerves.

“No, no. Don’t be silly,” Liv insists, her smile comforting. “Saves you having to leave your car here.”

This is just a weekend trip with friends. I’ve got this.

Thinking that, a rush of nervous excitement washes over me. I can’t help but feel all bubbly at the thought of seeing him again.

Liv says she’s gotta run, but assures me Bradley should be here in about twenty-five minutes. She adds he’ll text when he’s outside. With a quick goodbye, she hangs up. I finish zipping up my bag, my mind still buzzing about Bradley. Then, my phone starts ringing, and my heart jumps to my throat.

Could it be Bradley already? But Liv said twenty-five minutes, right?

I check my phone in a hurry, only to see it’s my sister, Kat, FaceTiming me. Relief floods over me as I answer the call. Millie’s bright face pops up, instantly lighting up mine.

---