Fading Lines | (Line Series, Book 1) ✔️

chapter eight: trip to england

— Trip to England

➳ Brooklyn Brody

     "I can't believe you're actually going to England!" Amelia exclaimed for what felt like the hundredth time, her voice buzzing with the same excitement as though it were her trip, not mine. She sat cross-legged on my bed, folding one of my scarves as I packed the last of my clothes into my suitcase.

I folded a cardigan with distracted hands, smoothing out the fabric over and over without really paying attention. The cardigan itself seemed heavier than usual, as if it carried the weight of all the expectations I had for this trip. Am I really ready for this?

I stared blankly at the half-packed suitcase, the reality of traveling to England with Mr. Hall settling deeper into my chest. It wasn't just a business trip anymore—it felt like something more. Something that carried too many unspoken implications. This is my chance to prove myself, I reminded myself, but the words didn't offer the comfort I needed.

Amelia, completely unaware of my internal spiraling, leaned back on the bed, watching me with a sly smile. "So... are you and Mr. Hall going to share a room or something?" Her voice was light, teasing, but I caught the mischievous glint in her eye. She wiggled her eyebrows dramatically, clearly loving the chance to stir up some gossip.

Her question pulled me back to reality with a jolt, and I looked up from the cardigan, blinking away my worries. Of course, she would go there.

"Are you out of your mind?" I shot her a look. "You watched way too many movies. We'll be in separate rooms, he can definitely afford more than one room."

"Yeah, but I bet he booked a suite or something fancy." She grinned, clearly enjoying stirring the pot.

I shrugged, focusing on folding my jeans. "I don't know, and honestly, I don't care. All I care about is doing my job and learning as much as I can."

Amelia nodded, but her usual grin faded as a more serious expression crossed her face. "You're right," she said, her voice softer now, "but... what am I going to do when you're gone?" She pouted, stepping closer and pulling me into a side hug, her head resting on my shoulder like a sad puppy.

"Aww," I laughed, squeezing her tightly before pulling away to meet her pouty gaze. "You'll survive. You've got Chase and Callie to keep you company. And besides, it's only for the weekend!"

Amelia gave me a mischievous look, her eyes gleaming with playful intent as she leaned in closer. "You and Mr. Hall," she started with a knowing smile, "Everyone can see it, you know."

I groaned, already sensing where this was heading. "Don't," I warned, cutting her off before she could finish. "Don't say he has a thing for me. Is this Chase's doing? He's been feeding you this nonsense, hasn't he?"

She raised her hands in mock innocence, but the smirk on her face grew even wider. "Nope. I figured it out all on my own. Believe me, I don't need Chase to see what's right in front of us all." She leaned in closer, lowering her voice like she was about to spill some great secret. "The looks, the way he talks to you—Brooklyn, the guy is totally into you."

I stared at her, deadpan. "Amelia, Mr. Hall barely tolerates me. He's my boss, nothing more. And for the record, the only thing he's into is work."

She shrugged, crossing her arms, completely unbothered by my denial. "Mhm, keep telling yourself that. You know I'm right."

I rolled my eyes, turning back to the suitcase, but Amelia wasn't done. She poked my shoulder playfully. "Just think about it, Brooklyn. All those 'business trips,' the personal attention... I mean, the man could take anyone from the company, and yet he's chosen you."