Unexpected reunion

Chapter 17

SASHA
The next day, I and Kelsey met at our favourite coffee shop, the smell of freshly ground beans and sweet pastries filling the air. My stomach was in knots as I took a sip of my coffee, the condensation on the cup leaving a wet ring on the wooden table. Studied Kelsey's face, looking for any sign of what might come next.

"So come on, tell me how was the date?"

I described our first date, the way he looked at me, and the way his laugh made my heart flutter all the little things that made our date.
I took a deep breath, my words spilling out like a dam had broken. "Vinny's kindness is beyond  words, his sense of humour, Kels he is so funny you're going to love him."

"Great I'm so happy for you sash."

As Kelsey took a bite of her almond croissant, she noticed I had gone silent.
She raised an eyebrow.

"What's up with you?"

"I know there is something you want to tell me.
I'm listening,"

I took a deep breath, setting my drink aside. "I need to tell you something," I began, my voice shaky.

Kelsey's eyes searched mine, a hint of worry creeping in. "What is it?" she asked, her tone softening.

"You know you can tell me anything sash."

Kelsey's smile faltered, her eyes narrowing slightly.
"Vinny," I repeated, my voice carefully neutral.

"What about him?"

"It's about his job.
"What does he do?"

My pulse quickened. "He's in the army," I said softly.

Kelsey's expression went from curiosity to shock in a heartbeat. She set her coffee down with a thud, her hand shaking slightly. "The army?".

I nodded, my eyes downcast. "Yeah," I murmured, playing with the frayed edge of my napkin. "I know it's a sensitive subject for you.

Kelsey was silent for a moment, her eyes unblinking as she processed the information. The café's ambience seemed to fade into the background, leaving only the sound of their breathing and the occasional clink of spoons against ceramic.

Kelsey sat there, her expression unreadable, as she listened. Her eyes darted around the room, avoiding my gaze. The café's chatter grew distant as the weight of my revelation settled over us.
Finally, she spoke, her voice low and tight. "Does he know about... everything?"

Sasha nodded, her eyes pleading. "Yes, I told him. He's aware of what happened with caiden and the twins and Mason and the kidnapping.
He won't say anything to anyone I promise. He can't wait to meet you.

Kelsey

It was a warm evening and Sasha was about to introduce me to Vinny and meet his brother, Bradley for the first time.
We decided to meet at a local coffee shop, where we could chat and catch up over a cup of coffee.

I'm so excited to introduce you to Vinny.
But I'm scared to meet Bradley, do you think that we will all get along?

Of course, why wouldn't you? And you know ow me, I'm easy to get along with, sash as long as you and West are happy then I'm happy that's all that I want for you.

As we enter the coffee shop I notice two men
They sat down at a cosy corner table,
Saha everything will be ok, I reassure her.

As we approached both men stood, kels this is Vinny Sasha says with a wide smile.
Hey, nice to finally meet the famous Kelsey I've heard so much about you, Vinny reply's you too I say.
And you must be Sasha? The woman that's stolen my brother's heart the other says laughing.

As we continued to talk, I noticed that Vinny was paying extra attention to Sasha, i could see the admiration in his eyes and the way he tried to make her laugh.
It was wonderful to see. She deserved some happiness.

Sasha

everything was going great, everyone was chatting and laughing.
Kelsey's phone starts ringing, as she checks it her eyebrow frowns it's Dad. I'll be right back she says with a smile.
As we waited for Kelsey to return, Bradley said Vinny kinda updated me on what to say and not in front of Kelsey, and I know her fella did a runner and she hasn't heard from him in months. But I have to confess that I like her, and I  admire her. I was thinking of asking her out on a date but I'm a bit scared you know after her fella just took off.
I was taken aback by Bradley's confession, but I could see the sincerity in his eyes. It looks like a year after the twins were born before she agreed to date Mason, I have no idea if she would date just yet, I say honestly.

Kelsey returned, is everything ok I asked her with concern.
Yeah, just Dad asking how things are, and what is my opinion on Vinny she laughs.
Don't worry I told Dad he's a good egg.

As we all sat together I couldn't help but feel grateful And as the coffee shop buzzed with laughter and chatter, I knew that this was the beginning of a new chapter in all of their lives.

Kelsey has been through so much in the past 2 months it's nice to see her smile.

**********

The sun hung low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the station. Sasha stood with her arms crossed, her eyes fixed on Vinny as he checked his gear one last time.

"Hey, don't look so glum," I nudged her, trying to lighten the mood.

"He's just going to war, not off to a spa retreat."

"Yeah, Kelsey, because nothing says 'relaxing getaway' like dodging bullets," Sasha shot back, at me her voice tinged with sarcasm.

Bradley chuckled, leaning against the wall with his arms crossed. "Come on, Sasha. Vinny's going to be fine. Just think of all the good stories he'll bring back. Heroic tales of bravery and... what was it? 'Avoiding the gluten at the mess hall'?"

"Very funny, Bradley," Vinny said, rolling his eyes. "I'll have you know that gluten is a serious enemy."

"Right, and the real battle is with your taste buds," Sasha teased, a smile creeping onto her face.

"Ha! My taste buds are in tip-top shape, thank you very much." Vinny puffed out his chest, pretending to flex. "I'll bring you back a souvenir, Sasha. Maybe a combat spoon?"

"Only if it's engraved with 'Best Girlfriend Ever,'" Sasha replied, her heart swelling despite the looming goodbye.

"Deal! And if I don't make it back, you'll at least have a spoon to remember me by," he said with a wink.

"Vinny!" I gasped, my hands flying to my mouth. "Don't say stuff like that!"

"Yeah, man! You're going to come back, all right? No dramatic exits," Bradley added, lightly punching Vinny's shoulder.

"Okay, okay! I'm just trying to add some flair to my send-off." Vinny grinned, but the tension hung like a heavy fog.
Sasha stepped forward, taking his hands in hers.

"Just promise me you'll be careful."

"Always," he said, sincerity shining in his eyes. "And I'll be back before you know it."

"Brad, man take good care of those women for me while I'm gone?"

"No problem bro just be careful, yeah and don't get shot!"

After Sasha gives Vinny her last hug and a massive smooch Vinny was on his way to war.