The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 4

Annie's heart raced as she held the phone to her ear, listening to the familiar voice on the other end.

"Annie? What's going on, honey?" It was her mom, Becky, the one person who had always grounded her in moments like this. The sound of her mother's voice was like a balm to the storm of uncertainty swirling in her mind.

Annie took a deep breath, trying to steady herself as she walked to her car. "I'm in over my head, Mom. This thing with the council... it's getting serious, and I don't know if I'm making the right decisions."

Becky's voice softened, as it always did when she sensed her daughter was struggling. "Why don't you start from the beginning and tell me what's got you feeling this way?"

Annie sank into her chair, staring out the windshield of her Tahoe. She could picture her mom standing in their cozy kitchen, probably stirring something on the stove or flipping through one of her recipe books, the scent of fresh bread or a pie baking in the oven.

"It's just—everything is moving so fast. Kane has been an immense help, and he's found all this information about the council and what they're planning, but it's... overwhelming. They're not just coming after the tea bar, Mom. They want the land, and they're trying to push us out through eminent domain. I don't know what to do, and I don't want to make a mistake that could cost us everything. Not just us either, but several others in the community, too."

Becky was quiet for a moment, and Annie could hear her processing the weight of the situation. When she spoke again, her voice was calm. "Annie Faye, you've always been good at reading people and situations. Do you trust Kane?"

Annie paused, contemplating her answer. "I do. He's been through something similar, and he seems genuine. But part of me wonders if I'm being naïve... if I'm putting too much faith in someone I haven't known for very long."

Becky hummed thoughtfully. "Trust your gut, sweetheart. If you believe Kane is on your side, then let him help you. But remember, this is your fight too. You don't have to carry the weight of it all alone, but you need to stay true to what feels right for you and your family."

Annie nodded, though her mom couldn't see her. "You're right. I just... I don't want to let anyone down. Especially you and Dad."

"Annie," Becky's voice was gentle but firm, "you have never let us down. Not once. And your dad and I will be right there with you, every step of the way, no matter what happens. We believe in you. And if this is important to you, it's important to us."

Tears pricked at the corners of Annie's eyes, but she blinked them back, feeling the support of her mother's words wrap around her like a warm hug. "Thank you, Mom. That means more than you know."

"Now, what can I do to help? Have you talked to your dad about all this yet?"

"Not yet. I wanted to figure out a plan first before I worried him, but I think it's time to loop him in. Kane and I are working on gathering support from the community. There's a town hall meeting soon, and if we can get enough people on our side, it might make a difference."

Becky was quiet for a moment, then she spoke with a determined tone. "Well, we'll make sure the whole town knows what's at stake. I'll talk to the ladies at church, and your dad can spread the word at the school. People care about that tea bar and your family, Annie. You'll have more support than you realize."

A small smile crept across Annie's face. She knew her mom was right. The tea bar wasn't just a business—it was a cornerstone of the community, and people cared about what happened to it. But hearing her mom's determination sparked something inside of her, a flicker of hope that maybe, just maybe, they could win this fight.