The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 10

"Morning," he said softly, a small smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Sleep okay?"

She sat up, rubbing her eyes and taking in the sunlight streaming through the cabin's large windows. The cozy warmth of the space felt like a protective cocoon. "Better than I have in weeks," she replied, her voice still thick with sleep. "Thanks to you."

"Coffee's ready," Kane offered, gesturing toward the kitchen counter.

As she poured herself a mug, her phone buzzed on the counter. A glance at the screen made her stomach drop. A text from an unknown number glared at her.

Stay out of city business if you know what's good for you. -💀

Kane was instantly at her side. "What's wrong?"

She handed him the phone. His jaw tightened as he read the messages. "Looks like they're getting desperate," he said, his tone low and measured. "But this won't work."

His words gave her a sense of reassurance, though doubt still lingered. She didn't have time to dwell on it, though. Another text came through, this time from her mom:

Hey, sweetheart. Your brother's swim practice is today. Don't forget! He's been talking about seeing you there all week. ♥

"Oh no," Annie muttered. "Alex's practice. I completely forgot."

Kane's expression softened. "You need to be there. I'll come with you."

"You don't have to—"

"I want to," he cut her off gently but firmly. "Family is important, and after the night we've had, a little normalcy might be good for both of us."

Annie hesitated, but saw the determination in Kane's eyes. She nodded. "Okay. But fair warning: Alex can be...a lot."

Kane's lips quirked into a small smile. "I think I can handle 'a lot.' Besides, I've been wanting to meet him. You've told me plenty."

Annie glanced at him, a playful smile tugging at her lips despite her nerves. "Alex means everything to me, you know. If he doesn't like you..." She let the threat hang in the air with mock seriousness.

"I'll just have to win him over," Kane interjected, his words escaping his undeniable smirk with a calm confidence, though the warmth in his tone softened the boldness of his words.

Annie smiled despite herself, a teasing glint in her eyes. "Well, good luck with that. Alex is incredibly outgoing, but he's also pretty good at reading people. If he likes you, you'll know it. If he doesn't..." She shrugged playfully.

A surprising sense of normalcy filled the ride to the pool. Kane's truck felt like a bubble of calm amid the storm raging around them. When they arrived at the community center, Annie spotted Alex immediately. He stood at the edge of the pool, towel draped over his shoulder, animatedly chatting with his coach.

"Alex!" Annie called out, her voice carrying over the chatter of swimmers and the faint echo of splashes.

.Alex turned, his face breaking into a genuine smile. He waved and walked over with the confident stride of someone completely in his element. "Annie Faye!" he called out, pulling her into a tight hug.

Annie laughed. "Easy, Alex. You're dripping water all over me!"

He pulled back, grinning, then noticed Kane. His expression grew more serious, assessing. "Who's this?"

Annie glanced at Kane, her expression caught between amusement and apprehension. "This is Kane. He's been helping me with some legal issues."

Kane extended a hand, his smile easy but respectful. "Nice to meet you, Alex. I've heard a lot about you. Annie tells me you're a Special Olympics swimmer. How long have you been swimming?"