The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 15

The drive back to Liberty Rose was quiet, but there was a kind of peace in it—one that came with the comfort of being together, even amid uncertainty.

The car hummed along the road, and for the first time in what felt like days, Annie allowed herself to relax into the moment. Her hand rested on the console, just close enough to Kane's, and without hesitation, he gently placed his hand over hers, their fingers brushing together.

She glanced at him, a soft smile tugging at her lips.

"It is nice out here," Annie said, glancing out the window at the fields and forests stretching around them.

"I have forgotten how peaceful it is." Kane's gaze flicked briefly to her, the corner of his mouth lifting in a smile.

"I think I could get used to this peace... as long as it lasts." Annie chuckled softly, the tension from earlier moments easing away with the simple exchange.

"I hope it lasts a little longer. We could use a break." Kane states.

They drove on in a comfortable silence, the soft hum of the engine accompanying their quiet thoughts.

After a few minutes, the radio flickered to life, a familiar song playing softly through the speakers. Annie's lips curved into a grin as the chorus kicked in.

"You like this song, don't you?" Kane asked with a playful glint in his eyes.

Annie looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "Maybe," she teased. "But don't get any ideas."

Kane laughed, glancing back at the road. "I was not planning to make you sing along. Unless you want to."

For a moment, the only sound in the car was the music, but then, without warning, Annie started humming along. Her voice was not perfect, but it was carefree, and it made Kane smile.

"Not bad," he said, laughing softly. "You have got some confidence; I will give you that."

She shot him a playful look. "What can I say? I have talent."

The teasing back and forth continued, light and easy, as if they had known each other far longer than just a few weeks. Kane kept his hand resting lightly over hers, fingers brushing gently as he navigated the winding road into town.

When they reached Liberty Rose, Annie felt an unexpected warmth spread through her chest. There was something comforting about this place, about being with him, even during everything.

"Here we are," Kane said, as they approached The Sit-N-Spill. He gave her hand a soft squeeze. "Ready?"

Annie looked up at the cozy little tea bar, the familiar sign swaying in the breeze. It felt like a small oasis. She smiled at Kane, her heart a little lighter than before.

"Yeah, I'm ready." As they stepped out of the truck, their fingers brushed one last time before they entered the tea bar together.

The soft chime of the doorbell echoed as Annie and Kane stepped into The Sit-N-Spill, the comforting warmth of the tea bar wrapping around them like a familiar embrace.

They were greeted by Becky and Ray, who were sitting at the corner booth with their usual cups of tea. The atmosphere was cozy, however it was quieter than usual, and the air felt charged, as if something important was about to happen. Annie moved to the back counter, setting down the files they had gathered from their trip, the pieces of evidence they had painstakingly collected sitting in neat piles.

"We have got to get this out there," Annie muttered, thumbing through the papers. Her stomach twisted as she thought about the danger they were courting. They had the information, but how far could they push it before the city council retaliated?