The Sit - N - Spill Chronicles: Brewing

Chapter 22

After days of careful planning and a flurry of group texts, Annie and Kane were ready to host their friends at the cabin. Everyone needed a break, and the girls' and guys' night were the perfect way to unwind and reconnect.

The laughter from Aubrey's car echoed into the quiet night as she pulled into the gravel driveway of Kane's cabin. The gravel crunched beneath her tires, blending with the faint rustle of leaves stirred by a cool breeze. The moonlight spilled over the cabin's rustic wooden exterior, giving it a warm, inviting glow amidst the surrounding shadows of the forest. Aubrey hesitated for a moment, gripping the steering wheel as her thoughts flickered between the lingering tension of recent events and the comfort of seeing her friends. A faint smile tugged at her lips as she reached for the wine bottles beside her.

Aubrey's thoughts flickered between the tension of the past weeks and the comfort of seeing her friends again. She took a deep breath, letting the night air steady her before stepping out of the car with a bottle of wine in each hand.

"This is exactly what we need," she murmured to herself, determination flickering in her eyes as she approached the warmly lit porch where Annie stood waiting. Annie waved enthusiastically, the tension from the past few days momentarily replaced with excitement. 

Inside, Jo and Ella were already setting up, their movements filled with purpose and a touch of playfulness. Jo crouched beside the coffee table, carefully aligning an array of face masks and nail polish, her lips pursed in concentration.

"This is the ultimate self-care arsenal," she declared, her voice tinged with mock seriousness as she made sure everything was symmetrically placed. Ella, meanwhile, bustled around with a charcuterie board, tilting her head as she scrutinized the arrangement.

"Too much cheddar on this side," she muttered, adjusting the slices with precision. The space, though simple, was transformed by their efforts, exuding a cozy charm that matched their personalities. Their shared energy turned the task into a celebration, highlighting Jo's meticulous nature and Ella's creative flair.

Their chatter and occasional bursts of laughter filled the room, setting a warm and inviting tone that hinted at their anticipation for the night ahead. The girls' night promised to be a mix of fun and indulgence, but Annie couldn't shake the feeling that they needed more than just a distraction. They needed connection.

As the evening progressed, the conversation started light—funny anecdotes about high school, teasing comments about Annie's "roommate situation," and a debate over the best movies to re-watch during stressful times. But as the night deepened, so did their words.

Jo leaned back against the couch, tucking her feet under her. "Okay, so big news from my household: my boys have apparently decided they're future Olympians." Her eyes twinkled as she recounted their antics. "Yesterday, Luke turned the living room into an obstacle course, and Chase was timing him with an old kitchen timer. I was both impressed and terrified for my furniture."

Aubrey snorted. "Sounds like you're raising the next American Ninja Warriors. Good luck keeping up with that."

"Don't remind me," Jo groaned. "But honestly, they're the best part of my day—even when they're destroying it. How about you, Ella? How's your family?"

Ella's expression softened, and she swirled her glass of wine thoughtfully. "Mom's doing well. She's been busy with her knitting group, which is basically a town hall disguised as a craft circle." She grinned. "My brother's still juggling three jobs—he's got this hustle that makes me tired just hearing about it. And Grandma... she's Grandma. She keeps pretending to 'forget' how to use her phone so I'll visit more often."

"Smart woman," Aubrey quipped. "She knows what she's doing."

Ella nodded with a laugh. "Oh, she absolutely does. But honestly, it's been nice spending more time with her. She's been through so much, and I think she's just soaking up every moment she can."