Chapter 17: The Summer Storm
The sky above Crestwood had taken on an ominous hue as the oppressive heat of the day gave way to the promise of a summer storm. Lexley and Santiago had been working tirelessly on the latest phase of the hotel's renovation, but the distant rumble of thunder had them glancing up uneasily.
"Looks like a storm's coming," Lexley said, wiping sweat from her brow.
Santiago nodded, his brow furrowed as he watched the darkening clouds.
"A big one by the looks of it. We should secure everything outside before it hits."
The air was thick with humidity, and the first few fat raindrops began to splatter against the dusty ground. They hurried to cover tools and secure loose items, working efficiently to prepare for the impending storm. 
As they worked, the wind picked up, howling through the streets and sending leaves and debris swirling. Lexley fought to tie down a tarp that had come loose, but the wind tugged at it fiercely.
"Need some help?" Santiago called over the roar of the wind, rushing to her side.
"Yes, please!" Lexley shouted back, struggling to keep her grip on the flapping material.
Together, they managed to secure the tarp, just as the heavens opened and the rain began to pour in earnest. Sheets of water fell from the sky, quickly turning the ground to mud and drenching them both to the bone.
"We need to get inside!" Santiago shouted, barely audible over the cacophony of the storm.
They ran towards the hotel, the rain pelting them mercilessly. By the time they reached the shelter of the porch, they were both soaked through. Lexley pushed her dripping hair out of her face and looked up at Santiago, who was shaking the water from his hands.
"Some storm," she said, trying to catch her breath.
"Yeah," Santiago agreed, his eyes meeting hers. "Let's get inside and see if everything's holding up in there."
They hurried inside, the wind slamming the door shut behind them. The lobby was dimly lit, the power flickering as the storm raged outside. Lexley moved to check the windows, making sure they were all securely closed.
"Everything seems to be holding up so far," she said, relieved.
Santiago nodded, but his expression was still tense.
"We should check the basement. If there's any flooding, we need to catch it early."
They made their way downstairs, the sound of the storm muted by the thick walls of the old building. The basement was dry for the moment, but the steady drip-drip-drip from the ceiling indicated a potential problem.
"We'll need to keep an eye on this," Santiago said, frowning as he inspected the source of the leak.
Lexley sighed, feeling the weight of the storm's threat pressing down on her.
"I hope it doesn't get worse."
Santiago placed a reassuring hand on her shoulder.
"We'll handle it, Lex. We always do."
---
As the evening wore on, the storm intensified. The wind howled and the rain pounded relentlessly against the walls of the hotel. Lexley and Santiago huddled in the lobby, a small lantern casting a warm glow as they waited out the worst of it.
"This storm is something else," Lexley said, her voice hushed.
Santiago nodded, his gaze distant.
"It's been a while since I've seen one this bad."
Lexley glanced at him, sensing there was more on his mind.
"You okay?"
Santiago sighed, running a hand through his damp hair.
"Just thinking about how fragile everything is. One storm can turn everything upside down."
Lexley reached out, taking his hand in hers. "We'll get through this, Santiago. We always do."
He looked at her, his eyes softening.
"I know. It's just... sometimes it feels like we're always fighting against something."
Lexley squeezed his hand, offering a reassuring smile.
"But we always come out stronger. Together."
Santiago smiled back, his grip tightening on her hand.
"Yeah. Together."
---
Hours passed, and the storm showed no signs of letting up. The power flickered again, and then went out completely, plunging the hotel into darkness.
"Damn it," Santiago muttered, fumbling for the lantern.
Lexley retrieved a flashlight from her bag, clicking it on. "Let's check the generator."
They made their way to the back of the hotel, where the old generator was housed. The rain had seeped in, and the floor was slick with water. Santiago knelt down, inspecting the machine by the light of the flashlight.
"Looks like some of the wiring got wet," he said, his voice tense.
"I need to dry it out before I can get it running again."
Lexley nodded, holding the flashlight steady.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
Santiago glanced up at her, a grateful smile on his face.
"Just keep that light steady."
She watched as he worked, his hands steady and sure despite the dire circumstances. As the minutes ticked by, the storm continued to batter the building, the wind howling like a wounded beast.
Finally, Santiago stood up, wiping his hands on a rag.
"That should do it. Let's see if it starts."
He pulled the starter cord, and after a few tense moments, the generator roared to life, casting a warm glow over the room.
"Thank goodness," Lexley said, relief washing over her.
Santiago smiled, his eyes meeting hers. "We did it."
---
As they returned to the lobby, the power flickered back on, the lights chasing away the darkness. Lexley let out a breath she didn't realize she'd been holding, the tension easing from her shoulders.
"Looks like things are finally looking up," she said, a smile playing on her lips.
Santiago nodded, his gaze warm.
"We make a good team, Lex."
She felt a flush of warmth at his words, their connection deeper than ever.
"We really do."
As the storm began to ebb, the hotel stood strong, a testament to their resilience and determination. They had weathered the storm together, their bond unshaken by the trials they faced.
Sitting side by side, watching the rain taper off, Lexley rested her head on Santiago's shoulder, feeling a sense of peace despite the chaos outside.
"We're going to be okay," she whispered.
Santiago wrapped an arm around her, his voice filled with love and certainty.
"Yes, we are. Together, we can face anything."
As the first rays of dawn broke through the clouds, they knew that no matter what challenges lay ahead, they would face them side by side, their love and strength unwavering.
The storm had tested them, but it had also brought them closer, solidifying their bond and their commitment to each other and their town. And as the new day dawned, they felt ready to take on whatever the future held, confident in their ability to weather any storm.