“And you can finally spill all the details about dinner with Noah’s family.”
We found ourselves at our favorite little café—a hidden gem with outdoor seating, ivy-draped trellises, and just enough seclusion to chat freely without the worry of prying ears. The air was filled with the comforting scents of warm bread and sweet honey, andfor a moment, everything felt light and easy. Just like old times, before missions and secrets began to weigh me down.
We ordered a feast of sandwiches, flatbread, and iced teas, then settled into a sun-soaked booth by the window.
“So,” Mary said the moment the server walked away, her hands folded as if she were about to conduct a serious interview. “Dinner. Noah. Spill the details.”
Lillian leaned in with eager anticipation.
“Was it awkward? Did his mom say anything cringe-worthy? Did you two exchange those secret, smoldering glances over the mashed potatoes?”
I rolled my eyes, but my grin gave me away. “It was... really nice, actually.”
Mary’s eyebrows shot up. “Nice? That’s all we get?”
“His family was lovely. His mom cooked pasta, his brother wouldn’t stop teasing him, and his dad told stories that felt straight out of a sitcom.” I paused, the warmth of the evening still wrapping around me.
“It felt... real. Comfortable.”
Lillian tilted her head, curiosity sparkling in her eyes. “And Noah?”
I hesitated.
He had looked at me like I was a steady presence in his storm, like I belonged there, even when I felt like a stranger.
“He was... different,” I said softly. “Lighter. I can’t explain it. It was like I was catching a glimpse of a side of him that he usually keeps hidden.”
Mary leaned closer, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“You’re falling for him.”
I laughed, but it came out breathless. “I’m not—”
“You totally are,” Lillian interjected, pointing her straw at me like it was a weapon. “It’s written all over your face. You’ve got that starry-eyed, dreamy, halfway-to-trouble look.”
I sank a bit deeper into the booth, suddenly feeling a little exposed.
“He’s just… I don’t know. He’s careful with me. Even in the silences, I can feel it. But this isn’t easy.”
Mary’s teasing softened, her expression turning more serious.
“Is it because of who he is, or because of what you’re scared of?”
I didn’t respond. Not out loud. Because it wasn’t just about him.
It was about the mission. The secrets. My father. The world we came from, and the terrifying thought that if I let myself fall completely, I might not survive the landing.
“I’m just trying to be smart,” I said instead, stirring my drink absentmindedly. “This isn’t a typical situation. We’re not typical people. I can’t afford to—”
“To be human?” Lillian said gently.
To hope. To feel safe. To love. I gazed out the window, watching the light dance on the glass and the carefree people strolling by.
“I kissed him last night,” I finally whispered, so softly I wasn’t sure they’d caught it.
Then, Mary squealed. Lillian gasped.
“Oh my god,” they chorused in unison.
