Elena and Lydia sat in a cozy corner of the coffee café, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee wafting around them. Lydia stirred her latte absently, her eyes red from crying.
"I'm just so lost, Elena," Lydia said, her voice barely above a whisper. "I thought he understood what it meant to be with someone who is a travel agent, at least that's what I told him my job was. I thought he was different."
Elena reached across the table, placing a comforting hand on Lydia's. "Relationships are tough, Lydia, especially with the kind of work we do. It's not easy for someone on the outside to understand the risks and the sacrifices. But you deserve someone who can handle all of it and support you."
Lydia sniffled, looking up at Elena with watery eyes. "But what if I never find someone like that? What if I'm always alone because of this job?"
Elena shook her head gently. "You won't be alone, Lydia. You've got friends who care about you. And as for finding someone, it might take time, but there's someone out there who will see how amazing you are and won't be scared off by your job. And until then, you've got us."
Lydia gave a small, appreciative smile. "Thanks, Elena. That means a lot. I just… I need to take it one day at a time, I guess."
As they talked, the bell above the café door chimed, signaling a new arrival. Lydia, facing the entrance, looked up and froze. Elena noticed her friend's sudden change in demeanor and turned to see what had caught her attention.
Ryan walked in, his presence commanding the room. He had an air of confidence that drew eyes, and both women found themselves momentarily entranced. Lydia stared, wide-eyed and clearly taken by his handsome features.
Elena snapped out of it first and called over to him, "Ryan! Over here!"
Ryan spotted them and made his way over, a smile spreading across his face. As he approached, Lydia leaned in and whispered to Elena, "You know him?"
Elena nodded. "Yeah, that's Ryan. He's the one I went on the mission with to Canada."
When Ryan reached their table, Elena introduced them"Ryan, this is my friend Lydia. Lydia, this is Ryan, my teammate on the mission in Canada."
Ryan extended his hand with a polite smile. "Nice to meet you, Lydia."
Lydia, looking a bit flustered, shook his hand. "Nice to meet you too, Ryan. I've heard a lot about you."
Ryan raised an eyebrow playfully. "All good, I hope?"
Lydia laughed nervously. "Yes, definitely."
Elena gestured to an empty chair. "Why don't you join us, Ryan? We were just catching up."
Ryan sat down, and Elena couldn't help but notice how Lydia seemed more animated around him, laughing at his jokes and engaging in the conversation with enthusiasm. Ryan, for his part, was polite and friendly, but his eyes often flickered to Elena as they talked.
After a while, Elena decided it was time to share some good news. "Ryan, I wanted to tell you about the debriefing with Continental Marcus kane this morning."
Ryan looked curious. "Oh? What happened?"
Elena smiled. "He was very impressed with your performance on the mission. Based on my recommendation and his own assessment, you've been declared an official agent of the Shadowguard. You're just awaiting the induction ceremony now."
Ryan's eyes widened in surprise and delight. "Really? That's incredible! I can't believe it."
Lydia clapped her hands together. "Congratulations, Ryan! That's amazing, I hope we can go out on mission together sometimes!"
Ryan's expression softened as he looked at Elena. "Thank you, Elena. I couldn't have done it without your guidance and support."
Elena shrugged modestly. "You earned it, Ryan. You showed great skill and determination. We're lucky to have you."
The rest of the conversation flowed easily, with Lydia asking questions about the Shadowguard mission in Canada, and Ryan sharing his experiences. Elena watched the interaction with a smile, happy to see her friend finding some distraction and joy amidst her heartbreak.
As the morning turned into afternoon, they decided to part ways. Lydia seemed in better spirits, and Ryan was beaming with his newfound status.
"Take care, Lydia," Elena said, giving her friend a hug. "Call me if you need anything."
Lydia nodded, her eyes shining with gratitude. "I will, Elena. Thanks for everything."
Ryan and Elena walked out of the café together, the sun now high in the sky. "Thanks for inviting me over, Elena," Ryan said. "It was good to talk and relax a bit."
"Anytime, Ryan," Elena replied. "And congratulations again. You're going to be a great agent."
Ryan grinned. "I hope so. With teammates like you, I know I'll be in good hands."
They parted ways, each heading towards their own duties, but with a renewed sense of purpose and camaraderie.