Page 58 of Victorious

It was enough to know she was no longer the only one hiding in plain sight.

Hiding. That was the wrong word. Rios wasn’t embarrassed by what she was, which was first and foremost a soldier, one who’d served her country well abroad, and was now serving it at home. But secrets were heavy when you had no one to share them with.

The hall split, and so did they.

“Have a good day, Rios.”

“You too, Harris.”

“You can call me Noah.”

Rios bobbed her head. “Okay.”

“And you?” he prompted.

“You can call me Rios.”

He laughed, shoulder tipped against the wall. “Come on, soldier.”

She chewed the inside of her cheek. She’d never been the kind to share stories of back home. And not just because she didn’t have many good ones. But Noah’s presence was a lifeline, and she found herself reaching for it, afraid if she didn’t, it would pull away.

“It’s Lilian.” She cringed when she said it. It was a soft name, like steamed milk. And it had never suited her.

Noah cocked a brow. “Lilian,” he said, like he was tasting the name. “I like it.”

“I don’t,” she said bluntly.

He bobbed his head. “Understood,” he said, pushing off the wall. “See you, Rios.”

They rarely did.

Their talents made them well suited to the field, so their paths didn’t often cross—but when they did, he winked. She rolled her eyes. They shared a fleeting, knowing look.

One that simply said, I see you.

It was nice, to have an ally. An anchor.

Maybe, if Stell hadn’t been killed, there would be more of them by now. But the new director, Helena Roy, made it clear, there wouldn’t be.

“Coming or going?” he asked now.

“Going.”

“Somewhere fun, I hope.”

Most days the answer would be no. Like Noah, her movements outside the base were always logged—part of the deal she’d struck with Stell when he offered her a badge instead of a cell. When Rios wasn’t trying—and failing—to catch Vale, her life ran in a small loop from the base to the apartment to the gym and back to base, with little deviation.

But for once, she actually had plans.

“Getting drinks with an old friend.”

Noah gave her a look, and for a moment Rios thought he was about to ask her for a drink. Agents weren’t supposed to fraternize outside of EON. But as far as she knew, it was discouraged, not forbidden—even for them. Rios wondered what she’d say, if he asked.

But he didn’t. Just nodded. “Good. You deserve a break.”

“Don’t we all,” she said, heading out.

“Fucking EOs,” he called after her.