She was going to be at a crossroads when she went back to work on Monday, and she was still deciding the ultimate direction she wanted for her career. One thing she had determined, though, was that she still believed in the CIA’s mission. Hunter had told her that the Agency needed more people like her, and his words had resonated.

She helped clear the table and followed Viv into the kitchen, along with Bailey and Izzy.

“You shouldn’t be cleaning. You went above and beyond for dinner.” Layla took a bowl out of Viv’s hands. “Let us do it.”

“I’m just glad we could get together.” Viv smiled brightly. “And we have something to celebrate.”

“What?” Layla asked.

“Izzy got her LSAT scores!”

“Do tell,” Bailey said.

Izzy’s face beamed. “The number isn’t that important, but it’s good enough to be in the high range at Georgetown. I have a good shot of getting in! It’s like a dream come true. I can’t believe it.”

Bailey gave her a hug. “You studied so hard.”

“Thanks to you for all your help.”

Bailey was a standardized testing genius and had tutored Izzy. Layla stayed far away from that. Those tests had never been her thing.

“It’s good that we have things to celebrate now,” Izzy said. “There have been so many battles over the past few months, I’m embracing this as a win.”

“We all are,” Layla said.

Viv gave Izzy a hug too. “Unfortunately, though, we probably won’t see you as much now, especially your first year. You’ll be locked in the law library, studying.”

Izzy grinned. “I’ll miss you ladies, but in the end, it will be worth it.”

Layla loved seeing Izzy happy after everything she’d gone through. It finally felt like they were all in good places, and she hoped and prayed that would continue.

Hunter walked into the kitchen. “Can I steal Layla away for a minute?”

“Sure.” Viv smiled. “We have the dishes under control.”

Layla followed Hunter as he went out on the back porch. It was a cool day but not freezing.

“What’s going on?” she asked.

Hunter turned to her. “I’ve been doing a lot of thinking.”

Her stomach dropped, worrying that he had bad news.

He took her hands. “There’s no need to frown. This isn’t anything bad. I promise.”

She let out a sigh of relief. “Good. Because it’s been such a nice evening and a great way to decompress before going back to work.”

Hunter took a breath. “Layla, since you came back into my life, we’ve faced some pretty awful things.”

She was ready to move on to a new day. “But that’s all behind us.”