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CHAPTER XXIX. It's Nice to Have a Friend
Vacation had done wonders for Elina Romanoff. For once, she wasn't traveling the world with a mission hanging over her head, confined to brief stays in foreign cities while undercover. Instead, she had the liberty to explore, to truly experience each place she visited. From the historic streets of Belgium to the bustling markets of Germany, the lush rainforests of Costa Rica to the vibrant beaches of Brazil, and all the way to the rugged outback of Australia-she had taken in the world on her own terms. But now, her wanderlust brought her back to Washington, D.C., though the spirit of her vacation hadn't quite left her.
Today, she found herself hiking through Great Falls Park, the sun warming her skin as the distant sound of the Potomac River rushing over rocks filled the air. Birds sang cheerfully from the trees, adding a melodic backdrop to the serene atmosphere. It was a perfect day, or it would have been if it weren't for the sound of Celia's huffing and puffing behind her.
"Where is our stop?" Celia panted, bending over with her hands on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
Elina chuckled, reaching into her backpack to pull out a water bottle. She handed it to Celia, who accepted it with a grateful smile. "We're almost there," Elina promised, her eyes twinkling with amusement. "Just a little bit further. Trust me, the view is worth it. I'll slow down a bit, okay?"
Celia straightened up, nodding as she took a swig of water. The two continued their trek up the trail at a more leisurely pace. Since Elina had returned to the States, she had split her time between helping out at Susanna's house and taking care of Alyse, and hanging out with Celia. The friendship that had blossomed between them was something new for Elina, something she cherished. It was the first time in a long time that she had a friend outside of work, someone she could relax around without the weight of her past looming overhead.
"So, how's Sam?" Elina asked casually, glancing over at Celia as they walked.
Celia shook her head, a faint smile on her lips. "I haven't seen him much lately. He's been busy with Steve, tracking down that guy."
Elina's smile wavered for a moment, but she quickly recovered, steering the conversation away from the somber subject. "Do you know when the wedding is?"
Celia let out a light laugh, her mood lifting. "I'm thinking next spring. I'm still trying to settle everything, you know?"
Elina nodded, though her smile turned playful. "Not really," she admitted with a laugh of her own.
Celia laughed along, her tone turning teasing. "Yeah, I guess you wouldn't. How's the dating scene treating you?"
Elina let out an exaggerated sigh, sucking her teeth in mock frustration. "It could be better. I've been trying to meet some people, but none of them feel... right."
