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Charlotte caught the tremble of Ali’s lower lip, watery gaze fixed on the screen. As it always did, Ali’s distress kick-started the old rusted gears that produced thought. Her hand slid from Ali’s knee to her neck, pulling her close and pressing a kiss to a flushing cheek.

“Congratulations,” Charlotte said, and she meant it.

Because Ali did deserve this. Of course she did. Her talents and achievements should be celebrated. Charlotte would always celebrate them… even if they took her away.

“Are you excited?” she asked, forcing brightness into her voice that didn’t quite bleed into her expression.

“I—” Ali’s voice wobbled. “I never thought I’d ever be accepted. It’s so competitive.”

Diana rose immediately, moving around the table and wrapping Ali in a proud hug.

“And you’re an incredibly talented young lady,” Diana proclaimed, beaming with pride though one brow lifted at the rigidity in Ali’s spine.

Everyone else began offering their congratulations and Charlotte mustered all the strength she could to keep her smile plastered onto her face, rubbing slow circles into Ali’s back to soothe the anxiety humming beneath her skin.

“What’s wrong?” Charlotte asked.

Diana tucked a few strands behind her ear, eyes bouncing back and forth between Ali and Charlotte, studying them both.

“With my show and the wedding, I’ve been so busy. I forgot all about the residencies. I hadn’t decided if I was going or not,” Ali explained, eyes glued to the screen as though the information might change.

Silence fell around the table and Charlotte swallowed thickly, trying to clear the lump forming in her throat.

“Of course you’re going,” she said gently. “It’s the opportunity of a lifetime. You’ve earned it.”

“Yeah,” Ali murmured.

Lilah spoke, voice hesitant. “You don’t seem excited.”

Ali looked up then, sitting back in her chair.

“I think I’m either in shock or overwhelmed, maybe both.” Rising to her feet, Ali flashed a bright smile. “I have a last-minute painting that I need to get started on. And I’m sure Willow is waiting and very offended I’m not home yet, so…” She turned to Diana, pressing a kiss to her cheek. “Thank you for feeding me.”

“You’re always welcome,” Diana said, cupping her dimpled cheek. “We love you and we’re proud of you, Sugar.”

Ali nodded, pulling back before she spoke, voice a little rough. “Love you, too.”

Charlotte watched as Ali made her way to the exit. She hesitated only a moment before rising to follow, packing away her dread and quieting her racing thoughts. She always said she wanted what was best for Ali. She wanted it to be Ali’s choice whether she stayed or went.

Now here it was, that choice.

Her stomach churned as she caught up with Ali in the foyer, collecting her bag and patting her pockets, making sure she had everything. Her fingers tapped their familiar rhythm before she turned to face Charlotte.

“I’m okay, I promise,” Ali said quickly. “It’s just a lot to think about. I don’t even have time to process it with my show this weekend. My lease ends and—fuck. See? Too much.”

“I know you’ll figure out the best course of action.” Charlotte gave her a half smile, her sorrow digging in between her ribs. “I’ll be here when you do.”

Ali nodded, a crease forming between her brows as her worry stitched itself into place.

“Why are you looking at me like that?”

“Like what?” Charlotte inquired, trying to school her features to no avail.

“Like this is the last time you’re going to see me.”

Was she really so transparent?

She dropped Ali’s gaze, eyes finding the floor as the weight of everything threatened to pull her under.