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Thanks to how late we were getting to bed the night before, we didn’t roll out of bed the next day until almost one o’clock. I looked over at the clock and shot up out of bed. Deanna’s flight was in a few hours, and we hadn’t gotten her ready to go yet. I pulled my robe around me and hurried into the living room.

Much to my relief, Deanna was out of bed, dressed, and packed, with her bags sitting on the sofa. I silently thanked God that she had more on the ball than I did.

“Good morning,” she said cheerfully, zipping up her carry-on bag. “Or should I say afternoon?”

I smiled and shoved my disheveled curls out of my face. I knew I was a raccoon from not taking my make-up off the night before, but I didn’t care.

“What time are we all meeting for lunch?” I said, figuring they’d worked out the details the night before.

“About ten minutes, but I doubt that’s going to happen,” Deanna said, grinning at me. “I’ll call Uncle Paul while you get ready.”

“Just tell them to come here and bring food,” I said, figuring that would be the quickest option. “We don’t have time to actually go out.”

“No problem,” she said as I went into the bathroom to shower and get dressed.

When I was done, I went back into the bedroom, to see Orlando sitting on the edge of the bed, pulling on his socks. He was dressed in dark, baggy jeans and a black sweater, with his hair pulled back into a messy ponytail.

“Your dad will be here soon, love,” he said as I pulled my wet hair into a ponytail on the back of my head. “They’re bringing lunch.”

“Okay,” I said, sitting on his lap and wrapping my arms around him. “We have a minute, though, right?”

“I suppose,” he said, his one hand kneading my hip while the other one rested on my waist.

“Good, tell me your surprise,” I said, leaning my forehead against his. I kissed him quickly. “Please?”

He sighed, a weary sound that made me feel like a jerk for pressing him. “Please, Charlie, just leave it alone,” he said, standing up and dislodging me from his lap. “I’ll tell you when I’m ready.” He turned and left the room, leaving me standing there, stunned.

My dad and Aunt Tess arrived a few minutes later, baring sandwiches and coffee. We set up at the dining room table to eat, and no sooner had we sat down, then we were disturbed by a knock at the door. I got up to answer it.

“Do I dare come in?” Elijah said when I’d opened the door. “Or is Orlando going to kick my ass?”

I smiled. “I think there’s enough people here that you’ll be safe,” I said, standing aside so he could come in. “We’re just sitting down to lunch, care to join us?”

“Sure,” he said, following me to the table. He looked sheepishly at Orlando before he sat down.

Orlando immediately got up and left the table.

“Honey, go after him,” Aunt Tess said, though my dad shot her a dirty look as she did so.

“Really, Tess, she doesn’t need to coddle him,” Dad said, rolling his eyes. “He can be angry in the other room while we enjoy our lunch.”

“It’s okay, I’ll only be a minute,” I said, standing.

“No, let me go,” Elijah said, rising as well. “I’m the one who messed up, I should be the one to fix it.”

I sighed and looked at my dad. I knew exactly what he was thinking. I only had a short time with them, but Orlando would be there later, so I should stay with my family. It was the same position I always seemed to be in with them.

“Sure, ‘Lij, you go,” I said finally, sitting back down.

“You treat that man like a child sometimes,” Dad said once Elijah had left the room. “He’s nearly thirty years old, Charlotte.”

“Don’t start,” I said, almost snapping. “He’s clearly upset, and I want to make sure he’s okay. There’s nothing wrong with that.”

“When he leaves the table the way he did, he wants to be alone,” Dad said, his tone harsh. “Respect that.”

“You don’t know anything about this, so please, stop giving me your opinion,” I said, trying to keep my anger under wraps. I didn’t need a lecture on how I was acting or treating my own boyfriend.

“Everyone settle down before you say something you’ll regret,” Aunt Tess said, putting her hand on Dad’s arm. “Paul, let them work this out themselves. Otherwise, it’s just going to ruin our lunch.” She looked at me. “Don’t worry, sweetheart. I’m sure Orlando will get over it.”

The rest of our lunch was tense, but I did make an effort to show how happy I was that they were there. We talked quietly, trying not to think about the fact that Orlando and Elijah had yet to come out of the bedroom. It had been over half an hour.

“We need to get to the airport,” Dad said, setting his napkin on the table and rising. “Deanna, get your bags ready.” She immediately got up and started putting her little bit of luggage by the door.

“Okay, kiddo, I guess this is it for us,” Aunt Tess said, hugging me. “You’ll come home soon for a visit, right?”

“As soon as I can get some time off,” I said, knowing it wouldn’t be for a few months. “I’m planning on coming home for a few weeks for a much-needed rest.”

“If they’re working you too hard, don’t wait a few months, Charlotte,” Dad said as he embraced me. “Take the time you need when you need it. I don’t want you to burn yourself out.”

“I’m fine, Dad,” I said, smiling at his concern. “I’m used to it now, don’t worry.”

“As long as you’re sure,” he said, setting me away from him. “I’ll take the bags down to the car.” He picked up Deanna’s bags. “Call me if you need anything, Charlie,” he said, then went downstairs. Aunt Tess hugged me again and followed him, her own bag in her hand.

“Thanks for letting me stay with you,” Deanna said, grinning as she grabbed her purse and her carry-on. “And for talking to me about stuff.” She hesitated. “Can I call you to talk sometime?”

“Of course, sweetheart,” I said. I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. I found I was going to miss having her around. “But next time you come to visit, let’s do it the right way, okay?”

“I will, I promise,” she said. I hugged her again and she went downstairs. I suddenly felt very alone.

I wandered over to the dining room table and cleaned up our lunch mess, then puttered around in the kitchen, unloading and reloading the dishwasher. Lisa hadn’t come home from the night before yet, so I had no company while Orlando and Elijah were still cooped up in the bedroom.

I waited another fifteen minutes, then went to the bedroom door and knocked softly.

“Orlando? Elijah? Is everything okay?” I called, not really sure what to expect. I heard papers rustling.

“It’s okay, Charlie,” Orlando called, finally. “You can come in.”

I opened the door, and they were both sitting on opposite edges of the bed, looking at me with guilty expressions. I was half expecting to find dirty magazines under my pillow or something.

“I’m guessing you’re not mad anymore?” I said, going to Orlando.

He shook his head. “No, I think we’ve worked it out,” he said, trying to keep a grin from his face. “Actually, I have an appointment this afternoon to put the finishing touches on your surprise, so you won’t have to wait too much longer.”

“Good,” I said, unable to hide my relief. “I hate surprises with a passion.”

“Which is exactly why I didn’t want you to know there was one until I was ready to show it to you,” he said, taking my hands in his. “But certain people can’t hold their tongues when they’ve had too much to drink.” He cast a glance over his shoulder at a chastised-looking Elijah.

“Never gonna let me live that down,” he mumbled, looking slightly amused as he shook his head. His blue eyes shone vividly in the light streaming in from the window. He shrugged. “Oh well.”

“We need to get going, love,” Orlando said, standing. “Enjoy your day off, and I’ll be home later.”

I followed them to the living room. “Elijah, you’re going too?” I said, somewhat sad to be all alone.

“Yeah, I don’t trust myself to stay,” he said, chuckling. “I might just blow the rest of the surprise.”

“I’m taking him with me,” Orlando said, slipping his arm around me. He kissed the top of my head. “Relax for a change, love. You deserve it.” He kissed me quickly and then they were gone.

I decided to spend my free time engaging in some retail therapy. I had no idea where Lisa was, so I ended up going from store to store alone, picking up a few new summer items as I went. It was mid-June and already hotter than I liked in the city, so it was time to break out the shorts and t-shirts, which I didn’t really have many of.

While I shopped, I couldn’t help but relive the night before. I heard my name called, I felt the weight of the award in my hand, I heard the wild applause. I got goose bumps as I remembered every moment, and in my euphoric fog, I somehow ended up at the theatre.

Since it was a Monday, we didn’t have a show and the lobby was deserted. This was a fairly recent development, since they’d added a second show on Sundays, so we were now doing eight shows in six days. It was a lot of work, but in the end, it was nice to have an evening free for once that didn’t follow a show.

I made my way backstage with my bags, just wanting to be around the costumes and the props, to feel at home. I was just running my hand over one of the monkey costumes when my cell phone rang.

“Hello?” I answered it.

“Charlie? It’s Dawn.” Dawn was my agent, and I rarely heard from her now that I’d landed Wicked. I wasn’t actively pursuing another role, so we had no need to be in constant contact.

“How are you?” I said, smiling to hear from her.

“Thrilled to see that you won last night,” she said in her no-nonsense, right-to-the-point way. Her words were abrupt, but her tone was warm and friendly. “I’ve been fielding calls about you all day.”

I laughed. “What kind of calls?” I asked. “Hopefully good ones?”

“I’ve had some offers that might be worth looking at,” she said. “Including the National Tour of Wicked that leaves in three weeks.”

I almost dropped my phone. Sitting down on one of the dressing stools, I let what she’d said sink in. The National Tour of a show as big as Wicked was nearly impossible to get, because it took a lot more energy than running the same show in the same theatre every night, and the producers didn’t offer it to just anyone. Whoever they selected had to have the stamina to both travel on a regular basis and not let the show slip due to exhaustion. It was a dream and a curse all at the same time.

“Charlie? You still there, hon?”

Dawn’s voice forced me back to reality. “What else did you get?” I dared to ask.

“An offer for Mamma Mia! in Toronto,” she said, as though reading the info, which she probably was, “And Aida in London, England. You can pretty much have any show you want right now, so you’d better strike while the iron’s hot.”

I didn’t say anything. Aida in London was Adam’s show. I wasn’t about to go down that road again. And Mamma Mia! was a fantastic show, in Toronto, which meant I’d be close to my family. But I wasn’t so sure I was ready to leave Wicked just yet, either the show itself, or my life in New York City. It was a horrible choice.

“Do I dare ask the rest of the details on the tour and the Toronto offer?” I said softly.

“Financially, the London offer is the best,” she said, and I heard her shifting papers around.

“I don’t want London,” I said resolutely. “What about the other two?”

“Are you kidding me?” she said, sounding exasperated. “How could you pass up London? It’s a show you love and the pay is amazing. Wicked won’t ever match what they’re offering.”

“I just can’t do London,” I said. “It’s personal, okay?”

“I’m not interested in personal,” she said. “If you pass this up, you could be closing a door to work in the West End. You don’t want to do that.”

“If I’m doing something else, then it’s hardly like I’m just blowing them off,” I pointed out. “I’m not going to be unemployed and thumbing my nose at them.”

“You’re crazy,” Dawn said, disappointment clear in her voice. “Isn’t your boyfriend from London? How could it be so horrible to be near him for two years?”

She had a point. Orlando’s home was in England, and when he was done Pirates that’s where he’d go. His house was there, his family was there, his life was there. But Adam was there, and I wouldn’t put myself in that position again. I knew it would go over like a brick with Orlando to know that I’d be choosing a second show with Adam, even if it was in London.

“When do I have to let them know?” I said, figuring it wouldn’t hurt to talk it over with him.

“You’ve got a week,” Dawn said. “Then it’ll go to someone else.”

“Okay, give me the specifics on the tour and Toronto,” I said again. “I’ll make a decision and get back to you.”

She told me everything I needed to know about the other options, and we hung up. As I grabbed my bags and headed back home, my head was whirling with possibilities, but I wasn’t nearly as happy as I should have been. I knew I had one hell of a choice ahead of me.

Lisa was home when I got there, and I was definitely glad she was. She was sitting on the sofa, flipping channels on the television, when I came in with my shopping bags and my worried expression.

“Whoa, who died?” she said, following me into my room.

“No one,” I said as I set my bags on the bed. I sighed as I began pulling things out of them so I could put them away. I didn’t really feel like doing it, but I needed to keep moving, or else I’d cry.

“Then what’s wrong?” Lisa pressed, putting her hand on my arm to stop me as I started to fold a t-shirt. “You’d think after last night, you’d be on top of the world.”

“I was,” I said sadly, tossing the t-shirt on the bed and flopping down on the floor. She sat beside me, cross-legged, with her back against the bed.

“So what happened?” she asked.

“My agent called,” I said, pinching the bridge of my nose between my thumb and forefinger. “She had some really amazing offers for me to consider, and one of them happens to be Aida in London, with Adam.”

“Oh,” was all Lisa said.

“Yeah, ‘oh,’” I repeated, pulling my knees to my chest and resting my chin on them. “The stupid part is, if not for him, I’d be jumping at the chance to take that part.”

“It’s a great show,” she agreed.

“It’s also a lot more money than anything I’ve been offered here,” I pointed out. “And it’s in England, so I’d be close to Orlando when he’s done Pirates. But the point of Adam going to London is to give us some time away from each other. How the hell can I do that when I’m working with him?”

“What does Orlando think?”

“I haven’t talked to him yet,” I said, turning my head to face her. “I’m almost afraid to. We just got things back to normal, and if I bring up Adam so soon it’ll seem like overkill to me, like I haven’t even let the dust settle from one mess before I’m starting another one.”

“It’s got to count for something that you’re hesitating about this, though,” Lisa said, putting her arm around my shoulders. I loved it when she went into her big-sister mode, and was grateful for it now.

“How do you mean?”

“Well, you’re worrying about how Orlando feels about this,” she said. “If you weren’t worried about causing trouble, you’d have just accepted the part and damned the consequences. He’s got to respect the fact that you’re asking what he thinks before you decide.”

“I know,” I agreed, sighing again. “But this whole thing just feels so redundant. I mean, how many times is Adam going to be a problem in my life?”

Lisa chuckled. “When it comes to choosing what shows you’re in, he could come up quite a bit.”

“I could always just take one of the other offers,” I said. “I was offered the National Tour of Wicked and Mamma Mia! in Toronto, neither of which are bad jobs.”

“What’s so wrong with staying here?”

I looked her in the face and saw the sadness there. “I’m sorry, Lisa,” I said. “I’m talking as though I’m actually going to leave. The truth is, I don’t know what I want yet. I’d love to stay here for another year or two, but my agent thinks I need to strike while the iron is hot. I may not have any options if I wait.”

“Well, if you’re leaving, I might take the offer that I’ve been given,” she said, getting up off the floor. “I didn’t want to, but it won’t feel right having another Elphie in your place.”

“You got another offer?” I said, smiling up at her. “That’s fantastic! What did you get?”

“Ellen in Miss Saigon, in Chicago,” she said, unable to keep the smile from her face. “They wouldn’t even consider me last year when I auditioned, and today they’re flat-out offering me the part. And I wasn’t even nominated for a Tony.”

“I told you something awesome would come along,” I said, bouncing up to hug her. “Chicago, huh?” I paused. “That’s pretty far away.”

“It’s not the other side of the apartment, that’s for sure,” she said, giving me a sad smile.

“Why is it that such an awesome business has such a shitty drawback?” I said in exasperation, shoving my bags onto the floor so I could fall back on the bed. Lisa fell back beside me and we lay there, staring at the ceiling.

“That does seem to be the negative part of what’s otherwise a great job,” she agreed.

“Think about it,” I said, getting more frustrated as I spoke. “In my case, I get a great job offer here in New York, but it means leaving my family and my home behind.”

“And Orlando,” she interjected.

“And Orlando,” I continued. “And then I just finally get settled in here, to the point where I’m used to everyone around me, and the city feels like home, and now I’m facing the choice to leave again. I can take this amazing job on the other side of the Atlantic Ocean, but there again, I’m leaving my family even further behind, I’m leaving my best friend, and for another few months, I’m leaving Orlando. I’m sick and tired of leaving everything and everyone I love.” Tears pooled in my eyes and I blinked them away.

“That’s the nature of the beast sometimes,” Lisa said, though she didn’t sound any more happy about it than I was. “You could always take the offer that’s closer to your family, but then you’d be away from Orlando when he goes home in a few months. Or, you could take the tour, in which case you wouldn’t have a real home for a year. Or, we could both stay here, and not worry about it at all.”

“I wish there was an easy answer,” I said, sitting up.

“There never is, honey,” Lisa said, hugging me.

“I need to talk to Orlando,” I said, seeing no other hope for it. “I’m not deciding this without him.”

“What if he wants you to take the London show?”

I hadn’t thought of that. With Adam being there, I hadn’t thought he’d want me anywhere near that show, but at the same time, I’d been overlooking the fact that when he was finished Pirates that was most likely where he’d go. I knew he wouldn’t live in New York with me, and it would be unfair of me to ask him to. But the question became, did I trust myself to do another show with Adam?

“I don’t know,” I said after a minute. “I’ll cross that bridge when I come to it.” I sighed. “I need to put this stuff away before he gets home. You wanna hang out?”

“Yeah,” she said, handing me a t-shirt. “Jeremy’s at the office for a bit, so I’m pretty open today.”

I spent the next hour or so putting away my new clothes and chatting with Lisa. There was always new gossip from the show that I needed to be caught up on, since I didn’t actively pursue it the way she did. She was just telling me about one of our chorus members getting a divorce, when we heard keys in the front door.