But Carrie's mom smoothed it away quickly, composing herself behind a polite smile.
She found Ross and Carrie sitting close together, their laughter spilling freely as they shared a private joke, their heads almost touching.
The earlier tension at the table seemed to have melted away entirely, replaced by a warmth that both comforted and unsettled her.
"Sorry about my husband," Carrie's mom said softly, her voice carrying the practiced grace of a wife long accustomed to such nights.
"He's never been good with wine."
"There's no need to apologize, Alexa," Ross replied smoothly, his gaze lingering on her just a moment longer than necessary.
He lifted his glass and drained it in a single, confident swallow, the sound of the empty vessel meeting the table sharp and final.
"These kinds of drinks aren't good for the body anyway. The less Russell indulges, the better his health will be in the long run."
