It happened at dinner, and Sophie and Kevin arrived together with Sophie carrying a bouquet of slightly wilted flowers she had bought from a street vendor, and Kevin carrying his laptop and a small bag of equipment for documenting the evening. Marlene came shortly after bearing a covered dish that smelled like heaven and a bottle of wine that she claimed was "for the grandmother, not for you."
Eleanor emerged from the guest room looking refreshed and formidable. She had changed into a silk blouse and applied fresh lipstick, and her silver hair was perfectly arranged. She looked like she was attending a diplomatic function instead of a casual dinner in her granddaughter's penthouse.
"So," she said, surveying the gathered group. "These are the people my granddaughter has collected."
Sophie stepped forward radiating nervous energy. "I'm Sophie. Sophie Chen. No relation. I'm Vivian's best friend, and I gave her unicorn pajamas for emergency cuddles."
