It happens at dinner.
Sophie and Kevin arrive together. Sophie carries a bouquet of slightly wilted flowers she bought from a street vendor. Kevin carries his laptop and a small bag of equipment for documenting the evening. Marlene comes shortly after, bearing a covered dish that smells like heaven and a bottle of wine she claims is "for the grandmother, not for you."
Eleanor emerges from the guest room looking refreshed and formidable. She has changed into a silk blouse and applied fresh lipstick. Her silver hair is perfectly arranged. She looks like she's attending a diplomatic function instead of a casual dinner in her granddaughter's penthouse.
"So," she says, surveying the gathered group. "These are the people my granddaughter has collected."
Sophie steps forward, radiating nervous energy. "I'm Sophie. Sophie Chen. No relation. I'm Vivian's best friend. I gave her unicorn pajamas for emergency cuddles."
Eleanor's eyebrow arches. "Unicorn pajamas."
