I nodded, warmth filling my chest. "She is."
"It's so nice she's interested in something at a young age. I don't remember having a hobby at eleven."
"Me either. I took her to an art therapist after her mother died, and she loved it."
Before Eve could respond, Sofia bounded into the room.
"Have a seat," I said to the girls, enjoying having someone else to fill the space of our home. I should invite my family over more often. It might be good for Sofia too.
It had been lonely with just us two here night after night. I thought it was what Sofia needed, but now that I'd seen her interact with Eve, I wasn't so sure.
With oven mitts, I pulled the casserole dish out of the oven, placing it on the counter. Then I dished out the lasagna, setting it in front of Sofia and then Eve.
"This looks delicious," Eve said.
Sofia sipped her sparkling water. "Your here to plan the holiday party?"
Eve smiled. "The fire department is going to use our ballroom for their annual holiday party. We just need to work out the details because I've never been to it."
Sofia nodded. "You get dressed up and dance all night."
Eve's smile widened. "Oh, is that all?"
Sofia tapped her chin. "There's usually food and lots of sparkling water."
"It's a good thing I came over to talk to you. You're a wealth of information."
"I can help you plan it," Sofia offered.
"I think the rest of the planning will be boring," I said as I chewed the lasagna. "Guest lists and figuring how much food to order."
"Oh, you need a cake. No party is complete without a cake," Sofia said excitedly.
Eve giggled. "Is that so?"
"And Dad said you could help me pick out a dress."
"We have a princess day you might enjoy. You can try on dresses, and then we'll do your hair and makeup. What are your feelings on a tiara?"
Her eyes widened. "I love them."
Eve smiled. "I thought you might."
She clasped her hands together. "I'm so excited."
"Eat your lasagna. I don't want you to be hungry at bedtime." That was a new thing she was doing, telling me she was starving when I tucked her into bed. I wondered if it was a ploy to stay up later. I wanted to ensure she had enough to eat during the day.
Her lower lip protruded, but she ate a bite of pasta.
"Is there anything else that you do at the party? Or is it just food, drink, and dancing?" Eve asked.
"This isn't one of our fundraising nights, so it's fairly easy as far as events go. We celebrate the season with our coworkers and families."
"We'll make it magical," Eve said, and Sofia nodded.
"Thanks for offering us the space. Frank was worried we'd have to cancel the entire thing."
"We host a holiday ball every Saturday. We have the space and staff for it."
