"You make the food there?" I asked her, wondering how involved this would be.
"Yes."
"At least we don't have to figure out catering."
"I was thinking we could serve finger foods and desserts, of course."
Sofia nodded approvingly. "Ice cream and cake."
Eve nodded. "And maybe something like chocolate-covered strawberries."
"Yes," Sofia breathed in agreement.
"Why don't you help me pick out the desserts, Sofia? I'll show you some possibilities, and you could tell me what the other children will most likely enjoy."
Sofia nodded eagerly. "That sounds fun."
Eve grinned. "Party planning is fun. It's what I always wanted to do, ever since I was your age."
"Did you dress up like a princess too?" Sofia asked.
"Of course. I loved pretty dresses and doing my hair in dance updos. My sister and I spent hours trying to style our hair and, then later, figuring out makeup."
"I don't have a sister," Sofia said, more subdued.
"I bet you have lots of friends, and you have your father."
Sofia spread her arms out. "Our family is huge."
I couldn't help but laugh. When was the last time I laughed at dinner? I was usually just happy if I got a home-cooked meal on the table and Sofia ate a few bites. I was trying so hard not to fail that I forgot about enjoying moments like this.
"You're so lucky to have a close family. Growing up, it was just my parents and my sister."
"And now?" Sofia asked.
Eve let out a breath as if the burden of the question was heavy for her. "Now it's just me and my sister. My parents died in an accident."
Sofia's face screwed up. "My mother died too."
Eve reached across the table to touch her hand. "Then you know what that feels like."
"It sucks."
Eve nodded. "It does."
I should have stopped the conversation, but I had a feeling this was good for Sofia. She met someone else who'd lost her mother. Maybe not at the same age, but the sense of loss was still similar. They had a connection that I didn't share with Sofia. I still had both of my parents. I hadn't grown up like Sofia would, without her mother. As a little girl, it had to be a huge loss. I'd never be able to take the place of her mother.
"Thank you for sharing that with me," Eve said as she pulled her hand back. "Now, how many people are we expecting at the party?"
We slipped into discussing the boring details of the party, and Sofia eventually asked to be excused to watch TV. I let herbecause I knew she wouldn't enjoy this part of the planning. When we finished eating, I got up and cleared the dishes.
We continued to go over details while I cleaned. Eve pulled out a tablet at some point to take notes and to show me ideas she had for decor.
It was a relief to know that Eve had done this before and would be able to help.
I leaned a hip against the counter while she set her tablet down.
"Why did Frank think you needed a date for the party?"
