"I..." Ivy's voice trembled slightly. "My name is Ivy Green, and I'm... I'm a friend of Kate Stone."
"Just a friend?" The expression on the elderly woman's face clearly conveyed disbelief.
Stammering, Ivy said, "Well, um... sisters?"
The old woman saw right through her. "You're her girlfriend, aren't you?"
"By 'girlfriend,' do you mean a female friend?" Ivy's palms were sweaty. She hid them under the table, gripping her pants nervously.
Perhaps the older generation's definition of 'girlfriend' was different from hers.
Elena smiled. "How many girlfriends do you have? Come to think of it, we've had quite a pleasant chat today. Do I count as one of your girlfriends?"
"Just one!" Ivy was so startled that she nearly jumped out of her skin.
Elena shook her head with a laugh. "Your composure is far inferior to Kate's."
Ivy swallowed hard. "Our relationship... does her grandmother... I mean, does Kate's grandmother... does she know?"