While she and I had spoken, Birdy assisted me with packing. Or, more accurately, hindered my efforts. I folded my navy one-piece bathing suit with white polka dots and tucked it into my suitcase. Birdy removed it, replacing it with a hot pink bikini.

“You’re going to Maui, not on a cruise for the elderly.” She scowled at the suit as she looked at it and then tossed it on the floor.

“Hey,” I said, picking it up and refolding it. “This is my ...