Ares gave me a pointed look. His features softened for the first time since he arrived. “Then what, Pam,” he said.

“It’s Birdy. Please don’t call me Pam or Pamela. I don’t like it.”

He nodded. “Fine, Miss Birdy.” He put down his pen, interlocking his fingers. “Continue.”

“We talked for a long time until I excused myself to the bathroom.”

“For how long?” Ares picked up his pen, waiting to jot ...