He said he had information that might help me understand the evening.

I agreed to a video call with Naomi present and a limit of fifteen minutes.

I had no interest in being alone with him, even through a screen.

He appeared in his office, wearing a navy sweater and a face I barely recognized.

Without a dining room full of admirers, he seemed smaller.

He opened by saying he was sorry I had been hurt.

“You keep saying hurt,” I replied.