“Can I guess another reason?” I asked. “I think you decided to help me because you like me.”

The corner of Thalia’s mouth twitched. “What makes you say that?”

“Oh, come now. The first time we met, you said I was hot. Don’t think I didn’t hear that comment.”

I was gratified to see her face turn red.

“I was younger then,” she said. “I was a different person. I’d just spent several years as a pine tree. My vision and reasoning were impaired from sap damage.”

“Ouch,” I complained. “That’s harsh.”