"A spectacular time, as a matter of fact," he said, giving her a smirk that wasn't taunting but amused. "Happy Birthday to me indeed."
Turning his head to look at her, he asked, "Are you enjoying yourself? I hear that the open bar is pretty popular with the guests." At least the drunken cheers and talking seemed to indicate that. "Anyway, I wanted to thank you personally for gracing us with your presence. I didn't think you would really show after that owl of yours."