“He told Claire the backyard was big enough for sixty chairs.”

“He said that to Claire?” I asked.

“He said they bought the house so they wouldn’t have to pay a rental fee to a hotel,” Lily said, repeating the words in the exact, even tone of a grown-up.

“He said paying hotel fees was for stupid people.”

I turned slowly toward the table, the hot steam rising into my face.

“He said he bought the house?” I asked.