“Two hundred and eighty-nine dollars, plus tax.

The card authorizes now and charges at checkout.”

Chloe slid it closer.

“Authorize it.”

The printer pushed out a registration card, and Thomas set it in front of her with a pen, and she signed her name twice without reading anything.

“Am I to understand,” he said, “that the bride will not be sleeping in the bridal suite tonight?”

“At eight o’clock tomorrow morning you’ll understand all of it.” I put my hand flat on the counter.

“I need you in that hallway at eight.