The other half would be accounted for under the contract and payment records.

Its allocation between Elliott and me would be part of our separate accounting, not a prize for whoever arrived first at the desk.

I signed what was required of me.

The coordinator checked the submission against the contract’s authorization procedure and processed the cancellation.

The wedding was canceled.

I sat there a moment after she told me, as though another question would keep the appointment from ending.

“Do you need copies?”