
11
Chapter 2
Managing Variability
LUNCH WITH GUINEVERE
Charles, maître d’ of the restaurant at the
Walden- Aster Hotel, hears an animated
exchange echo among the chandeliers,
then sees two women walk across the
lobby, one pushing a stroller. Of the two
reservations for two people at noon—
both under the name Jennifer—one, he
knows, has already checked in, so he
surmises this is the other.
In the stroller, a toddler in a pink- and-
black frock twists left and right to look
at the vaulted Beaux Arts ceilings. As
her mother begins unbuckling her,
Charles approaches them and gestures
to the stroller.
Chloe Adams attempts to enjoy a
peaceful lunch at a ...