After two weeks in Golden, Theo settles into a routine: he is a regular at the Chalice, knows the Boughery, has a favorite riverside bench, is friendly with Shep, has already bought and given Minnette Prentiss her portrait, and feels thoroughly familiar with Broadway.

During his daily walks, Theo repeatedly passes the Verbivore bookshop, sometimes more than once a day. He often notices a man sitting near the entrance in a wicker chair and assumes the man is the shop’s owner, making a mental note to stop in soon.

On day sixteen, without any specific reason, Theo finally decides to act. He approaches the man—Tony—who is alone with a cigarette and newspaper in the early morning quiet.

Theo greets Tony politely and asks if Tony is the proprietor, aware that his accent and formal word choice identify him as an outsider. Tony stands, steps toward Theo, and confirms that he is the owner, returning the morning greeting.