Summary

In Part 1, Chapter 1, the narrator goes to a restaurant in Manhattan’s financial district to meet up with a young man named Xavier who she met at the playhouse. When she sees him sitting at a back table, she is once again astounded by his youth and beauty. However, she instantly doubts whether this is a good idea. She removes her scarf and apologizes for being late.

After ordering, the narrator and Xavier discuss Murata’s movies and the work the narrator has done with him. She is surprised Xavier knows Murata given his age. Then she realizes how others in the restaurant must see her. She feels embarrassed and unsure how to handle the situation. When the waiter brings their food, she is reminded of a childhood memory.

She and her father were out at a Parisian restaurant. Her father gave...