The Lonely Hearts Book Club

Mateo Sharpe and Lincoln Jonas prepare for a night out at the jazz club of Mateo’s mother, Althea Sharpe’s. Mateo overthinks his outfit, as he’s always nervous around his mother. At the club, Mateo and Lincoln chat while waiting for the show to begin. Mateo updates Lincoln on things at the library and on Sloane, who’s invited him into her book club. Mateo likes his library job, but he’s unsure he wants to be a librarian forever. He’s had many jobs, and none of them have stuck.

Partway into the show, Althea invites Mateo to perform with her on stage. She does this every time, and Mateo always agrees, despite his discomfort. Althea makes a big show of presenting him to the crowd. Everyone knows who Mateo is because Althea publicized the story of Mateo’s near death experience in a well as a child. After the performance, Mateo steps outside for some air and remembers falling into the well and the peace he felt while inside.

Mateo bumps into an elderly man smoking outside. He introduces himself as Nigel Carthage and asks Mateo about his alleged book club. He overheard Mateo telling Lincoln about it and asks to join.