Summary

In Part I, Chapter 1, in June 1959, Ray Carney collected televisions for his furniture shop. While driving around, he thought about the city's decision to tear "down the elevated highway" (1). Carney stopped at 3461 Broadway. Ruby Brown "let him in" (7). Her mother had recently died. Carney was collecting some old belongings. Carney had gone to school with Ruby. Seeing her made him remember the past. He remembered a time he had been in a fight. "It was the last time he raised his hand" (10). He did not want to become his father.

Carney returned to his store, Carney's Furniture. Carney inspected "his showroom before opening” (12). A young couple came in. They reminded Carney of himself and Elizabeth when they were newlyweds. Though he was worried about the store, he was glad he was not crooked (16).

In Chapter 2, over dinner with Elizabeth and his...