This is actually based on a real incident a our local book store when I was looking desperately for a hardcover edition of Neil Gaiman's Death collection.  

This guy and I both saw it at the same time and he got it first, kind of giving me a shrug before he gave it to his girlfriend.  I had actual tears in my eyes as I went to the counter to see if they had any more in stock. 

The couple was right behind me looking through the book and exclaiming about it.

I was glad they loved it, heartbroken that I would have to wait another week to get it.

These are the problem of book nerds.  This is why I am sympathetic to my kids when they want a book on it's publication day.