"Often enough," he admits. "I have a friend who likes this place. I sometimes come to meet her here. Perhaps I might meet you here too, now. Can I ask your name?"

Since, after all, she knows all about his dog now but they rather skipped introducing themselves to each other. Which, of course, is fine if she doesn't wish to -- but he thinks it would be rude not to offer introductions at all. Especially if he might truly run into her again, either with or without Lily at his side.