3The view from the Coast Starlight included long stretches of ocean. I could look out of the train window and see bright sunlight reflected on the water and waves breaking on deserted beaches. The warmth of the afternoon sun and the swaying of the coach made me drowsy so I dozed during part of my trip north.
The train pulled into Oakland at dusk. I made my way through the crowd to a phone booth. I hadn’t told Janice I was coming and was lucky she was home when I called her.
George, I can’t believe it! she exclaimed when she heard my voice. Where are you?
At the Amtrak station in Oakland. I just got in.
You’re not putting me on are you?
No, really. What’s the best way to get to your place from here?
Stay where you are. I’ll come and pick you up. See you in a little while.
All right.
