The Company of Strangers

Jim, Lynette, and Nick all arrived at Juanita's Sonoma Valley restaurant that summer from different starting points. Juanita is a once-or-twice-in-a-lifetime character whose hotel and eatery display her eccentric tastes in all their flamboyant glory, from the pet monkey and rooster which roam the place unimpeded to her "don't know when to quit" style of furnishing and decorating. People come from all over the Bay Area to sample the exquisite food and unique atmosphere, while hoping that Juanita will to something outrageous-a hope that is regularly rewarded. The three new arrivals each have their encounters with Juanita, and then comes the Saturday when the super-cool deejays and staff of the very-hip SF radio station come for dinner. Inexperienced Lynette is charged with serving drinks for the group, which turns into an embarrassing trial for her, and leads to a spectacular Juanita meltdown.

The three travelers get on with their lives, each knowing they have an unforgettable summer behind them.