Introduction

When Vern Hurley and his wife, Bliss, traveled to Detroit for a wedding, they visit their friend Tom Kemp, a sometime newspaper reporter who is writing fiction and who just returned home from living in Spain.

The three of them are school friends, separated by the Hurleys move to Berkeley, California, where Vern is a successful labor lawyer after attending the university.

Tom's Situation

Tom is having trouble at home. His parents want him to settle down with a career and a wife. The Hurleys offer him the opportunity to come to California for a look-see on the possibility to live out there if he likes it.

Journey to California

After a session of newspaper work in Detroit, Tom quits under pressure and accepts the invitation to visit the Hurleys in Berkeley. Out in California, Tom, while touring the San Francisco area with the Hurleys, senses the marriage is falling apart.

Climax and Decision

Tom stays neutral until events finally lead to the disintegration of the Hurley marriage. Tom must make a decision that will change his life.