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Note. After reading listen to "The Thrill is Gone" as performed by Tracy Chapman.
John and Sally met on a train ride from Boston to New York City. She immediately became interested in him when she saw that he was reading a compilation of Alice Munro short stories. They talked non-stop the whole way. Both were delighted. After the train left New Haven, her mind was filled with music that she adored (including “L-O-V-E by Nat King Cole) while his mind was filled with music that he adored (including “ I Only Have Eyes for You” by the Flamingos).
As John and Sally departed the train at Penn Station in New York City, he said: “Let’s meet at the Union Square Coffeeshop at seven o’clock sharp next Friday night. I have to fly to San Francisco tomorrow. But I will be happy to fly back here to share dinner with you.”
She said: “How flattering. Sure.” They traded telephone numbers and home addresses. But they could not bear to part. They had dinner together and spent all night talking in his room at the Bowery Hotel. The next morning they finally did part. Both had work assignments to which they had to attend.
They spoke by phone in the evening on Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. At the end of their conversations they reconfirmed their intention to meet on Friday evening at the Coffeeshop. But then a strange thing happened. Sally’s ardor cooled dramatically. She avoided speaking with John on Thursday.
When Friday rolled around, John flew cross-country to make it to the Coffeeshop on time. Sally, however, did not show up. She had completely lost interest in seeing John. On Sunday John finally reached Sally by phone. She offered only a half-hearted apology and no explanation. When he remonstrated -- “well you have to at least tell me why you stood me up!” – she hung up on him.
Three weeks later, Sally received a certified letter from John in which he demanded that she pay the travel costs associated with his cross-country trip -- $1,000.
She refused to pay. He sued her in small claims court.
You are the judge. Decide the case and give your reasoning.
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