Akron

In a busy supermarket, two families are shopping for groceries when tragedy strikes. Carol accidentally hits and kills Benny's brother Davey, leaving both families in shock and overwhelmed by grief. The incident creates a shared, painful memory that threads through their later lives.

Years after the tragedy, Benny and Christopher meet again at the University of Akron where they play on opposing football teams. Their first encounter sparks an undeniable attraction between them. The contrast of their families' shared history shadows their budding relationship.

Benny and Christopher are drawn to each other and exchange phone numbers after their first meeting. They begin dating despite the lingering memory of their families' past. The relationship grows with a sense of secret understanding.

The two go on a date and officially become boyfriends. They start navigating their romance amid the weight of a history they didn't choose. Their willingness to support each other strengthens their bond.

Benny and Christopher, along with friends, go to a nightclub and end up spending the night together. The moment marks a deeper commitment and emotional closeness between them. They begin to envision a future together beyond secrecy.

As spring break nears, they decide to spend the week in Florida at Christopher's mother's home. Their families are supportive of the relationship, yet the couple remains mindful of their past. The trip promises a chance to grow closer away from campus life.

Just before leaving for Florida, Christopher begins piecing together that his mother was the one who killed Davey. He starts seeing the history between the families more clearly. This revelation adds tension and secrecy to their planned trip.

During a short overnight camping stop on the way to Florida, Benny and Christopher consummate their relationship. The moment is tender and marks a milestone in their romance. It also deepens their commitment to one another.

When they visit Christopher's mother in Jacksonville, she discovers Benny's identity. She confesses her involvement in Davey's death, provoking a painful crisis that leads Benny to want to return home to Ohio. The revelation tests their relationship.

Benny briefly breaks up with Christopher twice as they quarrel with family pressures. Despite the strain, the couple finds reasons to reconcile and continues to pursue their relationship. The tension underscores how external histories threaten their bond.

They attend a local stage production of Arsenic and Old Lace where Benny's sister Becca has a starring role. The event brings mixed emotions for Benny's parents as they confront his relationship with Christopher. It marks a moment of both pride and discomfort in the family dynamic.

Benny's parents Lenora and David see him arrive with Christopher and react with hurt and anger. Their perspectives are challenged as they must reckon with their own grief and acceptance. The confrontation reveals the depth of unresolved pain in the family.

Christopher's mother travels to Akron with three objectives: honor Davey's grave, seek forgiveness from Benny's mother, and obtain a blessing for Benny and Christopher to see each other. Her visit highlights the fragile balance between guilt and reconciliation.

Carol's plans unfold with mixed results as she confronts her past and the consequences of Davey's death. The family dynamics show small steps toward healing and new boundaries. The scene emphasizes how grief continues to shape their decisions.

After a candid conversation about grieving and moving forward, Benny's mother invites Benny and Christopher to dinner. The invitation suggests a tentative, hopeful step toward reconciliation and family acceptance.