As the narrative unfolds, we delve into the life of Tess DeNunzio, a 15-year-old girl whose journey is intricately interwoven with her family's history. Through her eyes, we learn about her relationships, including two half-sisters and her stepfather, David Gladstone. Yet, there remains a shadowy figure in her past—her biological father—whose presence looms large but is never fully defined. The contrasts in Tess's connections become evident, particularly in her differing dynamics with her half-sisters compared to her interactions with David.
A haunting event transpired nearly a year prior to the unfolding story, casting a long shadow over Tess's family. The emotional scars of their loss are starkly visible as they navigate therapy sessions, striving to mend their broken family ties. The struggle becomes even more palpable as her mother battles with profound depression following their tragic loss.
Tess's world is rocked anew when she uncovers that her mother might have been entangled in an extramarital affair with Justin Bartha, a young man from the neighborhood store. This shocking discovery propels Tess to make a life-changing decision: she chooses to leave her family in search of stability with her biological father, creating a significant shift in her life. However, this choice also means departing from her younger sister, Emily Gladstone.
Throughout this transition, Tess's encounters with Jimmy Freeze, the boy next door, are sprinkled with moments of unexpected joy and connection. Initially hesitant, she allows their shared experiences and struggles to foster a deeper bond. However, her father is apprehensive about this newfound friendship, cautioning her to maintain her distance.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Travis, a cryptic individual who claims to know Tess's father. His perplexing behavior, alongside his questionable financial propositions, leads Tess to question her father’s integrity, raising alarms about possible illicit dealings within the family.
As she continues to engage with Jimmy without her father's awareness, Tess embarks on a liberating summer filled with exploration and self-discovery. Their relationship deepens amidst moments of intimacy, providing Tess with comfort as she navigates the complexities of adolescence.
However, peace is short-lived as her father and Jimmy face arrest for drug-related activities, triggering a flood of painful memories connected to Zoe, Tess's sister whose tragic fate altered their family’s dynamic forever. This pivotal moment compels Tess to confront her past and understand the circumstances that led to Zoe's untimely demise.
Ultimately, the narrative culminates with Tess reflecting on her tumultuous experiences, having traversed the intricate web of her family relationships and the accompanying trials of growing up. In her continued connection with Jimmy, she discovers a profound source of strength and comfort, offering her solace amid life’s uncertainties.
