An emotionally scarred waitress named Frankie finds herself attending her godson's baptism in Altoona, Pennsylvania. At the same time, a middle-aged man named Johnny is released from prison, beginning a new chapter in his life. Once back in New York City, Frankie returns to her job at the Apollo Cafe, where her boss, Nick, unexpectedly sends her co-worker Helen home early due to her complaints of dizziness. In a twist of fate, Johnny arrives looking for employment, and Nick decides to hire him as a short-order cook, despite Johnny's troubled past.
As the story unfolds, Frankie comes home to find a stranger named Bobby installing shelves in her apartment. However, he is later revealed to be the boyfriend of her friend and neighbor, Tim. Later that night, Johnny's troubled thoughts lead him to seek out a prostitute, but his request is rather innocent—he merely wishes for her to lie clothed in bed with him.
The next day takes a somber turn when Nick informs the staff that Helen has been hospitalized. In a moment of vulnerability, Frankie and her co-worker Cora visit an unconscious Helen, expressing their fears of dying alone. The fate of Helen becomes tragic as she passes away, leaving Frankie, Cora, and fellow waitress Nedda shocked to see Johnny attending her funeral.
Back at work, Johnny tries again to ask Frankie out, but she declines once more. Meanwhile, in a moment of impulsiveness, he has a one-night stand with Cora, which she eagerly shares with Frankie and Nedda. Time continues to pass, and Johnny persists in his affections, inviting Frankie to a co-worker's going-away party. Despite her refusal, he surprises her by showing up at her apartment, where Bobby and Tim assist her in choosing what to wear.
At the party, Johnny tries to persuade Frankie that they would be a perfect match. Afterward, he gifts her a flower and entices her back to her apartment, where they share an intimate night together. Fully convinced that their connection is profound, Johnny arrives at her bowling night to declare his feelings. However, Frankie is skeptical, asserting that he cannot genuinely love her after such a brief relationship. When he mentions starting a family, the conversation takes a poignant turn as Frankie reveals her inability to have children due to past trauma.
Following a series of miscommunication and avoidance on Frankie's part, Johnny, undeterred, finds ways to talk to her, sharing insights about his life, including his divorce and his estrangement from his two children. Inspired by their conversations, Frankie admits that her last relationship ended in betrayal when her boyfriend cheated with her best friend.
One evening, Johnny walks Frankie home, and they share personal stories while listening to the soothing strains of "Clair de lune." The emotional closeness unsettles Frankie, leading to an argument where she asks him to leave. Yet, in a heartfelt gesture, Johnny calls the radio station to request an encore of their song. This moment of vulnerability leads Frankie to open up about her past abuse and her struggles, ultimately inviting Johnny to stay as they watch the sunrise together, hinting at a hopeful yet complicated future ahead.
