Cyd Loughlin, portrayed by Jessie Pinnick, is a determined and spirited 16-year-old high school soccer player who finds herself sent away from her home in Columbia, South Carolina, to spend a summer with her estranged aunt, Miranda Ruth, a warm-hearted author known for her religious fiction, in Chicago. As the initial awkwardness fades, the bond between them deepens, allowing for a journey of discovery.
Throughout the summer, Cyd and Miranda engage in various bonding activities, from dining out and taking neighborhood strolls to sunbathing in Miranda's backyard or along the shores of Lake Michigan. As they share these moments, they begin to influence each other's lives—Cyd grows more mature and cultured, akin to her aunt, while Miranda embraces a more relaxed attitude reminiscent of her niece. They discuss the memory of Cyd's mother, Miranda's sister, who passed away nine years prior, pondering if she could be waiting for them in Heaven, a topic that sparks deep contemplation, particularly as Miranda identifies herself more as an atheist, sharing her views on faith.
Amidst this backdrop, Cyd starts to explore her sexuality and develops a romantic interest in a local barista named Katie, a unique and androgynous girl adorned with a shaved Mohawk. At the same time, Miranda finds herself in a delicate situation with her colleague, Anthony, as both harbor feelings for one another but struggle to make the first move. Cyd takes it upon herself to encourage them to take a leap of faith and ask each other out.
During a lively gathering at Miranda's home filled with friends and fellow creatives, Cyd chooses to wear a man's tuxedo, stirring a mix of emotions as she unwittingly criticizes Miranda's lack of a romantic life. Miranda responds with love and wisdom, saying, > "It is not a handicap to have one thing, but not another," emphasizing the importance of mutual respect in any relationship.
The evening takes a darker turn when Katie calls Cyd, distressed and requiring support after a near assault. Cyd and Miranda come to her aid, welcoming Katie to spend the rest of the summer with them. A heartfelt connection evolves, leading Cyd and Katie to share their first intimate moment after a lovely day at the beach. Cyd reveals her tumultuous past involving her mentally unstable older brother who tragically took their mother's life, a pain she continues to navigate while living with her grieving father.
Cyd uncovers another layer of her connection with Miranda when she learns she was named after a character in one of her aunt's earlier novels, Princess Cydney. As the summer winds down, both Cyd and Katie promise to keep their romance alive through visits, all while supporting Miranda at her book launch event. After a final neighborhood celebration, Cyd returns to Columbia. Later, she receives an uplifting phone call from Miranda, solidifying their newfound love and connection.
