The Pallbearer

Ruth Abernathy calls Tom to tell him that Bill has died by suicide and asks him to give the funeral eulogy and serve as a pallbearer. The request pulls Tom into the family's mourning circle even though he still lives with his own mother. The weight of a person he barely knew falls on him at the start of a complex day.

Tom learns his high school crush Julie DeMarco is back in town, stirring memories he kept tucked away. Her presence unsettles him and unsettles the status quo of his quiet life. The town seems to awaken as she reconnects with people from their past.

During the funeral, Tom delivers a vague, impersonal eulogy that amuses some and confuses the Abernathys. Julie is visibly upset by the disrespect and tries to leave as the pallbearers carry the casket.

Tom's offhand remarks and the crowd's reaction lead Bill's relatives to question him, and he is forced to step down as a pallbearer. Ruth remains visibly upset but supports him despite the awkward moment.

After the service, Ruth tells Tom that he is mentioned in Bill's will. The revelation deepens Tom's connection to Ruth and nudges him toward a complicated romance with Bill's mother.

Tom calls Julie and she suggests bringing along Scott and Cynthia for a double date. At dinner, Julie and Scott click while Tom and Julie's conversation remains stilted. After dropping Julie home, she mentions she remembers him from high school and hints at moving away.

Tom is rejected at a second job interview and goes to Ruth's to help pack Bill's room. They share a kiss and ultimately decide to continue seeing each other, with Tom confessing a fictitious 'love interest' based on his feelings for Julie.

From his car, Tom watches Julie work at a record store and sees Scott slip her a kiss after letting him in. When Scott drives off, Tom absorbs the moment and feels the sting of competing with the memory of his past crush.

The next morning Julie tells Tom about Scott's kiss and expresses a desire to drive away for a year to be on her own. She invites Tom to a concert, signaling ongoing interest but a cautious future.

Tom's car breaks down on the way to a family gathering at Ruth's. Julie finds Ruth's charm bracelet, and Tom reveals he has been helping Bill's mother since the funeral. Ruth misreads the situation and assumes their relationship is strictly platonic.

A tow truck brings Tom and Julie back to Tom's house. Tom sneaks into his mother's room for her car keys and, after a long confession, kisses Ruth when she unexpectedly arrives on the scene.

At Brad's bachelor party, Tom publicly urges Brad not to marry Lauren, sparking tension with Scott. The confrontation reveals Tom's insecurity and the strain in his circle of friends.

The day of Brad's wedding sees Tom patch his friendship with Brad, and Scott and Cynthia reconcile as well. Tom gives Julie his car keys for her trip, and she hints at wanting to dance, signaling a hopeful, if uncertain, future.

Tom lands a new job and moves into Julie's apartment while she is away on her trip, marking a tangible step toward a committed life together despite the unsettled path that led there.