30-something Daphne, reeling from a recent break up with Adrian, moves into her sister Billie’s poolhouse and quits her job. Following advice from a friend, she decides to take a six-month sabbatical from alcohol and men as she lost four years with him.
Visiting her mother Sue at Christmas, Daphne is obviously estranged from her. She has a European partner named Karl, doesn’t keep up-to-date with her daughters, has no empathy for her over the break up, and gifts her wedding ring to Daphne.
At Billie’s New Years party, Daphne meets Frank and Jack. Both flirt with her, but they are very different. Frank is a free-spirited bad boy, unpredictable, and always ready for adventure; Jack is a sober, intelligent, sensitive, writer and academic.
Daphne and Jack go out and talk for hours. Frank contacts her, insisting on meeting. He is jealous, as his friend Jack has been talking about her. Not only does Frank ply her with alcohol, but he seduces her. By the next day, Daphne insists he not use her as the wedge in his friendship with Jack.
Unable to choose between Jack and Frank, these almost polar opposites, Daphne finds herself bouncing between them instead. She enjoys the distinct ways each man sees her, as if she’s trying out different versions of herself to see the kind of life that might be waiting for her. With Jack, Daphne is more domesticated, practically living together, watching movies at home and having long talks. Simultaneously, she texts with Frank.
Daphne, after having moved to her own place which doesn’t allow pets, gets a surprise visit from Frank while Jack is away. Saying he’s going away and can’t take his dog, he dumps it on her. Moments later he returns, and they have another passionate encounter.
