Addictions come in many forms, Jessie Moore learns—including relationships. Working at the fledgling Philly Times newspaper with reporter Matt Cleary proves draining after their breakup. When a longtime friend dies of AIDS, she reconnects with her first love, Billy Black, who becomes a bridge back to the safety of her old life, and also to the origins of her artistic inspiration. But Billy drowns his worries in beer, threatening to drag her down too. After she rekindles their affair, Matt's jealousy confuses her. Before she can truly give herself to anyone, can Jessie learn to be true to herself?