The main character, Pia Sandstrom, works in a busy registrar's office at a university outside of Boston. Pia is a middle-aged married woman without children of her own. She becomes acquainted with a young man named Jeremy Ronan. Increasingly, Pia's fondness for Jeremy expands into a weird mix of maternal and romantic, although nothing Jeremy does indicates that he is interested in her in that way. Pia struggles with this distraction, as it is pointless and inappropriate. The pull is very strong but Pia believes her feelings are sufficiently concealed; she has no intention of acting on her desires. Finally, while drunk at a bar Pia dances with Jeremy, nuzzles into him and kisses his neck. She realizes this isn't a good thing and goes home shortly afterwards.
A few days later she sends Jeremy an email apologizing for her behavior. He visits her at her office after work and, emboldened by what Pia did at the bar, takes the initiative and kisses her on her lips. Pia is surprised until Jeremy explains that her chronic blushing in his presence has given her feelings away. They become romantically involved that night, making love in an office on the campus. Their relationship continues over the next several weeks, with Pia becoming deceitful, hiding this from everyone. They share a charming and sincere love for one another and Pia is happier than she can ever remember being before.
One night, Pia learns that she and Jeremy are not exclusive. He is bisexual and seeing two people besides Pia, a man and a woman. He is honest about it, he has not deliberately misled Pia. She, however, lashes out at him about the perceived deceit. Her heart is breaking because, though Jeremy's love for Pia is genuine, she has fallen in love with him and she wants him to herself. Pia regrets her volatile reaction too late. They reach an impass.
Pia focuses her energy on repairing the damage she's done to her marriage. She takes stock of what she has to be thankful for.
Jeremy contacts her several months later. He asks for her help, to pick him up and give him a ride. Once Pia arrives she discovers he has been severely beaten. It becomes apparent from Jeremy's behavior that something is very wrong with him. Pia brings him to her home to stay while she helps him through his struggles. Her enormous love for Jeremy becomes completely maternal now. Eventually Jeremy gets to a better place and Pia makes peace with herself and her life.
