Fourteen-year-old Julian's parents separated when he was a baby and he is still angry and hurt.

His mother has had relationships since--all of which have ended disastrously--but this time it seems serious. Jean-Paul looks like he might be the real thing. Julian is wary--and critical--as he comes to terms with the fact that he and his brother may have to let down their defenses and allow their mother to find happiness. On a road trip with his mother and her new beau, Julian finds that love--and happiness--come in many guises. In the end, he realizes that it is not blood that determines true family, but the willingness to stand together.