Sydney, 22, stands outside her apartment building in the rain after punching her roommate Tori in the face. Her friend Ridge attempts to coax Sydney inside, but she refuses and waits outside for a taxicab. While waiting, Sydney reflects on her choices, which have led her to move to Texas and pursue a music career. When the cab arrives, Sydney realizes she has left her purse inside her apartment and cancels the cab ride. She tries to decide what to do and begins to cry. Suddenly, a woman unknown to Sydney named Bridgette appears and helps Sydney bring her luggage into Ridge’s apartment. Ridge greets Sydney and prepares a bed for her. Sydney refuses out of anger; Ridge had waited two weeks to tell her the truth of her roommate and boyfriend’s affair. Eventually, she accepts Ridge’s offer and takes a warm shower. 

Chapter 1 begins two weeks earlier. Sydney sits outside on her balcony and listens to her neighbor play the guitar, a nightly occurrence for the past few weeks. Always interested in music, Sydney plans on becoming a music teacher despite her father’s disapproval. Her boyfriend Hunter interrupts her.