Muriel meets Julius, her fiancé Lee's little brother, one Christmas Eve in the 1950s. A mysterious attraction develops between the two. The plan for the three of them to move to California remains a dream. Muriel discovers horse betting and her new neighbor Sandra in San Diego. The money she earns and the trips to queer bars and Sandra's house remain her secret. Meanwhile, Julius works in a casino in Las Vegas and develops feelings for his colleague Henry.