
Growing up in racially segregated Birmingham, Alabama, during the 1960's, Rene and Mary Elizabeth manage to stick together despite community intolerance of "mixed" friendships. Many years later, following the death of her father, Rene returns home and reunites with Mary Elizabeth. The women realize that despite their career and family differences, they can help each other find happiness.

Rene helps a mentally impaired man; Matt stays with M.E.'s family; young M.E.'s and Rene's friends want to use Port Dixie as a place to party.

Rene takes on a lead factory which is poisoning local children; M.E. makes an effort to spend more time with Davis; young M.E. and Rene perform in a school play.

Mary Elizabeth and Rene are trapped in Rene's office with a parolee when a tornado strikes Birmingham.

M.E. and Collier deal with the loss of their home; Rene represents a homeless woman; high-school boys try to crash young Rene and M.E.'s sleepover.