
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.

Colliar and M.E. work on their marriage; Rene expands her law firm; young M.E. and Rene begin high school together.

Rene represents an artist who is fighting to save a mural of the Holocaust; M.E. befriends a little boy; young Rene dates a senior.

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.