After discovering he has been cheating on her, Gemma ejects boyfriend Danny from her flat, closes her account at the bank where she has been discourteously treated, returns her ""rotten book"" to the insolent librarian, and quits the estate-agent job she hates. It's the beginning of a new life, but what does she want to do with it? Three new jobs later and she's even less sure than before.

Gemma hopes to get a new job as a social worker by first volunteering with the Citizens Advice Bureau. Even before she begins, she makes the acquaintance in the waiting room of an aging skinhead. Then she is introduced to her first training case: Danny.

When Gemma asks an old friend, Julia, for advice, she suggests that Gemma should consider a marriage of convenience, like her own. Danny (who still has a key to the flat) decides the forceful method is best, and invites himself back to live with Gemma. She is not amused by his presumption but nearly succumbs, until Julia phones with distressing news.

Mrs. Palmer returns from holiday in Amsterdam and Gemma learns about her mother's boyfriend, Howard. In fact, she learns they have been lovers for two years now--and something else. Gemma, upset by what she has discovered about Howard as well as by a frustrating day at her new job, goes to see Danny, who is nonplussed to learn she has only come for a hug.

After the weekend fiasco at the cottage, Gemma relents and lets Danny move back in, but immediately regrets it.