As Christmas approaches, Tom finally receives his first advance check from the Sofia Salazar book, leaving him and Marina to decide what to do with the money; Sarah receives an extravagant gift from the parents at her new school.

While Tom and Marina attempt to relive their youth at a college party, Connor and Denise deal with JoJo potentially leaving when she gets an offer to go on a reality show. Meanwhile, Sarah considers casting her niece in the school musical.

The success of Tom's book sparks a change in the financial tides; and, with the extra cash in hand, Marina encourages him to spend some money on himself. Meanwhile, Denise's parents shake things up during their visit to town. With their reveal of some surprising news, an unexpected Hayworth comes to her rescue.