Together for twelve years, early forty-somethings Mike and Sheila are both recovered alcoholics who met at a treatment center. Both have had difficult emotional pasts, which they hope is behind them. Part of their recovery was being told not to deprive themselves, which they have not done, especially in furnishing their house. Mike is the sole household breadwinner, earning about $70,000 annually as a sheet metal mechanic, while Sheila goes to school, and takes care of her aged grandmother, with who they have a difficult relationship.