Miriam, an American from New York who earns her living as a translator of French fiction, becomes alarmed when her friend Gabriella suddenly ceases her regular correspondence from Paris. Miriam, who has long been in love with Gabriella, impulsively flies to Paris to find her.

Miriam has only one week to discover the truth about her friend's life. As motivations and past events rise to the surface, Miriam at last begins to learn answers to some of the mysteries that have surrounded Gabriella over the years of their friendship. Although stalked - at least emotionally - by her philandering husband Carlo, Gabriella has remained unable or unwilling to break free. She has also initiated and prolonged a painful separation from her children.

And finally, after years of maintaining a delicate balance of emotional and psychological intimacy with Miriam in the face of Miriam's desire for her, Gabriella abruptly changes the rules. The two women begin a passionate, sexually charged affair that explodes into a sizzling triangle when Carlo inevitably appears in Paris.