The Things We Do For Love

Lauren sits on the floor, devoid of hope. Then, her gaunt, once-beautiful mother bursts in. When Lauren confronts her about the money and how she needs a dress, her mother scoffs at her. Shocked that her mother can still hurt her, Lauren declares that her own life will be different. Moments later, Mrs. Mauk drops off the coats from Angie. Lauren marvels at the beautiful green jacket while her mother complains.

Lauren heads to DeSaria’s to thank Angie in person. When she enters the restaurant, the aroma and her hunger hit her before Angie says hello. After Lauren thanks her, she realizes that Angie is also the woman who gave her money, and she asks for a job. Angie needs a new waitress but asks Lauren to eat first. In the kitchen, she tells Mira that they must find another server and that there is a girl in the dining room who can do the job. Mira is convinced that their mother will never allow it and marvels at how much love her sister has to give. Then, Angie approaches her mother, who is resistant but eventually relents.

Angie hires Lauren to start the next day and welcomes her to the family. When Angie goes home to the empty cottage, she talks to her father. Suddenly, her mother appears and comments about how easy it is to talk to Angie’s father. She says that she knew Angie would have a hard night after hiring the girl, and she reminds her daughter that life will go on.

Lauren arrives early to work and meets Maria, Angie’s mother, who disapproves of her. By the end of the night, Lauren realizes that she will not earn much money here. When Angie offers her dessert, Lauren notes that they hardly need another waitress. Angie disagrees because she plans to revive the restaurant. When she asks about Lauren’s family, Lauren shifts the conversation to Angie. Then, David arrives to pick Lauren up.

Another night, Lauren watches David excel as the Fircrest Academy quarterback. After the game, they learn that his father didn’t come—he is at a business meeting—and David pretends not to care. Later, while at the beach with friends, Lauren tries to comfort David, but he brushes it off and tells her that he loves her. She returns the words.

For days, Angie meticulously reviews menus and paperwork, considers promotions, and learns routines. When she accompanies Maria to the market, she observes that her mother always purchases the same things. Once alone, Angie interrogates the workers, learning more about food and how to build a menu. On Saturday, she is exhausted yet exhilarated. She and Lauren have dessert and talk about homecoming. When Angie offers to loan her a dress, Lauren declines. Talk shifts to David, which ignites Angie’s longing for Conlan.

David parks in front of Lauren’s building, and they spend some time kissing in his car. Before leaving, he gives her an application for Stanford, but Lauren insists that she will not get a scholarship there. When he expresses doubt about his acceptance, Lauren reminds him that a building on campus is named after his family. Later, Lauren wonders what it is like to have one’s dreams come true so easily.

The next morning, Angie has coffee at Mira’s house and shares her plans for the restaurant, including the coat drive, happy hours, date nights, and more. She also proposes an altered menu and increased prices. Mira knows that their father would have loved these ideas but that their mother will resist them. Mira suggests that Angie ask their mother’s advice as a way of getting her on board.

Lauren remains worried about a homecoming dress. She can either borrow one from Angie or ask for an advance, but both options seem desperate. Meanwhile, Angie talks with her mother about a movie theater promotion. As she asks for advice, Angie slides a menu from another restaurant into view. When her mother sees it, she recalls her favorite Italian fish dishes, which Angie suggests making as specials. Lauren interrupts to say that she can work tomorrow.

Once Lauren leaves, Maria accuses Angie of changing the menu. When Angie notes that her father would approve, Maria admits that business has been good and that Lauren is a strong worker. This reminds Angie about homecoming, and she rushes to find Lauren. When she learns that Lauren still needs a dress, Angie insists that they get ready at her house tomorrow. Inwardly, however, she worries that she has overstepped and acted too much like a mother.

The next day, Angie picks up Lauren. When they get to the cottage, Lauren realizes it is just like her dream home and hugs Angie. After Lauren selects a pink dress, Angie does her hair and makeup, and Lauren gasps at the princess she sees in the mirror.

Angie unearths an old camera, overcome with emotion as she photographs Lauren. When prompted, she shares her struggles to have children. David arrives, and after Angie snaps more photos, the couple leaves for the dance. Immediately, Angie feels alone. Her mother calls to check in, but as soon as she hangs up, Angie crawls into bed. She wakes hours later to her mother calling her name from downstairs. Maria shares that she lost a son and that it has always been too hard for her to talk about. Then, she warns Angie to be careful with Lauren.

The next morning, Lauren lies in David’s arms remembering their night. She imagines their future until David mentions Stanford. After he leaves, Lauren longs to tell her mother everything, but when she tries, her mother just goes back to sleep. Lauren goes to the cottage instead and, not finding Angie, decides to return the dress to her closet; when she turns on the bedroom light, she wakes Angie. Lauren apologizes, but Angie begs her to stay. When Lauren notices her puffy eyes, Angie admits that life can disappoint. After hearing about the dance, though, Angie feels better.

Angie’s restaurant promotions work; the place is booked solid, and many diners share memories of Angie’s father. In the kitchen, Maria is flustered, having ruined some of the fish, but she also claims that change is good. The night is a huge success, and the DeSarias begin to dance. When Lauren tries to sneak out, Angie pulls her into their conga line.

Once home, Lauren sees cigarettes and beer bottles everywhere and hears a man in her mother’s bedroom. Safe in her room, Lauren remembers the night and reminds herself that Angie is just her boss. Despite this, Lauren admits that she finally feels like she belongs somewhere.

Over the next month, Lauren keeps busy. One day, she and David talk with friends about a college presentation in Portland that weekend. Unfortunately, David cannot go, and no one can give Lauren a ride. David suggests that she ask Angie. All week, Lauren considers it and finally musters the courage to ask on Friday. Without hesitation, Angie agrees.

In Portland, Lauren takes copious notes, declaring at the end that USC is her top choice. Angie leads her to the USC representative and offers to help Lauren secure a recommendation from one of the deans. The representative also encourages Lauren to apply. Lauren, who is used to navigating everything on her own, is overcome with gratitude.