Plaids and Polka Dots

Taylor Michaels, the main character, begins her own crucifixion with the guilt over the loss of a childhood friend at the beach. She carries her feelings of remorse and low self esteem into adolescence, when she is met with another disappointment in the rejection of her first true love.

She vows never to love wholeheartedly again, and chooses a staunch yet cold husband who is "safe," and will not break her heart. Yet she explodes from her catharsis when, as a married woman, she meets and falls in love with a powerful executive who heads up the company where she is employed.