Fifteen year old Christopher has to stay with his aunt and three cousins in Shrewsbury for the summer whilst his mother undertakes a business trip to Europe. An unforeseen incident on the train means that he arrives without any luggage or spending money. He must quickly find a job to replace them both. Fortunately the friend of one of his cousins is in urgent need of some waitresses for her business, and Chris and one of his cousins are able to help out. However, life as Emily can get complicated, particularly after she meets someone quite special.

The story is set between July and September 2009, principally in Shrewsbury, Shropshire, England, but also with journeys to Birmingham Airport and Sheffield.