Laura Landon flees her oppressive, domineering father Merrill Landon in Chicago on a rainy January night, taking a train to New York City to escape his emotional cruelty and find independence. Having studied journalism to appease him without a direct confrontation, she refuses to return to school despite his violent tantrums and painful reminders of a past drowning accident. Determined to build a life entirely separate from her father's journalism circle, she avoids newspapers and eventually secures a temporary secretarial job with a prominent radiologist named Dr Hollingsworth.
The medical office proves to be a welcoming environment filled with kind staff, including Dr Hollingsworth and two young medical assistants named Dr Carstens and Dr Hagstrom. Wanting to escape high hotel costs, Laura asks her friendly fellow receptionist Jean Bergman about finding an affordable apartment in the city. Jean connects her with Marcie Proffitt, a divorced young woman looking for a roommate to share a rundown penthouse apartment located near West End Avenue.
Laura braves a decrepit elevator and a dark, eerie hallway before stepping onto the rooftop, where she instantly falls in love with the glittering view of the city below. Inside the apartment, she meets Marcie, whose striking beauty and impulsive, intimate charm immediately captivate her. As they share a meal of vegetables and hamburgers, Marcie casually discusses her ex-husband Burr, who relentlessly pursues her and wants to remarry despite their constant arguments.
Despite the noisy plumbing and cramped living conditions, Laura feels a genuine connection with Marcie and recognizes an opportunity to finally establish her independence away from her past. When Marcie asks if she thinks she can stand the apartment and the tight bedroom space, Laura readily agrees to move in. They joke about their contrasting personalities, and Marcie happily accepts Laura as her new roommate to begin their life together.