Part One — Chapter One — September 1992

In 1992, ten-year-old Lucky arrives with her father Virgil at a grand Lake George resort for what he calls their first real vacation. On the drive, Lucky presses for details about her missing mother and learns the gold crucifix came from a nun at St. Monica’s. Feeling guilty about their usual hustles, Lucky clings to the idea of a week without cons.

Exploring the grounds, Lucky avoids the crowded swimming areas and meets Steph, a girl her age. Using the alias “Andi,” Lucky quickly bonds with Steph as they share jokes and, later, confidences about loss. Longing for connection, Lucky lies that her mother is dead, and the girls cement an instant friendship.

That evening, Virgil reveals he has befriended Steph’s wealthy widowed mother, Darla, and insists on turning Lucky’s alias into a full con. He scripts a story that Lucky has a rare hereditary blood disorder and that he cannot afford treatment, aiming to solicit money from Darla. Lucky protests, but Virgil prioritizes opportunity over the promised vacation.

The next day by the pool, Steph talks about school starting soon and, assuming Lucky is ill, expresses hope. Overwhelmed by shame, Lucky tells Steph she isn’t sick. Steph misinterprets the confession as denial, happily revealing Darla plans to fund Lucky’s procedures and imagining their families uniting. Trapped by Steph’s goodwill and dreams, Lucky walks back her admission, outwardly agreeing while inwardly crushed by the lie.