The following edition of the text was used in the creation of this study guide: Pinter, Harold. Faber and Faber, 2013. Kindle AZW file.

In Scene 1, set in a pub in the spring of 1977, Emma and Jerry meet after not seeing each other for two years. Emma, married to Robert, and Jerry, married to Judith, engage in small talk. Jerry mentions rumors about Emma spending time with Casey, an author Jerry represents, and expresses resentment because their affair was secret for seven years. Emma reveals she and Robert are splitting up because Robert admitted to cheating on her for years. When Jerry asks if Emma told Robert about their affair, she confirms she did so the previous night.

In Scene 2, set later the same day in 1977 at Jerry’s house, Jerry is anxious while Robert is confused by Jerry's urgency and inability to explain why he asked Robert to come. Jerry reveals it’s because Emma told him she had informed Robert about their affair the previous night. Robert clarifies that Emma actually told him about the affair four years ago, not the previous night. Robert assumed Jerry knew that Robert was aware of the affair, but Jerry confirms he did not know. They recall a memory of Robert reading Yeats alone on a trip to Torcello.

Scene 3 takes place in 1975, in the flat that Emma and Jerry rent for their affair. They discuss how long it has been since they last used the flat, and Emma implies it is a waste of money as they are rarely there anymore. Jerry suggests it is hard for them to meet now because Emma is busy with her job and he is often in America. Emma points out that when their affair began, they always found time for each other despite their busy schedules. They decide to sell the flat and its contents. Emma gives her key to Jerry.

Scene 4 takes place in 1974 at Robert and Emma's house. Robert pours Jerry a drink and calls out to Emma, informing her that Jerry is there. Robert and Jerry talk about why they haven't played squash together recently, and Robert reveals he has been playing squash with Casey. Emma asks if she can watch them play squash, and Robert says no. Jerry finishes his drink and leaves with Robert. Emma remains on stage. Robert reenters, kisses Emma, who breaks away and starts crying on his shoulder.

Scene 5 takes place in 1973 in a hotel room in Venice. Emma is in bed reading a book. Robert, looking out of the window, mentions they should visit Torcello the next day. Robert recounts that earlier at the post office, they tried to give him a letter addressed to Emma because their names matched, assuming they were married. Emma says the letter was from Jerry, which Robert already knew from the handwriting. Robert quizzes Emma about the letter's contents and reminds her that Jerry was the best man at their wedding. Emma then confesses to having an affair with Jerry for five years. Robert is surprised, having only suspected the affair when he saw Jerry's handwriting on the letter.

Scene 6 takes place in 1973, later than the previous scene, in the flat. Emma and Jerry kiss as Emma unpacks a lunch she has brought to share. Jerry asks about the vacation in Venice and whether they went to Torcello. Emma says they didn't go because the speedboat drivers were on strike. Jerry reveals that Robert has invited him to lunch on Thursday, surprising Emma.

In Scene 7, set in 1973, Jerry and Robert have lunch at a restaurant. Jerry inquires about Robert's trip to Venice. Robert reveals he visited Torcello alone, reading Yeats, while Emma slept. He travelled there by speedboat.

In Scene 8, set in 1971 at Emma and Robert's flat, Emma is preparing stew when Jerry arrives. They share a kiss. Emma mentions seeing Jerry's wife, Judith, recently and asks if Judith mentioned anything to him. Jerry is surprised, stating Judith hadn't said anything. Emma questions whether Judith suspects their affair, but Jerry dismisses it, believing Judith is occupied with their children and her medical career. Jerry mentions Judith's admirer, a fellow doctor who takes her out for drinks, which bothers him. Emma reveals she's pregnant and insists the baby is Robert's, conceived while Jerry was away in America.

In Scene 9, set in 1968 at Robert and Emma’s home, an intoxicated Jerry waits for Emma in the bedroom, expressing his love and admiration for her. Emma, reminding Jerry of Robert's presence in the house, tries to resist his advances. Robert enters. Jerry compliments Emma to Robert, emphasizing her beauty, and reminds Robert that he is his oldest friend and was best man at their wedding. Robert exits. Jerry stops Emma from following Robert. Emma and Jerry silently look at each other as the scene ends.