Tough, troubled teen Ryan is invited to stay in wealthy Newport Beach and meets dreamer Seth and beautiful girl next door Marissa, whose rich father is up to no good.

Kirsten doesn't want Ryan permanently, so he buys a bus ticket. Ryan, Seth and Marissa hide in a model home, but Summer finds out and causes trouble with a bully who fights Ryan.

Kirsten takes temporary custody of Ryan. Jimmy borrows money from Kirsten. Summer uses Seth for good luck at a casino benefit. Ryan's mom drunkenly embarrasses him and then leaves.

Ryan is matched with Anna for cotillion, but he ends up taking Marissa. Summer abandons her intended escort, Seth. Jimmy admits his financial trouble. A fight happens at the event.

Ryan protects Seth at a party in a bad neighborhood. Ryan again must save him after Seth invites the same people to a party in Newport. Luke is shot. Broke Jimmy has a hard choice.

Kirsten has trouble working for her driven father. Julie demands a divorce. After Caleb's hot girlfriend seduces Ryan, Marissa has sex with Luke, who is nicer since being shot.