Rodeo West is a legend among her peers; as rumors would have it, once she was even shot at by a disgruntled Texan rancher in Sacramento. Now, in her middle-age she runs a successful nightclub in New York City that attracts only the most wealthy and celebrity patrons. She cares for her female dancers immensely, and often protects them from men who don't respect her rule of “love ’em and leave ’em.” Rodeo herself is a proponent of this action, as one of her best-kept secrets is her own virginity. She cares for more than just her girls, though; she brought her entire family to live with her in New York, including her sister’s husband and a man named Brood, who has a paralyzed right arm and rumored (albeit untrue) love affair with Rodeo. One night, a Southern rich man named Florence Oldfield passes through Rodeo’s nightclub. He returns the next night, and then for several more after that, with only eyes for Rodeo herself. She redirects his attention to buying her jewelry and presents, but eventually he confronts her and insists on asking for her hand in marriage. The next day, he visits her parents and asks permission to marry her. The entire family pressures Rodeo to accept the millionaire’s invitation, but she insists they leave her alone to think until finally just Brood remains in the room. She asks him what he thinks of the situation, and he tells her to marry Oldfield. Distraught, Rodeo begins to yell at him and the two get in a fight, finally forcing Brood to reveal his deep love for her and the fact that his shoulder is paralyzed from the bullet he took for her in Sacramento. She too reciprocates his love, and even though they are afraid of their passion, both agree their love is more important.