Rosemary & Antonio is a coming - of - age story set in the gang - ravaged city of Chicago in the 1920's. It begins when young mechanic Antonio May introduces himself to the naive Rosemary Macino at the local coffee shop. Antonio is a carefree young man. He is learning the trade of auto repair from his father. He has no serious thoughts about the responsibilities of adulthood until he sees Rosemary sitting all by herself in a crowded cafe. Rosemary is going to school to become a teacher. She is the first in her family to have a high school diploma. She never gave boys the time of day until she met Antonio. Antonio rattles Rosemary's easy relationship with her parents and threatens her chances of graduation. Rosemary falls in love, yet she has a dark secret that she is hiding. She struggles with her new love, but she is pretty sure he is worth the risk."