Michael Mendoza is a homosexual psychologist and his lover, David Winthrop, is a wealthy, promiscuous, bisexual stock broker. Lessons relates the Michael and Davi's present life to their lives as husband and wife during the 16th century (with the war between England and Spain as the backdrops, depicting the battles on the high seas). In the 20th century, David wants to be reunited with his ex-wife, Samantha, and maintain his relationship with Michael, while Michael copes with lawsuits and losing his job. Michael and David eventually discover the reason for coming together, again, in this lifetime, and find answers to many of their present challenges.