32: Chris

At work, Chris deflects his pharmacy tech Waylon’s push to date Heather, insisting he isn’t interested. Larissa arrives unexpectedly with delivery orders, and her presence throws Chris off. She gives him a handmade paper-quilled frame honoring his mother, Julia, which deeply moves him.

Larissa asks to accompany Chris to a wholesale club to save on supplies for her growing graze-board business and to catch up. Chris agrees to go after his shift.

Uneasy, Chris calls Mike to loop him in. Mike declines to meet, asks Chris to cover the trip, and casually reveals Larissa is moving in and he’s saving for a ring. The news blindsides Chris; he recognizes the depth of his reaction.

Alone with his thoughts, Chris confronts the truth: he is in love with Larissa. Seeing that as a betrayal of Mike and a dead end, he decides to draw a boundary.

Chris buys Larissa her own wholesale membership, texts her the details, claims he’s unwell, and leaves early to avoid meeting her. Determined to redirect himself, he gets Heather’s number and calls her, choosing to pursue someone else.