28: Chris

Chris stops by Larissa’s apartment in the morning, hoping to see her mom, Nancy, and avoid waking Larissa. When Larissa appears, Chris gifts pastry boxes, ribbon, and tags to prototype her graze-board business idea, explaining how they work. Larissa is touched, and Chris restrains his deeper desire to do more and spend time with her.

Leaving Larissa, Chris heads to Mike’s with food and coffee. He lets himself in, finds Mike hungover with a shattered phone, and learns Mike wants Larissa kept away. Chris provides water and pills and confronts him about repeatedly letting Larissa down, especially when drinking.

Chris warns Mike that Larissa needs stability and will leave if this continues, offering help if Mike needs it. Mike dismisses needing help, blaming poor choices and promising it won’t happen again. Chris notes Mike is trying—he’s even reading a book Larissa likes—but recognizes the pattern of drinking undermines everything.

Mike thanks Chris for covering, acknowledges Larissa’s efforts to make extra money, and says he likes that Larissa likes Chris. He insists he’s serious about her and could see marriage. Chris reels internally at the thought, imagining supporting their wedding despite his feelings.

They drop the subject. Chris helps Mike replace his phone screen, then leaves, hoping that if marriage comes, it will be long after he no longer cares.