Cover of The Night We Met

The Night We Met

by Abby Jimenez


Genre
Romance, Contemporary, Fiction, Chick Lit
Year
2026
Pages
380
Contents

11: Chris

Overview

At the gym, Chris finally confronts Mike about the drunken hike. Mike reveals panic attacks, insecurity about Larissa, reduced work hours, and that he quit meds and therapy. Chris pushes a concrete plan: restart treatment, seek better work, and be honest with Larissa. Chris also guides Mike’s birthday gift choice.

Summary

Chris joins Mike and Jesse for a workout, still trying to address Mike’s unexplained drunkenness that led to Larissa and Chris’s hazardous hike. In the truck, Mike asks for help with Larissa’s upcoming birthday; Chris steers him away from a giant teddy bear and toward a custom jewelry box. Texts from Larissa about Woofarine provide brief levity, while Chris avoids being set up on dates.

At the gym, Mike structures an intense session that leaves Chris no private moment until Jesse departs early. Chris confronts Mike about the park incident; Mike tries to deflect, but Chris follows him into the locker room and presses the issue.

Mike admits he has been having panic attacks for months and feels pervasive insecurity: he worries people dislike him and doubts why Larissa is with him. He confesses reduced hours, hiding idle days at the gym, borrowing money, and not wanting to take over Tony’s business, which clashes with what he believes Larissa expects.

Chris urges practical steps: see his doctor, restart Prozac with potential adjustment, return to therapy, and be honest with Larissa about his goals. He anchors accountability by insisting Mike fill prescriptions at Chris’s pharmacy so Chris can confirm adherence.

Mike agrees, and Chris promises to be around more. Mike thanks Chris for the gift idea and mentions Chris driving Larissa to the cabin, while hoping repairs will help his finances. Chris resolves to support both Mike and Larissa moving forward.

Who Appears

  • Chris
    Narrator; confronts Mike, offers concrete support, arranges accountability for meds, advises on career honesty, and suggests a jewelry box gift.
  • Mike
    Admits panic attacks, insecurity about Larissa, reduced hours, and stopping meds/therapy; agrees to restart treatment and accept help.
  • Jesse
    Joins the gym trip, provides comic relief, leaves early; his presence delays Chris’s private talk with Mike.
  • Larissa
    Off-page presence via texts and discussion; subject of Mike’s anxieties and birthday gift planning.
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