Contents
10. Indy
Overview
At the fundraiser, Indy enjoys socializing while Ryan stays rigid in public but shows private protectiveness and jealousy over Rio. Their intimacy grows as Ryan comforts Indy, gives her his jacket, and insists she stop downplaying her intelligence. Indy reveals past compromises for Alex, and they agree Ryan must improve public pretending.
Summary
Indy navigates the fundraiser alone at first, worrying that Ryan’s awkward public affection will expose their fake relationship to Mr. and Mrs. Morgan. She chats with Stevie, who notes Ryan avoids emotion to protect his image. Zanders jealously wards off a flirty bartender, and Rio arrives, lightening the mood.
Rio takes Indy to dance, showing unexpected grace from past lessons. Across the room, Ryan texts Zanders to watch Indy and then glares at Rio, which Rio identifies as jealousy. Indy ends the dance to defuse tension.
When Indy returns, Ryan keeps her close, offers his jacket, and gently touches her, claiming they are “pretending” for possible observers. He pointedly asks about Rio; Indy clarifies they are only friends. With Stevie and Zanders nearby, Ryan relaxes and continues the affectionate facade.
Talking privately, Indy admits this is her first real date and reveals she got into Dartmouth and earned an MBA but often hides her intelligence to avoid intimidating men. Ryan rejects that compromise, condemns Alex’s past control, and tells Indy to be fully herself with him. The charged moment ends with Indy reminding Ryan he’s convincing in private but needs to improve their public act, and he agrees.
Who Appears
- Indy (Indigo)Narrator; enjoys the event, dances with Rio, confronts Ryan’s jealousy, reveals Dartmouth acceptance and MBA, and past self-silencing.
- Ryan ShayCaptain and fake boyfriend; awkward publicly but privately protective and jealous, gives Indy his jacket, urges her to embrace her intelligence.
- RioTeammate who dances with Indy, prompts Ryan’s jealousy, and candidly labels Ryan’s glare as jealousy.
- StevieRyan’s sister; explains Ryan’s guarded public persona and helps ease his tension by her presence.
- ZandersStevie’s partner; fiercely possessive with a bartender, shares Ryan’s text and provides comic relief.
- Ron MorganGM; largely offstage but presumed observer, prompting Ryan and Indy to maintain their public act.