Contents
14. Indy
Overview
At the campsite dinner with Ron and Caroline, Ryan proves his attentiveness by bringing vegetarian options for Indy, strengthening their credibility. Their staged affection intensifies into palpable intimacy. A misstep into basketball talk risks their image, but Indy salvages it by accepting Ron’s courtside seats. Conversations about children prompt Indy’s vulnerable reflections.
Summary
Indy opens by texting Stevie about her growing attraction to Ryan on the camping trip. Flustered, she joins Annie, Ethan, Ron, and Caroline for dinner. Ryan arrives with vegetarian patties and breakfast sausage for Indy, impressing Ron and Caroline and reinforcing the authenticity of the relationship.
Around the fire, Ron asks about future kids, putting Indy on the spot until Ryan gently answers that they haven’t discussed it. Ryan invites Indy to sit on his lap, and under a blanket their physical closeness intensifies, though they keep it hidden. Conversation turns to children; Caroline shares that she and Ron couldn’t have any, which triggers Indy’s private fears about her own future.
Ryan then slips into shop talk about defending Houston’s star, prompting Ron to remind him that family dinners avoid basketball. Sensing the danger to Ryan’s image, Indy quickly pivots, admitting she hasn’t seen him play, and Ron offers their courtside seats for the next game, which Indy gratefully accepts, restoring the mood.
As they make s’mores, Ryan thanks Indy for saving him. Their flirtation peaks when Indy feeds Ryan and he sensually sucks marshmallow from her thumb. The moment leaves Indy breathless and aware that their pretend dynamic is rapidly blurring into something real.
Who Appears
- IndyNarrator; deepens feelings for Ryan, deftly maintains their cover, and grapples with fears about future motherhood.
- RyanAttentive fake boyfriend; brings vegetarian food, initiates intimate affection, slips into basketball talk, and relies on Indy’s save.
- Ron MorganGM and host; probes about kids, discourages basketball talk, offers courtside seats, softens toward the couple.
- Caroline MorganRon’s wife; stores Indy’s food, shares infertility history, reframes family and fulfillment, warms to Indy and Ryan.
- AnnieEthan’s wife; friendly confidante to Indy, notes their chemistry, joins campfire conversation.
- EthanRyan’s teammate; chats family life, supports lighthearted mood, present at campfire.
- StevieIndy’s friend and Ryan’s sister; brief text exchange highlights Indy’s escalating attraction.