Contents
3. Ryan
Overview
Ryan regrets his harsh greeting to Indy but is rattled by his attraction and need for solitude. He recalls mounting pressure from GM Ron Morgan to date Lesley and doubles down on a no-distractions rule. After Indy’s emotional breakdown over her cheating ex, Ryan softens, insists she stay, and prepares a key. By morning, he begrudgingly accepts her messy, colorful imprint on his space.
Summary
Ryan returns home determined to be civil to Indy but is blindsided by her beauty and the disorder in his apartment, intensifying his need for control and solitude. Worried about distractions during his first season as captain, he contemplates escaping to the gym.
He reflects on General Manager Ron Morgan’s growing dislike after Ryan refused to keep escorting Ron’s niece, Lesley, and on the controversy surrounding Ryan’s captaincy. He reaffirms his commitment to winning and avoiding personal entanglements.
Hearing Indy crying, Ryan confronts her awkwardly. Indy explodes, revealing her ex, Alex, cheated and that she lost her apartment, leaving her stranded and unwanted. Ryan’s cold detachment provokes her, but when she announces plans to leave Chicago, he counters and promises to get her a spare key, insisting she stay.
The next morning, Ryan adjusts his routines, noting Indy’s cleared living room but messy, colorful bedroom that keeps the door from closing. Despite himself, he acknowledges that sharing the space may not be as unbearable as he feared.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayNarrator; newly named captain struggling with control, attraction to Indy, and GM pressure; ultimately decides she should stay.
- Indy (Indiana)Heartbroken new roommate; cries and vents about cheating ex and lost apartment; plans to leave but is convinced to stay.
- Ron MorganTeam GM; resents Ryan for refusing to date his niece and for becoming captain.
- LesleyRon’s niece; previously escorted by Ryan, whose refusals fuel Ron’s hostility.
- Stevie ShayRyan’s sister; facilitated Indy moving in and can no longer be Ryan’s standby plus-one.
- AlexIndy’s ex-boyfriend; cheated on her, causing the breakup and her housing crisis.