Contents
9. Ryan
Overview
Ryan and Indy attend the team’s fall banquet to sell their fake relationship. Ryan nearly aborts to protect Indy’s privacy, but she insists and expertly handles the red carpet and small talk, impressing GM Ron and his wife, who invite them to dinner. Ryan’s stiffness exposes his discomfort, while Indy’s poise lends credibility. Later, Ethan reminds Ryan that, as captain, he must plan team dinners, pushing Ryan toward greater leadership off the court.
Summary
Ryan and Indy prepare for the fall banquet, teasing about their “meet-cute” before Indy emerges in a striking dress. Ryan is captivated but keeps boundaries, and they practice light banter. On arrival, Ryan panics about exposing Indy to paparazzi and orders the driver to turn back, but Indy insists on going, assuring him she wants the attention and can handle brief headlines.
They step onto the carpet; Indy leads, urging Ryan to pose and touch her, while he remains stiff and refuses a staged kiss. Inside, they circulate; Ryan endures the spotlight as Indy enjoys it. Baseball star Kai Rhodes greets them, flirts lightly with Indy, and mentions his infant son, Max, before leaving. Indy is moved by Max’s situation.
GM Ron Morgan and his wife Caroline approach. Ryan awkwardly introduces Indy as his girlfriend, but Indy carries the conversation—complimenting Caroline, holding Ryan’s hand, and answering questions confidently. She reveals Dartmouth was her dream school and accepts a dinner invitation for next Thursday. When asked how they met, Indy cites Ryan’s sister; Ryan adds a private, affectionate note, improving the illusion. Ron seems less skeptical as they part.
After, Ryan praises Indy; she notes she’s used to playing the poised girlfriend role. With Ethan and Annie, Indy charms teammates at the bar while Ryan admits the relationship is fake to the couple. Ethan reminds Ryan, as new captain, he must plan bimonthly team dinners to connect off-court—his first leadership test. Ryan maintains the secrecy of the ruse with their help.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayTeam captain narrator; anxious about publicity, nearly aborts the banquet, struggles to sell the fake relationship, but improves and commits to leadership duties.
- IndyRoommate and fake girlfriend; poised and social, guides red-carpet posing, charms Ron and Caroline, accepts dinner invite, and reinforces their cover story.
- Ron MorganGM; scrutinizes their relationship, softens after Indy’s poise, invites the couple to dinner, remains cautiously skeptical.
- Caroline MorganRon’s wife; warm and engaging, bonds with Indy over fashion and dinner plans, helps ease Ron’s doubts.
- Kai RhodesWarriors pitcher; friendly acquaintance, briefly flirts with Indy, mentions caring for his infant son, then slips out.
- Ethan JeongTeammate and friend; reminds Ryan that captains host team dinners, urging off-court connection.
- Annie JeongEthan’s wife; teases about Ryan’s ‘stunning girlfriend,’ learns the relationship is fake, keeps the secret.
- HaroldRyan’s longtime driver; nearly turns back at Ryan’s request, then proceeds after Indy insists on attending.