Contents
18. Ryan
Overview
Ryan hosts a lavish but unsuccessful team dinner that underscores his distance from the roster. Ethan confronts him about trust and leadership, pushing Ryan to open up beyond basketball. Alone later, Ryan builds Indy a bookshelf and wrestles with jealousy, then rushes out to pick her up from a bad date.
Summary
Ryan stages an exclusive team dinner, prioritizing privacy over connection. The setup leaves half the table distant, and rookie Leon seems intimidated even by a simple wine offer. Ryan distracts himself by texting Indy and brooding over their charged kiss, only to learn she has other plans that night, stirring jealousy he won’t admit.
After dinner, Ethan bluntly diagnoses the problem: the event failed to foster bonding, and Ryan’s on-court intensity makes teammates—especially Leon—afraid to make mistakes. Ethan urges Ryan to let people know him off the court and to trust the team, or the Devils won’t progress.
Returning home, Ryan talks with his doorman David, learns Indy went out looking beautiful, and feels the void of his quiet apartment. To care for her in a tangible way, he assembles a new bookshelf for her romance novels and sets out fresh flowers, leaning into small acts that show his growing attachment.
His evening shifts when Stevie calls: Indy’s date has turned creepy, rideshares are delayed, and their friend Rio has been drinking. Protective and angry, Ryan grabs his keys and speeds out to pick Indy up, determined to intervene.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayDevils captain; hosts a failed bonding dinner, confronts trust issues, builds Indy a bookshelf, then races to rescue her from a bad date.
- EthanTeammate and friend; challenges Ryan about leadership and trust after the lackluster team dinner.
- IndyRyan’s roommate and fake girlfriend; out on a date that turns uncomfortable, prompting Ryan to pick her up.
- LeonRookie teammate; visibly intimidated by Ryan, highlighting the team’s fear and trust issues.
- DavidDoorman; notes Indy’s departure and chats with Ryan, subtly affirming Indy’s character.
- DomTeammate at dinner; jokes about ordering expensive wine on Ryan’s tab, adding to the impersonal atmosphere.
- StevieRyan’s sister; calls to ask Ryan to pick up Indy from a creepy date.