Contents
40. Indy
Overview
Indy takes refuge at Rio’s after Ryan’s panicked reaction to a pregnancy test, while Stevie privately confirms the test is hers and that she’s pregnant. Ryan brings Indy her things, arranges care, and keeps vigil in his car. When they finally speak, Ryan promises a shared future, but Indy chooses space to think, affirming she isn’t giving up on them.
Summary
Indy holes up at Rio’s messy but welcoming house after Ryan’s terrified reaction to finding a positive pregnancy test. Stevie arrives, comforts Indy, and admits the test is hers, not Indy’s. Indy is happy for Stevie and Zanders but confesses the news intensifies her own longing for a family. She asks Stevie to look after Ryan while she takes space.
Later, Ryan comes to Rio’s to see Indy, but Rio turns him away at Indy’s request. Ryan leaves a duffel packed with Indy’s essentials, arranges groceries suited to her diet, and asks Rio to care for her. Indy, reading Ryan’s note promising the future she wants, is torn between love and doubt after his earlier panic and implied accusation.
The next morning, Rio’s clumsy attempt at iced coffee makes Indy smile, and he reveals Ryan slept in his car outside all night. Concerned for Ryan’s rest before crucial games, Indy goes out to him. They embrace and admit to sleepless nights.
Ryan begs Indy to come home and vows to give her everything, but Indy questions whether his promises reflect his true desires. She points to his fearful reaction as proof words aren’t enough and asks for time to think so they don’t repeat her past mistakes. Ryan apologizes for comparing her to his ex and accepts her need for space. They share a tender goodbye kiss; Indy reaffirms she isn’t giving up, while Ryan continues supporting her from afar.
Who Appears
- IndyNarrator; retreats to Rio’s, processes Ryan’s reaction, supports Stevie’s pregnancy, confronts Ryan, and asks for time while affirming love.
- Ryan ShayDesperate to fix things; brings Indy’s belongings, arranges care, sleeps in his car, apologizes, and promises a shared future.
- Stevie ShayConfirms the positive test is hers; comforts Indy, urges communication, and plans to tell Zanders she’s pregnant.
- RioProtective friend; enforces Indy’s boundary, hosts her, attempts iced coffee, and relays Ryan’s efforts.