Contents
7. Ryan
Overview
Ryan returns from a successful road game to find Indy has transformed his apartment, sparking conflict that softens into connection. Pressed to validate his lie to the GM, Ryan barters: Indy attends the team banquet if he escorts her to a looming wedding. They draft reciprocal bucket lists to practice dating and independence, but Ryan refuses to fake a kiss. Their pact resets boundaries and stakes for their public “relationship.”
Summary
After a grueling but triumphant road game, Ryan returns home sore and anxious about leaving Indy alone in his apartment. Seeing her colorful decor and reorganized bookshelf, he panics over lost control and wakes Indy to confront her.
Their argument cools when Indy explains her choices, and Ryan unexpectedly offers to help her keep flowers—a small gesture that leads to an intimate, grounding hug and an easy breakfast together. Ryan allows most changes to stay but insists her romance novels leave his shelf.
Ryan raises the GM problem: he lied that Indy is his girlfriend and needs her at the fall banquet. Indy refuses at first, citing a new rideshare job for extra cash and reluctance after her breakup. Concerned for her safety and image, Ryan proposes a trade—she’ll attend the banquet, and he’ll be her date to an upcoming friends’ wedding where her ex, Alex, will be present. She tentatively agrees to the banquet as a test.
To make their act believable, Indy drafts a “book boyfriend” bucket list (slow dance, comfortable touching, public date, show jealousy, kiss). Ryan counters with an “Indy-pendent Woman 101” list (do everyday tasks alone, prioritize herself) and refuses to fake a kiss. They post both lists beside their lease, setting playful but serious ground rules.
They end on a quieter note: Indy admits she’s never been alone and uses pillows to mimic a partner; Ryan nudges her toward independence. When she asks why he doesn’t date, Ryan deflects, and Indy gently insists he’d make someone happy, hinting at growing trust beneath their staged arrangement.
Who Appears
- Ryan ShayNBA star narrator; clashes with Indy over his space, brokers a fake-dating deal, sets boundaries, and shows protective, caring instincts.
- Indy (Indigo)Roommate reenergizing Ryan’s apartment; resists then agrees to banquet-for-wedding trade, crafts a ‘book boyfriend’ list, reveals fear of being alone.