Contents
5. Indy
Overview
Indy bonds with Raptors friends and learns the scale of Ryan’s fame and need for control, reframing his house rules. After being excluded by longtime friends tied to Alex, she feels isolated. Back at the apartment, Ryan departs for travel but reveals care by gifting Indy a new bed, signaling a thaw.
Summary
At a bar in Edmonton, Indy meets Raptors players Rio, Zanders, and Maddison. Rio jokingly offers her a rent-free room, but Indy keeps it platonic. Conversation shifts to Ryan: the players explain his global-level fame, intense scrutiny, and minimalist, controlled lifestyle, helping Indy understand his no-guests rule and aloofness. Indy decides she might bring some color into Ryan’s rigid world.
After a red-eye return to Chicago, Indy grabs coffees and unexpectedly runs into childhood friends Maggie and Angie, who are headed to bridesmaid dress shopping without her. They reveal Alex still attends group trivia and remains in Maggie’s wedding, prompting Indy’s hurt and isolation. She forces a smile, accepts a save-the-date, and leaves in tears.
Indy brings a latte to the doorman, David, then reaches the apartment as Ryan heads to practice and a quick road trip. Their brief exchange is polite; he thanks her for the coffee and reminds her of the key.
Alone inside, Indy discovers Ryan has bought her a brand-new bed with lavender sheets. Moved by the thoughtful gesture, she texts Ryan; he downplays it as practical help, but their banter is warm. Indy recognizes he doesn’t hate having her there, and their tense dynamic begins to soften.
Who Appears
- Indy IversNarrator; learns about Ryan’s fame, feels abandoned by old friends, and is touched by Ryan’s gift of a new bed.
- Ryan ShayGuarded NBA star roommate; briefly passes through, thanks Indy for coffee, secretly buys her a new bed with lavender sheets.
- RioRaptors defenseman and flirty friend; offers Indy a place to stay and explains Ryan’s elite status and earnings.
- ZandersRaptors defenseman; vouches for Ryan’s character, notes his guarded nature, and encourages Indy’s patience.
- MaddisonRaptors captain; contrasts his own fame with Ryan’s and underscores Ryan’s pressure and practicality.
- MaggieChildhood friend; unintentionally excludes Indy from bridesmaid dress shopping and keeps Alex in the wedding.
- AngieFriend; reminds the group their appointment is for four, highlighting Indy’s exclusion.
- David (Doorman)Ryan’s building doorman; receives a latte from Indy and welcomes her back.