23. Indy

Indy wakes feverish and aching after the intense intimacy the night before, doubting whether she misread Ryan’s withdrawal. Despite being ill, she dresses and heads to set up Maggie’s bridal shower, driven by a need to prove her value to old friends who’ve drifted since Alex’s cheating.

Stevie arrives to help and urges Indy to go home, recognizing she’s sicker than a simple cold. Indy refuses, clinging to the event as a chance to reclaim belonging. After setup, Maggie thanks Indy but then suggests Indy consider reconciling with Alex, minimizing his cheating as “one mistake.” Weakened and upset, Indy steps away for water, realizing how depleted these friendships make her feel.

Ryan unexpectedly enters the banquet room, assesses Indy’s fever, and wordlessly scoops her up, carrying her out despite onlookers. He admits he skipped practice to get her, takes her home, and settles her into his bed, changing her into his clothes and making soup. His quiet caretaking contrasts his avoidance the previous night.

After a shower, Indy finds Ryan waiting outside the bathroom. He brushes and braids her hair, gently pressing her to admit she went to the shower to hold onto old ties. His reassurance challenges her misplaced loyalty, and Indy recognizes she no longer wants the life she once planned with Alex.

Indy asks why he left her the previous night. Ryan apologizes, calls her a gift, and admits he can’t be casual with her and is still haunted by an unspoken past. They agree to discuss it when she’s better. Buoyed by his honesty and tenderness, Indy decides she has love to give and wants to give it to Ryan.