Page 29 of Falling Off Script

He sends a thumbs up. Proud of him.

Most guys start with goals like “get a girlfriend” or “get laid.”

Matt started with“not disappear when someone sees me.”

And now he’s got a maybe. A spark.

A woman who actually brings him out of hiding.

That’s rare. And rare is worth protecting.

I don’t know her name yet. Haven’t asked. Don’t want to jinx it.

He’s not trying to win.

He’s trying to stay in the room.

And if this works—maybe I’ll bring them in for a testimonial or something.

Shit like this is why I keep running bootcamps.

It’s not for the clicks. It’s for the moments no one else gets to see.

13. Emily

Rachel’s been glowing lately.

Not in a “new serum” kind of way — more like she got emotionally exfoliated by a man who actually listens.

And I’m happy for her. I am.

Right up until this morning’s session.

“So, I went out with the mystery coffee guy,” she says casually, tucking her phone into her Hermès tote. “Turns out he’s been working on himself. Said he’s part of some men’s group.”

My pen stops mid-sentence. I keep my face neutral — professional, warm, unbothered.

“Men’s group?” I ask.

“Yeah. Some kind of coaching thing. Confidence, identity, that sort of stuff.”

“He said they meet on weekends and have, like... challenges?”

My mouth says, “That’s interesting.”

But my brain says, Adrian. Fucking. Zayne.

“It’s cute,” she goes on. “He even told me one of their assignments was to go back to a place that scared them. That’s why he came back to the coffee shop.”

Yup.

That’s textbook Adrian: fear exposure plus location memory loop. I’ve watched the clip. He used a whiteboard.

“I mean, I didn’t ask for details,” Rachel shrugs. “He just seemed so proud of himself for doing it. I didn’t want to ruin it.”

My smile stays locked in place.

But inside, my gut goes cold.

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