Page 31 of Falling Off Script

And show him what it looks like to outcoach a brand built on shortcuts.

I nod like I’m interested. Iaminterested. Just not in the way Rachel thinks.

“That sounds like a big step for him,” I say gently. “Has he shared more about the group? Like who runs it, what they focus on?”

Rachel shrugs, sipping her tea. “He said it’s some kind of men’s leadership thing? Weekend intensives, a few small group sessions during the week. Confidence, emotional presence, that kind of stuff.”

Confidence and emotional presence. Adrian’s favorite cosplay.

“Did he mention the facilitator’s name?” I ask, casual. “Sometimes that gives insight into what values they emphasize.”

Please don’t say it.

Please say it.

“I think he called him Zen? Zane? Something like that. Adrian Zayne?”

Bingo.

My stomach tightens. But my face doesn’t twitch.

“Interesting,” I say. “That name’s familiar. I think I’ve seen some of his content online.”

Rachel looks up at me, curious. “You don’t think it’s... bad, do you?”

No, I want to say.

I think it’ssurgical.

I think it’sengineeredto pass as insight while bypassing real depth.

I think it’s a very shiny trap.

But I don’t say any of that.

“What matters is how you feel around him,” I say instead. “Not just in the high moments, but in the quiet ones. Trust lives in the quiet.”

Rachel nods, writing something down.

And me?

I’m already writing my own plan.

Because this just got personal.

14. Adrian

I’m halfway through erasing “TRUST = TENSION + PRESENCE” off the whiteboard when Matt clears his throat like he’s about to recite wedding vows.

I don’t look up. “You good?”

He doesn’t answer right away. Rookie tell.

“I think I’m... in trouble.”

That gets my attention.

I turn. He’s hovering by the empty chairs like they might offer backup. “What kind of trouble? Legal, emotional, or text-message misfire?”

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