Page 76 of Falling Off Script

Yes, it scares the hell out of me.

And yes—I have no idea what he wants now.

“I think I want to know what he’s going to do next,” I say finally.

Dr. Lisa smiles—just barely.

“So you’re not done.”

“No,” I say. “But I really wish I were.”

35. Adrian

Matt catches me just as I’m entering the studio.

He barrels toward me like he’s on a mission. I brace for something chaotic— a question like “Do you think jealousy is hot if it’s symmetrical?”

Instead, he just says, “I’m not doing the show.”

I blink. “You mean the pitch I haven’t even sent to Jessie yet?”

He scratches the back of his neck. “Yeah. That one.”

I wait. Matt doesn’t usually cancel things.

“I don’t want it to feel like I’m trying to win her back on camera,” he says. “Like she’s some kind of campaign I’m running.”

I nod slowly. “That was kind of the idea, though.”

“Yeah,” he says. “But... if I do it that way, I’m still performing. I’m still trying to be what she wants, instead of just—being who I am.”

Now I really stare at him.

He shifts on his feet. “I dunno. I was gonna text you about it. But then I thought if I said it out loud, maybe I wouldn’t change my mind tomorrow.”

A laugh almost escapes me. It’s not mocking—more like surprise. Genuine, startled pride.

“Well,” I say. “If it helps, this is one of the most adult things I’ve ever heard you say.”

He winces. “Don’t make it weird.”

“No, seriously. This is like... growth. Do you feel it? Right in the chest? Sort of like a cramp, but with dignity?”

Matt glares at me. “It’s still weird.”

I clap him on the shoulder. “Weird is the right direction.”

We stand there for a second. Matt looks out at the parking lot like he’s considering running for it.

“She’s not talking to me yet,” he says quietly. “But I think she’s reading my texts again. Like, they’re getting delivered.”

“Progress.”

“I’m not expecting anything,” he adds quickly. “I just want to be someone she doesn’t have to flinch around anymore. That’s the win.”

I nod. “You sure you don’t want to say all this into a ring light for content?”

He flips me off.

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