Ira Lee "Tripp" Williams

Tripp is the newcomer who catches Regine's eye, a firefighter whose easy confidence and physicality make him a change of pace from her usual pursuits. He's charming and forward, unbothered by playing it cool, and clear about what — and who — he wants.

Mel Jackson brings a grounded, grown-up steadiness that plays well against Regine's high-maintenance schemes, giving their scenes a nice friction of styles. He's not written as a punchline or a prize; he has his own confidence, which makes the push-and-pull between them feel like an actual match rather than a chase.