Stronger Together (bxb) ✔

Chapter 33 - Chase

Chase's POV

"Why don't I have any cute clothes?" I mumble, as I toss aside another T-shirt. The barbecue at Bryan's house is today and Diego is going to be there! I really shouldn't be putting so much effort into my appearance because this is definitely not a date and nothing will happen with Diego but I can't help the excitement coursing through my veins.

Diego and I spoke everyday for the past three days and he told me more about his past and life at his Public Relations job. Since I wasn't ready to share anything too personal, we watched a lot of movies together and talked about our favourite romantic comedies and music. I sigh as I hold up a tie dyed T-shirt. Why do I even own this? I toss it onto one of the mountains of clothes on the floor and pull out another draw and rummage through that.

I hear my phone ping and I immediately stop my search, clawing my way through the pile of clothes to get to my phone. I finally find it and unlock it to find a selfie that Diego sent of him wearing a huge smile and holding up five packets of M&Ms along with another text. I giggle at the selfie and stare at his flawless face for a few extra seconds before reading his text.

My Future Boyfriend: Chase! As promised, I got your M&Ms! Are you still coming to the barbecue?

I decided not to change the way he saved himself on my phone. It makes me giddy with excitement every time I see a notification pop up from him and I think I'm already starting to like him. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in person!

Me: Yes! Don't eat my M&Ms! I'm looking for a shirt but I have nothing cute to wear!!! I've tried on at least fifteen outfits!

I gasp in horror as I reread my text. Why did I tell him I'm looking for something cute to wear? And that I'm putting so much effort into my outfit! Will he think it's a date? Do I want him to think it's a date? I don't have long to dwell on this because Diego instantly replies.

Diego: Are you getting all dressed up for me? ;) You'll be cute in literally anything! Do you want me to video call so I can help you choose?

I perch on the edge of the bed as I consider my options. I do need help choosing an outfit but I don't like how any of my clothes are fitting and would prefer if Diego didn't see them.

Me: I don't want to video call but thanks for the offer. I'll see you soon!!!

Diego: Ok! If you change your mind just give me a call, if not I'll see you soon! I'm excited to see you!

I smile at his message and fall backwards onto the bed, releasing a contented sigh. I wonder what Diego will wear. When I met him at the hospital he was wearing a shirt which clung to his abs. I smile dreamily at that image. I hope he'll wear something like that again!

"Hi Chase!" Shawn's voice sounds from the doorway interrupting my daydream. I raise my head and see him dramatically hopping over piles of clothes to get to me. I roll my eyes and again rest my head on the mattress. "Need some help?"

"Nothing is cute! All my clothes are too big for me now and I look like a scarecrow!" I reply sulkily. This is the first time I'm casually going out since that night and I want to look good! There's also a small part of me that wants to impress Diego. More than a small part if I'm being honest.

Shawn hums a response, sits on the floor and starts going through a pile of clothes.

"Any progress?" Jesse asks, sticking his head into the room a few minutes later.

"I've got some ideas!" Shawn replies enthusiastically and I prop myself up on my elbows to see what he's talking about. "Try these!

I look at the bright pink shorts and yellow T-shirt and frown. "Too bright." Shawn nods and holds up an dark grey shorts and light grey button down. "Too dull." Shawn rolls his eyes and holds up a black shorts that will stop about two inches above my knee and a black and yellow checkered flannel. "Hmmm not bad, I'll try that!" I grab the clothes from Shawn and head to the bathroom.