Stronger Together (bxb) ✔

Chapter 69 - Chase

Chase's POV

"Yes, I just sent the email with my thoughts for actors and actresses," I say to Mr. Reyes.

I've been working for him for about two months now and he definitely wasn't lying about working me hard, but I'm absolutely loving it so far! Being his Associate Producer gives me freedom to work with and see how all the sections function, which is perfect because it'll help a lot when I actually start producing my own film.

We're still in the preproduction stage so my hours are really flexible. As long as I complete my tasks within a reasonable amount of time, he doesn't care what hours I work.

"Alright, I'll take a look, possibly make some changes. Have you read the script?"

"Several times. I also attached some of my notes on the script," I reply hesitantly.

Mr. Reyes releases a lighthearted laugh. "You're on a roll! I'll send a document over. I need to start looking at locations for filming. If you can add a few to the document, that'll be great! It's not too urgent so take your time with it."

We hang up and I open my laptop to start reading the document.

Sometimes my mind still wanders to the trial which is about a month away, but for the most part, I'm trying to live in the moment and not worry too much about testifying or the outcome of the case. This job actually helps keep my mind off of it, and so does working on my script and spending time with Diego, my friends and family. So that's exactly what I've been doing.

We've even had another group dinner at Mason's house, and he absolutely adores Diego, while Justin is now hand in glove with Bryan, who is thrilled to have someone to tease Jesse with, since Jesse often teams up with Esmée to tease him.

I've also met with Dean and Samantha several times over the past two months to go over what happened in preparation for the trial. The pain of the memory hasn't decreased, and I don't know if it ever will, but I've learnt to manage the symptoms. I no longer throw up or stutter though the events of that night, though a knot still forms in my stomach and my hands still get clammy.

My phone pings at that moment and I glance at it noticing a new message from Diego. I giggle and pick up my phone.

We're supposed to be meeting later today for a date that I planned! I didn't see him yesterday, though we chatted on the phone, so I'm really excited to see him.

Diego is always the one who plans our dates and is always surprising me with little gifts. But now that I have a paying job, I want to treat him. I planned a hike along one of my favourite treks, that Mason introduced me to, and once we're there, we'll camp overnight. I also bought us couple rings, which I'll give to him when we get there.

After I got my first paycheck, I took Jesse and Shawn to a spa and hotel where they got massages and were pampered for the entire weekend.

I did some work while they were getting their messages. Even though I've managed not to start panicking when I'm touched or hugged, it still makes me feel uncomfortable. However, I practiced hugging Shawn, my brothers and their partners every time I see them, and that uncomfortable feeling is now non-existent with them.

I unlock my phone and read Diego's message.

My Super Hot Angelfish DiDi!: Hey little lamb, I'm so so sorry but I have to postpone our date today! I'm really sorry, Chase, but I love you, always and forever!

My eyebrows knit together at his text message. Diego never cancels or postpones a date via text. He always calls. Even if he's in a meeting, he would leave it for a few minutes to talk to me.