Swimming back to you

chapter 15.

I paced back and forth in my room, my bare feet padding against the floor. "Okay, so Ryan asked me to be his 'date,'" I muttered to myself, glancing at my reflection in the mirror, fingers combing through my dark brown hair in frustration. Can it even be called a date? I mean... he's just asking me to go with him to this party full of athletes. Nothing big. Casual. Right?

I caught my reflection in the mirror, my hands running through my dark brown hair in frustration. Okay, fine, you know what? It is a date. But that's not the point.

I turned toward my closet, hands on my hips, staring at the rows of clothes like they would magically produce the perfect outfit if I waited long enough. "What am I even supposed to wear to a sports party?" I muttered. "A dress? Jeans? Athleisure? What's the dress code for a bunch of ridiculously fit people celebrating... what exactly? How fast they can run?"

I stared at my phone, fingers hovering over the keyboard as I tried to get my thoughts straight. Lily would definitely have the perfect outfit planned, and I had... nothing. I needed help, and fast.

Me: Heyyy, so about this party. What are you wearing?

Lily: Oh, honey, I'm going all out. Gotta be EXTRA sexy for Austin, you know? 😉

Me: Wait, Austin?

Lily: Yeah! I mean, it's been a while since we all hung out. Austin and I are kinda vibing lately, so I want to make a good impression. 😘

Me: Oh... got it. So what exactly are you wearing?

Lily: I'm thinking something sparkly and a little daring. Probably a fitted dress with some high heels. Gotta make him notice me, right? 😉

Me: Wow, sounds like you're putting a lot of effort into this.

Lily: Guilty as charged! 😂 But hey, you should totally do the same. It's going to be a fun night!

Me: I'm not even sure what to wear. It's a sports party, so is it like... casual?

Lily: Yeah, kinda. But since you're going with Ryan, you should definitely dress up a bit. It's a party, after all!

Me: I guess so. What do you think about a dress?

Lily: A dress could work! Just make sure it's something that makes you feel confident. You know, the whole "bring your A-game" vibe.

Me: Got it. I'll see what I can find. Thanks for the tips!

Lily: No problem! Can't wait to see you there. And don't forget, extra sexy! 😏

Me: Haha, okay. I'll do my best

I put my phone down, taking a deep breath. Lily's enthusiasm was both reassuring and intimidating. She was right; if this was a party where impressions mattered, I needed to step up my game.

I got ready, deciding on a simple yet cute look: a white t-shirt layered under a black dress, paired with a few subtle accessories. I looked at myself in the mirror and smiled. Sure, Lily had gone on about being all "sexy," but this outfit felt me. Comfortable, fun, and effortless—exactly how I wanted to feel tonight.