atalanta & ryder
Connie had invited him to the party. He wasn't sure he was going to come. If only because 2019 had been a year of emotional ups and downs, and he thought that perhaps it would be good to end and start the year on a more quiet note. Just him at home, watching some fun action movie madness from the 80s when they knew how to do a good, non-sensical action film, and maybe some Chinese take out. But who was he to turn down an invitation to a Gatsby themed party? If there was one thing about Ryder, it was that he loved a theme party--even if it was a terrible one. Somewhere there was a picture of him dressed as a hoe for a Pimps and Hoe's party from Freshman year. Ah, youth, amirite?
But, here he was, at a giant party with a bunch of strangers hoping to have a good time. Plus, he was never one to keep Connie waiting too long. She wanted to ring in the New Year with friends at her side? Who was he to turn that down? So, with his grandmother, he bought a flash suit. Sure, the requested theme was Gatsby--but if there was one thing that Ryder could not stand it was being lost in a sea of the same. So, he chose a suit that would set him apart in a sea of black bow ties and pinstripes. Yes, his suit was pink and shiny and he looked for too good in something that some might consider garrish. But that was part of his charm. Ryder would always choose to stand out from the crowd. Plus, if Connie went all out like he figured she might, he wasn't about to embarrass her looking like some bland vanilla popsicle.
Ryder didn't plan to stay long--just enough to have a good time, make an appearance, get his buzz on, and find someone to take home by the time the clock struck 12. When he finally caught up with Connie, he slapped on a smile and slipped an arm around her shoulder: "Look at us: shining, shimmering, and oh so splendid to look at." He offered her a wink before he kissed her cheek.