I Blame Wattpad for My High Expectations of Men

Chapter 24 - Being the asshole that I am, I just sit back and enjoy the show.

~Flashback Continued~

~Friday, November 21, 2016 - The Night of the Gala~

"Shit, Dino. You look amazing!" Ryder tells me once I meet him at the door.

The longer I looked at myself in the mirror after getting ready, the more I was convinced that I wasn't feeling the outfit. I don't know, it just wasn't me. But I quickly sucked it up because I highly doubt they would ever allow my choice of wardrobe in places like The Knowles Hotel, not that I hadn't initially thought about it, though. My urge to show up in a crop top and ripped skinny jeans, however, was cut short when I realized that Ryder could get in trouble with his parents.

You're going soft on me here, Slayer.

Hey, I admit I'm an asshole but I can be decent when I want to be...well, it's either that, or the dress is beginning to make me feel all princessy and manner-like.

I sure hope it's just the dress. I'm cringing at just the thought of you becoming a softie all of a sudden.

Whatever.

My point is, I'd be a complete prick if I was to ruin this night for Ryder on purpose.

"Well, make up your mind, Ryder. Am I shit or do I look amazing?" He chuckles and then offers his arm for me to link mine with it.

"I knew I made the right choice when I invited you." That makes me chuckle. I mean, not going to lie...with me here tonight, the possibilities of anything crazy happening is highly plausible.

With Ryder leading, we walk inside the hotel and head straight for the ballroom where the gala is being held. At the entrance, Ryder gives the usher his name, who then proceeds to open the massive door before us. He motions for us to go on in but not before wishing us a 'pleasant night.' The two of us enter the ballroom, and I accidentally swallow the gum I've been chewing ever since I arrived at the hotel when I take in the scene in front of me.

If I thought Ryder and his family were rich before, now I know they're fucking loaded. Screw the many chandeliers, huge ass buffet, ice statues and the fact that it could hold well over a thousand people, this place has a bar at every corner that you turn. Well, if all else fails, I'll make sure to go around in circles, hitting each one up like I do with the foodcourt samples at the mall.

After we both order a bourbon on the rocks at the nearest bar, Ryder and I soon grab our drinks and head on over to his parents, so they can acknowledge that their son did show up after all.

"Mom, Dad," Ryder calls for them just as they've finished their conversation with another couple. The two turn around and our left nearly speechless.

"Sweetheart?"

"Son?"

They recognize his presence at the same time, before his Mom gives him a hug and his dad goes to shake his hand.

"You're actually here?" His mom questions in disbelief, but Ryder just gives her a small smile. "And who's this?" His mom looks at me, and judging by her extremely wide smile, I really hope she isn't thinking what I think she's thinking.