I can't believe I'm here in Sin City! Viva Las Vegas! I mean yes, I've been here once before but that was for my 21st birthday but that was six years ago. Now not only am I back, but I'm living it up! The best part about it is that my best friend, Kelsey, is moving here with me. We've been inseparable since kindergarten and I'm so excited to be sharing this part of my life with her. We found the cutest two-bedroom apartment just ten minutes off the strip in a quiet, little gated community. Moving away from our families in Florida has been difficult but we both wanted a change and Vegas is definitely that. I only hope that she's as excited as I am.
We officially moved in about two weeks ago and have already seen some of the sights on the strip. The infamous Inions offered some great blackjack tables where we gambled away some of our money. Well, let's just say I played and she watched. I'm not a huge gambler but my dad taught me how to play when I was in middle school and I wanted to put my "skills" to the test. I came out $150 on top so that's good enough for me! We also went to the Stratosphere and went on the needle ride, enjoyed some wine and fondue at a super nice restaurant, and played more blackjack at the Wynn.
Since it's Friday, we're back out on the strip since we just happen to have off work together. Hello three-day weekend! I'm a licensed Veterinary Technician at a local animal hospital and Kelsey works at the same hospital as a receptionist. I'm not sure how we got so lucky to have landed a job at the same hospital, but it sure is fun working with my best friend. As we're walking down the strip fighting large crowds, Kelsey suddenly stops and points to a massive building.
"Hey there's the Bellagio! Want to check it out?" She shields her eyes from the blaring desert sun as she looks up to read the building name. "Oh, yes! It's beautiful in there!" I remember going in there before with my mom and step-dad the first time I visited Vegas. The gardens are amazing and everything is so vibrant. I don't think I've ever seen so many colors in one place before.
We walk in looking like complete tourists as we stare at the breathtaking glass flower ceiling. "Wow! This is gorgeous!" Kelsey exclaimed, not caring who heard.
"It is pretty amazing," I agree with her, amazed it's just as pretty as the first time I saw it. I stop craning my neck upward and start walking but realize Kelsey isn't next to me. "Kelsey, you coming?" I look back and laugh.
Kelsey peels her eyes off the flowers, "Yes, sorry! Let's go." She slightly runs to catch up with me.
Suddenly we hear a small group of what sounds like teenage girls squealing. I jump and look over to the left where the screams are coming from and I couldn't believe what I saw! There were four guys dressed in all black standing in the lobby. I recognized them instantly and my jaw hit the floor. Speechless, I just stood there and stared at them. Luckily, I was far enough away they didn't realize I was doing so. What in the hell were they doing here? Was there something going on? I was so mesmerized at the moment I didn't even care.
"Hello! Earth to Shawn!" Kelsey waves her hand in my face and gently closes my mouth from under my chin. I jump a little and look over at her.
"Do you realize who they are?" I whisper loudly and secretly point at the group of guys.
"No, who?"
"Oh my God." I dropped my finger realizing I was still pointing. I had to remember that Kelsey didn't watch their show as much as I did. "It's Zak Bagans and his Ghost Adventures crew!" I tried not to say too loudly.
"Oh my God, really?"
We were both staring now. Kelsey had a secret crush on Jay, I could tell, especially when her face went bright red when she saw him. And me? Well one could probably guess, like the rest of the world, we all have a thing for the same nerdy, hot guy with black rimmed glasses and spiked hair. I snap back to reality and realize the girls were still there trying to talk to them. The crew looked slightly annoyed that they couldn't seem to get rid of them.
I gently hit Kelsey's arm. "I have an idea."
"Ow!" She jumps. "What?"
"Come with me," I say as I make a beeline for the bathroom. I stare into the mirror wondering if I should do something to help them.
"What are you thinking?" Kelsey says as she stares at me curiously.
"I feel bad for them having to deal with those groupies; if only there was something we could do?" I start to freshen up my lip-gloss. I had decided this morning to wear my skinny jeans with a plain black V-neck t-shirt and black wedges. I accessorized with a long silver feather necklace and my silver paw print earrings. I had taken the time to curl my hair and luckily the curls were still intact.
"Shawn, you look fine!" Kelsey rolls her eyes as she sees me staring at my outfit in the mirror.
All of the sudden, an idea popped into my head. "Follow my lead," I smirk as I walk out of the bathroom and over to the guys. Kelsey follows me with wide open eyes.
"They're y'all are!" All four of them and the girls quickly snap their heads in my direction. "I've been looking for you," I say calmly, more to Zak than anyone else. They give me the 'who the hell are you' type look but I continue to go along with my plan. I stand in front of the other guys next to Zak and lightly put my hand on his shoulder. I immediately feel him tense but I give him a look like 'please just roll with it'.
Please don't say anything, I'm just trying to help.
I put my hand back to my hip and look at the girls. "I'm sorry, but they have a lot of work to do so we have to go." Everyone looks at me like I'm crazy but I try to give the guys a look. "I'm sorry but she's right," Zak states, finally realizing my plan.
The tall blonde that seems to be the leader of her posse roles her eyes. "And who are you?" She eyes me up and down like I'm not worthy enough to be in her presence.
Shit. I didn't think anyone would ask me that. I frantically sift through my thoughts and try to come up with something that's not totally unrealistic when I suddenly hear, "she's our assistant."
I look back and notice everyone staring at Billy now like he's the crazy one. "Riiiight." I slowly turn back around to face the girls. I quickly look to my right at Kelsey and see her standing in the distance laughing hysterically. She quickly stops laughing though and starts to turn beet red when Jay turns to look at her and smiles. She quickly smiles at him and looks away.
"Like I said, we have a lot of work to do so you have to go now," I point to the tall blonde. She rolls her eyes again, turns around, and struts away with the rest of her friends. I can't believe that worked! I laugh to myself and smile widely. I realize I'm still standing there with the crew and slowly turn around to face them. I glance at each of them quickly and give a small smile. "Hopefully they won't bother you again. Oookayyyy, bye."
Walking away back to where Kelsey was standing, I suddenly hear from behind me, "That was awesome." I think it was Jay. I keep on heading towards Kelsey and hear the crew laugh. I smile to myself in my accomplishment.
"Hey, wait!" No way was that one of them trying to get my attention. I stop dead in my tracks and slowly turn around. I see Zak walking towards me. Breathe. "That was pretty awesome back there. Thank you," he smiles.
I melt. That beautiful smile gets to me. Be cool. "You're welcome," I lightly giggle. "Sorry if that was weird but I could tell y'all needed help."
Zak lightly laughs along with me. "I'm Zak." He holds out his hand for a handshake.
I accept his handshake and simply reply, "Shawn."
"It's very nice to meet you."
"Well, I'll let y'all go. I'm sure you have stuff to do." Even though I don't want to let go, I take my hand from his strong grip and place it back at my side.
"Okay," Zak laughs again. "Will I see you around the strip?"
"Uh, possibly, yeah." I know it was probably a very slim chance that I would ever run into Zak again in such a big city, but there was nothing wrong with hoping.
"Alright, then. I'll see ya," he smiles at me one last time and heads back towards the rest of his crew. I turn and finish my walk to Kelsey. I mouth "oh my God" at her and she starts laughing, giving me two thumbs up. I internally facepalm hoping the crew didn't see her.
"I can't believe that just happened," I say when I know I'm close enough for her to hear.
"That was pretty crazy," Kelsey laughs with a wide smile.
"Well, you wanna head to the gardens? Or grab lunch somewhere first? I'm getting a little hungry."
"Yeah, let's grab some food." Kelsey and I head back outside and stand in front of the beautiful Bellagio as we debate where to go.
"Join us!" A familiar voice shouts in our direction. It was Aaron.