Page 59 of Snowed In With the PUCK

“Yeah,” I say, trying not to be too obvious. “He’s been staring at us for a while.”

“Maybe he’s just a fan,” Allie suggests, brushing it off. “You know how it is here in Vegas.”

“I don’t know,” I reply, feeling a prickle of unease. “Something feels off about it.”

“Dude, you’re imagining things,” Jake says, in high spirits. “It’s Vegas! Everyone’s taking photos of everything.”

“Right,” I mutter, not entirely convinced. I focus on our drinks again, shaking off the nagging feeling in my gut.

As the night continues, we head to a nearby bar that just opened. Allie and Jessica rave about the photos they saw online. But when we arrive, we’re informed that the place has a strict capacity limit, and the line is out the door and down the street.

“Let’s try the casino!” Allie suggests, her eyes shining with excitement. “We can at least gamble!”

As we head inside, we notice the chaos of the casino floor, people laughing, clinking chips, and the beeping of slot machines. I’m suddenly reminded of why I’m not really into gambling. It feels overwhelming, the noise and lights disorienting.

“Let’s just hit a few slot machines,” Jake suggests, his enthusiasm unphased. “We might win big!”

We gather around a slot machine, and after a few rounds of playing, we lose all our change. I lean back in my chair, throwing my hands in the air. “Guess we’re officially broke!”

We laugh at my words, and at that moment, I realize that despite the chaos, despite everything that hasn’t gone according to plan, we’re all here together. There’s something beautiful about it, the way we’re laughing and just enjoying each other’s company despite the series of unforeseen events.

Finally, after what feels like hours, we find ourselves back at the hotel. We head to the lobby to finish off the night with a nightcap, and I can’t help but smile at what a good idea this was. To come here with friends, with Jessica. To finally face Linda. I feel like I’m on cloud nine.

“So let’s have a toast to friendships, to a new year, new beginnings, and happier days ahead,” I say, chuckling as we settle around a table, drinks in hand from the bar.

“Absolutely! In life, it’s the memories that matter,” Jessica says, leaning back and grinning. She holds her pink cocktail up with a smile that I wholeheartedly return, fighting the urge to kiss her.

“Agreed,” Jake adds. “Next year will be the best year yet for all of us!”

I look around at my friends, feeling a warmth in my chest. I was anxious about the trip, but it turned out to be one of the best nights in recent years. We toast again and again, each one getting goofier than the last. I let myself get lost in the moment, surrounded by my chosen family.

I raise my glass up silently, giving my late grandparents a silent cheers for their courage in handling my mom’s struggles, raising me, and above all else, trying to always do right by me. I see it clearly now, and I’ll never forget the sacrifices they made for me.

As the clock approaches midnight, we share our resolutions for the coming year, laughing and teasing each other.

Jake’s is to grow a thick mustache, which Allie groans at.

Allie’s is to paint her home office bubble gum pink, which Jake gags at.

Jessica’s is to escape Allison the PR lady, a joke only she and I really get.

And for me, mine is to appreciate every moment of happiness that comes my way.

We toast, but as I sip my drink, I get this strong, weird feeling that something’s not quite right. It’s that nagging sensation that we’re being watched.

I lean closer to Jessica, catching her gaze. “I swear, I think we’re being watched. I can’t explain it, but it feels strange,” I say quietly, glancing over my shoulder.

She raises an eyebrow, a smile still on her face from something Allie just said. She’s clearly unconvinced. “Eric, you’re imagining things. There’s lots and lots of people out tonight—it’s NYE!”

“No, seriously. I noticed that guy earlier, and he hasn’t left us alone,” I insist, gesturing subtly.

“Probably just someone who recognizes you,” she shrugs. “You’ve got a following and thousands of fans, remember?”

“Yeah, but he looked sketchy,” I reply, my brow furrowed.

Before she can respond, the countdown to midnight begins, and we all turn to the clock, excited voices counting down together. The air is charged with anticipation, and I’m pulled into the moment.

As the clock strikes midnight, we cheers and clink our glasses together. “Happy New Year!” we shout, the laughter and energy flooding us with happiness.

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