Sand in my shoes //closed//

“Other than the places I mentioned?” he asked, smirking. “I’ve been to Tennessee once, Texas, Colorado for a hiking trip, but I haven't decided if I'm ever going to go to Las Vegas.” he shrugged.

“I've heard that too. But it's also dangerous.” he told her.

“From what I've heard, at least.” he admitted. “Gangs, drugs, muggings, shootings… There’s even a few rumors that the Mafia still exists there. But, of course, no one can or will prove anything.”

Marcus cleared his throat at her reaction, feeling guilty. “Sorry. I guess that's stuff only Americans know. But like I said, it's mostly rumors and exaggeration.” he tried to assure her.

“Yeah, I guess it is pretty surprising.” he admitted, nodding. “I just normally don't think about the downside of Vegas too much. Unless it comes up on the news. Out of sight, out of mind.” he shrugged.

(oop sorry)

“Yeah, I get that. I think a lot of people hesitate on if they're going to actually see if Vegas is all its cracked up to be.” he admitted. “Umm, where you actually thinking about going this summer before I told you all that?” he asked a little nervously.

“Ok.” he smiled in relief. “I would have hated to ruin your vacation if had planned on it.” he chuckled a little, taking a sip of his drink.

“Fair enough.” he nodded, smiling with her as the waiter came back with the rest of their order.

“Sorry for any delay but I hope you enjoy it.” he said, setting the serving plate down along with two plates.

“Do you need anything else at the moment?” he smiled politely back.

Marcus shook his head. “I’m good. Maria?”

“Alright. I'll be back to check on you later.” the waiter replied before walking off.

Marcus smiled back. “So, what would you like to try first?” he asked, referring to the sample sizes of the more popular seafood. Plain shrimp with a cocktail sauce, coconut shrimps, calamari, a couple crab legs with a dish of melted butter, and a small portion of lobster served with lemon.

“Those are calamari. Uhh, squid.” he admitted, feeling like he should be honest. “It's really good.”

“Yeah. Just the… pointy crown part.” he tried to explain. “No tentacles or anything else. And it's fried so it's nice and crisp.”

“Would it help if I had one first?” he offered.

“Alright.” he shrugged. “Not everyone likes it anyway. Just like not everyone likes escargot.” he chuckled.