Shadows In Durango

Chapter 9

*****Sofia's POV*****

The neon sign of Intensity loomed overhead, casting an eerie glow on the quiet street. I took a deep breath, steeling myself for my first night of training. The nerves from earlier had returned, but they were mingled with a sense of determination.

This was my chance to prove myself - that I don't need anyone to survive, especially not my family.

I pushed open the door, the bell above tinkling softly as I stepped inside. The bar was dimly lit and almost empty, with only a few staff members bustling about in preparation for the night ahead. Tito, the manager, spotted me immediately and walked over with a welcoming smile.

"Hey there, Sofia! Glad you showed up! Ready for your training?" he asked, his voice warm and reassuring - a little more lively compared to the first time I had met him.

I nodded, trying to mask my anxiety. "Yes, I think so."

"Great. Let me show you around first and then we can get started on your role." Tito said, gesturing for me to follow him as he took off in a quick stride.

We started with the main dance floor area, a large open space with a long, sleek bar running along one side and a scattering of tables and chairs on the other. The atmosphere was relaxed, the calm before the storm of the evening rush as the poles shone brightly on top of the podiums.

"Here's the main bar," Tito explained. "Most of our regulars hang out here, but it's also where we get the most action. You'll learn to handle it eventually, but you don't have to worry about down here for now." He waves his hand around in explanation as I nod along and give him the floor to speak.

He next turned and led me through a side door into a narrow hallway. "This way are the changing rooms for the dancers," he said, opening a door to reveal a bustling room with costumes and makeup strewn about. A few dancers were already getting ready, giving me friendly nods as Tito and I passed through.

Their costumes were scandalous and skimpy, a display of bright colours and feathers, but each girl seemed nice and welcoming thus far - yet it was still early in...

bathrooms and a small cleaning closet. "Pretty standard stuff, but you'll need to know where everything is regardless,"

we finally approached the set of stairs that led to the VIP lounge on the balcony. The contrast was striking. Unlike the main bar's lively atmosphere, the VIP lounge exuded a sense of exclusivity and calm. Plush seats and low tables filled the space, offering a perfect view of the

"We get some of our most respectful clients up here. It's a good place to start you in, and you'll have a bit more breathing room to learn the ropes. Sometimes it's really quiet and when it's busy, most just order simple drinks." Tito explains, motioning for me to

in the

drinks. "It's all about the right balance and control," he explained, demonstrating how to pour a perfect shot before he turned and

my hand as I tipped it upside down, spilling liquor all over

the whole

handing me a towel as I quickly wipe away my mess. "Try it again and

a deep breath, placing the towel aside before fixing a new shot glass. This time, I managed

praised. "Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it -

going over different drinks and techniques - luckily Tito showed me the instruction list for each one that

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times, spilling mixers and dropping garnishes, but Tito was patient, offering guidance and encouragement which surprised

didn't take him to be a patient man but here he was, trying his best to train and prep

more comfortable behind the

grin as I successfully

pride. "I really appreciate your help and thanks again for giving me the job." I wipe at my forehead, sighing

cleaned the last of the glasses and set them neatly back in their places. The bar sparkled under the dim

can't help but hide the smile that stretches across my face as I practically skip out

first training session, and despite the initial fumbles, I had proven to myself