Shadows In Durango

Chapter 11

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

The day had crawled by with agonizing slowness after the encounter with the cheerleaders. I managed to avoid Vincent and his entourage for the remainder of the day, but the absence of Daryl's comforting presence weighed heavily on me. It was silly, really, to feel disappointed that he hadn't sought me out again, but I couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that settled in the pit of my stomach.

I shouldn't even feel this way, not over a boy I've known all of two days! He owes me nothing...

Embarrassed by my own vulnerability, I focused on the task ahead: my first shift at Intensity. The prospect both excited and terrified me. It was a chance to prove myself in a new environment, away from the judgmental eyes of my classmates. But it was also a daunting challenge, stepping into a world so different from the one I was used to.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the exit. The hallways were a blur of activity as students rushed to leave, their voices blending into a cacophony of sound. I pushed through the crowd, my mind already racing ahead.

Outside, the loud hum of a sports car caught my eye, its passengers shocking me further when I find Vincent himself to be the one situated behind the wheel.

Of course.

By his side was Daryl, along with the other blonde and the shaved head one riding in the back. The music thumbed loud, as the engine revved itself to life - drawing all and every ounce of attention towards the car.

I couldn't shift the feeling of betrayal, watching Daryl laugh by Vincent's side as though he hadn't been encouraging me to stand up to him only hours ago.

But I knew they were close, it was my own mistake for trusting any of them in the first place!

Watching them ride off, with many females swooning as they pass, I take off quickly in the direction of my apartment - knowing that tonight was the night I was set to make my Intensity debut.

I repeated the same walk home, I allowed myself to fall in

today, as I rushed up the flight of steps and unlocked my door -

to keep it off of my face - knowing that I would thank

I had before my shift to rehearse how to pour and create each drink that I could remember as I closed over my eyes and pretended to do the actions - reminding myself of the many tips

I can do this!

teeth and sprayed on some extra deodorant to freshen up, before

in record time - either

a rush of adrenaline surged through my veins. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the dimly lit room. The thumping bass of the music reverberated in my chest as I made my

his new enthusiasm as my manager infectious. "Hey, Sofia! You ready for your first shift pretty one?" He questions as I nod and tuck a stray strand of hair behind

the downstairs bar with Lexi, but you'll be upstairs on your own because it's smaller and quieter up there." Tito turns to introduce me to the pair behind the bar, as they both turn to

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up for the night ahead as one dried the glasses and the other lined up popular drink bottles at hand. "Hello!" I squeak, trying to be heard

the back. "Follow me, I'll show you

me something to wear? That's

bar, my heart pounding with each step as I glanced around and noticed a

VIP lounge was empty for now, but I knew that it could soon be filled with

watch, a serious expression crossing his face. "We'll be opening in just over an hour," he said, turning to me. "I'll be downstairs handling jobs so if you need anything, just let one of the

can change in those bathrooms there and then practice some drink pours if you'd like? Good luck!" He points, as I follow his finger towards the corner and nod - gathering up the bag left for me

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