Shadows In Durango

Chapter 13

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

As the night wore on, the VIP lounge gradually emptied out, leaving a hushed calm in place of the earlier chaos. My hands ached from mixing drinks and cleaning, but a sense of accomplishment filled me. I'd managed to survive my first shift despite the unexpected drama with Vincent.

I still couldn't believe that he of all people owned this place...

Glancing at the clock, I noticed it was nearing 2 AM. The bar was nearly spotless, and the last few patrons were making their way downstairs. I let out a sigh of relief, my body finally relaxing as I wiped down the bar one last time. Tito appeared at the top of the stairs, his face lighting up as he saw me - offering me a positive thumbs up to which I returned.

But before he could reach the bar to talk to me, Vincent intercepted him like a wild animal hunting down its prey.

I watched them exchange quiet words, Vincent's face a storm of anger and frustration as he pointed in my direction which caused me to gulp. Tito nodded, his expression unreadable, but his eyes flicked toward me with something akin to

reassurance.

My stomach twisted with anxiety. What was Vincent saying about me now? Was Tito going to fire me? He didn't look too pleased... but maybe that was just his face?

Before I could dwell on it, Daryl approached the bar. "You did a good job tonight, best cider that I've ever had poured!" he said, his voice a soothing balm to my frazzled nerves caused by Vincent's outburst. "Tito's a good guy. He'll look after you in here too." He adds, noticing the direction in which I stared in.

"Yeah I like him... and anyway, why do you all come down here for drinks? Haven't you ever been caught?" I replied, my voice soft.

"Vincent owns the place, so we can't really get caught sweetheart!" Daryl laughs, as I chew my lip to stifle a giggle.

On a school night too...

Daryl leaned against the bar, his eyes meeting mine with genuine concern. "It's really late," he said, glancing down at his watch. "Let me walk you home."

I hesitated, embarrassment suddenly washing over me. "It's fine, really," I insisted, trying to sound confident. The last thing I wanted was for him to see where I lived, to realise just how precarious my situation was.

my dismissal. "Sofia, it's 2 AM and it's pitch dark outside. It's

for an excuse, knowing that he didn't seem to be budging with it being so late. I'm surprised he even cares so much? But he does seem to be a gentleman that way... he would

well my brother is actually meeting me," I lied, forcing a casual tone. "He'd be pissed if he saw some guy walking me home too. He's really protective - a true pain in the ass to be

his shoulders relaxing. "Alright, alright," he said, holding up his hands in mock surrender. "I get it. Big brother's rules. Baby sis

offering though. I do seriously appreciate it - and for defending me with keeping the job." I add, knowing he was the reason I still stood behind this

ever need anything, you know where to find me. I'm sure I'll see you often enough at school and in

my heart warming at

was the next to approach, his expression a mix of tiredness and resolve. Vincent had already disappeared downstairs, probably to brood or cause trouble elsewhere or perhaps to get me out of eyeshot as quickly

had a serious problem with me and I couldn't figure out

tone gentle. "How was

said, forcing a smile. "A bit overwhelming,

his eyes kind. "You did great. Don't worry about Vincent. He's... complicated. But he's a good owner! Young, but he knows his shit that one!" Tito commends, as I

How could that be?!

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sighs, as my heart suddenly sinks with fear that he was actually going to fire

told

me gone? Already?" I blunder, only causing for Titos brows to knit

can cut down your days some more... he said Wednesday to Saturday is too much for you on top of

decision? That I can't handle my damn work load? What an ass! I need as much money as

good news is though, before you freak, he told me to pay you the same as what we agreed on and you'll only be working a Wednesday and Saturday for it now too!" He explains, as my heart thunders from within my chest. That sounds ridiculous! The same pay for half

That's a whole lot for only doing

too so he must like you!" Tito adds with a wink, as my face quickly

that

still had my job- albeit with fewer hours which was shocking. I guess he figured

tiny heart wouldn't let him leave me short on