Shadows In Durango

Chapter 37

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

I frantically keep checking outside, making sure my neighbours remained there for the time being while I got ready for work.

At least if I knew they were out front I could seamlessly exit out the back without being detected because what I feared most now was meeting them on the apartment building staircase... alone and without a door holding them back! I would rather know where they are at least to keep myself safe and to avoid them.

Checking my phone, I had twenty minutes left before my shift at the bar and with a final sigh, I pull on my jacket and decide to leave.

I quickly fumble with the keys to lock the door, hurrying down the steps and out the back exit - rounding to the end of the street in a quickened stride.

Great, I avoided them for another day at least...

Walking towards town for around ten minutes, the bright neon light of Intensity finally comes into view, leaving me with just over five minutes to spare.

"Can I help you?" I turn to find a random guy ask with a quizzical look on his face the second I enter the building, shocking me in his work uniform since I hadn't yet seen him around here before.

"Hey... I work here too, in the upstairs bar. My names Sofia, I don't think we've met!" I add politely, as he seems to eye me in disgust next, catching me more off guard than before as his eyes rake over me.

"You work here? Says who?" He pushes on, as I glance over to the main bar in desperate search of Tito, finding him nowhere to be seen.

Who the heck is this guy and what's with his attitude?!

"Tito." I tell him simply, before watching as he inaudibly curses under his breath in response with a shake of his head.

He had clearly decided seconds after meeting me that he didn't like me very much which I didn't find fair. He could have at least given me a chance... but I guess he was just old and grumpy!

"Well Tito isn't here tonight and we are incredibly short on staff. I'm the old manager, I recently retired from here. Just go to your area and set up!" He orders, rushing the words at me before shooing me off with his wrist.

well rude to say

up the staircase towards the VIP lounge, only to be halted in my tracks for the second time tonight as

my bar, with an Intensity uniform covering his chest as I stilled for a second to process what

into a dream like state

was no Tito to greet me at the door and Reid

very much after he had

raising as he cleans another glass with

you?" He all but says, as I tilt my

what? Had I been fired? Why else would Reid be working my night behind my station?! Maybe Vincent changed his mind and didn't have the heart

they need you downstairs... to dance." Reid

just hear him

me that!" I explain, deciding that there has to be some sort

was good at my job up here - Tito and Vincent both said so! I wasn't one of the dancers, despite having danced in my younger years, but I wasn't hired to dance on a freakin pole! I was the only underage worker around here too, despite

I am

where the adventure continues. Join us for the

to work, Vincent wants you down there to dance so you better go get ready!" Reid states matter of factly as I open and close my mouth in horror.

I needed the money...

for the stairs, hearing Reid's amused chuckle fall quiet from behind me with the

an ass

dressing room, knowing that the shift

do you need some help?" A beautiful tall black girl stops

been told that I have to stand in to dance tonight... I haven't done it before so I'm really worried!" I tell her truthfully,

dresser and mirror, with a rack full of what looked like

you stand and move your hips to the beat - don't overthink it. You'll get good pay too!" Dina moves quickly to grab me something from the rack, ushering

looking at myself after, thanking her for her help since I must've looked like a lost puppy dog wandering the

after the storm, even Tito has it!" Dina explains with a shake of her head as I sit on the stool and allow her to add some blush to my cheeks and some sparkle to my

fool everyone in to