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.

rude to say the

VIP lounge, only to be halted in

Intensity uniform covering his chest as I stilled for a second to process what

being pranked tonight? Had I fallen into a dream like state and

Tito to greet me at the door and Reid was

him very much after he had tripped

closer, he eventually looks up, an eyebrow raising as he cleans another glass with

all but says, as I tilt my head

been fired? Why else would Reid be working my night behind my station?! Maybe Vincent changed his mind

aren't working up here tonight love, they need you downstairs... to dance." Reid practically

I just hear him right?

Nobody told me that!" I explain, deciding that there

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

people question how old I

Join us for

been asked 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. This had been landed on me last minute which I didn't think was fair, but I had no

I needed the money...

shame, I turn to head back for the stairs, hearing Reid's amused chuckle fall quiet from behind me with

an ass and that was

knowing that

beautiful tall black girl stops me, as I nod frantically feeling

I haven't done it before so I'm really worried!" I tell her truthfully, as

room itself was small, with a dresser and mirror, with a rack full of what

of my costumes! I'll fix up your hair and makeup quickly too! It's no big deal love, 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

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

allow her to add some blush to my cheeks and some sparkle to my eyes. "Red lips and I'll spruce up your hair!" She hums, handing me a lipstick

this will fool everyone in