Shadows In Durango

Chapter 56

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

I woke up the next morning feeling groggy and disoriented. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind reminding me of a good movie with a bad ending.

I glanced around at my familiar room, remembering back to how Daryl had kissed me so passionately only before insisting that I leave his room before things would get out of hand.

He claimed that I 'wasn't ready', which I can understand why he would think that since he was a total gentleman at the best of times, but I felt that I was.

I was at least ready to experience something in my life - something exciting and meaningful - something that I had control over for once.

I wanted nothing more than to explore something new with him, feeling now that I could trust him in that way.

But thinking back to how the whole night had ended yesterday, I was sort of glad that he called it quits because last night would have been far from romantic... nothing like how I had imagined my first time. Vincent had openly called me a whore, and I didn't need to be proving him right...

Emma hadn't returned to my room last night, and I did wonder if she had managed to sort things out with Reid?

I crank my neck to the side seeing that the sunlight was streaming in through the window seeming almost too bright as I sat up and rubbed at my tired eyes with a stretch. I could hear faint voices downstairs, and doors opening and closing around the house which gained my curiosity knowing that the others were awake.

I needed to face them after last night, especially Vincent, but the thought alone made my stomach churn.

With a deep breath, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I stared at my reflection, my eyes still puffy from crying but my hair bright and blonde just how I liked it.

The pink cowboy hat sat on the bathroom counter, a reminder of last night's ill-fated fun.

I finished up before making my way downstairs, finding Daryl in the kitchen, brewing what looked to be coffee.

He looked up and smiled warmly when he saw me before I glanced around at the rest of the kitchen finding no sign of Vincent just yet.

"Morning, Sofia. How are you feeling today?" he asked, opening up a cupboard before filling and handing me a mug of my own.

"A little better, thanks to you, at least you don't hate me around here right?" I replied with a dry laugh, before taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee was a comforting gesture. "Where is Vincent anyway?"

smile faded a little. "He's out, probably still cooling off. He wasn't here when I woke up, his car was gone. We'll talk to him later though, don't worry. Reid and Emma are in the living room if

mix of relief and dread. I wasn't ready to face Vincent yet, but

living room, where Reid was flipping

looked up as I entered, their

to wake you!" Emma asked, concern in her eyes as I nod and

our own drama after everything had gone down at the bar, but I wasn't willing to make the

him a knowing look as he visibly straightens up and clears his throat. "Sofia look, I think we got off on the wrong foot..." Reid begins, occasionally glancing to Emma as he speaks - as though seeking her approval. This was new for

sorry for not giving you the warmest of welcomes when you first came to town..." He chooses his words carefully as I remain silent and give him the time

trying his best to make things right? I can't just

like Emma and I also don't want to make her uncomfortable. I'm working on taking accountability for my shit, you know?" Reid

he was evidently

Daryl really like you, and so I promised Vin I would apologise to you and make things right too." He inhales a slow

that he had seemed genuine in his apology despite the other

us to get along, since it was clear she was dabbling

adventure continues. Join us for

seemed Reid would be around me often, so what use would

confused with how quickly I

again with a shrug to confirm, watching his shoulders relax

his girlfriend last night!" Emma blurts out, as I almost choke

I smile, feeling shocked that Emma's night seemed to have ended well unlike how

announcement took me by surprise, but I couldn't help but be happy for her. Despite everything, it was clear that she and Reid were genuinely trying to make things work between them and that Reid seemed to have taken a

- surprising me with his more sheepish side. It was strange to see him in

once to agree with her words. Before I could respond, the front door is heard opening and closing from down the hall causing me to still, before heavy footsteps are heard coming towards us before Vincent himself walks in and

Vincent asked, his voice softer than I

nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination to defend myself today. Vincent

turned to follow him out to the backyard for some

hand through his hair with a

out of line. I shouldn't have called you those names or dragged you out of the

unexpected apologies in the same morning? The lord must be on my

where the adventure continues. Join us for