Shadows In Durango

Chapter 64

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

Luckily Vincent had apparently jumped out to 'sort some serious problems' which made the fact that I was going for lunch with Daryl a little less awkward to announce.

Although I had wanted to give Daryl a fair chance, I didn't want to make Vincent feel abandoned after what we did together either. Ugh - the stress of it all! Why was I suddenly trying to balance two grown ass boys in my life? I would have never seen this coming!

I currently sat in the car with Daryl, leaving Emma behind to hang out with Reid a little today. He had agreed to take her back home before school tomorrow too which meant that unlike last night, I wouldn't have her waiting for me by the time I get home to help ease my worries.

"This place is good for lunch." I turn my head to find where Daryl had pointed, nodding and trusting his word as he swings into an empty parking spot just outside.

As we step out of the car on to the pavement, the sweet aroma of fresh bread and coffee wafts through the air, momentarily easing my doubts about our lunch date.

We find a table outside, shaded by a large umbrella, as the waitress spots us and motions over that she would only be a moment. The ambiance is charming, with flowers surrounding the tables all in full bloom with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.

As promised, the waitress quickly appears with menus, and after a brief glance, we both order -Daryl choosing a classic club sandwich while I opt for a grilled chicken salad. As the waitress leaves, an awkward silence settles between us.

"So then, I hear that Vin had you skipping work last night to go on your date? Bet you were glad about that at least..." Daryl states, as I force out a dry laugh at his words.

I wish he wasn't bringing my date with Vincent back up again, but I guessed there was little ways of avoiding the topic fully...

"Yeah, I guess, but I do enjoy working at the bar though." I admit, feeling bad that I must've left Tito short last night by not turning up.

It was a good thing that Vincent owned the place or I would probably be sacked for skipping a shift...

to hear. I think Tito likes having you in." Daryl smiles, his tone gentle as I fall lost

as we made small talk, which I could pin point down to the guilt I felt

only way to clear things up would be to attempt to give him at least some insight as to how I

deep breath, deciding to address the elephant in

to figure things out - especially my feelings. With you, with Vincent... I don't want to hurt anyone either. You have both helped me so much

For a moment, I fear that I've made things worse, but then he sighs and leans forward, resting his arms on

surprised when you went out with Vincent after how he had blown up at you for going out to that bar the night before. But I do understand, he's a charmer at the best of times. I guess all

I just... I want to be fair to everyone, including myself.

I want to be fair to everyone, including myself. I enjoy both of your company if I'm being totally honest and living with you both won't help make things easier either!" I grumble the last part, earning a rich laugh from him next. "Yeah,

the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting

bit lighter.

would have the same outlook if I was to

with our orders, and the aroma of grilled chicken and freshly toasted bread fills the air. We thank her, and I take a moment to appreciate

begin to eat, the conversation shifts to lighter topics. Daryl tells me about a funny incident at school involving a couple of guys from the basketball team

definitely true -

dissipates,

between bites of his sandwich, "I think it's great that you're being honest about how you feel. Not everyone

steady gaze. "I just want to make sure I'm being true to myself and not leading anyone on -

for," he says, giving

seems now. The awkwardness from earlier had definitely melted away, leaving behind a genuine connection between us. It's in these moments that I realise how much I really did

plan for the rest of the day?" Daryl asks, leaning back in