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...

looking genuinely interested. "That's good to hear. I think Tito likes having you in." Daryl smiles, his tone gentle as I

was an awkwardness hanging over us both as we made small talk, which I could pin point down to the

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

take a deep breath,

really trying 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 since I came

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

are trying to say, Sofia," he says quietly. "I've liked you for a while now, and I was... 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 you can do is give it time before you make a final choice..." Daryl sighs, and I am immediately thankful for how

to figure out. I just... I want to be fair to everyone, including myself. I enjoy both of your company if I'm being totally honest

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, that does sound like a tricky situation," Daryl chuckles, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. "But we'll figure

the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the

smile, feeling a bit lighter. "Right. No

Vincent would have the same outlook if I was to have this very conversation with him, I believed that he would be

distraction to my clouded thoughts with our orders, and the aroma of grilled chicken and freshly toasted

Daryl tells me about a funny incident at school involving a couple of guys from the basketball team

was definitely true - whereas on the other hand I struggled to believe the

dissipates, replaced by

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

true to myself and not leading anyone on - at least

all anyone can ask for," he says, giving me a

how relaxed Daryl 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 value his friendship and support... but whether or not I needed more from him, remained

of the day?" Daryl asks, leaning back in his chair