Shadows In Durango

Chapter 94

*****Vincent's POV*****

I've been up since dawn, my mind spinning as I mentally check off everything that needs to be put in place before tonight.

My father isn't the kind of man you want to disappoint, and my mother... well, let's just say that keeping her entertained is a full-time job in itself, one that I don't even have the time for today.

I just wish they would divorce already...

I walk down the hall, entering to find that the kitchen is already buzzing with activity as the hired chef goes over the dinner menu for later. I glance over the detailed list, making sure that everything is as flawless as possible knowing that it would be better for everyone just to keep him happy.

The last thing I need is for tonight to spiral into some chaotic disaster... as it has done before in the past.

As I walk through the house, my eyes skim over every little detail - no cushion out of place, no speck of dust on any surface. Everything needs to be perfect for this dinner to avoid any slight complaint from leaving his lips.

I hated that he owned this house, despite never living in it, and I couldn't wait to own a place of my own were he couldn't complain about shit since it would be fully mine...

I run a hand through my hair, my thoughts racing. I hate how much effort I'm putting into this, but I don't have a choice. This is what it takes to stay on my father's good side, especially around Sofia if they are meeting her for the first time. The sound of footsteps on the stairs pulls my attention, and I look through the door just as Sofia and Emma approach to enter the room. Sofia still looks a little unsure, a shadow of anxiety still lingering from yesterday, but she tries to give me a small smile nonetheless.

I knew that whatever had happened with her at school wasn't anything little, but until she would be willing to tell me herself, I would let it rest.

"Good morning," I greet them, pushing aside the stress for a moment to focus on Sofia.

"Morning," Sofia replies quietly, glancing around at the frantic pace in the kitchen.

Emma grins, clearly more at ease. "What's going on in here? It smells amazing already." She compliments, gaining a nod of approval from Andrew the chef.

"There's going to be a formal dinner here tonight. My parents are coming, and I just want everything to go smoothly. The least I can do is organise a decent meal to at least feed him!" I explain with a dry laugh, breathing out heavily and placing my hands on my hips to steady myself.

Sofia's eyes widen in surprise, and I can practically see the panic rising in her. "Formal? What do you mean by that, dress and heels?!" she echoes, her voice wavering slightly. "Vincent, I don't think I have anything like that! I don't know what—"

"Relax," I cut in, my tone softer as I try to ease her nerves. "I've already thought of that. Reid's going to take you and Emma to the mall to pick out something nice. Just dress like it's a fancy restaurant, nothing too over the top. I just want you to feel comfortable."

Emma, who's already buzzing with excitement at the idea of

visit my Mom and have our hair done again?! Just don't tell her that we skipped school today... let's say that we had

to go." I state, as they both nod along and turn to head back upstairs to

against one of the counters to check my phone for any updates, finding a text from my father as I swipe to open

this afternoon around

eyes narrow at the bluntness of the message, and although it was posed as a question,

be best for me to pick them up, meaning I can gage what sort of mood they

I quickly

'Cool, I'll be there.'

phone back in to my pocket and grab a coffee amongst the

these past few weeks I felt like I had aged ten years, no longer feeling like a normal teenager and more like a full time adult for the first time in

didn't exactly live a normal life to begin with, since what teenager deals with drugs and gun shipments? But this new shit with Sofia added an extra layer on top

forcing him to go cold turkey as punishment, before I fully forced her to move in with me as a result of that! Now, I was

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that my future currently remained heavily uncertain, the proposition of marrying Sofia still

hear me?" I glance up, seeing Reid

that I must have been too deep in thought to have noticed him

now, when will I have them back for?" He asks again, as I

probably get back here around half past. That will give everyone time

that, Reid leads them out of the house, and I let out a breath that I didn't realise I was holding in. As soon as they're gone, the tension creeps back in, winding itself around

organising the rest of the day, but before I can

think we need to talk," he

wants to

coming and I can already tell from his facial expression that

mentally preparing myself for the conversation. "Alright then, let's talk." I state, as he moves to sink down

his arms, looking

practically admitted to liking me last

she will be happy. The girl has struggled to decide who to date between you and I let alone just agreeing to marry you..." He rants, the vein beginning to pop in his neck as his