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."

already buzzing with excitement at

our hair done again?! Just don't tell her that we skipped school today... let's say that we had free time off to study!" Emma adds

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

counters to check my phone for any updates, finding a text from my father as I swipe

arrive in the airport this afternoon around

the message, and although it was posed as a question, I knew that it was more of a

up, meaning

I

'Cool, I'll be there.'

to my pocket and grab a coffee amongst the bustle of the

had aged ten years, no longer feeling like a normal teenager and more like a

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 of

one of her neighbours and still kept the other one at the cabin under watch, 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 facing an

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uncertain, the proposition of marrying Sofia still lay on the table - and she didn't

seeing Reid by the door

I ask, knowing that I must have been too deep

when will I have them back for?" He asks again, as I check my watch briefly before

three latest? They get in to the airport at five so we will probably get back here around half past. That will give everyone time to get ready." I explain as he nods briefly and throws up a hand to silently say goodbye

that I didn't realise I was holding in. As soon as they're gone, the tension creeps back in, winding itself around my

into the living room, mentally organising the rest of the day, but before I can get too far into my thoughts, Daryl walks in, his face set

I think we need to talk," he says,

he wants to talk

I can already

talk." I state, as he moves to sink down in to

arms, looking more

practically admitted to liking me last night, which

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