Shadows In Durango

Chapter 95

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

"You look great! Relax!" Emma encourages me, moving to fix one of my curls as I clasp my hands together to avoid them from shaking.

A knock is heard on the bedroom door, as Emma moves to open it, finding Reid with two glasses of what looked to be champagne.

"A little drink to take the edge off ladies?" He comments, walking in and handing us one each as we thank him.

Vincent had already left to pick his parents up from the airport and all we could do now was wait for their return...

Daryl had been in another weird and awkward mood today which didn't help, and whenever I seemed to enter a room he would quickly exit it.

But all he was doing with his recent behaviour was confirming my feelings for Vincent. I didn't like how pissy Daryl could be, as opposed to Vincent who seemed to face things head on.

I had told Emma all about how I felt and even she agreed that I had more of a spark with Vincent lately and so that would be that...

Although I still felt like I owed Daryl an explanation, but just not tonight.

"Let's go downstairs and wait?" Reid suggests, as I turn to face the mirror one last time to look myself over.

Was this too much? Or maybe not enough? I didn't know...

I had picked out a strapless black skater dress that stopped just above my knee with a slight sparkle through the fabric. I then paired the outfit with some strappy black heels. Emma's Mom had done my hair up in a messy but stylish curly bun, meanwhile Emma went for a sleek ponytail look, wearing a white midi dress with silver heels.

"You look great, let's go!" I feel Emma reach out for my hand with a smile, stealing me from my thoughts as I breathe and nod slowly, following her out and downstairs.

"So have you met them before? His parents?" Emma asks Reid, who had even gone to the effort to dress in a green button up shirt and black pants.

"Yeah, I've met them tons growing up. They can be difficult at times but just don't let anything they say get to you. Sometimes his father can actually be likeable but other times, if he's in a shit mood, he's an ass..." Reid debriefed us as we headed for the living area to have a seat whilst we wait.

To my dismay, Daryl was in there, but he didn't even bother to look up from his phone as we entered the room which only added to my disappointment towards him.

Reid suddenly sniggers at the mention of her which

including Vincent himself, she seemed to be worse than

updates us, as Emma turns to give me a 'uh oh' type of look with wide eyes as I nod once to silently agree with what she was thinking. All

the living area, the atmosphere growing heavier with each passing second as I stared forward at the crackling electric fire - hoping

shake the nerves crawling under my skin. I glance at the wall clock, wondering how much longer we'll have to wait, seeing that it was just after half past five. Daryl's presence in the room doesn't help either. He hasn't said a

I expected him to be distant, but this is something else entirely. Today, he couldn't even

let out a quiet sigh, swirling the champagne in my glass, hoping that it would distract me. The bubbles tingle on my tongue,

says, cutting through the silence, trying to lighten the mood, "what's the game plan if things get awkward tonight? Will we just dine and dash? Leave Vincent to handle the aftermath?" She attempts a joke, as I force a smile and Reid is the only one to

Vincent's used to dealing with them so the best bet is to

his light attitude

father sounded cold and demanding, but his mother? She seems unpredictable, and the last thing I need is to be caught in the crossfire of any family drama

his phone, his eyes flicking between us before settling on me. "You nervous?" he asks, his tone flat but the question still catching me off guard. It's the first thing he's said to me all day, and it

lie but not wanting to admit

should be." He concludes,

hell

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his rude attitude! He was acting like a total jerk and I

in the air as Reid stares at him as though he had just grown two heads - seeming just as confused

feels like we're all just waiting for the inevitable, trapped in a suffocating atmosphere that Daryl had very kindly added to for

Reid stands, pacing a little. "Vincent just text, they are nearly here. Let's just hope they're not in one of their 'moods."" He smirks, though

help but wonder if Vincent is as stressed as I am. Knowing him, he's probably doing everything he can to keep the peace with his father for the sake of everyone else. Emma catches my eye and gives me a reassuring smile. "We've got this, Sof. No matter what happens, you look amazing, and you'll

words offer some comfort, but deep down, I know that tonight is more than just about making a

test - a test of whether I can handle being

was I willingly signing myself up

headlights flicker in through the window as the room

Reid says, leaving the room and moving towards the door as myself and

ignore him, leaving him behind in the room to sulk over whatever his issue

breath catches as I hear the sound of footsteps approaching from outside, followed by the muffled voices of Vincent and

opens, and suddenly,