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.

on, as Reid suddenly sniggers at the mention of her which causes for me to take

by everyone's reactions, including Vincent himself,

her forties!" Reid 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 I hope for,

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

and despite Emma's constant reassurance, I can't 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.

distant, but this is something else entirely. Today, he

a quiet sigh, swirling the champagne in my glass, hoping that it would distract

tonight? Will we just dine and dash? Leave Vincent to handle

his chair. "There's no 'if' about it. Just remember, Vincent's used to dealing with them so the best bet is to

I shared his light attitude and confidence right

She seems unpredictable, and the last thing I need is to be caught in

between us before settling on me. "You nervous?" he asks, his tone flat but the

wanting to admit

probably should be." He concludes, as my jaw practically hits the floor at his

hell

for the complete experience-all

as if he couldn't help but make me feel worse with his

goes back to scrolling through whatever's on his screen, leaving the tension hanging in the air as Reid stares at him as though he had just grown two heads - seeming just as confused as I

trapped in a suffocating atmosphere that Daryl

little. "Vincent just text, they are nearly here. Let's just hope they're

arrival drawing closer. I can't 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,

down, I know that tonight is more than just about making a

can handle being part of Vincent's world or not. The world of expectations, power, crime

was I willingly signing myself up

engine rumbles outside, as headlights flicker in through the window

leaving the room and moving towards the door as myself and Emma stand

him, leaving him behind in the room to sulk over whatever

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

eventually opens, and suddenly, they're