Shadows In Durango

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

The day had crawled by with agonizing slowness after the encounter with the cheerleaders. I managed to avoid Vincent and his entourage for the remainder of the day, but the absence of Daryl's comforting presence weighed heavily on me. It was silly, really, to feel disappointed that he hadn't sought me out again, but I couldn't shake the feeling of loneliness that settled in the pit of my stomach.

I shouldn't even feel this way, not over a boy I've known all of two days! He owes me nothing...

Embarrassed by my own vulnerability, I focused on the task ahead: my first shift at Intensity. The prospect both excited and terrified me. It was a chance to prove myself in a new environment, away from the judgmental eyes of my classmates. But it was also a daunting challenge, stepping into a world so different from the one I was used to.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, I gathered my belongings and made my way to the exit. The hallways were a blur of activity as students rushed to leave, their voices blending into a cacophony of sound. I pushed through the crowd, my mind already racing ahead.

Outside, the loud hum of a sports car caught my eye, its passengers shocking me further when I find Vincent himself to be the one situated behind the wheel.

Of course.

By his side was Daryl, along with the other blonde and the shaved head one riding in the back. The music thumbed loud, as the engine revved itself to life - drawing all and every ounce of attention towards the car.

I couldn't shift the feeling of betrayal, watching Daryl laugh by Vincent's side as though he hadn't been encouraging me to stand up to him only hours ago.

But I knew they were close, it was my own mistake for trusting any of them in the first place!

Watching them ride off, with many females swooning as they pass, I take off quickly in the direction of my apartment - knowing that tonight was the night I was set to make my Intensity debut.

Feeling as though the days were melting together as I repeated the same walk home, I allowed myself to fall in to autopilot, as my feet carried me all the way on their own accord.

Luckily, my neighbours seemed to be elsewhere today, as I rushed up the flight of steps and unlocked my door - always ensuring to lock it back over again as soon as I get inside.

I washed up and fixed back my hair in to a neat pleat to keep it off of my face - knowing that I would thank myself for the style choice later.

I took the time I had before my shift to rehearse how to pour and create each drink that I could remember as I closed over my eyes and pretended to do the actions - reminding myself of the many tips and tricks Tito had taught me during training.

I can do this!

I brushed my teeth and sprayed on some extra deodorant to freshen up, before heading for the door with enough time to spare.

I walked quickly through the streets, before reaching my new workplace in record time - either thanks to my nerves or my excitement.

As I stepped through the doors of Intensity, a rush of adrenaline surged through my veins. The neon lights flickered overhead, casting a kaleidoscope of colors across the dimly lit room. The thumping bass of the music reverberated in my chest as I made my way towards the downstairs bar where I spotted Tito.

Tito greeted me with a warm smile, his new enthusiasm as my manager infectious. "Hey, Sofia! You ready for your first shift pretty one?" He questions as I nod and tuck a stray strand of hair behind my ear.

"This is Edward, he works the downstairs bar with Lexi, but you'll be upstairs on your own because it's smaller and quieter up there." Tito turns to introduce me to the pair behind the bar, as they both turn to give me a look.

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"Hey!" They both offer me a quick wave of the hand before returning to their well rehearsed set up for the night ahead as one dried the glasses and the other lined up popular drink bottles at hand. "Hello!" I squeak, trying to be heard over the music which was way louder than the other two times I had been in.

"Great!" Tito said, clapping me on the back. "Follow me, I'll show you where your uniform is."

My uniform? They give me something to wear? That's fun!

Together, we climbed the stairs to the VIP bar, my heart pounding with each step as I glanced around and noticed a couple of the dancers warming up in their tiny outfits.

The VIP lounge was empty for now, but I knew that it could soon be filled with the club's most exclusive clientele.

Tito checked his watch, a serious expression crossing his face. "We'll be opening in just over an hour," he said, turning to me. "I'll be downstairs handling jobs so if you need anything, just let one of the security guards know." I nodded, my stomach fluttering with nerves.

"You can change in those bathrooms there and then practice some drink pours if you'd like? Good luck!" He points, as I follow his finger towards the corner and nod - gathering up the bag left for me on the bar countertop. I watched as Tito disappeared back down the stairs before turning my attention to the bathrooms as I began to approach - glancing down at the bag in hand.

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Taking a deep breath, I entered the bathroom and closed the door over behind me before pulling out two small articles of clothing to change in to.

Gulping, I made it work, before exiting the cubicle with a gasp at the sight that greeted me in the mirror which made my heart sink.

I looked ridiculous!

The uniform consisted of black sparkly short shorts that barely covered any inch of my thighs and a tight crop top that left little to the imagination. My cheeks flushed as I realised just how revealing the outfit was. But I had no choice. I was an official employee now, and I couldn't back out now.

Once I was organised and had given myself a brief pep talk, I took a deep breath and opened the bathroom door, steadying myself for what lay ahead.

I moved behind the bar, taking a moment to refresh my memory on how to make some of the most popular drinks with the help of the trusty manual.

If I was lucky, this place would be pretty empty for a Wednesday night making my first shift that little bit more easier...

I decided to cut up some fruits, placing them aside in a bowl to be added to the drinks before I checked that the ice dispenser had enough water. Everything looks good... the doors would be opening soon, and after that it will be show time.

Wish me luck!