Shadows In Durango

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

I woke up the next morning feeling groggy and disoriented. The events of the previous night replayed in my mind reminding me of a good movie with a bad ending.

I glanced around at my familiar room, remembering back to how Daryl had kissed me so passionately only before insisting that I leave his room before things would get out of hand.

He claimed that I 'wasn't ready', which I can understand why he would think that since he was a total gentleman at the best of times, but I felt that I was.

I was at least ready to experience something in my life - something exciting and meaningful - something that I had control over for once.

I wanted nothing more than to explore something new with him, feeling now that I could trust him in that way.

But thinking back to how the whole night had ended yesterday, I was sort of glad that he called it quits because last night would have been far from romantic... nothing like how I had imagined my first time. Vincent had openly called me a whore, and I didn't need to be proving him right...

Emma hadn't returned to my room last night, and I did wonder if she had managed to sort things out with Reid?

I crank my neck to the side seeing that the sunlight was streaming in through the window seeming almost too bright as I sat up and rubbed at my tired eyes with a stretch. I could hear faint voices downstairs, and doors opening and closing around the house which gained my curiosity knowing that the others were awake.

I needed to face them after last night, especially Vincent, but the thought alone made my stomach churn.

With a deep breath, I got out of bed and headed to the bathroom to freshen up. I stared at my reflection, my eyes still puffy from crying but my hair bright and blonde just how I liked it.

The pink cowboy hat sat on the bathroom counter, a reminder of last night's ill-fated fun.

I finished up before making my way downstairs, finding Daryl in the kitchen, brewing what looked to be coffee.

He looked up and smiled warmly when he saw me before I glanced around at the rest of the kitchen finding no sign of Vincent just yet.

"Morning, Sofia. How are you feeling today?" he asked, opening up a cupboard before filling and handing me a mug of my own.

"A little better, thanks to you, at least you don't hate me around here right?" I replied with a dry laugh, before taking a sip. The warmth of the coffee was a comforting gesture. "Where is Vincent anyway?"

Daryl's smile faded a little. "He's out, probably still cooling off. He wasn't here when I woke up, his car was gone. We'll talk to him later though, don't worry. Reid and Emma are in the living room if you want to join them."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and dread. I wasn't ready to face Vincent yet, but I couldn't avoid him forever - especially whilst living in his house.

I turned on my heels and walked into the living room, where Reid was flipping through a magazine with a bored expression and Emma was scrolling on her phone.

They both looked up as I entered, their reactions to my presence different...

"Hey, Sofia. You okay? I didn't want to wake you!" Emma asked, concern in her eyes as I nod and smiled at her, still feeling awkward around Reid.

We still hadn't sorted our own drama after everything had gone down at the bar, but I wasn't willing to make the first move.

As though sensing my tension, Emma turns to look at him before giving him a knowing look as he visibly straightens up and clears his throat. "Sofia look, I think we got off on the wrong foot..." Reid begins, occasionally glancing to Emma as he speaks - as though seeking her approval. This was new for him...

"I just wanted you to know that I'm sorry for not giving you the warmest of welcomes when you first came to town..." He chooses his words carefully as I remain silent and give him the time to speak.

I guess he was at least trying his best to make things right? I can't just hate him forever...

"So uh, I would like for us to start fresh, if you'll give me another chance? I usually don't like the soppy shit but I have to admit that I really do like Emma and I also don't want to make her uncomfortable. I'm working on taking accountability for my shit, you know?" Reid continues to ramble now, as I suddenly want to laugh at his yapping.

Since I hadn't responded, he was evidently growing more nervous.

"I also recognise that Vin and Daryl really like you, and so I promised Vin I would apologise to you and make things right too." He inhales a slow breath as I nod once. Maybe I should end his suffering...

"I forgive you Reid." I beam, feeling relieved that he had seemed genuine in his apology despite the other side of him I had seen many times before now.

I knew that my friend wanted nothing more than for us to get along, since it was clear she was dabbling in a relationship with him.

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It seemed Reid would be around me often, so what use would I get from holding a grudge?

"Really?" He squints, seeming confused with how quickly I had gotten over the whole ordeal.

"You said sorry and so I'll give you another chance." I nod again with a shrug to confirm, watching his shoulders relax as he turns to look back at Emma who seems proud.

"Great! Now I don't have to hide things... Reid asked me to be his girlfriend last night!" Emma blurts out, as I almost choke on my gulp of coffee.

"Oh! Wow! Ok, well I'm happy for you guys!" I smile, feeling shocked that Emma's night seemed to have ended well unlike how Vincent had treated me.

Emma's sudden announcement took me by surprise, but I couldn't help but be happy for her. Despite everything, it was clear that she and Reid were genuinely trying to make things work between them and that Reid seemed to have taken a genuine interest in her.

Emma beamed, and Reid gave her a shy smile - surprising me with his more sheepish side. It was strange to see him in such a different light, but I was willing to give him a chance for Emma's sake.

"Thanks, Sofia. I know things have been rough, but I'm really glad you're giving him another chance - he wont disrespect you again, believe me!" Emma jokes, squeezing Reids hand who nods once to agree with her words. Before I could respond, the front door is heard opening and closing from down the hall causing me to still, before heavy footsteps are heard coming towards us before Vincent himself walks in and makes his presence known. My heart skipped a beat, his eyes immediately finding mine, as I saw a flicker of uncertainty buried in his gaze. He looked different this morning more subdued, and dare I say regretful?

"Sofia, can we talk outside?" Vincent asked, his voice softer than I had expected.

I all but nodded, feeling a mix of anxiety and determination to defend myself today. Vincent had crossed a line, and I wasn't prepared to go down without a fight.

Giving Emma a quick glance, I turned to follow him out to the backyard for some privacy, the air cool and refreshing as we move to sit down.

Vincent took a deep breath, running a hand through his hair with a slight groan before beginning to speak:

"So I obviously owe you an apology. Last night, I was way out of line. I shouldn't have called you those names or dragged you out of the bar like I did. I've thought it over and I was wrong, and so for that, I'm sorry." He concludes, glancing towards me as my jaw drops.

Two unexpected apologies in the same morning? The lord must be on my side today...

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I crossed my arms, trying to stay composed. "You really hurt me, Vincent. I don't understand why you acted how you did - calling me a whore amongst other names. It was uncalled for." I remain stubborn, needing to express my hurt over the situation.

He looked genuinely remorseful which continued to shock me.

"You're right and I was jealous, Sofia. Seeing you with that guy, I just... I lost control. But that's no excuse for how I treated you. I care about you, more than I've cared about anyone in a long time. I didn't want to admit it to myself or to you, but I care for you despite having a really messed-up way of showing it." He rubs at his stubbled jaw, his muscles flexing beneath the white tee he adorned.

Focus Sofia!

His honesty caught me off guard to say the least. I had seen Vincent's temper before, but this vulnerability was new. "If you really do care about me, you need to show it in a way that doesn't hurt me. I can't handle being treated like that. We aren't even together Vincent." I deadpan, addressing the biggest concern amongst how he was acting.

He wasn't my boyfriend...

Vincent nodded, his eyes earnest. "I know. I'll do better, I promise. Just... give me a chance to prove it to you."

I guess it wouldn't be fair to give Reid a second chance without giving him one too.

I took a deep breath, considering his words. "Okay, Vincent. I appreciate everything you have done for me and I'll forgive you this time, but that doesn't give you a free pass to treat me poorly again." I confirm my stance as he seems to listen and take it in.

Relief washed over his face, and he managed a small smile. "I'll make it up, I just get so angry sometimes that I can't control how I act. With that, I actually like your hair like that by the way - you just looked too fucking hot that I didn't want anyone else to look at you!" He grumbles, as I bite back a laugh.

"You confuse me so much!" I sigh, my words coming as more of a whisper as he squints at my statement.

"Why is that princess?" He leans back, his gaze suddenly sending chills down my spine.

"One second you act like you hate me and the next minute you flirt - I don't get it!" I admit, searching his eyes for a sign.

He seems to think over my words, tossing them back and forth in his mind before responding with: "Well then let me take you out on a date tonight?" Which almost knocks the air from my lungs.

"What?! B-But I have work!" I stutter, taken aback by the fact that he wanted to take me out.

"Need I remind you that you work for me doll..." He chuckles, as the butterfly's guiltily flutter around inside my stomach.

Vincent seriously just asked me out on a real date...