Shadows In Durango
Chapter 31

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

I was sure to read each drink order carefully, ensuring that I didn't miss a single one as I placed the glasses down on to the tray one by one.

I moved my hands to take a side each of the tray, breathing out to replace it heavier than what I had hoped it would be - as I force myself to manage it's weight, knowing that I could get the first whole order delivered with the one trip. Don't spill it...

Don't drop it...

Focus...

Slowly...

I walked towards them, as the group grew silent on my approach - causing me to force out a tight smile feeling more awkward than necessary.

"Here let me help you there princess!" One of the unfamiliar guys stand up, who looked to be around thirty, relieving the weight of the tray by taking some of the whiskeys off of it - handing them around to his friends. "Thank you..." I breathe out softly, as Vincent all but watches the exchange, remaining seated and amused.

I avoided Daryl as best I could, who was seated directly to my right, as I place the remaining drinks down on the table, as each of them reach out to take whatever one belonged to them knowingly.

In an instant panic, I feel my dress start to slip downwards at my chest, which was caused by me having to bend forward to put down the drinks on the table.

I swallow hard and swiftly move my arm to cover up my chest - unaware of whether or not my nipples had actually slipped out but not wanting to take the chance.

Feeling my face flush red, I quickly thank the group and take the empty tray away with my free hand - heading back towards the bar in a quick scurry.

With my back to the men, I remove my arm, replaceing the very tips of my nipples to be poking up out of the dress - only visible to anyone who was really staring.

It could be worse I guess...

I pull the material up with a tug, covering them up ever so slightly once again, before almost jumping out of my skin-

"What the fuck was that Sofia?!" I turn on my heels wide eyed to replace that Vincent had followed me back to my station, as I begin to freak out.

Did I fuck up the order? I was certain I had nailed each drink! I counted twice to make sure I had every single one there... I couldn't have!

"Did I... miss something?" I look back at him in disbelief, as he places his hands on the opposite side of the bar leaning forward.

"Flash your tits like that again and I'll throw you over that damn balcony myself... but then again, maybe the bottom floor with the dancers would suit you better after that fucking stunt!" He fumes, as I swallow hard and grow even more flustered over the dress than what I already was.

That's why he's pissed... he saw... how embarrassing could this get!

"I know... I-I'm so sorry about that! This thing just doesn't fit me right, but it's all they had for me to wear in the closet! I covered up as soon as I felt it slip, I didn't mean to embarrass you." I replace myself apologising for the mishap, as he just stares back at me like a crazed lunatic.

His head falls forward, as he seems to take a moment to compose himself after the ordeal.

"I told them that I was coming up here to order shots, so pour me some tequilas to take back with me!" He grumbles, as I move quickly to retrieve the bottle.

Working under his stare, I swallow the lump forming in my throat as I thank the lord for my seamless pouring skills - having the shots whipped up in seconds flat, adding limes on top of each.

With nothing other than a nod, Vincent takes the tray and heads back to the group who seemingly all cheer and holler in a boisterous manner at his return.

The night passed pretty quickly after that, with a couple of other regular VIPs coming back, ordering their drinks before proceeding to sit at a table without causing any trouble.

Once Vincent's group had calmed down, their chats seemed to grow more serious, as they all leaned in a little closer and listened to one another speak in hushed whispers.

I became bored at one point, and so I decided to practice making a cocktail from the book beneath the bar, choosing a fancy glass that I hadn't yet used since my orders usually consisted of basic pints and whiskey.

I began to get engrossed in measuring the ingredients that I didn't even notice that someone had approached the bar, before I almost jump out of my skin hearing a male clearing his throat.

Turning, I am stunned to replace Daryl, as my fingers tremble and I just offer him a blank look.

"Sofia..." He attempts, before I replace myself holding up a hand to cut him off.

"There's no need for this Daryl, honestly, it's all ok!" I quickly tell him, not wanting to get into the finer details of how I had acted at the party.

"Vincent told me you kissed." Daryl deadpans, as my jaw slackens and my eyes widen at the statement.

Is he seriously coming up here to confront me about kissing Vincent?!

"What?!" I replace myself saying, unable to comprehend where the conversation was headed.

Was he annoyed that we kissed? Why would he even care when he was clearly locked lips with somebody else anyway?!

"Is it true?" He pushes, as my eyes divert towards Vincent who seemed to be engrossed in a serious conversation at the table with no time to pay us any attention.

"Well... yes... after I saw you kissing that girl, Vincent came to replace me... and yes, we ended up kissing in his car." I babble, suddenly feeling as though I was the one who had fucked up. Daryl's brows seem to furrow at my words, confused at what I had said, but before he can speak one of the other older gentlemen approaches the bar.

If you're loving the book, nel5s.org is where the adventure continues. Join us for the complete experience-all for free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

"A tip for you little pretty... from the whole table! We like you on the bar, you don't bother us like the last chick!" The man chuckles, turning to Daryl to involve him as he forces a smile. The man places a fat stack of notes into my tip jar as my eyes grow wide at the generosity.

They were officially my favourite clients up here!

"Thank you! That's really kind!" I smile, grateful to him as he bids me a nod and goes back to collect his jacket - leaving me alone once again with Daryl.

Turning my attention back to him, I lick my drying lips and wait for him to be the first to speak.

"You say that you kissed Vincent after you left the party?" Daryl repeats, as I all but nod once in confirmation.

"Son of a bitch!" He grits out from under his breath, causing me to grow even more confused than I already was.

"Sofia listen, Vincent told me that you kissed him way before I kissed that other girl... I was pissed off, that's why I did it! That's why I couldn't understand why you were even upset about it! He's playing his fucking games..." Daryl suddenly leans forward and explains, as I feel my brain swell from the inside of my head.

That can't be right...

"But Vincent told me you had a thing with that girl a couple of years ago?" I tell him what I know, unable to believe that he only kissed her out of anger.

"Well... yeah, I did... but that's old news! She means nothing to me, I only kissed her thinking that he had already gone and kissed you!" Daryl defends, as I pinch my nose between my thumb and finger to think.

He obviously still has feelings or he wouldn't have even kissed the girl!

But why would Vincent lie to him and say that he kissed me when at that point, he actually hadn't? It was all too much!

I need to stay away from them both for my own sanity...