Shadows In Durango

Chapter 11

HRHRRSOfig's POVHHIRK

The day had crawled by with agonizing slowness after the encounter with the cheerleaders. | 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 soughtout again, but I couldn't shake

the feeling of loneliness that settled in the pit of my stomach.

| shouldn't even feel this way, not over a boy I've known all of two days! He owesnothing...

Embarrassed by my own vulnerability, | 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 | was

used to.

As the final bell rang, signaling the end of the school day, | 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. | pushed through the crowd, my mind already racing ahead.

Outside, the loud hum of a sports car caught my eye, its passengers shockingfurther 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.

| couldn't shift the feeling of betrayal, watching Daryl laugh by Vincent's side as though he hadn't been

encouragingto stand up to him only hours ago.

But | 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, | take off quickly in the direction of my

apartment - knowing that tonight was the night | was set to make my Intensity debut.

Feeling as though the days were melting together as | repeated the swalk home, | allowed myself to fall in

to autopilot, as my feet carriedall the way on their own accord.

Luckily, my neighbours seemed to be elsewhere today, as | rushed up the flight of steps and unlocked my door -

always ensuring to lock it back over again as soon as | get inside.

| washed up and fixed back my hair in to a neat pleat to keep it off of my face - knowing that | would thank

myself for the style choice later.

| took the t| had before my shift to rehearse how to pour and create each drink that | could remember as |

closed over my eyes and pretended to do the actions - reminding myself of the many tips and tricks Tito had

taughtduring training.

I can do this!

| brushed my teeth and sprayed on sextra deodorant to freshen up, before heading for the door with

enough tto spare.

| walked quickly through the streets, before reaching my new workplace in record t- either thanks to my

nerves or my excitement.

As | 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 | made my way towards the downstairs bar where | spotted Tito.

Tito greetedwith a warm smile, his new enthusiasm as my manager infectious. "Hey, Sofia! You ready for

your first shift pretty one?" He questions as | 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 introduceto the pair behind the bar, as they both turn to givea look.

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"Hey!" They both offera 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!" | squeak, trying to

be heard over the music which was way louder than the other two times | had been in.

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

My uniform? They givesomething to wear? That's fun!

Together, we climbed the stairs to the VIP bar, my heart pounding with each step as | glanced around and

noticed a couple of the dancers warming up in their tiny outfits.

The VIP lounge was empty for now, but | 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 sdrink pours if you'd like? Good luck!" He

points, as | follow his finger towards the corner and nod - gathering up the bag left foron the bar countertop.

| watched as Tito disappeared back down the stairs before turning my attention to the bathrooms as | began to

approach - glancing down at the bag in hand.

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free. The next chapter is eagerly waiting for you!

Taking a deep breath, | entered the bathroom and closed the door over behindbefore pulling out two small

articles of clothing to change in to.

Gulping, | made it work, before exiting the cubicle with a gasp at the sight that greetedin 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 | realised just how revealing the outfit was. But | had

no choice. | was an official employee now, and | couldn't back out now.

Once | was organised and had given myself a brief pep talk, | 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 sof 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...

| decided to cut up sfruits, placing them aside in a bowl to be added to the drinks before | 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.

Wishluck!