Shadows In Durango

*****Sofia's POV*****Content © NôvelDrama.Org.

"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.

"What about his Mom?" Emma pushes on, as Reid suddenly sniggers at the mention of her which causes for me to take a shaky sip from my glass.

What was the deal with her? Judging by everyone's reactions, including Vincent himself, she seemed to be worse than the father...

"She's just a brat. Always wants the attention on her. You wouldn't think she was in 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, is to make it through tonight without an issue.

We sit in the living area, the atmosphere growing heavier with each passing second as I stared forward at the crackling electric fire - hoping for it to calm me slightly but as suspected, it doesn't.

My stomach churns, 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. Daryl's presence in the room doesn't help either. He hasn't said a word, not even to Reid, with his eyes glued to his phone, and the tension between us palpable.

After everything, I expected him to be distant, but this is something else entirely. Today, he couldn't even look at me, but why?

I let out a quiet sigh, swirling the champagne in my glass, hoping that it would distract me. The bubbles tingle on my tongue, but the unease stays.

"So," Emma says, cutting through the silence, trying to lighten the mood, "what's the game plan if things get awkward tonight? Will we just dine and dash? Leave Vincent to handle the aftermath?" She attempts a joke, as I force a smile and Reid is the only one to fully laugh at her.

Reid chuckles lightly, leaning back in his chair. "There's no 'if' about it. Just remember, Vincent's used to dealing with them so the best bet is to stay close to him, and you'll be fine." He smiles lightheartedly, but his eyes meet mine as if I were to take the advice seriously.

I wish I shared his light attitude and confidence right now...

Vincent's father sounded cold and demanding, but his mother? She seems unpredictable, and the last thing I need is to be caught in the crossfire of any family drama they might have.

Daryl shifts in his seat, finally glancing up from his phone, his eyes flicking between us before settling on me. "You nervous?" he asks, his tone flat but the question still catching me off guard. It's the first thing he's said to me all day, and it feels almost accusatory.

I hesitate, not wanting to lie but not wanting to admit too much either. "A little," I admit softly.

He nods, his face void of any emotion. "Yeah well, you probably should be." He concludes, as my jaw practically hits the floor at his bluntness.

What the hell was that for?!

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It was almost as if he couldn't help but make me feel worse with his rude attitude! He was acting like a total jerk and I couldn't understand why?!

He 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 was at his outburst.

The minutes tick by, and it feels like we're all just waiting for the inevitable, trapped in a suffocating atmosphere that Daryl had very kindly added to for no damn reason!

But finally, Reid stands, pacing a little. "Vincent just text, they are nearly here. Let's just hope they're not in one of their 'moods."" He smirks, though I can tell he's not entirely joking.

My heart races at the thought of their 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, you look amazing, and you'll be fine."

Her words offer some comfort, but deep down, I know that tonight is more than just about making a good impression.

This dinner feels like a test - a test of whether I can handle being part of Vincent's world or not. The world of expectations, power, crime and pressure...

What was I willingly signing myself up for?

A car engine rumbles outside, as headlights flicker in through the window as the room goes silent.

"They're finally here," Reid says, leaving the room and moving towards the door as myself and Emma stand to follow.

Daryl remains seated, but I ignore him, leaving him behind in the room to sulk over whatever his issue was...

My breath catches as I hear the sound of footsteps approaching from outside, followed by the muffled voices of Vincent and his parents.

The door eventually opens, and suddenly, they're here.

Vincent walks in first, his face carefully neutral, but the tightness around his eyes tells me that he's feeling the pressure too.

Behind him are his parents, and immediately, I understand the dynamic Reid was talking about.

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Vincent's father is tall, imposing, with a stern expression that makes my stomach drop. He wore a white shirt with the sleeves turned up, showcasing a large expensive looking watch. He shared a similar face structure to Vincent but the difference between them being that his father was bald with no tattoos unlike his son who was covered.

His mother was actually pretty for her age, even more than what I had expected after the negative words Vincent had to say about her. She had perfectly styled black glossy hair, styled down and poker straight but the outfit was when things began to go south...

She wore a short tight black skirt paired with a red open blouse that showcased a black lacey bra with her enlarged fake boobs on display. Her heels were larger than life and her jewellery going slightly overboard coating her neck and wrists. She was also taller than I had expected, though it wouldn't be hard considering I was quite short compared to the average person, but I watch her survey the house like it was her kingdom, and we were the subjects waiting for her approval... "Dad, Mom," Vincent says, his voice even, though I can tell he's trying to keep it that way. "You've already met Reid and Daryl, but this is Sofia, the one I was telling you about and this is her friend Emma." Vincent acknowledges us politely, as I can practically feel the colour drain from my face at the involvement.

All eyes turn to me, as I just stand, feeling suddenly exposed as his father's gaze bores into me, assessing. His mother's eyes flick over me, lingering on my dress and hair before a smile spreads across her face, though it doesn't quite reach her eyes.

"Well, aren't you just... lovely," she says in a tone that's somehow both complimentary and condescending at the same time.

"Thank you," I manage, my voice a little shaky as I offer her a polite smile.

Vincent's father doesn't say anything at first, just gives a curt nod before waiting to speak:

"I've heard so much about you Sofia, I look forward to getting to know you more..." His voice is commanding, yet his words are somewhat kind which I was thankful for.

He turns his attention to the rest of the room next, scanning it with the same critical eye that I've seen Vincent use a hundred times.

Now I understand where he gets it from...

"I trust that everything's ready for dinner, we are starved after travelling?!" his father finally says, directing the question more to Vincent than anyone else. "Everything's set," Vincent replies smoothly.

His father nods again, his approval, though minimal, seems to ease some of the tension in the room.

"Let us freshen up and we will meet you in there in twenty?" His father states next, as everyone agrees and they head upstairs - already knowing where to go. The night was only just beginning...