Shadows In Durango

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

Luckily Vincent had apparently jumped out to 'sort some serious problems' which made the fact that I was going for lunch with Daryl a little less awkward to announce.

Although I had wanted to give Daryl a fair chance, I didn't want to make Vincent feel abandoned after what we did together either. Ugh - the stress of it all! Why was I suddenly trying to balance two grown ass boys in my life? I would have never seen this coming!

I currently sat in the car with Daryl, leaving Emma behind to hang out with Reid a little today. He had agreed to take her back home before school tomorrow too which meant that unlike last night, I wouldn't have her waiting for me by the time I get home to help ease my worries.

"This place is good for lunch." I turn my head to find where Daryl had pointed, nodding and trusting his word as he swings into an empty parking spot just outside.

As we step out of the car on to the pavement, the sweet aroma of fresh bread and coffee wafts through the air, momentarily easing my doubts about our lunch date.

We find a table outside, shaded by a large umbrella, as the waitress spots us and motions over that she would only be a moment. The ambiance is charming, with flowers surrounding the tables all in full bloom with a gentle breeze rustling the leaves.

As promised, the waitress quickly appears with menus, and after a brief glance, we both order -Daryl choosing a classic club sandwich while I opt for a grilled chicken salad. As the waitress leaves, an awkward silence settles between us.

"So then, I hear that Vin had you skipping work last night to go on your date? Bet you were glad about that at least..." Daryl states, as I force out a dry laugh at his words.

I wish he wasn't bringing my date with Vincent back up again, but I guessed there was little ways of avoiding the topic fully...

"Yeah, I guess, but I do enjoy working at the bar though." I admit, feeling bad that I must've left Tito short last night by not turning up.

It was a good thing that Vincent owned the place or I would probably be sacked for skipping a shift...

He nods, looking genuinely interested. "That's good to hear. I think Tito likes having you in." Daryl smiles, his tone gentle as I fall lost for what to say next.Nôvel(D)ra/ma.Org exclusive © material.

There was an awkwardness hanging over us both as we made small talk, which I could pin point down to the guilt I felt after what I had done with Vincent last night in his car.

It was clear that Daryl was unaware of what had actually happened, and the only way to clear things up would be to attempt to give him at least some insight as to how I was truly feeling....

With that thought, I finally take a deep breath, deciding to address the elephant in the room.

"Daryl, I want to be honest with you," I start, feeling my heart begin to pound in my chest. "I'm still really trying to figure things out - especially my feelings. With you, with Vincent... I don't want to hurt anyone either. You have both helped me so much since I came to town and are good to me in your own unique ways, I just feel slightly... confused." I attempt, as Daryl nods along steadily and listens to everything I have to say.

He meets my gaze, his expression unreadable. For a moment, I fear that I've made things worse, but then he sighs and leans forward, resting his arms on the table.

"I appreciate what you are trying to say, Sofia," he says quietly. "I've liked you for a while now, and I was... surprised when you went out with Vincent after how he had blown up at you for going out to that bar the night before. But I do understand, he's a charmer at the best of times. I guess all you can do is give it time before you make a final choice..." Daryl sighs, and I am immediately thankful for how he seemed to be taking the conversation.

His honesty catches me off guard, and I feel a wave of relief flood through me. "Thank you for understanding that it's been hard to figure out. I just... I want to be fair to everyone, including myself. I enjoy both of your company if I'm being totally honest and living with you both won't help make things easier either!" I grumble the last part, earning a rich laugh from him next.

His honesty catches me off guard, and I feel a wave of relief flood through me. "Thank you for understanding that it's been hard to figure out. I just... I want to be fair to everyone, including myself. I enjoy both of your company if I'm being totally honest and living with you both won't help make things easier either!" I grumble the last part, earning a rich laugh from him next. "Yeah, that does sound like a tricky situation," Daryl chuckles, his eyes crinkling with genuine amusement. "But we'll figure it out eventually. No rush, right?" He nods firmly as I breathe steadily.

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I smile, feeling a bit lighter. "Right. No rush."

I was unsure of whether or not Vincent would have the same outlook if I was to have this very conversation with him, I believed that he would be slightly more possessive...

Just then, the waitress returns as a distraction to my clouded thoughts with our orders, and the aroma of grilled chicken and freshly toasted bread fills the air. We thank her, and I take a moment to appreciate the beautifully arranged lunch before me.

As we begin to eat, the conversation shifts to lighter topics. Daryl tells me about a funny incident at school involving a couple of guys from the basketball team who a couple of years back had been rumoured to be sleeping with a female gym coach.

Astounded, he laughed at my reaction and claimed the whole thing was definitely true - whereas on the other hand I struggled to believe the rumours.

The tension from earlier slowly dissipates, replaced by a comfortable camaraderie.

"You know," Daryl says between bites of his sandwich, "I think it's great that you're being honest about how you feel. Not everyone can do that."

"Thanks," I reply, feeling a bit shy under his steady gaze. "I just want to make sure I'm being true to myself and not leading anyone on - at least not intentionally." I giggle, as he rolls his eyes playfully.

"That's all anyone can ask for," he says, giving me a reassuring smile.

We finish our meal, and as we sip up the remains of our drinks, I notice how relaxed Daryl seems now. The awkwardness from earlier had definitely melted away, leaving behind a genuine connection between us. It's in these moments that I realise how much I really did value his friendship and support... but whether or not I needed more from him, remained uncertain.

"So, what's your plan for the rest of the day?" Daryl asks, leaning back in his chair comfortably.

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"I thought about taking a walk in the park," I say, enjoying the thought of spending some quiet time outdoors. "Care to join me?" I add, remembering that Vincent didn't want me hanging around town on my own after what I had told him about my past.

Perhaps a walk would be a good time to fill Daryl in on all of my past family drama...

"Sure," he agrees, his smile widening. "A walk sounds perfect."

"I can talk to you about my past, if you still want to know that is, I don't want to ruin the mood." I test, as he nods to reassure me.

"Of course I want to know more about you, even the bad, I won't judge." He states finally, making me blush at how sweet he could be.

We make a move to settle the bill as Daryl pays, before we leave the cozy café and head for the car.

Daryl offers to drive me to the nicest park nearby, only taking around ten minutes before we park up and step out into the warm afternoon sun.

As we stroll down the tree-lined path of the nearby park, I feel a sense of peace wash over me. Despite the complexities of my feelings and the situation with Vincent and Daryl, moments like this remind me to take things one step at a time. "Thanks for lunch," I say, glancing up at Daryl. "And for understanding my feelings."

"Anytime, Sofia," he replies softly.

His words resonate with me, and I nod, feeling a renewed sense of clarity. Whatever happens going forward, I know that Daryl won't hate me for whatever I decide to do... but a question mark remained beside Vincent. I don't think he would take rejection so well, if I were to choose his best friend....