Shadows In Durango

Chapter 9

HRHRRSOfig's POVHHIRK

The neon sign of Intensity loomed overhead, casting an eerie glow on the quiet street. | took a deep breath,

steeling myself for my first night of training. The nerves from earlier had returned, but they were mingled with a

sense of determination.

This was my chance to prove myself - that | don't need anyone to survive, especially not my family.

| pushed open the door, the bell above tinkling softly as | stepped inside. The bar was dimly lit and almost

empty, with only a few staff members bustling about in preparation for the night ahead. Tito, the manager,

spottedimmediately and walked over with a welcoming smile.

"Hey there, Sofia! Glad you showed up! Ready for your training?" he asked, his voice warm and reassuring - a

little more lively compared to the first t| had met him.

| nodded, trying to mask my anxiety. "Yes, | think so."

"Great. Letshow you around first and then we can get started on your role." Tito said, gesturing forto

follow him as he took off in a quick stride.

We started with the main dance floor area, a large open space with a long, sleek bar running along one side and

a scattering of tables and chairs on the other. The atmosphere was relaxed, the calm before the storm of the

evening rush as the poles shone brightly on top of the podiums.

"Here's the main bar," Tito explained. "Most of our regulars hang out here, but it's also where we get the most

action. You'll learn to handle it eventually, but you don't have to worry about down here for now." He waves his

hand around in explanation as | nod along and give him the floor to speak.

He next turned and ledthrough a side door into a narrow hallway. "This way are the changing rooms for the

dancers," he said, opening a door to reveal a bustling room with costumes and makeup strewn about. A few

dancers were already getting ready, givingfriendly nods as Tito and | passed through.

Their costumes were scandalous and skimpy, a display of bright colours and feathers, but each girl seemed nice

and welcoming thus far - yet it was still early in...

Next, he pointed out the bathrooms and a small cleaning closet. "Pretty standard stuff, but you'll need to know

where everything is regardless," he said.

Heading back the way we came, we finally approached the set of stairs that led to the VIP lounge on the balcony.

The contrast was striking. Unlike the main bar's lively atmosphere, the VIP lounge exuded a sense of exclusivity

and calm. Plush seats and low tables filled the space, offering a perfect view of the bar and everything below.

"This is where you'll be working tomorrow night," Tito said, his tone slightly more serious now to ensure | was

listening. "We get sof our most respectful clients up here. It's a good place to start you in, and you'll have a

bit more breathing room to learn the ropes. Sometimes it's really quiet and when it's busy, most just order

simple drinks." Tito explains, motioning forto approach the bar with him.

I nodded, taking in the elegant surroundings. "Got it."

Tito ledbehind the counter and began to showthe basics of pouring drinks. "It's all about the right

balance and control," he explained, demonstrating how to pour a perfect shot before he turned and handed me

the large bottle. "Now you try it."

My first attempt was disastrous. The bottle slipped from my hand as | tipped it upside down, spilling liquor all

over the counter top. My cheeks flushed with embarrassment, but Tito chuckled and shrugged it off which | was

incredibly thankful for.

| guess that this was the whole point in training, right?

"Don't worry, everyone fumbles at first," he said, handinga towel as | quickly wipe away my mess. "Try it

again and make sure you hold it tight." He instructs.

| took a deep breath, placing the towel aside before fixing a new shot glass. This time, | managed to pour a

decent shot, though it was still a bit wobbly when | tipped the bottle upwards.

"Much better," Tito praised. "Keep practicing, and you'll get the hang of it - you'll be shocked with how quick

you'll get at pouring too."

We spent the next hour going over different drinks and techniques - luckily Tito showedthe instruction list for

each one that was hidden under the countertop for good measure which | would definitely be putting to use.

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| fumbled a few more times, spilling mixers and dropping garnishes, but Tito was patient, offering guidance and

encouragement which surprised me.

I didn't take him to be a patient man but here he was, trying his best to train and prepfor my first real shift

tomorrow night.

Gradually, my confidence grew, and | started to feel more comfortable behind the bar by the end of the training.

"See? You're a natural now," Tito said with a grin as | successfully poured a series of drinks without a single

mishap.

"Thank you, Tito," | said, feeling a surge of pride. "I really appreciate your help and thanks again for giving me

the job." | wipe at my forehead, sighing in relief that | had learned a new skill. "Anytime. You've actually done

pretty great," He compliments, as | put the bottles back in their places.

After an intense hour of training, Tito and | wrapped things up. | felt a wave of satisfaction wash overas |

cleaned the last of the glasses and set them neatly back in their places. The bar sparkled under the dim lights, a

testament to my hard work and newfound skills.

"Get srest, and I'll see you tomorrow night." Tito wavesoff, as | can't help but hide the smile that

stretches across my face as | practically skip out of the bar.

The nerves from earlier had transformed into a sense of accomplishment. | had survived my first training

session, and despite the initial fumbles, | had proven to myself that | could handle this job.

The cool night air greetedas | stepped outside, the neon sign of Intensity now a comforting beacon behind

me.

| started my walk home, the quiet streets givingstto reflect on the evening. My steps were lighter,

each one fueled by a newfound confidence.

As | turned the last corner onto my street, the sight of my apartment building cinto view...

My heart sank a little at the familiar rundown exterior, but tonight, even that couldn't dampen my spirits. | was

making progress, and that was what mattered.

However, my sense of pride quickly turned to anxiety as | spotted my two neighbours loitering out front. They

were swigging from a bottle, their movements erratic and unsteady. Their rowdiness echoed through the night,

and my heart quickened at the sight of them both - knowing that | would have to pass between them to go

through the front door.

I instinctively slowed my pace, watching them from a distance.

Anxiety flushed through me, and | weighed my options. My apartment was only a few steps away, but the

thought of confronting them was too daunting. | made a quick decision to sneak in through the back door, hoping

to avoid any unwanted attention.

| took a deep breath, steeling myself, and then quietly slipped down the alley that ran alongside the building.

The shadows were my allies as | crept toward the back entrance, my footsteps as silent as | could manage on the

cracked pavement. Reaching the back door, | fumbled for my keys, my fingers trembling slightly. | could still hear

their drunken laughter from the front, and | hurried, desperate to get inside before they both noticed me. The

key finally slid into the lock, and | turned it with a soft click.

The back hallway was dimly lit and smelled faintly of mildew, but it was a welcrefuge. | closed the door

behindas quietly as possible and made my way up the creaky stairs to my apartment. Each step felt like a

small victory, bringingcloser to safety.

Once inside, | locked the door and leaned against it, letting out a breath | hadn't realised I'd been holding. The

familiar, if shabby, surroundings of my apartment greeted me. It wasn't much, but it was mine, and tonight, that

felt like enough. | tossed my keys onto the small table by the door and sank onto the floor. The events of the

evening played through my mind, a mix of triumph and trepidation. But despite the anxiety of sneaking past my

neighbors, | couldn't help but smile. | had taken a big step tonight, both at Intensity and in my own personal

journey.