The Idea Of You

23| Dinner

Alejandro

I shifted uncomfortably in my seat, looking down at the food Layla's dad had prepared. To say I was nervous was an understatement. First, I could tell the guy really didn't like me. Second, this was my first time being introduced to a girl's parents.

This is new.

I kind of liked it.

I glanced at Layla. This meant she's serious about us. A small smile appeared on my face.

"Can someone pass the water?" Leandro blurted out, seeming relaxed. I kicked him under the table for his lack of manners.

"Please," he added, grumbling.

Casey passed the water over.

"How was work, Dad?" Layla asked.

"A little stressful. We had some problems with the system today, but nothing your old man couldn't fix. Speaking of work, Alejandro, what do you do?"

Leandro nearly choked on his water from the sudden question. "I'm okay," he managed, clearing his throat.

"Uhh..."

I thought about how a gang leader's job might sound—killing people, selling drugs, beating people up. But I definitely couldn't tell him that. He'd never let me see Layla again.

"Freelance," I said, surprised by my own answer.

"Every day isn't the same. Some days I'm solving problems, others I'm selling solutions," I added, unsure of how much sense that made.

"Ah, so you're like a jack of all trades," he said with a smile. Okay, I must be doing something right.

"Yeah, exactly."

my phone buzzed in my back pocket, I checked the notification it was a text from Layla: Nice save.

I glanced at Layla and she raised a brow at me and slightly shook her head, holding in a laugh.

"You say you fix things. What exactly do you fix?" he asked.

"Cars."

"Oh really? Maybe you could help me with old Betsy outside."

"You're still trying to fix that car?" Casey said, playing with her food.

"Your mom loved that car," he replied with a smile.

The mood shifted abruptly. "Sorry, I've lost my appetite." Casey stood up and practically pulled Leandro from his seat. "Leandro and I are going to play COD!" she announced.

"Keep the door open!" Layla called out, shooting Casey a glare.

"Yeah, listen to your sister," their dad added.

Casey rolled her eyes. "Okayyy." She groaned and headed out of the dining room.

"And then there were three," Layla said, looking down at her plate and playing with her pasta. She had barely touched her food.

"So, about Betsy, do you mind if I take a look at her? I can't promise I'll fix her, but a second pair of eyes might help," I offered.

A smile spread across his face. "Do I mind? Not at all." He stood up eagerly. "Let me go get my shoes."

Layla laughed. "Oh my God, I haven't seen him that happy in forever."

"You know, I just have a way of making dads smile," I said, patting myself on the back.

"Well, the real question is, do you actually know how to fix cars?" she raised an eyebrow.

I took her hands in mine. "Trust me, I know how to do a lot of things. I'm pretty good with my hands." I smirked and kissed the top of her hand.