He Saved My Life

CHAPTER 5 ---- Meeting Mr. Martin

Layla's part! :D

Joey's house was simple and not what I expected. The walls were painted a soothing creme color and it was warm inside. My mom always kept the house at sixty degrees or lower. Joey led me into the living room where a rather large man sat in a recliner switching through the t.v channels.

"Dad, I'm home," Joey said. His father's back was to us, so when he turned around, I could see his face. He looked a lot like Joey besides the wrinkles and thinning hair.

"Is this Layla?" he asked standing up and facing us. He was tall too.

"Yes dad, this is Layla," Joey confirmed. His father stared at me intently. I looked away from him. "Dad, you're making her uncomfortable," Joey said.

"Sorry, I just want to know what my future daughter in law is like," he said cracking a grin. He also had nice teeth, like Joey.

"Daaaadddd," Joey complained dragging it out. "Stop it. We're just.... friends." He hesitated before saying that, but he seemed almost reluctant when it came out.

His dad smiled even bigger. "You don't seem so sure," he said.

"Dad, please," he said. His father turned to me.

"Hello, Layla. You can call me Mr. Martin," he said.

"It's nice to meet you," I replied offering him my friendliest smile.

"Of course it is. It's a pleasure to meet you too," he said.

"Of course it is," I replied.

He laughed. "Joey, I like this girl. Why don't we go out to dinner? The three of us," he suggested.

"Dad, I don't think-"

"That sounds great!" I said. Joey glared at me but I only smiled back at him.

"Great! I'll go start the car then," he said grabbing his keys and running out to the car.

Joey looked at me. "Really, Layla? Why would you do this to me?"

"I think it will be fun. And besides, you want your dad to like me and this will give the three of us bonding time," I said.

"Fine," he huffed. He grabbed my hand and walked me outside to the car. He sat in the backseat with me so I didn't feel all alone.

"Dad, can we go to a normal restaurant? Nothing Mexican or Chinese today," Joey requested.

"Sure. How about pizza?" he asked.

Joey looked at me. "Layla, how does pizza sound?"

"I like pizza," I said. He smiled.

"Okay, pizza it is."

Mr. Martin smiled too. "Good," he said. "So, Layla? How did you like meeting his crazy old folks?" he asked.

I laughed. "They're very nice people," I said.

"You're a shy little girl, aren't ya?" he observed.

"Umm, I don't really like to put myself out there if that's what you mean," I said.

"So, how'd you and Joey meet?" he asked.

Joey sighed. "Dad, this isn't twenty questions. Leave her alone," he said.

"Joey, I'm curious," Mr. Martin said.

"Joey defended me when Sophia called me a slut and we just became friends after that," I said. I didn't mention the kissing scene at the party.

"Oh, that little girl that he knocked up?"

"Yes, but he didn't actually knock her up. They didn't even do anything," I said.