Darius & Chayla - Meet The Dad

In this excerpt, Chayla’s dad enters the scene.

DARIUS POV

“Honey,” A male voice called from somewhere behind Mrs. James. Most likely her husband. “Who’s at the door?” 

Mrs. James turned away from them, shouting back, “Your daughter and some boy.” 

Ouch. I thought to myself. Did I really deserve that? 

“Mom!” Chayla chided. 

“What?” Her mother whipped her head back around. “Well he is.” She shrugged. 

There was rustling of paper before the shuffling of feet echoed towards the door and soon I was face to face with Chayla’s dad. He wasn’t a very tall man. He probably was about the same height as Chayla’s mom, but he was stocky in build. He looked like he could pummel my head to the ground and stomp my brains out. But he just stood there with an awkward smile on his face, his hand extended outward. 

“I’m Chayla’s father, Gerald James. You can call me Mr. James.” 

I took his hand in mind and made sure not to squeeze too hard but still hold firm, giving his hand a solid shake. “Darius Lyons. You can just call my some boy,” I joked yet throwing slight shade to Mrs. James. 

“Ha!” Mr. James laughed loudly, elbowing his wife’s side. “Hilarious. Did you see what he did there honey?”

“Uh huh.” Mrs. James cut her eyes so hard at her husband, then back at me and Chayla. Chayla looked down at her feet but I caught the faintest glimpse of a smile on her lips.