“Cheeky. You’re hoovering the crumbs once you’re done.”
“Fine.” Natalie huffed. She got up and followed him into the kitchen. “How’s Paula? I don’t think she’s come out yet.”
“I haven’t heard anything yet. I think she’s still asleep.”
“Should we take her a coffee or something?”
Michael smiled.
“Paula doesn’t like coffee.”
“Well, tea, then.”
“Only if you want to dump half the sugar bowl into it.”
Natalie looked bemused.
“Who doesn’t like coffee or tea?”
“Not everyone has to like it.” Michael flicked the kettle on. “I hope she’s doing okay. God only knows how late we stayed up last night talking.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if she exhausted herself just by crying.” Natalie frowned as she leaned against the kitchen table. “God, to be sold like that to your stalker. I don’t know how I would react in that situation.”
“If that happened to you, hell would be coming down on whoever thought it was a good idea.”
“I think that’s the only time I see you and Mum coming together.”
“More than likely. Your mother is scary when someone hurts her little girl.” Michael paused. “You’re not upset about us being divorced? I know some kids would rather that their parents were back together…”
“I don’t worry about that. You and Mum just didn’t work out. Things were better when you’re co-parenting and not living under the same roof. Besides,” Natalie wiggled her eyebrows with a sly smile, “I think you’ve got someone else in mind.”
“What?”
“Come on, I’m not stupid. I saw the way you were with Paula. You fancy her, don’t you?”
Michael felt his face getting warm. God, this was embarrassing.
“Natalie…”
“Come on, Dad, it’s nothing to be ashamed about. She’s a pretty woman. And she seems nice enough. I think you two would be a good couple.”
Sometimes, Michael wished that his daughter wasn’t so observant. He looked up towards the ceiling, hoping that Paula was still in the guest room.
“Just don’t say anything to Paula, sweetie.”
“Does that mean I was right?”
“Fine. You were right. But don’t say anything.”
Natalie pouted.
“Where’s the fun in that?”
“I’ll do it in my own time. Just leave me to deal with it.”
“Which means you’ll never do anything about it.”
Michael frowned.