“Just into town.”
“And what are you going to do?”
Natalie huffed.
“Dad, would you stop asking me so many questions! Just tell me yes or no.”
“Well, I need to make sure that you’re going to be safe and with people I know.” Michael turned down the flame under the saucepan and went over to the sink, washing his hands thoroughly. “You’re fifteen, Nat. I have to think about everything.”
“But, Dad…”
“Tell me who’s going and what you’re planning on doing. That’s all. Then I’ll make up my mind.”
They went through this every time Natalie was over at his. She wanted to go out at the weekends with her friends, which Michael was a little uncomfortable with. But each time he brought it up with his ex-wife, she said that he shouldn’t put so many barriers in the way and that Natalie would find a way regardless of what he said.
Having a teenager for a kid was harder than he anticipated. Especially with Natalie being as strong-willed as she was.
Then again, she was very much like him, so it shouldn’t have been a surprise.
“Okay, fine.” Natalie sighed heavily as if it was an inconvenience. “I’m going with Gabby, Jenny and Denise. We’re going to window shop, stop in McDonald’s, and then go to Jenny’s house to chill.”
“Did your mum give you money for this?”
“She’s given me some. Don’t worry about it, Dad. I’ve got it.”
Michael believed that. In spite of her pushing back, Natalie could be responsible, and she was very careful with her money. Even so, he picked up his phone and opened up his banking app.
“I’ll let you have fifty as well.”
“What?”
“You said you needed some new clothes as you had outgrown a few things. Make the most of it.”
Natalie was staring at him with her mouth open. Then she giggled and flung herself at him, almost knocking Michael’s phone out of his hand.
“Careful!” Michael grappled to keep hold. “I almost sent you five hundred pounds there.”
“Dad!” Natalie pulled back and grinned. “I won’t tell Mum if you do.”
“Cheeky!”
“Sorry. What’s for dinner? I’m starving.”
“Chicken and chorizo with rice.” Michael sent the money across and put his phone down. “It’s almost done, and I just need to put it together and into the oven. Maybe forty minutes?”
“Sure. I’ll be up in my room if you need anything.”
“You’re not going to help?”
Natalie raised her eyebrows and gestured at her forearm.
“Remember what I did yesterday, Dad? You know I shouldn’t be anywhere in the kitchen unless I’m pouring a glass of water.”
She did have a point. Natalie was clumsy in the kitchen to the point it was ridiculous. Michael did wonder how she was going to cope when she was an adult and left alone with all the kitchen equipment.
That was going to be interesting.
The doorbell rang, which had Michael glancing at the clock.