“Sure,” she replied, not tearing her eyes from the screen.
“Are you coming to help, or would you rather watch this?” Rowan asked me with a knowing grin.
“I think I’ll come help.” I grinned and got up, following him into the kitchen.
“I’m going to apologise for my daughter’s dreadful taste in television.”
“I heard that!” Teegan shouted after us, and we both laughed.
In the kitchen, Rowan set about gathering ingredients together to make a lasagna. It turned out he was a surprisingly good chef, and I was more than happy to let him take the lead on that particular chore. I usually contributed in the form of washing up afterwards instead. I leant back against the counter, scrolling my phone whilst Rowan chopped and peeled vegetables.
“Earth to Max?”
I looked up from the screen. Rowan was smiling wryly.
“Sorry, did you say something?” I replied.
“I was just asking if you’d heard anything back from those jobs you applied for, but clearly whatever you’re looking at on your phone isfarmore important.” He teased.
“God, you’re such an old man,” I laughed, sliding my phone into my pocket. “Sorry, dad. I’m listening.”
“Don’t get fucking smart with me.”
I leaned in and kissed him with a laugh. I felt Rowan flinch and he pulled away quickly, clearing his throat.
“Don’t mind me,” Teegan said, glancing between us with a knowing smile. “Just grabbing another can, if that’s alright?”
“Of course. Help yourself.” Rowan turned his attention back to chopping vegetables and there was an awkward silence and we waited for Teegan to throw her empty Coke can into the recycling bin, open the fridge and get a new one. She padded silently back out into the lounge, and I gave Rowan an apologetic look.
“Sorry, I wasn’t thinking.”
“It’s fine, I’m sure.”
I watched him preparing dinner for a little while longer, before nature called. I excused myself and headed to the bathroom, smiling at Teegan as I passed through. Once I’d relieved myself, I headed back to the kitchen, but before I got there, Teegan waved me over.
“What’s up?” I asked, clambering onto the sofa.
“Look at this.” She held her phone out with a snigger, and I watched some ridiculous TikTok video of people falling in mud whilst walking their dogs. I had to admit, it was pretty funny. We passed a few minutes, scrolling through various videos and memes.
Halfway through a video, she sighed. “I can’t remember the last time I saw my mum and dad kiss, y’know.”
I nibbled my lip. “Sorry, I didn’t mean for you to—”
“It’s cool, Max. It’s nice to see Dad so happy.” She paused. “I suppose I never really realised how sad he always looked until I saw him around you. It’s like night and day.”
I blushed and nudged Teegan with my shoulder. “Thanks.”
“You don’t mind me staying here, do you?” she asked quietly.
“Of course not. You’d be welcome to stay around more often, if you wanted to. Despite this rubbish on the telly—” I motioned to the screen. “I like having you here.”
“It gets good once you get a few seasons in, I swear,” Teegan argued.
“Whatever, Teegs.” I snorted, faltering as I realised I’d just used Rowan’s pet name for her. Thankfully, she seemed oblivious.
“You’ve just got no taste,” she retorted. “Don’t make me regret calling you ‘cool’.”
“Not liking teen drama just makes me even cooler, I’m afraid.” I teased.
