Susan walks through to the lounge, "Have you seen your father Michael?"
"Yes, he said to tell you that he'd gone to adopt an orphan." Michael smirked.
"Why do lazy slobs always have to drown their sorrows, why can't they ever talk about them?" Susan pondered out loud.
"That isn't just lazy slobs Susan, that's all men," said Abi, scowling.
"Something wrong Abi?" Susan asked with curiosity.
"No," Abi said, though blatantly lying.
"There is, I can tell by your voice- it's because I'm such a good people person."
Michael laughed, then went silent by the glare of Susan's eyes.
"Are you still dating Tom?" Susan asked.
"No, he's an arrogant, cocky, self-obsessed slob." Abi practically spat the last few words.
"Well, you see men like me are a rare breed Abi," Michael said flirtatiously, going to put his arm round her neck, but instantly stopping.
"You're the worst, you're a Harper," she replied with disgust.
"So are you though," Michael said, slightly puzzled.
"Oh, but Michael, the female Harper's have wit, kindness and impeccable cooking skills," said Susan smiling down at him.
"Okay" Michael shrugged away from the two women's glances," I think I might go now." Michael rushed up the stairs.
Abi and Susan nodded at each other, in a declaration of victory.
Ben walks in through the door. Susan walks over to him, raising her eyebrows.
"Before you start, I wasn't down the pub." Susan folded her arms across her chest. "Okay, maybe I had one drink, but that is nothing compared with some of the other lads down there." Susan looked over at her fingernails, then up at Ben again. " Okay, maybe it was two, but it's my money it's nothing to feel guilty about." Susan leant her chin on her hand, "I'm sorry darling, I'll go and talk to Michael." Susan kissed Ben on the cheek, then watched him ascend the stairs.
Susan returned to Abi, " You see Abi, men may be arrogant, cocky, slobs, but that also means if you have someone like Ben, you can persuade them to do just about anything."