"Be open-minded."

"I am open-minded."

However, even though Simon said it firmly, you could still tell that it wasn't true. Why? Firstly, his hands were on his hips. Secondly, his jaw was clenched. Thirdly, he didn't pay attention to the fact that Riley started chewing on one of his balaclavas again.

All of this signaled that Simon was in "defender mode," focused on what he considered a threat. And what was it this time? A teenaged boy standing in your kitchen and helping your daughter cook pasta.

When Sophie told you that she was dating a guy named Michael, you were happy for her. She was sixteen, and you were glad that your daughter was starting to learn something about romantic feelings. As for Simon... it took him some minutes outside and three cigarettes before he was ready to hear anything more about his daughter's boyfriend.

Simon has always been protective of his daughter. Sophie was his girl, his daughter. He was present at her birth, changed her diapers, put dresses on her, and was the one she ran to with tears when Riley treacherously ate a cookie from her hand.

And, apparently, it was difficult for him to understand that someone else, being a man as himself, could settle in his daughter's heart.

"He looks sweet." You said as the two of you stood and whispered, watching the couple from the living room.

"His car's too expensive." Simon muttered.

"You jealous of a teenager?" You stared at your husband in shock, not understanding whether he was serious or not.

Simon was silent for a couple of seconds, and then sighed, nervously rubbing the back of his neck.

"Well, at least he doesn't smell like bloody weed or somethin'."

Simon Riley definitely had... strange standards when it came to other boys in his house.