“Wh-what?” he stammers.
“Did you really dance with her? After what you did?”
“I didn’t…”
“You’re grounded all weekend.”
“So what, should I stay locked in my room with no PlayStation?”
“The gutters need cleaning. And the upstairs windows.”
“What?”
“You heard me. I’ll expect you here on Friday, no later than two p.m.”
I struggle to keep a laugh stifled, one hand over my mouth.
“I don’t know why you’re laughing, mister. You’ll be helping out too.”
“Me?”
“Don’t try and make excuses. You’re grounded, too.”
“Are you serious, Dad?” Ian asks.
“Do you want to be grounded, too?”
Ian raises his hands.
“Good. Can we eat now please? I have a book waiting – I’m on chapter twenty and I’d like to get back to it before I forget what’s going on.”
