Sasha had not been in the mood for conversation in the morning but she’d hugged Margot warmly as she was leaving and told her that she wasn’t really a bad person. They’d been such good friends since their boys were little. Maybe Sasha didn’t quite understand intellectually or morally but as a mother she would do anything for her Aaron. Margot felt it was something in their bones, in their blood that made mothers compelled to keep their children safe and to hate anyone who compromised their happiness. Sasha had reminded Margot that Jack was a man now and that he could take care of himself.
‘Can I get into trouble for this?’ Margot asked. It had only just occurred to her that she might have done something illegal.
‘If you do, I’ll be here for you.’
Margot was so moved by this. She felt protected.
‘No more pretending, though or you’re on your own.’
Sasha had never been stern with Margot before. It shook her. She could see how you’d want her in a fight but always on your side. Margot knew this part of Sasha had been there but it was the first time she’d seen it and it scared her.