‘So, you had it out with her over the phone?’

‘No… after work… tried to deny it… lied to my face… stormed out.’

I massage my forehead in consternation. It was bad enough for Sasha having to do this, but the fact that her mum didn’t respect her enough to be honest or show any level of remorse is another thing altogether.

‘Sash, that’s really shit. I’m so sorry. But you know what, there is a positive here.’

‘What’s that?’

‘If she’d been full of apologies and saying she’d change, begging for your forgiveness and all, you’d be torn, wouldn’t you? You’d feel a responsibility to support her as she got back on the right track. Then she’d probably just let you down again. Am I right?’

There’s a trumpeting noise at the other end of the phone as Sasha blows her nose. ‘I suppose.’

‘I’m right, Sash. Because sorry to say it but that’s how people who cheat behave. It might be too early for you to hear this, but if that’s how she’s going to be, you’re absolutely better off with her out of your life.’

‘But she’s my mum, Lex.’

‘I know. But even parents can let us down.’ Didn’t I just know it.

‘I guess. You’re right, Lex. You’re always right.’ Sasha lets out a shuddering sigh.

‘I’m not always right. I get things wrong just like the next person, especially when it comes to my own life. But I’m pragmatic and I see a huge opportunity for you in this. It’s time for you to be a bit selfish and follow your dreams – whatever they might be.’

There’s a sniffle from the other end of the phone. ‘Actually, I kind of already am… I have an interview for a job in Birmingham.’

‘What?’ I’m elated to hear this. ‘I thought you were going to start applying after you spoke to your mum.’

‘I was. But I set up a job feed a few weeks ago and something suitable came through it within a few days. I figured I had nothing to lose by putting my CV across to them.’

‘Sash, that’s amazing. Well done, you. That’s the first step. When is it? You can stay with me.’

‘Next Tuesday. It’s actually a videophone interview. They were keen that I didn’t have to face any unnecessary costs.’

‘Even better. That’s how mine worked too. Oh, good luck. I’m totally rooting for you.’

‘Thanks.’ Sasha doesn’t sound half as enthusiastic as I am, but how could I expect her to right now?

‘You’ll be all right, Sash. I promise. It will be hard but time and eventually distance will make things easier. I’ll look after you, just like you’ve done for me.’

‘You’ve no idea how much that means to me, Lex.’ Her voice starts to wobble, so I quickly deploy a distraction technique to stop her losing her composure again.

‘Want to hear something ridiculous?’

‘Always. What’s your news?’

Stretching out on my sofa, I quickly fill her in on the events of the weekend.