Pauline shot her mother a sharp look. "Mother."
But Margaret didn't back down. Her eyes stayed locked on Jack, who merely chuckled like a man trying too hard to seem unaffected.
"I wanted to see you both," Jack said. "It's been a long time."
Pauline softened again. That was all it took, one gentle tone, one affectionate lie for her to let down her guard.
She touched his cheek, lovingly. "I am glad you came."
Margaret, on the other hand, watched the interaction with suspicion. She was not buying any of the crap that Jack was trying to throw.
Jack continued chatting with Pauline. He started by asking her about her garden, complimenting the décor, talking about how he wanted to 'repair old bridges' and 'make the family proud.'
Pauline had been listening to him with her heart so she melted easily.
But Margaret?
She watched everything.
