"I couldn't imagine having enough time to workout that many times a week," aka I was lazy if I was using my time to work out. It was a double dig actually because if I did have time, then I wasn't spending it doing something she approved of, as well as a loser because I had nothing else to use my time for—double whammy.
And left for last was the crème de la crème of emotional bullshit.
"Courtney and Frances announced their engagement the other day, isn't that wonderful?" aka I was a sad loser and going to die alone.
Mostly, I tuned her out and "hmm'd" at her when it was appropriate. Unfortunately, I had tuned all the way out today and found myself agreeing to something I hadn't wanted to. Fucking hell.
"Wonderful! I will let them know you'll be stopping by this afternoon. Mitzi will be so happy to hear you're getting involved."
The smirk on my mother's face told me she'd known I wasn't paying attention and had asked me on purpose to do something she knew I would've said no to, and now, she had trapped me.
"This is a good opportunity for you, Loren. I think you'll enjoy it. I'm happy you've agreed to take some time for it," praised my father.
Kenneth Hanover, despite his faults, was a kind man. He regularly volunteered for organizations such as Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life and was always willing to help out financially when needed.
My whole life, I'd grown up going to sites and walks with him and my mother used it as a means to show off to her society ladies that the Hanovers cared about the less fortunate. She used it as a tool to get more praise and accolades even when it wasn't even about her. She stayed home but somehow managed to get awarded best humanitarian three years in a row. I kid you not. Jacqueline knew no opportunity that she couldn't spin in her favor. When you thought about it that way, it was quite impressive, sickening, but impressive nonetheless.
I hadn't volunteered in about a year because I didn't feel I could appropriately give to an organization. It looked like that hiatus was up for whatever my mother had roped me into.
"They're having a fundraiser this afternoon. You should stop by and talk to Mitzi. I'll tell her to be expecting you and send over the details. Well, we really should be going, dear. We have tee times starting soon."
My mother was a vortex of disappointment and judgment. She was so fast that half the time, you weren't even aware she struck until you were staring at the destruction. Jacqueline quickly kissed my cheek as my father squeezed my shoulder, and they were both gone before I could even protest about this afternoon's mandate. Didn't she know I had an afternoon date with Netflix? I didn't have time to meet one of these busy body ladies who would only report back to my mom about me.
Unfortunately, my phone began to ping with the directions to the fundraiser, and I realized it didn't matter. I was going to this meeting whether I liked it or not. I suddenly felt like I was fifteen again. Too many social niceties were at play, and it would take more energy now to get out of this than just to attend. Bracing myself, I made a deal I'd only stay for an hour and then leave. I headed to my car with my plan at the forefront of my mind.
As I thought over the past ninety minutes, I wasn't even sure breakfast had been worth this torture.