Rinsing my coffee cup, I placed it in the sink when a door slammed down the hall, jarring me and causing me to jump. I'd been lost in my thoughts and hadn't been prepared for the sound. Memories assaulted me, flooding in emotions of panic and doubt, but I pushed them away, unable to deal with them right now. Blinking back the tears, the exhaustion I felt sat heavily on me like a coat.
The past two days had been great. I'd spent time with Jude, gone on two dates, and had the girls over to help me get ready. It was the most sociable I'd been in years. But I felt the drain today. The thought of having to deal with my mother on top of this made me want to throw my mug against the wall. I didn't know if I had it in me. Regrettably, I didn't get to decide whether or not I wanted to with regards to anything concerning my mother.
When the phone rang, I knew who it was without looking. Speak of the devil, and she shall call. Preparing myself, I cleared my head before answering. "Hello, Mother."
"Loren."
"How can I help you?"
"I was calling about brunch today."
"Yea, I was about to get dressed for it."
"No need."
"Okay…"
"Don't be rude, Loren. I'm hosting a dinner instead and require your attendance."
"Why do I feel like this will end badly for me?"
"Seriously, Loren. You act as if I'm out to embarrass you. I'm your mother. I only have your best interests in mind."
"It's just that I think our interests might not line up anymore."
"Well, who's fault is that? You're the one whose husband cheated on her!"
Taking a deep breath, I didn't want to get into it with my mother this morning. "What are the details I need for this evening?" I gritted out, trying my hardest to keep my cool. It was never easy when my mother was involved, though.
"It's a formal dinner. You do know what that means, yes?"
"Yes, Mother."
"Do you have anything in fashion to wear? You still need to act as if you care," she huffed.
"Yes, Mother."
"Very well. Arrive at the house at 7 pm. I expect you to be on time. It's imperative to your father and me."
"Yes, Mother. Do I need to bring anything?"
"Heavens, no, this isn't a potluck! How crass do you think we are?"
"I simply meant if you needed me to bring wine or a dessert, but I shall refrain if you do not wish for me to bring something. I wasn't implying anything, Mother."
"Some days, I wonder how I ended up with such an ungrateful child."
"I will see you at 7 pm, Mother."
"Be on time!"
"Bye, Mother."
"Bye, dear. Do make sure to look your best."
Hanging up the phone, I exhaled and inhaled several times until I felt my breath even out. As much as I dreaded this dinner, at least it meant I had my morning free. Deciding to double check I had something in my wardrobe ‘in fashion' to pass her inspection, I headed to my closet. No point getting comfortable yet if I would need to head out to try on dresses.
Leave it to my Mother to give me the morning off only to end up spending it doing something for her, inevitably still making it about her. Except now, I'd been trapped for the evening as well. Never say that Jacqueline Hanover wasn't a diabolical manipulator. I often wondered if she took classes from psychopaths or if they took lessons from her. Crass thing to think about one's mother, but sometimes, you have to face reality. Jacqueline was a royal bitch.