Page 2 of Fake It For Love (Faux Love)
“It looks very expensive,” she commented.
“We got a discount for the class reunion,” I answered. “Plus I’m going for a wedding.”
“We took you to the Bahamas when you were little,” Dad said. “Do you remember?”
“Nope,” I replied.
“I told you she was too young,” Mom said.
I probably could remember if I wanted to, but I chose not to. I tried not to remember most of my childhood. “Why don’t you guys have a seat?” I said. “Dad, do you want a beer? I got that kind you like.”
“Sure,” he said.
“Mom, wine?”
“Please,” she said.
“So, how much is this trip going to cost you?” Dad asked.
“Why?” I had already set the table. I handed them their drinks and carried over the casserole.
“Didn’t you tell us you were close to maxing out your credit cards?” he asked. I grabbed the basket of bread and delivered it to the table. “You don’t have any savings to speak of.”
I sat down and reached for my own glass of wine. “I did, but this trip is important.”
“Maybe you should wait until next year,” Mom suggested. “Wait until you can save a little money. I don’t want you to find yourself on the verge of bankruptcy.”
I slapped a hunk of casserole on my plate. “I’m not on the verge of bankruptcy,” I said. It was taking everything I had not to snap at them. They had no business giving anyone any financial advice. My dad especially. “And I can’t believe I have to explain this, but the reunion and the wedding won’t be happening next year. They’re happening now.”
“I just want you to make sure this trip is worth the financial hardship it’s going to cost you,” Mom said. “You’ve been talking about trying to buy a home. It’s a long process that requires excellent credit.”
“I know,” I said. “I’m working on it.”
“High school reunions are overrated,” Dad said. “Everyone is trying see who got fat and who got rich.”
“Well I guess we know which category I fall in,” I muttered. “Mystery solved.”
“Will you and Norah be flying down together?” Mom asked. She was ignoring the comment. That was what she did. She did not like to acknowledge my weight gain. I wasn’t ashamed of it. My doctor said I was healthy and that was all I cared about.
“Yes,” I answered.
“They must be doing very well for themselves if they are able to afford a wedding in the Caribbean,” Dad said.
“Her parents put money aside for her wedding when she was little,” I said with just a hint of bitterness. My own wedding fund had been gambled away. If I ever wanted to get married, I would be paying for every penny of it.
“It seems wasteful,” Mom said. “I’m sure her friends and family would like to attend, but how are they supposed to afford the trip there? Quite frankly, it seems a little selfish to me.”
“Can we not talk about money?” I snapped. “Their money. My money. The cost of the trip. I invited you guys here so we can spend some time together before I leave.”
“You don’t have to be rude about it.” Mom’s voice was haughty.
“I’m not being rude, but you guys are acting like this is a frivolous trip,” I said. “I have never taken a vacation. I have buckled down for the last fifteen years. This trip isn’t just the class reunion. It’s Norah’s wedding. She’s my best friend. I’m going. I’ve done enough to make sure I can afford it.”
“Will you be wearing a swimsuit?” Mom asked.
“I didn’t plan on swimming in my jeans,” I retorted.
“I was just wondering if you found one,” she said. “You said you were having a hard time finding one that flattered your figure.”
