Chapter 1: A Desolate Buffet

Rhiannon surveyed the buffet spread with disappointment. The offerings were predominantly white bread and pastries, with just an occasional slice of tomato and a sprinkle of cress to add a hint of color. While the creamed salmon sandwiches, cheese straws, and mini quiches were crowd favorites, she couldn't help but wonder, "What about those who are vegan, have allergies, or are simply trying to eat healthily?" she had asked Angela, the catering coordinator, during her first visit to the social club.

"You're looking great as you are," Angela replied dismissively.

"Thank you, but that's not the point…" Rhiannon trailed off as Angela turned away to fetch a tray of pork pies. This was a familiar pattern whenever Rhiannon attempted to address the issue.

Angela merely shook her head and stated, "I don't believe in these ridiculous trends."

"It's not ridiculous! Many individuals face health challenges or have ethical concerns…" Again, she found herself speaking to Angela's retreating figure.

"What's the matter, love?" Cath chimed in. "Are you regretting letting me persuade you to join the committee?"

Cath was a regular at Rhiannon's health food store and had overheard her arguing with her daughter.

"I'm meant to be in charge, Mum, not you! You should find a hobby instead of double-checking everything I do!" her daughter had exclaimed.

"Why not join me on the social club committee?" Cath had suggested.

Initially, it seemed like the perfect solution, but Rhiannon soon realized that being a committee member only required two hours of her time each month. Nonetheless, her photo now hung alongside those of the other officials with more demanding roles.

"I'm genuinely concerned that Angela's choices will alienate certain groups or, even worse, lead to a serious allergic reaction due to her neglect of dietary restrictions," Rhiannon expressed her worries.

"Hmm, that would reflect poorly on your health food business, especially with the AGM coming up. If you volunteered to oversee catering, you could ensure it was handled properly."

"I had considered that, but looking back at the records, once people get positions like that, they tend to hold onto them. I don’t know how you managed to get me on the committee — it's been the same faces for years."

"That's not always beneficial."

"No. Too many things are done this way simply because that's how they've always been done." Rhiannon refrained from elaborating, as one of her pet peeves was how Cath recorded the minutes of their meetings.

"Tell me about it! Those minutes… But that’s how I was taught, and I don't know any other way."

Rhiannon offered a few pointers.

"I knew a businesswoman like you would have valuable insights!"

"And because of my business, I understand healthy eating," Rhiannon replied.

"Of course! Don't worry, I'll nominate you at the AGM."

"That's kind of you," Rhiannon said, not wanting to seem ungrateful. However, she knew someone would need to second her nomination, and then a vote would be necessary. Still, perhaps by demonstrating to Angela that her position wasn't secure, she could inspire some changes.

During the AGM, the minutes from the previous meeting were read and accepted as accurate, likely because no one understood them well enough to disagree. Then came the officer elections. Various members proposed the re-election of the current chairperson, deputy, and treasurer. Rhiannon wasn't surprised that they were unanimously voted in, as this was the norm.

"Next, we come to the catering manager position…" the chairperson announced.

"I nominate Rhiannon Crosby," Cath proclaimed.

"I second that," Angela added.

Before Rhiannon could process what was happening, she found herself unanimously elected, and Angela had also nominated her for secretary. Cath seconded that, and she was voted into that role as well.

"These are for you," Cath said afterward, handing over her notes for the minutes.

"And this is for you," Angela added, presenting her with a plate of the most appetizing salad. "It was the least I could do."

"I don’t quite grasp what just happened," Rhiannon admitted, though she was beginning to connect the dots. When the treasurer distributed the accounts, she noticed purchases from the local greengrocer. Clearly, Angela was capable of providing healthy food — she had merely concealed that fact from Rhiannon.

"I’m afraid you've been handed quite a challenging task, my dear," Cath remarked. "Once you're on the committee, the only way off it—unless you want a scandal that could harm your business—is to die or find someone to replace you."

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