This is an immature attitude, like wanting to cook dinner but not do the dishes—it's indicative of a person who doesn't want to accept the consequences for their actions. This is what Therese does with Richard. She starts a relationship with him, but she doesn't want to clean it up.

The older women are condescending toward Therese. We're not sure why she wants to hang out with them because they often say rude things to her.

This sentence has a layered meaning. The mention of Abby's name clouds Therese's vision—she should be enjoying this special time with Carol, but she's immediately jealous that another woman has entered the picture.