The last time I begged her not to set me up, she said, “Well, I have no choice, since you spend your entire life at the office.”

“You do?” Her voice comes out a little too excited.

“Of course. That’s why I’m asking you to stop setting me up. I don’t think my girlfriend would appreciate it.”

“Well, that changes everything,” she says.

I finally relax and get ready to say goodbye. “That settles it then. I’m off the hook. I’ll make sure to throw them a party once they’re back from their honeymoon.”

“Milo, this is your sister’s wedding. You can’t miss it. I expect you to be there tomorrow,” she says firmly. “No excuses.”

“Mom, you can’t be serious,” I protest. “I have work to do. She can’t just snap her fingers and say, ‘I’m getting married’ and expect everyone to drop everything to join her.”

“You're ridiculous,” she chides me with the motherly voice she’s been using since I was a kid. “She invited you last December when she got engaged. I not only expect you to be there but bring your girlfriend too.”

I grip the phone receiver and look around my office. Where do I get an imaginary girlfriend on such short notice?

“She can’t go, Mom.”

“I understand. Escorts have tight schedules.”

“Mom, that’s—”

“There’s always Kiley Ott,” she pauses, “if Stacey isn’t a good fit.”

How many women is she trying to set me up with? And Kiley Ott? She’s like forty-five and married.

“Mom, she used to babysit us.”

“No, her sister Kaileigh is the one who babysat you. Kiley’s ten years younger. She’s a lawyer, and very cute.”

“But I have a girlfriend, Mom,” I insist.

I’m determined to win this round, or at least fight until she gives up on finding me a date.

“I don’t think she’d appreciate if I spent the weekend with Kelly,” I say.

“Kiley,” she corrects me. “Then bring her with you. If you need us to buy the plane ticket, we will.”

“No, Mom. I think I can afford the ticket.”

“Perfect, I’ll see you tomorrow.”

A few hours ago, I was merely determined. Right now, I’m desperate. The few female friends I have aren’t available to travel on such short notice, unless I count Rita, who will expect more than just pretending we’re together.

If I stay in Denver, my parents will disown me. My sister would never forgive me. But if I don’t find someone fast, I’m going to end up with not one, but two undesired blind dates—fixed up by Mom. Knowing my mother, she already promised them my hand in marriage. It wouldn’t be the first time she’s done that to me.

Desperate times call for desperate measures, right?