Page 70 of Bless My Body

Most of them are just… boring. There’s no way to sugarcoat it. The women Mom has set me up

with try to say the right thing and act the way they think I want them to. I can’t imagine why any man

would want that. Where’s the passion? Where’s the intrigue? I want to get to know who they truly are,

not just who they think I want them to be.

“You just said you’ve known her since kindergarten. I’m sure it will be like old friends catching

up.”

“Mom, we weren’t even really friends. I would have nothing to say to her.”

“Well, you haven’t liked any of the other girls I’ve picked for you, so I don’t know what you want

me to do.” She really doesn’t get it.

“I don’t want you to do anything. This is my life, and I want to decide who I want to date and

bring to parties.” I know she wants me to marry a good girl so that I follow in my parent’s footsteps,

but honestly, it sounds miserable. It sounds boring, and it’s the last thing I want for my life.

“Ezra, you know I only want what’s best for you. I think you need a nice woman by your side.”

“I don’t need anyone by my side unless I want them there.”

“You know your father and I were set up by our parents, and we ended up falling in love and

getting married.”

“Yeah, I know.” How could I forget? She only reminds me every chance she gets. “But that’s not

what I want.”

“Well, you need to bring someone to your father’s party. So, if you don’t want to go with Melissa,

you need to find someone else to bring. And not some hussy.”

I almost choke on my spit. I don’t think Mom has ever used the word hussy. “What?”

"How am I supposed to know what kind of girls you're finding in Florida? I don’t want you

showing up with someone in booty shorts and a tank top."

I can’t help but laugh. “I’m not going to grab a stranger off the beach on my way up there. I’ll

bring someone I actually know.” Of course, my first thought is Celine. I’m not sure if my mom would

like her, but it would make my weekend a hell of a lot better. But that would require Celine to talk to

me, so I guess we’ll see.

“Fine. I’ll let you bring your own date, then.” I resist the urge to say, “Gee, thanks.”

“Why do I have to bring a date anyway?” I always wonder why she tries so hard to set me up

before a major event. I’m not sure how my Dad’s birthday qualifies as a major event, but whatever.