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Sofia’s face fills the screen. “Don’t worry, Tío,” she says confidently. “Mamá will get over it. I think she just misses you. You always know how to make everyone feel better.”

“Thanks, Sof,” I say. “That means a lot.”

“Don’t give up,” she says. “Y chingue a su madre El Patriarcado!”

Caro is really going to have to answer for that one.

I hang up and her words ring in my ear.

Don’t give up. You always know how to make everyone feel better.

Maybe I’ve been looking at this plus-one list situation the wrong way. Eva doesn’t know anything about Eloise, and I don’t feel comfortable approaching Diego—that could backfire and neither Eva nor Nico has offered an introduction. But I have the bride’s number. Rachel Lazcari.

I send her a quick text.

Me: Hi Rachel! This is Agustín Martinez—I met Eloise the other day. If I’m overstepping, I’ll back off, but I enjoyed our date, and I’d like to see her again. Not sure if you had any advice. Thanks!

I sigh. That’s the best I can do. Unless I want to blow up my credit card and book a flight to Beijing. I’m about to put my phone in my pocket when it buzzes with a new text. My pulse kicks up as I see it’s from Rachel.

Rachel: Hey Agustín! Thanks for reaching out. I’m so pleased to hear you’d like to see her again. You probably noticed Eloise is a little shy.

My spirits lift. Shyness! That makes sense. Why didn’t I think of that?

Me: I did! I’ve been reaching out for another date but she hasn’t texted me back.

There’s a pause. I see three dots appear, then vanish, then reappear.

Rachel: You’ve been texting her?

Me: Yes. I didn’t want to be creepy, but I wanted to see her again. I just reached out again today, but no response yet.

Another pause. I get the feeling something significant is happening on Rachel’s end. My journalistic instincts are buzzing.

Rachel: I haven’t heard from her at all today. She’s not answering any of my calls or texts. Which is very unusual. To be honest I’m a little worried.

My response is immediate and has nothing to do with going to the wedding.

Me: How can I help?

Rachel: Seriously? You want to help a woman you barely know?

Me: Of course.

Helping people is what I do.

There’s a longer pause.

Rachel: Do you promise you’re not an ax murderer?

I laugh.

Me: I promise. I get faint at the sight of blood. And I don’t even know where I would find an ax in the city. You can ask Eva or Nico Garcia for my references—they know Diego. Eva put me on the plus-one list.

Though to be honest, I don’t think Eva and Nico are that close with Diego.

Me: I know them from my neighborhood. We all live in Bushwick.

Rachel: Trust fund kids?