My Sister's Wedding

Tate

“Yes, Mother, I’ll be there on time,” I said into the phone as I sat at my desk. I leaned back in the chair, holding aloft the delicately embossed wedding invitation. “No, I promise. My flight gets in at two.”

I rolled my eyes as my mother continued to talk loudly into the phone. “Yes, yes. Goodbye, Mother.”

I disconnected the call and threw the phone on my desk, letting out a long sigh. I opened my computer and tried to work, then slammed it shut in frustration.

To say my family and I had a complicated relationship would be an understatement. I loved my sister, but I had no desire to go to this wedding.

Especially considering it was two weeks of parties and events—plus a trip. My sister had invited the whole family to come along on her honeymoon to the Maldives.

Who did that? But according to my mother, it was mandatory for the whole family, me included.

I thought about making up some excuse, telling them that a work thing had come up and I’d have to leave right after the wedding.

I imagined the torture of having to endure two weeks of family and acquaintances asking why I wasn’t married, when I was going to have children, and how my entire life was going.

Then I thought about how my mother would never drop it. Until the day she died, she would find a way to bring it up whenever she would attempt to get what she wanted or needed to make me feel bad.

And then, of course, there was the random busybody in every conversation offering to set me up with their daughter or niece.

“If only I had a date...” I mumbled. “No, a date will require actual attention...”

Seconds later, an insane idea sprang into my mind. I opened my laptop again and searched for agencies based out of Boston.

After a bit of research, I found what I was looking for. I sent an email to the agency’s director, informing her of what I needed. Two minutes later, I heard my computer ding.

“That was fast...” I muttered as I read the message, which told me I’d receive a call in the next hour to go over specifics.

I decided this was a conversation that would be better had in the privacy of my own home. I stood and walked out of the office, informing my assistant I would be leaving for the day.

My driver took me through the winding streets of New York before stopping in front of my building.

“Thank you, Thomas. I’ll see you tomorrow morning.”

“Yes, sir,” he replied stiffly.

I stepped out of the town car and made my way up to the penthouse level. I stepped into my apartment, barely managing to get my tie off before my cell phone rang.

“Tate Young,” I answered bluntly.

“Mr. Young, my name is Edna Smith. I’m calling from Advantage Incorporated.

“I was a bit surprised to receive your email asking for our services. I can’t imagine you having any problem finding a date for this event.”

I huffed. So maybe I had been voted most eligible bachelor a few times. Being the CEO of an extremely successful New York company would do that.

“Look, Ms. Smith,” I replied. “Finding a date is not a problem. But I am not in the mood to have to deal with a real date and her real expectations.

“I just need someone to fill the role, to make my family back off so I can get through this wedding as painlessly as possible. Is that something you can do? Or do I need to go elsewhere?”

“No, no, sir,” she spoke quickly. “We would be more than happy to help you out. Now, can you give me an idea of what you’re looking for?”

“Someone who doesn’t look like an obvious escort, someone with class. All I really need is someone who can keep up. These are high-end events with only top-tier guests.

“She needs to be able to make educated conversation and use the right damn fork at dinner,” I finished, pinching the bridge of my nose in irritation.

“Well, sir, all of my associates have class,” she replied bluntly. “I do have a few in mind for you. What about looks? You will want someone you are attracted to, yes?”

I sat down on the couch and closed my eyes.

“It doesn’t matter. I will not be sleeping with this woman. I don’t pay for sex. All I need is a date who can believably be my girlfriend. I don’t need some girl getting sloppy at the wedding.”

“I understand. But Mr. Young, if you don’t give me a general idea of looks, I can’t successfully give you a good match,” she said, sounding mildly irritated.

I thought about Jamie. She had been bright and beautiful, with her long blonde hair and thin frame. I shook my head, “Not a blonde.”

“I have the perfect girl in mind,” she said brightly. I could tell she was grinning on the other side of the phone. “I will send you the price breakdown and her information before tomorrow.”

“That’s fine. Thank you,” I replied before hanging up the phone. “What am I doing?” I asked myself as I fell back onto the couch.

“This is a stupid idea.” I paced the apartment for a while, talking myself into and out of the plan several times.

An hour later I opened an email with the bill. “You’ve got to be kidding me!” I hollered as I looked at the price.

I let out a huff before paying for the first half as my deposit. I didn’t even pay my lawyer that much.

“Well, there’s no going back now,” I mumbled.