Chapter 9

DANIEL

"Mother, I'm not interested in any of those women," I point to the screen of my computer, "or any others you want to match me with in the future."

"But Daniel, you need to get a girlfriend and introduce her to your father, and it doesn't seem like you're doing anything about it. So let me handle it; I'll choose the right one for you."

I sigh in exasperation. When will she understand?

"I don't need you to look for one, and I'll find someone on my own without you being involved."

"Do you already have someone in mind?" she asks, raising her eyebrows.

"Sort of," I partly lie because I do have someone in mind.

"No," she denies, "You can't choose her; you'll do it wrong."

"Why not?" I exclaim, "You're not telling me to find a girl and pretend she's my girlfriend, and now you say I can't choose her. Mother, I'm not your toy."

"Son, don't be angry," she gets up from her seat and approaches me, "I just want the best for you, and if you're going to settle down like your father wants, it'