1. TruthDare

1

TRUTH OR DARE

CONTRATO, MALUMA

April

Manny

“Do you have any plans for the holiday weekend, Mr. Z?” Kate, my assistant—at least, the assistant of this past month—asks with a sensual tone as she wraps a lock of her hair around her finger. I don’t know how many times I told Gus to stop hiring girls that are more worried about fucking one of us, or both, instead of people who are here for the job. Kate is at least competent, but the flirty looks and innuendos need to stop. I might be known for never having a serious girlfriend and bringing different dates to every event, but I draw the line at work. My heart is not built for the complications a lawsuit might bring and I don’t want to have to spend a week in the hospital with high blood pressure. I don’t have time for that.

“I’m having dinner with my family tonight and will be flying to the New York office right after,” I answer. I try to not be an asshole, but also not a flirt—which seem to be my two personalities. The man behind the suit is not who I am with my people; but lately, that’s all I’ve been: Manuel Zabana, co-CEO of Zabana Enterprises. No time for fun or games. This is the first time in a while I have taken time off. Even if it’s just a day.

Gus and I own Zabana Enterprises. We both created the space from scratch and it was our hard work that made it what it is today: a Fortune 200 wealth management company. In the past couple of years, Gus has taken a step back and works more regular hours. Meaning someone had to pick up the slack, which happened to be me. Yes, the company can pretty much run itself; but if nobody’s supervising, how do we make sure it stays that way? How do we make sure all our hard work doesn’t go down the drain or that the best interest of our clients stays front and center?

“Do you need a plus one?” she asks, walking toward me. Her steps are determined and her hips sway like a woman on a mission. This has been happening more and more now that Forbes added me and Gus as part of their ‘Top Ten Empire Bachelors Under Thirty.’ It didn't help that the following week, we were in the tabloids for being the most likely not to settle down. People were placing bets on who could make Augusto and Manuel Zabana settle. Jokes on them, I’m already married. My whole life is committed to the two things I love: my job and my family. So the only reason I leave work on a Friday is them, my family.

“I don’t. Thanks for offering though,” I say, getting up from my brown leather chair and pushing it in under the desk. My office in Jacksonville has a nice view of the St. Johns River. I made sure to position my desk across from the tall windows so when I leave every day, I get the view as I walk toward the exit and get back into the confinement of my car. Even if I don’t get a breath of fresh air, at least this way I can see nature. Sort of.

“Goodbye, Kate. Felices Pascuas? 1 and see you next week.” I close the door to my office, leaving her inside, and get out of this place. Hopefully I make it to Allie’s house before she kills me over being late to her dinner.

“?Llegó el que faltaba!? 2 ” I shout as I open the door to Allie and Jake’s house. The wooden door has a sign that says, Welcome, come on in , so I follow the instructions and push the door wide open, stepping in and walking to the living room. I’m so fucking happy my sister finally got over her bullshit and told this guy how she really feels. I don’t know what the hell happened between them all those years ago, but clearly it was a mistake because I’ve never seen her happier than she is right now.

She decided to host Easter at their house and our whole family is coming, except my dad. None of us are close to him but his relationship with Allie is the worst out of all of us. He acts like an asshole half the time, so I don’t blame her. I’m pretty sure the only reason Mom is still with him is because he treats her like a queen. But he only loves her like that; everyone else’s affection is measured by how successful we are and what we can bring to the table. I guess when Allie decided to become a teacher, knowing she wasn’t going to make the type of money he does, their feud started.

Allie planned this weekend and made me swear I was going to give her three days of my time. We closed the office for the first time in years and here we are. At the beck and call of our sister, celebrating her joy.

“Manuel, you’re late,” Allie snaps, kissing my cheek and giving me a hug before adding, “I’m glad you came, though. Gus is here already; come on.”

I take the time to look around and I see my mom sitting with Cara’s mom, sipping on wine and talking about who knows what. Gus is sitting on the couch with a glass of tonic water with lime that I can recognize from a mile away. He stopped drinking a while ago and hasn’t gone back. Allie disappears into the kitchen and as I follow her, the bounciest girl with sage green eyes walks out and smiles big at me. Cara : my sister’s best friend who I was sure I would see since the two are inseparable.

“Long time no see, big guy!” Cara exclaims as she wraps her arms around me in a warm hug. Her excitement is infectious—it always has been, and I can’t help but feel comfort at the familiar gesture. It’s strange how my body always seems to react this way when she’s near— a gentle reminder of our shared history and friendship. A history that I’ve always wanted to be more but considering she’s my sister’s best friend, it never has.

I pull back slightly, playfully ruffling her hair. Cara is a little taller than average height, standing around five-foot-six or seven; but at six-foot-two, I still tower over her. Despite the height difference, there’s something about her presence that makes her feel like she’s standing eye-to-eye with me.

“Oh, well hello, Carita, always a pleasure to see me, I’m sure.”

She scoffs and walks past me. “I see you’re as insufferable as ever.” She plops on the couch next to Gus, putting her feet on his lap and clinking her glass to his with a soft salud. That’s what I need after a long and tedious day: a drink.

I step into the kitchen, where the air is thick with the rich aroma of simmering spices and fresh herbs. The room is bathed in the warm golden light of hanging pendant lamps, their soft glow highlighting the dark-colored floor and the worn wooden cabinets.

Jake is busy at the stove, stirring a pot with a wooden spoon, and the sound of sizzling and occasional bursts of fragrant steam rise from the pan. The smell of something that could only be described as homey wafts through the room, mixing with the faint hint of aged oak and the sweet undertone of vanilla in the air. Allie always has vanilla something in the air. And even with the food overpowering it, you can still get small hints of the scent.

“What’s up, bro? Good to see you.” I step closer while I greet him and shake his hand before pulling him into a side hug. The warmth of the kitchen and Jake’s friendly smile make it feel like a perfect welcoming home.

“There’s beer and peach wine in the fridge, and red wine on top of the counter over there,” he replies, pointing to the end of the counter where a bottle of Cabernet sits with a couple of glasses. I opt for beer because I don’t feel like passing out on Allie’s couch and that’s exactly what will happen if I start drinking red wine right now.

I join the rest of the party in the living room. Everyone’s casually sitting, talking to each other about nothing and everything at the same time. The doorbell rings and we all look, knowing quite well that not many people would ring the bell when our family is hosting. We’re more of a ‘welcome everyone in at any given moment’ family.

Four people walk in. Two I know but forgot their names from back in high school and two I’ve never seen before. A huge dude covered in tattoos and an I-might-kill-you stare holds the door open for everyone else. Before anyone can introduce them, the tiny, tatted pixie blonde says, “What’s up, everyone? I’m Roe, this is Saint, and this is Natalie and Nick.” Cara all but hops off her seat and runs to tackle both girls.

Natalie and Nick. I remember Natalie from school. Pretty redhead who was always glued to Nick’s hip, the team’s linebacker. She’s still gorgeous but something in her eyes makes her seem… I don’t know, tired, maybe? I offer my hand to both of them and to Saint. I wish I could say the same for Roe, but she disappears into the kitchen with Cara in tow.

“How come they don’t get any shit about being late?” I ask Allie. She scoffs as she passes me with utensils in her hand and shakes her head, ignoring my comment and carrying on setting the table.

“Do you need help?” Mom asks.

“No, dinner’s ready and everyone’s here. Let’s eat,” Allie answers her, tapping her fingers gently on top of the wooden table.

The rustic dark brown table is set with chairs for all of us, with a variety of dishes in the middle. This looks like a good combination of Southern and Dominican food. There’s arepitas, locrio de chuleta, collard greens, and creamed corn. The table is huge, and it takes up most of the space in the large dining room. Everyone sits after Allie and Jake hover behind the chairs they’re sitting in and before I know it, there’s only one chair left, directly across from Cara.

Cara and my sister have been friends all their lives. Our moms are best friends and even though we moved to a different town when we were kids, they’ve always been inseparable. Cara has a little sister too, Nellie, but we don’t hang out with her much since she’s like eight years younger. She might be with her dad, since neither are here .

You’d think that growing up with Cara always being around, I wouldn’t be plagued by the thoughts racing through my mind right now. But I’ve always found myself wondering about the possibilities with her. There’s something almost magical about her—her incredible figure and the way she moves with such confidence, so unapologetically herself. I remember when her hair was light brown, but she’s been rocking blonde silky waves since high school. Regardless of the change, she remains absolutely stunning. Her mossy green eyes, flecked with glimmers of gold, seem to connect with me every time and I find myself lost in them more than I should. No matter where she is in the room, my eyes always gravitate toward her. It’s both a blessing and a curse.

“Do I have something on my teeth?” she asks, snapping me out of it.

“What? No, no I was just looking at your face proportions.” I wink at her and she rolls her eyes. I love getting a rise out of her. She’s always keeping everyone else on their toes so when I get to do the same to her, it always feels good.

“So, Gus, what are you doing the rest of the weekend? God knows that Manny will be working the whole time he’s not in this house. Have you ever considered telling your brother that he can chill a little?” Allie asks, ignoring the fact I’m sitting right here as she throws jabs my way.

“Going to Savannah to spend the week the minute this weekend is over,” he replies with a mischievous look on his face, and to that Allie sticks her tongue out at him.

“Oh, my sister will be in Savannah too, celebrating her twenty-first birthday,” Cara adds and I’m shocked, to say the least. I still remember little Nellie running around terrorizing all of us but suddenly she’s old enough to drink. Where has the time gone?

“Maybe she has a friend she’d like me to meet. You know I’ve gotta let some of this energy out,” Gus teases, pretending like he’s fucking under the table.

“Por Dios, Augusto. ?Cuándo vas a madurar, muchacho?? 3 ” Mom asks while Allie smacks him on the shoulder. I don’t think he’ll ever grow up, but people can say the same about me. Yes, I spend a lot of time at work, and I don’t play around with my business; but when I go out to dinner or bars, I act like a twenty-one-year-old. And sometimes even worse. It’s the best way to get out—what was it that Gus called it? Energy .

“Cara,” my mom says, changing the topic of this conversation. “Your mom was telling me you’re moving back. That makes me so happy, sweetie.”

“Yeah, I just need to sort out the details,” she replies, her voice trailing off into a thoughtful murmur. Cara stares at the table, her fingers fidgeting with the edge of the table. “Even if it means selling her.” Her gaze remains distant, a hint of sadness flickering in her eyes.

“Even if I have to fly to get you, Cara, you’re both coming,” Allie insists, and Cara brings her hand to her lip, blowing her a kiss.

“Who is she ?” I ask, confused by the conversation. “Do you have a puppy or something?”

Cara smirks and shoves a piece of biscuit into her mouth. She doesn’t answer my question and just continues eating her food.

I look at Allie, trying to get answers, and she explains, “It’s her van. She won’t drive it on the highway, especially not towing a trailer full of her stuff, but she also doesn’t want to sell it.”

“Because it’s my baby,” Cara whines. “I refuse to leave her behind, but I also don’t want to drive it for endless hours by myself. So I have to figure something out.”

“What about that boyfriend of yours you always keep around?” I ask, thinking of the same guy she’s been with since high school. Every time I see her, he’s there, staring at every man who comes near them as competition. But every girl that passes gets ogled like they’re dessert, no matter that the most beautiful girl in the world is by his side.

As soon as the words leave my mouth, the room falls into an uneasy silence. Heads turn, but everyone avoids my gaze. The only person who doesn’t look away is Cara, and she’s staring at me with wide eyes as if she’s just seen a ghost.

“What?” I add, breaking the heavy silence.

Natalie, of all people, is the first to speak up. “Let’s just change the topic, okay?” she suggests, her tone firm but tinged with discomfort.

“It was just a question,” I say, raising my hands in a gesture of surrender. Yet, despite my better judgment, I press on. “But really, Cara, if the van’s important to you, shouldn’t he be helping out?”

“Enough,” Mom interjects, her voice sharp and uncharacteristically stern. “Stop pushing it, Manuel. I raised you better than this. Show some manners and eat your dinner.”

Everyone quickly turns their attention to their plates, resuming their meals with a quiet intensity. The conversation is buried, but Cara’s sudden shift in demeanor makes it clear that the topic hasn’t been forgotten.

After dinner, we’re all outside by the fireplace, talking. The sky is illuminated by bright stars, a typical view in Baker that never gets old. Baker is far enough from the city that you feel close to the stars—not that I’ve ever stopped to look at them more than just a glance. The fire casts a glow around my friends’ faces and I wish I could say I stopped to appreciate them all, but my eyes are always glued to my sister’s best friend. Fuck .

I try to keep my mind off Cara and catch up with my mom. She’s hands down my favorite person in the world and sometimes I just want to sit by her, lay my head on her lap, and let her talk to me like a little boy. I don’t, of course, but that’s what I want.

The tattooed blonde walks out with a tray of shots and sets them on a table, calling us all to come closer to a circle.

“This is our cue,” my mom says, grabbing Cara’s mom by the arm and standing up.

“Adios, Ma. Hablamos pronto? 4 ,” I call.

“Si, mi amor. Love you guys, good to see you.” They both go around the yard and leave through the garden gate. This is a beautiful property and every detail I notice makes me appreciate it even more.

“Alright, party animals, it’s time for truth or dare,” Cara shouts with a grin, handing out shots to everyone. “I know you forgot how to have fun without having your dick six inches deep into your fuck of the week, but this is what we’re doing,” she adds, catching my annoyed glance.

“More like nine,” I shoot back with a playful wink.

“Seriously, you two need to cut it out,” Allie interjects, exasperation clear in her voice. “Can we just be civilized for one night? For me?” We both nod in agreement. “Cara, let’s keep this light. We’re not twenty-one anymore.”

Cara sticks her tongue out at Allie but then turns her attention back to me with a mischievous glint in her eye. “Since you were being such a pain, Manny, you can kick things off.”

I meet her gaze with a smirk. “Right back at you. Cara, truth or dare?”

“Truth it is, hotshot. Let’s keep it easy for your vanilla sister over here,” Cara says with a mischievous smile, settling herself playfully on Allie’s lap and planting a kiss on her cheek.

“Who says there’s anything vanilla about Allie?” Jake teases with a smirk, and everyone laughs except Gus and me.

“Gross,” I add while Allie blows a kiss my way.

The girls all do a kind of oohs and aahs and Cara wraps her arms around Allie in a tight hug before sauntering over to the spot directly across from me. “Don’t worry, Jake, I won’t be stealing your girl tonight. But when I move this summer, I’ll definitely need to squeeze in some more quality time with my girl, okay?”

“Sure,” Jake adds, smiling and sipping on his beer.

As soon as Cara says that I remember nobody really gave me details on why her boyfriend won’t drive her back or why everyone was being weird about it. She picked truth, and because I have zero self-preservation skills, I use my question to ask, “Cara, why can’t you ask what’s-his-face to drive you back?”

“Cono Manuel, por Dios? 5 ,” Allie snaps.

“Cara, you want me to punch him in the face for you?” Roe— was that her name? —asks, acting like she is about to stand up, but her guy pulls her back.

“It’s fine,” Cara insists. She puts her forearms on her thighs and stares at me head on. “Manny, since you clearly forgot your manners or when to drop the topic, I’ll answer your question. But you better watch it because I’m coming for you next.” She downs the wine she was drinking as if it were the shot on her right hand and fire blazes in her eyes, darkening the color to a deep forest green. Ay cono ? 6 .

“We’re not together anymore,” she continues. As I start to respond, she raises her index finger and adds, “Before you say you’ve heard this before, let me make it clear: it’s over. He’s engaged to someone else now. We don’t discuss it. We’ve moved on, so please drop it.”

I take a deep breath. “I’m really sorry,” I admit, my voice tinged with regret because this one I clearly fucked up. “I didn’t know.”

“You’re not. You wanted to know and now you know. Now, drink. I answered, so you lose,” she sasses.

“That’s not how this game goes,” I protest.

“It’s the way we play,” Natalie says.

I shrug, grabbing the shot in front of me. I chug it, letting it burn my throat —my dignity with it. If I didn’t feel like an ass before, I sure do now.

“Who’s next?”

We play for rounds and rounds. I lost count after the fifth and to be honest I’m too tired to even attempt to count anymore. Everyone takes a turn asking a question or setting up a dare. I’ve had to call out from work Monday, call my mom to sing to her, answer how many women I have been with and because I don’t fuck and tell, I choose the shot. This is supposedly the last round, and I can’t wait to be done with it so I can go to bed. I’ve had enough to drink to not drive back to the city. JJ, the company’s driver in Jax, will come get me. I already messaged him and he’ll be here in ten.

“Manny, truth or dare,” Allie says, with her know-it-all face and I immediately know I’m fucked either way.

I decide to at least go down with flair, so I answer, “Dare.”

“I dare you to take time off and fly to Cara’s in June to help her move back home.”

Cara spits her drink at the same time that Roe shouts, “Oh shit!” Cara continues to cough, her eyes wide with surprise.

Saint and Jake laugh. Nick and Natalie shake their heads, and Gus smacks my shoulder before saying, “You did this to yourself, bro.”

I could just drink the shot, walk out of here, and it won’t be a big deal. I could shake this off and pretend like I don’t want to play games. But sometimes, surprising everyone by doing the unexpected is the way to go.

“When’s your last day at your current place, Cara?” I ask, keeping my tone steady but curious.

Cara looks at me with a mix of irritation and resignation. “Don’t listen to her, Manny. Just take the damn shot,” she snaps, her eyes narrowing.

I raise an eyebrow and remain unmoved. “When, Cara?” I ask again, my voice flat.

Natalie, leaning casually against Nick, chimes in with a hint of mischief. “June fifth,” she says, her eyes sparkling as if she’s loving this more than a telenovela.

Cara’s frustration is palpable as she whirls toward Natalie. “Whose side are you on, Nat?” she snaps.

Natalie, unfazed and smiling, replies, “Yours, sweetie. It’s a win-win. Just take it.”

“The hell I will. Manny has zero time for anything, let alone to drive me back home. It’s dumb. Take the shot, Manny,” Cara bites .

“He won’t have to worry about work,” Gus offers, and I look at him, throwing mental daggers at his forehead.

“You know what? Maybe he’s too chicken to actually do it. But what do I know—I just met the guy,” Roe adds, and the group of drunks just burst out laughing. Everyone but Cara. Cara is sitting there with her arms crossed over her chest and as red as a tomato.

“Cara?” I say, raising my eyebrows at her.

“Take the shot, Manuel.”

There’s a moment of silence, at least between us. The rest of the group is shouting and hollering. Some are screaming “Shot!” and some are saying do it. I can’t think straight but all I know is I’m not a quitter and I’m a man of my word. I give a small, knowing smile and stand, placing my still-full shot glass on the table.

“See you in June, Carita,” I murmur, my voice carrying a note of finality. “Buenas noches? 7 , everyone. Until next time.”

1 ? Felices Pascuas: Happy Easter

2 ? It’s a colloquial phrase that means the one who was missing has arrived

3 ? When will you grow up?

4 ? Goodbye, mom. Talk to you soon.

5 ? Shit, Manuel. For the love of God.

6 ? Oh shit.

7 ? Good night