Page 5 of The Road Sometimes Taken

“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

2

THE SMUG MASTODONT

LONG LIVE (TAYLOR’S VERSION), TAYLOR SWIFT

May 31st - Now

Cara

“I’m goingto miss you too, sweetie girl,” I tell Azalea, the little girl I’ve worked with longer than any other student. “I’m sure you’ll have the best summer ever.”

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