“That’s amazing, Manu. I’m so proud of you. Keep working hard, and you’ll get there.” I adjust the mask, the snug fit unfamiliar to me. “How’s school? Remember that you can’tonly focus on soccer if you want to secure those scholarships.”
My cousin groans, his happiness deflating. “Yeah, yeah. Mom’s on my case about grades, as usual. She’s getting me a tutor for math, paying for it with the money you sent us.”
“That’s good.”
He rolls his eyes, showing his age. “Enough about me. What’s with the suit and mask?”
“Heading to the Halloween party with the guys.”
Manuel leans closer, smile widening again. “You know, it’s the first time I've seen a masked man with a man bun, but it doesn’t look too bad if I’m being honest.”
I snort. “Thanks, primo.”
He lowers his voice, so his mom doesn’t hear him. “And the ladies? You must have an entourage, right?”
It’s my turn to roll my eyes. Oh, how I remember having a one-track mind at his age as well. “I’m here to have fun with my team, not pick up women.”
“Yeah, sure. Do you actually believe that yourself?”
Before I can respond, there’s a knock on my hotel room door.
“Gotta go. Keep me posted on everything, okay?”
“You got it, Ras,” he replies. “And hey, have fun tonight. You deserve it.”
“And you keep studying and playing hard.”
“Will do. Love you, primo.”
“Love you too, Manu.”
I end the call, slip my phone into the front pocket of my suit and stare at my reflection one last time. A masked man, but with a man bun. Manu’s right; it’s a little ridiculous. But maybe tonight that’s exactly what I need. It’s a chance to step outside my comfort zone, to forget the weight of the past twelve months and the expectations that follow me everywhere.
The knock on the door comes again, firmer this time. I take a breath, secure the mask in place, and step forward. It's time to see where the night takes me.
2
FINDING TIME FOR A TIME-SUCKING ACTIVITY SUCH AS MODERN DATING IS LAST ON MY LIST
HAISLEY
The ear-splitting sound of the alarm jolts me awake, and I curse under my breath, hitting snooze one more time. These 6 a.m. calls to the Maravilla board of directors in Spain should be illegal. But I can't change the fact that my maternal grandparents founded the second-largest cosmetics brand in Europe. What Icandois doze for another five minutes. Heck, I’d probably sleep another three or four hours if not for this early meeting.
Maravilla is a family legacy built on decades of hard work, sacrifices, and innovation. As the first grandchild, I inherited my mother’s board seat after her passing, but I never aspired to be part of it. My extended family ran the company fine without me, calling me into monthly meetings once I was legally an adult. Now, those meetings happen weekly with major changes on the horizon.
Balancing my role on the board with my career as a fashion buyer has been a challenge for the past six months. I’m still determined to carve out my own path rather than work solelyfor the family business. But I’m starting to slowly realize this pace may not be sustainable much longer. There needs to be some changes if I want to keep both roles.
The alarm blares again, taking me away from my thoughts. Shutting it off, I drag myself out of my warm, comfy, king-sized bed. Downstairs, I start my morning routine by gathering green smoothie ingredients, then open my cupboard of funny mugs. Grabbing the one that saysBad Ass Bitch Fuel, I fill it halfway with cold brew and add pumpkin spice creamer. One sip in, I set it down and start tossing smoothie ingredients into the blender.
While the blender does its thing, I run back upstairs for my phone. Five missed calls and a string of texts from tío Pepe, the CEO, greet me. My stomach tightens as I skim through them.
Tío Pepe
Why aren’t you answering your phone?
Oh, sorry, I forgot the time difference.
I wanted to let you know that the meeting is canceled today.
