Page 115 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Nick’s gaze snapped past Ody as he stepped forward.

Mano looked up. His eyes widened as he shot to his feet. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Chapter 24

Nick’s attention settled on Mano. “I came to see you. I’ve been calling, but…” He trailed off. He knew Mano had been avoiding him. His gaze shifted to the boy with brown hair and green eyes. “You must be Odysseus,” he said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. “If I remember the description right.”

Ody didn’t move.

“I’m Nick. Nice to meet you.” He held out his hand.

Ody stared at it too long. All he could think about was what Mano had been through while Nick was gone. What his aunt had endured. What it had done to the boy he loved.

He hesitated, his focus lingering on the outstretched hand, before finally taking it.

“What makes you think you’re welcome in my house?” Mano’s voice cut through the room.

Nick’s eyes snapped back to him. “I told you I’d come to Greece at some point. That’s why I called, so we could meet somewhere. But you didn’t answer, so I thought I’d—” He stopped when he caught the look on Mano’s face.

Ody closed the door behind him. The click echoed.

Nick glanced at him, a slight frown forming. “Did I interrupt something?” His gaze moved between them. “What’s going on? Why are you both looking at me like that?”

“You’ve got some nerve,” Mano said through his teeth. “Showing up when you’re not wanted… and disappearing when you’re needed the most.”

Nick blinked. “What… What are you talking about? I thought… I thought we were starting over last time in London. I thought you’d give me a chance to—”

“You thought wrong.”

Silence stretched between them.

“You really expected me to just forget?” Mano gave a dry laugh. “Tell us, Ody. If you were me… would you forgive him?”

Nick turned to him.

Ody glanced at the floor. “I think I should go,” he murmured, taking a step back.

“Stay where you are. You’re not leaving. He is.”

Ody stilled.

“Do you know why he’s looking at you like that, Nick?” Mano said, his voice lower now. “Because he knows. He knows what happened eight years ago.”

Nick blinked rapidly, staring at his little brother.

Mano let out a sharp breath. “Do you want to know what I went through? What aunt went through while you were in London?” He didn’t wait. “I spent fifteen days in the hospital.”

The words didn’t land at first.

“Auntie had nowhere to stay. They smashed her windows. Destroyed her car. And where the hell were you?”

Nick’s lips parted. “She… she never told me anything.”

“Of course she didn’t. Why would she? Why ruin your life? Why burden you with guilt?” His jaw tightened. “You were off getting your education. You left everything behind. Including us.”

Nick’s eyes filled.

“Do you know what it’s like,” Mano went on, quieter now, “to wake up every day… and wish you didn’t?”