Page 120 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“I said I’m paying.” Mano’s eyes narrowed.

Steve blinked. “When you say you’re paying…”

“Is there a word in that sentence you don’t understand?”

They exchanged looks.

Pierce opened the menu, his eyes nearly popping out of his head. “What the hell is this?”

Mano leaned back, completely at ease.

“Can I ask something?” Chris looked at Mano. “Are you rich?”

Ody nudged him. Chris coughed and grabbed the menu.

“Alright, I’m going in. Who’s coming?” Ody said, already pulling his shirt off.

“Are you crazy?” Steve said. “With an eleven hundred euro couch? I’m not moving.”

Ody laughed. “You’re such an idiot.” He stripped down, revealing his athletic frame, leaner next to Mano’s heavier build.

“I’m not going in yet. I brought Uno.” Pierce held it up.

“Oh, you’re dead.”

“I’m getting in.” Mano stood and pulled his shirt off.

All conversation stopped.

“Did we bring a personal trainer with us?” Chris chuckled, looking him over.

“Or one of those YouTube guys,” Pierce added.

“Damn, bro, you’re jacked,” Elias said, eyeing him. “You train?”

“Yeah,” Mano said, not looking up.

“Yeah, no shit. Look at those abs.”

“Alright, enough,” Ody cut in. “He’s right there, you know.” He turned and walked toward the water.

Mano followed, while the others stayed behind on the couches. He caught up with him just as they dipped their feet into the sea.

Leaning in, he murmured, “Someone’s jealous?”

Ody whipped his head around, glaring. “Mind your own business.”

Mano grinned. “Come on. You’re jealous of your own friends now?”

They waded in deeper.

“You didn’t see the way they were looking at you?” Ody said, his voice tight.

Mano let out a quiet laugh. “They’re straight.”

Ody’s expression didn’t change. “I was straight too. Until I met you.”

That knocked the smile off Mano’s face. Then it came back, slower. “You think I’ve got the power to turn straight guys gay?”