Page 127 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“The rest of us aren’t,” Pierce added.

Chris snorted. “What are you talking about? Ody has a girlfriend.”

“Oh, right. Anna,” Pierce said with an awkward laugh.

Ody looked down at his drink. The name alone made his stomach twist.

Mano turned toward the ocean, taking a slow sip, his gaze fixed on the water.

They ordered another round. When the shots came, Ody and Mano both passed. Chris and Pierce didn’t hesitate, knocking them back.

“Shit, guys…” Pierce swayed, blinking hard. “Everything’s spinning.” He laughed.

“Come on, drink up!” Chris yelled, grabbing Ody and Steve, nearly stumbling as he pulled them along.

“We should sit them down before they drop,” Steve said.

Ody nodded. They steered them away from the crowd toward a row of empty lounge chairs, Ody and Steve handling Chris, while Elias and a very unwilling Mano dragged Pierce along.

They dropped them onto the chairs, slumping against each other, heads tipping forward.

“I’ll grab some water for them,” Ody said.

“I’ll come with you,” Steve added.

“I’m coming too,” Elias said. “Gotta take a piss,” He jerked his chin toward Mano. “Don’t let them die.” He didn’t wait for an answer, already heading off.

Mano stood there, watching them go. Then, he glanced over at them. Chris and Pierce were swaying where they sat, barely holding themselves upright. He let out a breath, then turned and headed for the water, ignoring their slurred muttering. He bent down, picked up a few pebbles, and started skipping them across the surface. He grabbed another, sending it farther this time, watching the ripples spread under the dim lights reflecting off the water.

Behind him, their voices blurred together, laughter slipping into something indistinct.

Another stone left his hand.

“What the hell are you guys doing?” Steve’s voice rang out behind him.

Mano turned just in time to see Chris and Pierce kissing.

Elias burst out laughing behind them.

Pierce collapsed back onto the chair. Chris missed his and dropped onto the sand. Elias doubled over laughing.

Ody stood there, water bottle in hand, completely still.

Mano stepped back toward them, as Steve rounded on him. “Didn’t we tell you to keep an eye on them?”

Mano shrugged. “What’s the big deal?”

“Are you serious right now? They’re wasted! They’re not even fucking gay!”

Mano’s expression went cold.

Ody’s shoulders tensed. “Just wake them up. Give them some water,” he said. “Pierce, Chris… wake up.” He shook them where they lay, but they only groaned, eyes still shut.

When it became clear they weren’t going to be walking anytime soon, they all ended up sitting down.

No one said anything.

Steve’s leg bounced restlessly. Ody stared at the ground, his chest tightening after hearing what his best friend said. If he finds out about Mano and me… how will he react? What if he doesn’t want to be friends anymore?