Page 130 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Bro, what?” Elias laughed. “If Steve hadn’t stepped in, we’d have found them in some weird-ass position.”

Mano shot him a look that went unnoticed.

Chris and Pierce looked at each other, wide-eyed, and wiped their mouths in disgust. Elias laughed even harder. Ody didn’t.

“Alright,” Steve cut in. “For the rest of our time here, you’re not drinking like that again. We could barely carry you.”

“Why not? Maybe the alcohol just brought out their real feelings,” Elias commented.

“Dude, what the fuck?” Pierce snapped.

“So what?” Ody said. “What does that change? They’re still the same people. Why do you even care?”

“Whoa, hold on,” Chris said. “I’m not into Pierce, alright? I was completely out of it last night.”

“Why does this bother you so much?” Steve asked, his eyes fixed on Ody.

Mano’s gaze snapped to him.

Ody’s breath caught. “You guys know I hate people being mocked and labeled,” he said, looking away.

“Yeah… we know,” Steve said, still watching him.

Ody looked at Elias. “So let’s say Dimitri started dating a guy.”

Mano’s stomach dropped.

“What would you do?”

The room went quiet.

“I mean… I’d probably tease him at first,” Elias admitted. “But… I’d get used to it.”

Chris shrugged. “He’s still our friend. It’d take some getting used to, sure. But… that’s it.”

Pierce nodded along.

Ody turned to Steve. “You?”

Steve leaned back. “I don’t like when people shove it in your face. Like bringing their boyfriend around and making out in front of everyone. Same shit with straight people.”

Ody swallowed as their eyes locked.

“Did you hear something about someone?” Steve asked, frowning.

“God, I hope it’s not John or George,” Elias said. “They’ve got girlfriends.”

Ody froze.

“Can you imagine John dating a guy while he’s still with Kara?” Elias went on.

Chris grimaced. “That’s the worst. If you like guys, fine. But don’t lie to your girlfriend, dude.”

Ody’s gaze dropped.

Mano noticed. Don’t react. Don’t slip, Ody. Not now, damn it.

Steve frowned when he noticed Ody staring at the floor.