Page 131 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Are you guys done with the bullshit so we can go eat something? I’m not in the mood for this right now,” Mano snapped, cutting in before anyone could keep going. “I’m hungry. I’m grabbing food.” He brushed past Ody, the others falling in behind him.

They ate at the hotel restaurant, Ody barely speaking, before the two of them headed back to the room.

The moment the door shut behind them, Mano let out a sharp breath and turned on him. “What the hell was that? You want them to figure everything out?”

Ody dropped onto the bed, his head hanging.

“You nearly gave it away.”

“If they find out about us…” Ody’s voice came out low, unsteady. “They’ll think I’m an asshole. They’ll hate me. They’ll call me trash for what I’m doing to Anna…”

Mano shut his eyes, exhaling through his nose. “I’m taking a shower.”

When he came back, dressed, Ody was lying on the bed, covers pulled up, scrolling aimlessly.

Mano lay down on his side, facing him. “Ody.”

No response.

“If you don’t want them to find out, stop acting like this. You’re not exactly hiding it.”

Ody didn’t react. Didn’t even look up.

“Either that… or fix it. Talk to Anna. Talk to them. That’s the only way this stops.” He turned his back to Ody and pulled out his phone.

When night fell, they headed to one of the biggest beach parties on the island. The moment they stepped into the crowd, the music hit them full force. Bodies pressed together, colored lights flickered over faces as people swayed to the beat.

“Take it easy with the drinks, yeah? Don’t start like last night again,” Elias warned Chris and Pierce.

They both glared at him. Chris leaned closer to Pierce, raising his voice over the music. “Dude, I’m telling you, I don’t buy it. They’re fucking with us.”

“Yeah, no way in hell.”

Drinks in hand, they loosened up fast, their attention drifting toward a group of girls nearby.

“The redhead’s hot,” Pierce said, taking a sip.

“Look at the brunette,” Elias added, eyes fixed on her. “I swear I’ve never seen a prettier girl.”

Steve glanced over but didn’t comment.

“The one with short hair’s pretty cute,” Chris said.

Ody stayed quiet and Mano didn’t even look at them.

“What about you, Mano?” Elias turned to him with a grin. “Which one do you like? Not you two,” he said, glancing at Ody and Steve. “You’re off the market.”

Ody’s eyes snapped to Mano. He hated this. Those girls were stunning.

“Come on, man.” Elias slung an arm around Mano’s shoulders. “Redhead, brunette, or short hair?”

Mano’s gaze drifted over them, lingering for a moment. “Brunette.”

“That’s my guy!” Elias punched his arm.

Mano turned. Ody was already looking at him.

“So what now? They’ve been checking us out all night,” Pierce said.