Page 132 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Let’s send over some shots. But are they Greek or not?” Chris asked.

“Easy way to find out. Come on.” Elias grabbed Pierce and pulled him along.

The rest of them watched as they made their way over to the girls. A few minutes later, they came back.

“Buonasera!” Elias said, throwing his hand up in an exaggerated gesture. “They’re Italian, dudes. I’m going for the brunette.”

“Dibs on the redhead.”

“I’ll take the one with short hair.”

“Too slow, Mano. I got her first.” Elias shot him a smug grin.

Ody looked at Mano.

Not long after, the guys came back. “Unbelievable, man,” Elias groaned.

“What happened?” Steve asked.

“The brunette turned him down,” Pierce said, laughing as he slung an arm around Elias. “Didn’t even look at him. Just said, ‘Can you introduce me to your friend with the tattoos?’”

Every head turned to Mano. Ody’s jaw tightened.

“She said she likes guys with muscles,” Chris added.

Elias tipped his head back. “No way, Mano. Your triceps just stole my girl.”

“Go talk to her, man.” Pierce nudged him.

“What do you mean, just like that?” Ody cut in, drawing their attention.

“They’re clearly into each other,” Chris said. “What, we gonna check their zodiac signs too?”

“Maybe he doesn’t want to. Did you even ask him?” Ody said, eyes fixed on Mano.

“What do you mean?” Elias leaned forward a little too eagerly. “If you don’t, I’m going over there.”

“Come on, dude.” Pierce grabbed Mano by the arm and pulled him toward the girls.

Ody watched them go, his fingers curling tighter around his drink, while Steve gave him a quick look.

Chapter 28

By the time they reached the girls, Pierce was already grinning. “We’re back. He’s all yours,” he said to the brunette.

“Hi, I’m Elisa,” she said, raising her voice over the music.

“Mano.”

“How old are you?” Her Italian accent was clear.

“Twenty-three.”

“I’m twenty-four. Nice to meet you.” She held out her hand.

Mano just stared at it.

Chris was already talking to the girl with short hair, while Pierce had paired off with the redhead.