Page 135 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

When he reached them, he told the guys he was heading back to the hotel. Elias’s gaze flicked briefly toward Elisa before returning to him, a look that said enough. Mano didn’t even follow it. Just brushed it off and turned away.

Ody watched him go, his phone buzzing in his hand moments later.

Mano: Make up an excuse and come to the entrance. We need to talk

Ody stared at the message, his jaw tightening before he exhaled.

A few minutes later, he leaned closer to Steve. “Hey… I’m not feeling great. I think I’m gonna head back.”

Steve turned. “I’ll come with you.”

“No. Don’t. If you leave too, you’ll kill the vibe. I’ll grab a cab, it’s fine.”

Steve hesitated.

“I’ll see you in the morning,” Ody added, clapping him on the shoulder before he could argue.

The music dulled as soon as he stepped outside. Mano stood a few steps away, one hand in his pocket, the other on his phone. Ody slowed as he approached.

Mano looked up, his expression hardening the moment he saw him. “Walk.” He shoved his phone into his pocket and walked ahead without waiting.

They didn’t say a word in the taxi. Mano leaned back, staring out the window, his jaw tight. Ody sat beside him, quiet, his gaze drifting over the passing lights.

By the time they reached the hotel, neither of them had spoken. The door shut behind them.

Mano crossed the room, then turned, his hand dragging along his jaw as he looked at him. “What the hell are you doing?”

Ody gave a quiet, humorless laugh. “You’re really gonna turn this on me?”

“A few hours ago you were worried your friends would call you trash for what you’re doing to Anna,” Mano said, his voice low. “Now you’re practically putting us on display.”

“If you hadn’t flirted with her, I wouldn’t have done anything. I don’t like you with girls. Or anyone else. Is that so hard to understand?”

“What about Anna?” Mano shot back, his eyes locked on him. “Or does that only apply to me?”

Ody dragged a hand over his face, exhaling. “Do you know how long it’s been since I touched her?”

Mano looked away.

Ody let out a short breath. “She asked to come over. I made some stupid excuse. Drove her home.” His gaze flicked away. “I didn’t even kiss her.”

Their eyes met.

“She’s noticed,” he added, quieter. “I’ve been distant. It’s… fucking awkward every time we’re together. So don’t ask me about her.”

Neither of them moved.

“You wanna mess around with women, Mano? Do it. Just… not in front of me.”

Mano’s jaw tightened as he swallowed.

Ody watched him, something shifting in his expression. “I’m going to the lobby. I need a minute.” He turned, opened the door, and walked out.

By the morning of August fifteenth, the other four were already up and in high spirits. Mano and Ody weren’t.

A loud knock hit their door. Ody pushed himself up and opened it just as Elias and Pierce burst in.

“Good morning! Okay, today we’ve got a full schedule. First, we go see some old ruins, Chris insisted, then we hit a tavern for food, and after that, guess what?” Elias rattled off in one breath.