Page 137 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody’s eyes filled. The words sank in deeper than he expected. “Thank you,” he said. “That means a lot.” A tear slipped down, and he wiped it away with a shaky laugh. “Fuck. You don’t even know what that did to me.”

“Ody…” Mano said. “You’re still a good person if you leave someone you don’t want to be with.”

Ody shook his head, more tears slipping free. “I feel like a terrible person. And I haven’t even done it yet.”

“You’re not.” Mano moved closer and cupped his face. “You’re not.”

Their eyes held. Ody’s breathing eased, just a little. His heartbeat didn’t. “I love you, Mano.”

Mano’s thumb brushed over his cheek as he leaned in. Their lips met, slow and soft.

The music faded into the background. The waves filled the space between them as Ody wrapped his arms around Mano’s waist and pulled him closer.

“I fucking knew it.”

The voice cut through everything.

They broke apart, their heads snapping toward the sound. Ody pushed to his feet. Mano closed his eyes, turning his face away.

“Let me explain.” Ody took a step forward.

Steve didn’t move. His gaze flicked between them. “I knew something was going on between you two…”

Chapter 29

Ody stepped toward him, then faltered, the movement losing its certainty halfway through. His hand lifted, then stilled midair. “I’ll explain. Just… sit down.” He gestured toward the lounge chair, almost pleading.

Steve shook his head. “I could tell something was off. The bed you two are sharing... The way you got weird when they were talking about how jacked he is. And yesterday… you ran after him when he left with that Italian girl.”

“Steve, please…” Ody reached for his arm.

Steve dragged a hand over his buzz cut. “You’re with Anna, dude…”

Ody dropped his gaze. Across from them, Mano stayed where he was, silent.

“What the hell are you doing? With him?” Steve’s voice rose, his head snapping toward Mano.

“Calm down. Just listen to me,” Ody said, putting a hand on his shoulder.

Steve shrugged him off. “You’re with Anna, and you’re hooking up with him?”

Mano’s expression hardened.

“How long?” Steve asked, quieter now, but sharper. “How long has this been going on?”

Ody said nothing.

“How long have you been lying to Anna?” Steve went on. “To us? To me?”

Their eyes locked for a moment before Ody dipped his head.

Steve’s expression changed. Something clicked. “Since Serifos… This started in Serifos, didn’t it?”

Ody stayed silent.

“You were sharing a bed with Anna…” Steve exhaled. “What the hell are you doing?” He shoved him, hard enough to knock him off balance.

“Don’t touch him.” Mano was up before Ody could even steady himself.