Page 144 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“We went out to eat and…” Ody’s gaze dropped. “When I started talking… the waiter brought out a dessert.” He let out a shaky breath. “There was a candle. It was… our two-and-a-half-year anniversary.”

Mano glanced away, his jaw clenching.

“I tried,” Ody went on, quicker now. “I swear I did. I was going to tell her, I had already decided—” He swallowed. “But she… She said she wants us to spend more years together.”

Mano looked back at him. “Ody…” He hesitated, the words catching. “I think… I’m not good for you.”

Ody froze, his eyes snapping to Mano’s. “What are you talking about?”

“You’re like this because of me. Because of what you have to do for us. What if it’s… not worth it?”

“What?” Ody stared at him. “What do you mean it’s not worth it?”

“I can see what this is doing to you. All of it. And I just—”

Ody didn’t let him finish. He stood and pulled him into a tight embrace. “No. Don’t do this,” he said, his voice breaking. “I’ll talk to her. I will. Just… give me one more chance.”

Mano shut his eyes, like he was forcing himself to stay where he was. “What if next time you can’t again?”

Ody’s breath hitched. “I will. I promise.”

Silence stretched. Ody’s arms tightened around him, afraid to let go. “Please, don’t walk away. Don’t give up on me yet.”

Mano exhaled against his neck. “…Okay.”

Ody pulled back, relief hitting all at once, his hands still on him. “Thank you…” he whispered.

Mano held his gaze, then looked away.

They ended up in bed without talking about it. Ody stayed close, like Mano might disappear if he didn’t.

By morning, Mano was the first to get up, planning to check out a new gym and sign up. He parked his bike near the entrance and pulled off his helmet. As he headed toward the door, he spotted a familiar figure standing outside.

He stopped. His eyes locked on her.

Anna turned, like she’d felt him there. “Mano?” The surprise showed, though her voice stayed quiet.

“Hey.” He tried to hold her gaze, but it didn’t last.

“Do you work out here?” she asked.

“I was about to sign up.”

“Nice. I’m waiting for my best friend. She trains here.” Her phone buzzed and she glanced down.

Nicky: sorryyy gotta shower first I’m sweaty… wait for me?

“Uh… Mano?” She called as he headed toward the entrance. “Do you have a minute? My friend’s gonna take a while. I want to ask you something.”

His throat closed up. “I should probably get my membership sorted,” he said, trying to brush it off.

“It won’t take long. Let’s just sit over there.” She nodded toward a bench nearby.

The last thing he wanted was to talk to her. Shame twisted in his stomach. Facing her like this, knowing what he’d done behind her back, felt wrong on every level.

Still, he followed.

She sat first. He took a seat beside her, leaving space between them.