Page 167 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody nodded, already moving with the beat, a grin forming. “This slaps.”

Mano chuckled. “I’ve got more. Wanna hear?”

“Obviously,” Ody said, already leaning in.

After a few more tracks, Ody looked at him again, his expression softening. “Is this what you want? To write music… have people sing your songs?”

Mano nodded.

“Why don’t you sing them yourself?”

Mano hesitated. “I told you…”

“Yeah, I know,” Ody said, voice soft. “But it’s something you shared with her. That doesn’t have to be a bad thing.”

“I’m not ready. Not in front of people.”

“So if someone wanted you to sing… you’d say no?”

“Yeah.”

“You’re okay with someone else getting the credit?”

“I don’t care. I just want to make music.”

“Still… your voice is too good to hide.”

Mano smiled, looking down.

“But have you at least tried?” Ody pressed. “Like… labels, promotion, anything?”

“No.”

“Why?”

Mano shrugged. “I’m not there yet.”

Ody stared at him. “Your songs are insane.”

Mano let out a faint laugh. “Yeah?”

“You know they are.”

Mano’s smile faded just a little.

“I’m sure people would love them,” Ody went on. “If you don’t go after it, no one’s going to do it for you.”

Mano shook his head, but there was no real argument behind it.

Ody held his gaze. “Chase it.” His tone softened, but it didn’t lose its weight. “I’ll help you in every way I can.”

Mano’s expression shifted. “The music I write has zero chance of being heard in Greece. If some record label in the US wants me, what will you do?” he asked, teasing.

“Oh, dude! Tours, concerts, crowds screaming your name… Manooooo!” he shouted, pitching his voice high. Mano gave him a light slap, and they both burst into laughter. “Come on, I’ll be your agent. I’ll book you the best gigs,” he added, straightening an imaginary tie, which only made Mano laugh harder.

Their eyes stayed locked, smiles lingering.

“Thank you.” Mano blinked slowly.