Page 184 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Chris let out a slow breath. “Did Steve know?”

Ody looked down. “He saw us,” he said. “In Mykonos. On the beach. I asked him not to tell you.” He looked back at him. “I’m sorry, Chris. I just… I wasn’t ready. He found out by accident. I was gonna tell you, I swear—”

“I wanna know two things.” Chris studied him.

Ody’s stomach dropped. Every muscle in his body seemed to lock. He waited for it. The anger. The disappointment. Maybe even hearing that he’d ruined their friendship.

“First,” Chris said, more serious now, “why you look like you’re about to fall apart. This isn’t only because of Anna, is it?”

Ody exhaled, gaze dropping to the floor.

“And second…” Chris shifted, scratching the back of his neck. “Look, bro, I know this is a dick question, I know, I’m sorry, but I really wanna know, alright? I swear I’m gonna lose my mind if I don’t ask this.” A grin slowly spread across his face. “Who’s top and who’s bottom?”

Ody turned to him. A disbelieving look crossed his face.

Of all the things he expected… this definitely wasn’t it.

“Did you seriously just ask me that?” Ody stared at him, while Chris just grinned.

“Yeah. Pretty sure I already know the answer.”

Ody raised a brow. “Oh, yeah? And what would that be?”

“That you’re the bottom.” Chris shrugged. “I mean, he’s twice your size. It wouldn’t even make sense the other way around.”

“He’s not twice my size.” Ody narrowed his eyes.

“Come on,” Chris smirked. “Just admit it.”

“Admit what?”

“That I’m right. Can you seriously picture Mano like that?” He let out a laugh. “In what universe?”

Ody huffed, turning his head away. “Yeah, okay. You got it right.”

“I knew it!” Chris shot up, way too pleased with himself. “I know it’s none of my business, I’m sorry, I won’t ask anything personal again.”

Ody glanced back at him.

“Honestly, though… I never noticed anything. You two were good at hiding it,” Chris added, almost impressed.

“You’re not exactly known for being sharp,” Ody muttered.

“Huh?” Chris frowned.

“Nothing.”

Chris’s mouth fell open. “Did you just call me stupid?”

Chapter 38

It was late when Nick got back to his London apartment. The city stretched beyond the glass, lights spilling inside. Polished surfaces, the sleek kitchen untouched, everything exactly as he’d left it.

He loosened his tie as he walked past the living room, his gaze flicking to the large abstract painting on the wall before he looked away.

He didn’t stay up long.

His alarm went off early the next morning. He moved through his routine without thinking. Espresso, a quick bite, then into his closet. Rows of suits, watches, and polished shoes lined the space. He didn’t hesitate, reaching for a tailored black suit, a crisp white button-up, a black tie, and a matching watch. He paused in front of the mirror, pushing his black hair back with practiced ease, a single strand slipping free and falling across his forehead.