Page 21 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Music.”

“Oh, how nice! An artist!” Artemis said, already moving around the kitchen.

“Anastasia!” his dad called. “Your brother’s here, come out already!” He shook his head, then turned back to them. “Do you have any siblings, Mano?”

Mano’s eyes flicked to Ody for a brief second. “Uh… yeah. An older brother.”

“Ugh, it’s not like a celebrity showed up, it’s just my—” Anastasia started as she came out of her room. “Oh.” She stopped, her eyes lingering on Mano longer than they should have. “Hi,” she added, a small smile forming. “I’m Anastasia.”

Both Ody and his father shot her a look. “Kid,” her dad said, “look at boys your own age. Which, by the way, isn’t allowed until you’re eighteen.”

“Ugh, Dad,” she groaned, rolling her eyes. “How old are you?” she asked Mano anyway.

He hesitated, glancing between Ody and his father. “Twenty-three.”

“Oh… cool.” She twirled a strand of her brown hair.

“Alright,” her dad cut in, giving her a look. “That’s enough. Sit down.”

They all took their seats.

Mano sat with his posture stiff, eyes flicking between them.

Anastasia sat across from Mano, chin on her palm, watching him. Mano coughed, looking away. Ody shot her a look. She rolled her eyes and leaned back with a small huff.

“Go ahead, eat,” Artemis said, setting the dishes down.

Mano picked up his fork, watching the others before taking a bite.

“So, Mano, where are you from?” she asked.

“Volos.”

“Ah, nice. And how did you two meet?”

“Mutual friends,” Ody said. “We even went on a trip together with some of them.”

“Oh, with Anna and Steve? That’s great. How’s our Anna?”

Mano’s gaze dropped, his shoulders stiffening.

“She’s good,” Ody said, taking a sip of water.

“Mano, sweetheart, take your jacket off. It’s warm in here.”

He slipped it off, staying in his hoodie.

“Why didn’t Anna come this time?” his dad asked.

Ody glanced at Mano. “Thought I’d bring a friend instead.”

“Good,” his mom said with a smile. “We love meeting your friends.”

Mano gave a small, polite smile.

They ate in relative silence for a moment. Then a hand slid over Mano’s. He froze. He didn’t look down, didn’t move, just felt Ody’s fingers brush against his. His grip tightened around his fork as he tried to pull away subtly. He coughed, a little too loud, drawing everyone’s attention.

“Careful!” Artemis said, handing him a glass of water.