Page 226 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

Ody put on his favorite series. “Come back after.”

Mano gave a reassuring nod and left. Back at his place, the offer crept in again. It wouldn’t leave him alone. He got on his motorcycle and headed to the square they’d agreed on. The place was busy. He pulled off his helmet, scanning the crowd, when a light touch brushed his arm.

He turned and saw Ranya.

“Hey.”

“Hey, Ranya.”

“You look better.” She studied him. “I was worried last time I saw you.”

“Yeah…” He glanced down, not offering more.

“Did things get better?”

He let out a quiet breath. “What if I told you something else came up?”

Her brows pulled together. “What do you mean?”

He hesitated. “Ranya…”

“Yes?”

“I need your opinion on something.”

“Okay.”

They sat at a small café, neither of them bringing it up.

“I’m listening,” she said, her voice gentle.

Mano leaned back, exhaling. “If someone offered you your dream job… but it meant leaving someone you—” He stopped. “Someone you care about…” He looked at her, like he actually needed the answer. “What would you do?”

Ranya looked away. “I don’t know,” she admitted. “I guess it depends on how important that person is to you. A dream job… is not something you get twice.”

Mano nodded.

“But why are you asking?” She frowned. “Did someone make you an offer?”

He nodded again.

“What kind?”

“In London.”

Her eyes widened. “For how long?”

“Four years. Maybe more, if things go well.”

“Oh…” She laughed awkwardly. “Wow.” It took a second for it to sink in. “So… there’s someone making you hesitate?”

He gave a small nod.

“I wish it were me,” she said, looking down. She glanced back up, a sad smile forming. “Don’t worry. I know it’s not me.”

Mano didn’t say anything.

She let out a quiet breath. “She’s lucky.”