Page 58 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Alright, that’s enough,” the blond man cut in. “We all want the same thing here.”

The door opened. Nick walked in, dressed in a black suit, black shirt, and a gray tie.

Their eyes met, and everything from yesterday came rushing back.

“Good morning,” Nick said, taking his seat at the head of the table. “Is everyone here?”

The meeting began.

Two hours later, the room had emptied. The last of the executives stepped out, the door clicking shut behind them.

Nick remained at the head of the table, hands resting on the surface. Watching. Mano sat three chairs down, still, his fingers loosely holding the edge of the folder.

“How are you?” Nick asked in Greek.

Mano let out a dry breath, his gaze dropping before lifting again. “If one more person asks me that today, I’m ending up in handcuffs.” He snapped the folder shut and pushed back his chair, the sound sharp against the quiet.

Nick’s eyes followed him. “Wanna grab a coffee?”

Mano paused mid-step. It looked like he might ignore him, walk out. Instead, he glanced over his shoulder. “Is there anything left to say?”

Nick hesitated, just enough to give it away. “It’s not about yesterday. Please.”

Mano held his gaze. His jaw tightened, then released. He turned away first, without saying anything. He walked out, and Nick was already on his feet before the door fully closed, following him without another word.

They ended up in a sleek café, all glass and polished surfaces, quiet enough that every movement carried.

Mano had already taken off his blazer, sleeves rolled up, the top button of his shirt undone. His second coffee sat untouched in front of him, the ice cubes slowly melting into it.

“How are things in Athens?” Nick asked carefully. “College?”

Mano didn’t answer right away. He lifted his gaze, eyes settling on him with something sharp. “Don’t act like the big brother,” he said. “It’s making me sick.”

Nick’s throat closed up. He glanced down at his glass, fingers brushing the edge. He tried again. “Are you seeing anyone?”

Mano’s eyes narrowed. “What are you doing?”

“What do you mean?”

“Trying to act like you care.”

Nick’s jaw shifted. “I’m not acting. I care. I’m your brother.”

“You stopped being my brother the moment you walked away.”

“I’ll fix that,” Nick said.

Mano leaned back in his chair, exhaling through his nose, like he needed distance just to stay in the conversation.

“So?” Nick tried again, quieter now. “Any cute girls?”

A small grin pulled at Mano’s lips, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “Kind of.”

Nick leaned forward. “Tell me about her.”

Mano crossed his arms. “Tall. Brown hair. Green eyes.”

Nick nodded, studying him. “Nice. How’d you meet?”