Page 109 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“You said you’d teach me how to cook,” Mano said.

A faint smile formed on Ody’s lips. “Come on. I’ll put an apron on you.”

“An apron?” Mano scoffed, pushing himself up. “I don’t own crap like that.”

The kitchen didn’t stay clean for long, bowls stacking up, utensils scattered across the counter.

Ody showed him each step, then handed things over, letting Mano try. “180 degrees. Forty minutes,” he said, sliding the pan into the oven. “Try not to forget everything I just taught you.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Mano rolled his eyes. “Your turn’s over. Come here.” He disappeared into the bedroom and came back with his guitar.

Ody looked up, already grinning.

“Let’s see what you’ve got, Mr. know-it-all,” Mano said, handing it to him.

Ody sat, resting it across his legs, fingers settling on the strings. “Watch closely,” he said. “You’re about to be amazed.” He dragged his hand across the strings. The sound was awful. Ody burst out laughing.

Mano winced, covering his ears. “Jesus—” He snatched the guitar back. “Even the neighbors are impressed. Hear that?”

“Hear what?”

“They’re coming up the stairs. Autographs, probably.”

Ody shoved him, laughing.

Mano laughed too, then sat beside him, settling the guitar on his lap. “Now watch,” he said. “Learn from the master.”

“Yes, master,” Ody said, smirking.

Mano’s fingers stilled before he played, the music stretching on for a while, the strings digging into their fingertips until the skin turned tender.

They put the leftovers in the fridge, then dropped back onto the couch, putting on a movie. Halfway through, Mano’s phone rang. He paused the movie, glancing at the screen. Nick. Something in his expression shifted.

“You’re not gonna answer?” Ody asked.

Mano silenced the call and hit play again.

Ody paused it. “Why aren’t you picking up?”

“We’re watching a movie,” Mano said, already reaching for the remote again.

Ody dragged it out of his reach. “The movie can wait. Mano… what happened in London between you two?”

Mano exhaled, looking away.

“You told me there’s something he doesn’t know,” Ody went on. “He supported you. Treated you like a real brother. Why are you shutting him out?”

“Ody…” Mano turned to him, his gaze hardening.

“Yeah, I know,” Ody said. “You don’t like talking about this. I’m not asking you to explain anything. I’m asking if you’ve thought about whether this is fair after—”

“After what?” Mano cut in. “After what, Ody?”

Ody didn’t answer.

“He walked away,” Mano went on. “Three years after our parents died. Left me alone. With our aunt.” A short breath slipped out. “And now I’m supposed to what? Forget it? Because he came back and said he loves me?”

Ody stayed still, his attention fixed on him.