Page 223 of Once in a Lifetime, Part 2

“Ody… I don’t know yet.”

“You told me this is your dream. And I told you I believe in you.”

Mano looked at him, but didn’t answer.

“If you hadn’t met me, you’d already be on a plane and we both know it.”

“But I did meet you. And—” He stopped himself. “It complicates things.”

“So you’d give up your dream for me?”

Mano looked at him, the thought hitting all at once. “Come with me.”

Ody blinked. “What?”

“Come with me. To London.”

Ody let out a breath, shaking his head. “Mano… it’s not that simple.”

“I know you have school. And your family, your friends. You have everything here.” He hesitated. “Unlike me. I don’t have anything holding me back. Except you.”

Ody stilled.

“But maybe it could be a new beginning for both of us. Think about it,” Mano went on, something almost hopeful breaking through. “You could finish your studies in London. You speak perfect English. And… you could find a job and—”

“Mano…” Ody closed his eyes, letting out a long breath. When he looked at him again, his gaze was steady. “I can’t just leave. I don’t have money. I don’t even have a passport. Where would I stay? How would I live? What about university? I still have two years left. And my friends… my parents…”

Mano didn’t interrupt. He saw the turmoil on his face, heard the panic in his voice. Ody was right. It wasn’t fair to ask him to leave everything behind. Their lives weren’t the same. Mano had nothing tying him to Greece. No family. No friends. His studies weren’t an issue, and neither was the job waiting for him. The only thing keeping him there was Ody. The boy with the green eyes. The one who had given him his life back. Who made him laugh. Who made him lower his guard, even if just a little.

Ody watched him, replaying his words. “I don’t know yet.” That was the only thing that mattered. Mano had to decide for himself.

“You need to figure out what you want,” Ody said. “Just make sure you’re certain. Then we’ll talk about it.” His phone buzzed.

Steve: Are you okay? Are you in pain? Need anything?

Ody typed a quick reply, asking him to meet up, telling him to let Chris know too. “I’m going out for a bit,” he said.

Mano frowned. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You’re not fully recovered.”

“I just need to talk to my friends,” Ody said, quieter this time.

Mano held his gaze, like he was trying to decide whether to push it or not. Then he exhaled. “Alright.” He hesitated. “I’ll drive you.”

Ody didn’t argue.

“Call me when you’re done. I’ll come get you,” Mano said as the car pulled up near the park.

Ody nodded. “Thanks.” He unbuckled his seat belt, stepped out, and closed the door behind him.

He met Steve and Chris, and the three of them walked a little farther in. They sat on a low stone ledge, Ody in the middle, leaning back so he could see both of them.

He didn’t drag it out. He told them why he hadn’t been okay, about the offer, about London.

Steve and Chris exchanged a stunned look.

“And…?” Steve asked.

Ody exhaled. “I didn’t take it well. He told me not to worry. Said he’s not leaving.”