“I have the best boyfriend,” she said, curling into his arms.
The next morning, Ody left early and drove to Mano’s address. He arrived at eleven sharp. Five minutes later, the building door opened. Mano stepped out, helmet in hand. He spotted the car and walked over, getting in without a word.
“Good morning,” Ody said.
Silence.
“Good morning,” he repeated.
Still nothing.
“Good morning, Mano.”
Mano slowly turned his head and looked him up and down. “Morning,” he muttered.
Ody smiled faintly. “How’s your hand?” he asked.
“It’s fine. Let’s go.”
“Did you put anything on it?”
“No. Just drive.”
“If you don’t treat it, it could get worse.”
“If you’re going to lecture me at eleven in the morning, I’ll take the metro,” Mano snapped.
“Alright. Fair enough.” Ody started the car. “Why are you carrying the helmet?”
“Because I’m riding back.”
“We’re not doing this again.”
“What are you, my dad, or something?”
“No.” Ody hesitated, grip tightening on the wheel. “The guy you fought with… he said—”
“Said what?” Mano turned, his voice sharp.
“That your parents are gone.”
“Stop.”
“Okay. If you don’t want to talk about—” Before he could finish, Mano opened the car door while they were still moving.
Ody’s heart nearly stopped. “Okay, okay!” he shouted.
Mano slammed it shut. “If you say one more word before we get there, I’m getting out.”
Ody kept his eyes on the road and didn’t say another word, his pulse still kicking hard.
Mano never looked at him again. When the car stopped, he got out and slammed the door behind him.
Chapter 4
An hour later, Ody sat in class, barely listening. His eyes kept drifting to the clock. Mano’s lecture should end soon.
When the clock finally ticked past the hour, Ody slipped out. Outside the music building, students were already starting to filter out. Then he saw him and walked straight toward him.
