“I think there’s only one in the main town,” Ranya said.
“Great,” Mano ran a hand through his hair.
“I’ll drive you,” Ody said, pushing his chair back as he stood.
“What? You guys are leaving?” Anna asked.
“I didn’t even get to eat,” Mano muttered.
“Come on, we’ll be quick. You guys go ahead and enjoy your meal,” Ody said, motioning for Mano to follow.
“Alright, see you,” Steve called after them as they left.
They walked out of the restaurant in silence. Ody unlocked the car and got into the driver’s seat while Mano slid into the passenger side, letting out a long breath. “I can’t believe we actually did that.”
Ody laughed. “Told you it’d be easy.”
Mano glared at him. “Easy? You call that easy?”
Ody raised an eyebrow, the corner of his mouth lifting. “I didn’t expect you to be such a scaredy-cat. Thought you were fearless.”
Mano’s eyes narrowed. “What did you just call me?”
“Payback,” Ody said smugly. “For calling me that when I was scared to get on your bike.”
Mano scoffed and looked away.
“Seat belt,” Ody added with a smirk as he started the engine.
“Where are we going?” Mano asked when he noticed they weren’t heading toward the port.
“Somewhere quiet. No people around.”
“You come up with excuses way too easily,” Mano muttered, staring out the window. “And you lie just as easily.”
Ody glanced at him, but didn’t speak.
“You could lie to me too, couldn’t you?”
“I wouldn’t.” Ody didn’t hesitate.
Mano let out a humorless laugh. “That’s exactly what Anna probably thinks too.”
That made Ody turn toward him. “You really believe I’d treat you the same way?”
“I don’t know,” Mano admitted. “That’s the problem.”
Silence settled between them.
“If she ever finds out,” Mano continued, “do you have any idea what that’ll do to her?”
Ody stayed silent as he pulled into a small overlook above the harbor, the village lights shimmering across the water below. The engine died. “I’ve told you before,” he said, setting the handbrake. “I’m not proud of how I treat her.” He studied Mano’s face. “But you and Anna aren’t the same.”
Mano stared at him. The words didn’t land the way Ody probably meant them to.Not the same.To Mano, that could mean anything. Different. Temporary. Replaceable.
“Right now,” Ody continued, his voice softer, “it’s just us.” He leaned a little closer. “Stop thinking about everyone else for a second. Think about whatyouwant.”
“What... I want?” Mano echoed.
