Page 2 of The Winning Ticket

“Or… just throwing it out there… You could go on a holiday that’s actually a holiday and somewhere you want to go,” she says.

From her tone, I can tell that the conversation is threatening to go the same way as all our other conversations when it comes to mentioning anything related to Richard.

“I know you guys hate Richard, but he’s always taken care of me.”

“We don’t hate him, B. But what you say is taking care of you… we kind of just think it’s controlling everything about your life. I mean, there’s support, and then there’s telling you what to wear, what career you should have, who you should be friends with.“ Morgan continues, but this conversation has worn me down constantly for the last five years.

“Can we not have this conversation right now?” I ask, waving at Bob, the doorman. “I just want to go on this holiday, read my books, and chill out for a bit.”

My long blonde hair is sticking to the back of my neck, and I can feel sweat dripping down my back, so it’s a relief when I’m met with a wave of air conditioning when I enter the foyer.

“Sorry, babe. I just worry about you.” That worry is more than evident in her voice, and my shoulders relax a little.

“I know, and I love you for it. But I’m fine, really.”

“Okay, well, you just have an amazing time, and I want to see lots of photos, okay?”

“Of course. Wouldn’t be doing my job as a photographer’s girlfriend and a marketing exec if I didn’t post all the beautiful photos,” I say, and she laughs.

“True. Love you, B.”

“Love you too, M.”

I exit the elevator and cross the hall to the door of our apartment. After digging around in my handbag, I produce my key and put it in the lock.

But the key doesn’t turn.

“Richard! Something is wrong with my key. Can you let me in?” I call out, knocking on the door loudly to get his attention.

I press my ear to the door but can’t hear any noise from our three-bedroom penthouse apartment, so I knock as loud as possible. It seems strange that my dog, Maddie, isn’t even barking.

“Bri? Is everything okay?” My neighbour, Charity sticks her blonde head out the door from across the hall.

She is dressed head to toe in Lululemon, her daytime uniform. It’s usually either Lululemon activewear or some other tightly fitting designer brand. No shabby Kmart bargains allowed. She lives in the other penthouse with her much older husband, who showers her with all the best things money can buy while working ridiculous hours. I can’t remember the last time I saw him, actually.

“I’m not sure. My key isn’t working, and Richard isn’t answering.” I struggle to keep my composure while my anxiety starts to mount.

“Um, I saw him leaving when I was coming back from the gym earlier. He had a girl with him, and they had suitcases,” Charity says, and I turn to look at her again, my hand frozen in mid-air as I am about to bash my fist against the door again.

“What? When was this?”

“About an hour ago.” Charity shifts her weight from one foot to the other while her eyes dart towards the elevator.

My hands start to shake. “Did he say anything to you?”

She shakes her head. “No, but I figured you weren’t far behind them because Maddie was in your car.”

“What?!” At the mention of my dog, any chance of keeping my anxiety under control is gone, and Charity steps back a little when I spin around.

“Um… Yeah, I thought it was weird when I pulled up, but when I saw Richard with the suitcases, I assumed he was taking her to be looked after before you went away.”

“No, we’re dropping her off at the pet sitter later. I need to check on her. Can you tell Richard I’m downstairs if you see him before I do?” I yell over my shoulder while I run to the elevator.

I hear her yell something back as the elevator doors close, but I can’t think of anything else until I know my dog is okay.

The doors open to the basement car park of our unit block, and I am met with the familiar rows of BMWs, Lexus and Mercedes. I run around to the penthouse car parks and see my little Suzuki Swift parked in its usual spot. Richard’s BMW is gone, and now my heart rate is through the roof.

I hear Maddie barking like crazy, and I hit the unlock button on my keys, ripping the passenger door open. My little Maltese/Shitzu dog launches herself at me, and I hug her close while she licks my neck frantically.

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