Page 71 of The Winning Ticket

“He…” She couldn’t say the words, so I finished for her.

“He was in a coma for a few days at the Children’s hospital in Brisbane, but yeah… that was how he died.”

“Oh Jake… I’m so sorry. I had no idea. Did Morgan know?”

“My parents never really told people the details, I didn’t even know until I moved out here, so no one really knows how he died. Sam had been bullied severely by some of the kids at school here. We only found out about this after Dad found his journal. He’d apparently been scared to tell Dad because he thought Dad would think he was weak, and he’d kept himself so distanced from everyone. It broke Dad’s heart that his son couldn’t talk to him. When I found out, I felt like it was my fault for being such a shitty little brother. We’d been close until the divorce, and I’d idolised my older brother, so when he withdrew from us all, I’d been really hurt and ignored him back.”

Bri reaches over the table to hold my hand, and I run my thumb over her hand. I still can’t bring myself to look at her.

“Jake… It wasn’t your fault. You were just a kid, and your brother chose to push everyone away. You couldn’t control that.” I shrug, and she squeezes my hand hard. “Hey, look at me.” I drag my gaze up, finding her looking at me with a fierce glint in her eye. “You are one of the most caring people I know, Jake Boyd. If you’d known what was going on, I know you would have stepped in. But people are responsible for their own choices. Yes, your Dad should have tried harder to find out why his son was so withdrawn, but Sam chose not to confide in anyone. Some people just don’t know how to let others in.”

I let out an uneven breath and nod slowly. She squeezes my hand again before sitting back in her chair.

“I guess I’ve been unhappy out here because it reminds me that my brother felt trapped here. That he was bullied for being different, and those people were never held accountable for what they put him through. We don’t know who hurt him, so I’ve had trouble trusting anyone around here. And…” I swallow hard. “I think a part of me resents Sam for what he did because then Dad expected me to leave Brisbane and come out here to work for him instead of Sam,” I whisper.

It’s the first time I’ve ever admitted these words out loud, and I feel sick.

Bri gets up and walks around to my side of the table, sitting sideways in my lap and wrapping her arms around me.

“That is all so much to burden yourself with, Jake. I’m sorry you haven’t felt like you could speak to anyone about this. But your feelings are valid, and I understand why you’ve struggled with this. I’m here for you, okay?” She pulls back to look at me.

I squeeze her gently. “Thanks, Bri. I’m glad I told you.”

Eventually, the waitress returns with our drinks, and Bri returns to her seat while we order our meals.

The rest of the evening passes while we discuss less heavy subjects, and when I fall asleep with her in my arms later that night, I’m more grateful than ever to have her in my life.

30

MAYBE YOU CAN EXPLORE IT MORE WITH ME

BRIANNA

Jake wakes me with his head buried between my legs, and after yet another round of mind-blowing sex that ended with us in the shower together, we head into the kitchen, where Jake sets about making us bacon and eggs.

I look around his super cute kitchen and marvel at how at home I feel.

“So, have you thought about what you want to do while you’re here this weekend?” he asks while cracking eggs into the frying pan.

The smell of cooking bacon makes my mouth water, and my stomach growls loudly, making him laugh.

“Sorry, I should have fed you earlier.”

“I don’t know. I’m pretty happy with how I woke up.”

He shoots me a grin while he slides a cup of coffee across the counter. “So, plans?”

I pick up the coffee, sipping it while I think about what I want to do. “I’d love to go out and find some places to take photos. And maybe we could check out a few wineries?”

“Sounds great. I’m on call this afternoon, so I can’t drink, but I will be your chauffeur.” He slides some bacon onto both plates before expertly flipping the eggs.

“Are you likely to get a call out?”

“Honestly, it’s pretty rare. Unless someone’s hot water system has an issue or something like that, most of our stuff gets done during the week. It’s how I’ve managed so many weekends to Brisbane lately cause Dad’s been covering, but I thought I’d better start pulling my weight again. Dad has a contract with a few real estates for their rentals, but we don’t have much to do on the weekends. But I need to be close to town after one cause Dad took the morning shift.”

I pause for a moment, my fork halfway to my mouth. “Does your Dad know I’m here?”

Jake cocks his head to the side and raises an eyebrow. “I may have mentioned you coming. Is that a problem?” There’s an edge to his tone.

---