Page 86 of The Winning Ticket

I have no words to respond to her little rant, so I just stare at her. She shakes her head, gets to her feet, and puts Maddie on the ground.

“We promised Jake we’d stay out of your relationship. That’s what he called it, by the way. He very pointedly told us it was a relationship. So, although I’m sure you think you’re doing the right thing by letting him go, just let that sink in for a bit. It was never about hooking up for him. And I’m pretty sure it was never about that for you, either. This is the last thing I’ll say about it all because I know I’ve done enough damage, but you need to do some serious thinking. Don’t let the right one get away because the wrong one broke something inside you.” Morgan closes the distance between us and wraps me in a hug, surprising me, and I hesitate for a moment before hugging her back.

My mind is whirling with everything she said, but I have no idea how to express my feelings.

When she pulls away, I give her a shaky smile. “Are you ready for Saturday?”

“More than ready. I can’t wait to marry that man.” She gives me a big smile before leaving me alone with her words rattling around in my head.

38

WHEN YOU'RE GETTING SOME YOU'RE WAY EASIER TO GET ALONG WITH

JAKE

It’s been three days of radio silence with Bri, and to say I’m miserable would be an understatement.

“What is up with you this week? You’ve been grumpy as fuck.” Dylan slams the toolbox closed after I bit his head off when he handed me the wrong size screw driver for the panel I am attaching to the wall.

“Nothing,” I reply, holding my hand out so he can hand me the correct one.

“Bullshit. What happened? Did you and that girl break up?”

“Why do you assume every mood I have is related to a woman?” I grumble, turning back to my work and praying Dylan will get the hint that I don’t want to talk.

No such luck, though.

“Because when you’re getting some, you’re way easier to get along with. When you’re going through a dry spell, you get all grumpy. Although, you’re also grumpy when you’re getting some from a chick in Brisbane. Seriously, you should have just stayed with Stacey.”

“I like Bri. I hope you haven’t chased her off, Jake.” Dad decides to weigh in on the conversation from the room across the hall, his voice echoing through the empty house.

“Jesus, not you too,” I snarl, pushing down harder than I need to, nearly cracking the plastic on the panel.

“I note that you are not actually denying that something happened between you two,” Dylan continues, and I glare at him over my shoulder.

“Why are you just standing around harassing me about my personal life? Go and help Dad.”

He throws his hands up and backs out of the room slowly. “Sure thing, asshole. You clearly need a time out anyway.”

“Fuck me,” I mutter under my breath.

“I heard that.”

“Good, fuck off!”

“Jake! That’s enough. Dylan, stop pestering him and go and get us some lunch.” Dad stands at the door, giving me a dark look.

“I still can’t drive,” Dyan protests.

“You’ve got legs, don’t you? It’s only a ten-minute walk into town, the fresh air will be good for you. Go on. The usual sandwiches from George’s, please.” Dad doesn’t allow Dylan to say anything else, staring him down.

Dylan leaves, grumbling about assholes under his breath. I’d better be the asshole he’s referring to, or Dad’s going to wipe the floor with him.

“Do we need to talk about being nice to the apprentice again?” Dad asks, coming into the room I’ve been wiring for the last hour.

“No. But the apprentice really needs to learn to stay the fuck out of my personal life.” I don’t bother looking at Dad while I continue working.

“Jake, this isn’t like you. I haven’t really said anything because I learned a long time ago just to let you do your thing, but these last few months, your moods have been up and down. What’s going on?”

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