Page 16 of The Winning Ticket

It wasn’t like anything had happened anyway.

“Aw man, you slept in the same bed as Jake Boyd, and all you did was cuddle? Teenage Bri would be very disappointed,” Kylie says in mock disgust, and I throw the nearest couch cushion at her.

“Well, grown-up Bri has just had her heart trampled on by a man, and the last thing she wants is to jump right into the arms of another one. I refuse to be dependent on another man ever again.”

“You don’t have to depend on him. But a few orgasms wouldn’t hurt, surely.” Tara wiggles her eyebrows, and Kylie giggles.

Tara dodges when I throw a second cushion her way and continues her sales pitch for sleeping with Jake. “I have it on good authority that Jake is a very generous lover. Seriously, very, very generous.”

“What?! When did you sleep with Jake?!” Kylie stops laughing abruptly and turns to look at Tara with wide eyes.

“Not me! Remember when Beth from school dated him for a few months a few years ago? She said he was the best sex she’d ever had. Was all about keeping her satisfied.”

“Why did she stop seeing him if he’s that good?” I can’t help but ask.

“She couldn’t deal with the distance with him being out in Stanthorpe. She said she went out to visit him once, and the country life did not agree with her. But yeah, if you’re going to hook up with someone to get over Sir Dicksalot, Jake is your man.”

I giggle a little at the nickname she’s given Richard. “Noted, but seriously, I’m not hooking up with Jake. We’re just friends.”

“Whatever. I saw how he was looking at you on Saturday night,” Kylie says.

I raise an eyebrow at her. “As if. You were too drunk to notice that.” I realise too late that this was the wrong thing to say when the smile slowly fades from her face.

“Yeah, sorry about that. I didn’t mean to get drunk. Will lost his shit at me on Sunday morning. That was great fun with the mother of all hangovers.” She rolls her eyes, and I am just grateful that the topic of conversation has shifted from Jake and his sexual prowess.

“It’s okay, hon. Now that I’m back, let’s do more stuff that doesn’t involve drinking, okay?”

She smiles at me.

Tara finally picks a movie for us to watch while we eat. But I am distracted, and when the girls aren’t paying attention, I pick up my phone and stare at the message from Jake. Tara’s words still roll around in my head, as much as I’m trying not to go there. Shaking my head, I type back my response.

Brianna

I’m keen. Better than hanging out with Mum and Dad. Can I bring my dog?

Less than a minute later, his response comes through.

Just Jake

That’s fine. Not like I need to check with the landlord. See you on Saturday, Bri.

I smile before catching Tara looking at me with a smirk and another annoying eyebrow wiggle, and she ducks when I throw the last cushion.

8

COULD YOU FIND A HOUSEMATE?

JAKE

Friday night rolls around, and I’m heading back to Brisbane. I have been looking forward to this exact moment all week.

My phone buzzes just as I climb into the car, and I pull it out of my pocket while I start the engine, letting it idle for a moment while I read the message.

Stacey

Got plans tonight?

I stare at my phone for a few minutes, contemplating my response.

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