Page 68 of The Winning Ticket

Have you given any more thought to coming here? It might help you disconnect from work.

It’s like he can read my mind, even from this distance. I love spending time with Jake in the apartment or anywhere else. When I’m with him, everything else just fades away.

I stare down at my phone while I chew my thumb nail absently, shaking my head at myself as I type out my reply.

Brianna

How’s this weekend?

Just Jake

This weekend doesn’t work for me, that’s too long. How about right now instead? Does that work for you?

Kidding. This weekend is perfect.

I smile and take a deep breath. Even this small exchange with Jake is enough to lift my spirits.

I decide to do one last check of the job ads before calling it a day, and am surprised when I come across one that has just been listed. A family-run tourism company advertising for a marketing manager who is willing to travel the state taking photos and creating campaigns to get Aussies out to the outback and see more of our country.

Now that I’ve seen the ad, it’s all I can imagine doing with my career. I quickly put together a cover letter and apply immediately, desperate to stand out from the hundreds of other applicants I am sure will apply.

I may not have the experience they want in a marketing manager, but I have the drive and know I’m the right one for this job.

In a moment of self-doubt, I screenshot the ad and send it to Morgan.

Morgan

Oh my god, yes! You would be perfect for that job.

Brianna

You think? It would be amazing, but I’m not sure I’m what they are looking for.

Morgan

If they don’t at least interview you, I will be sending them a strongly worded email with lots of exclamation marks. You know how I love exclamation marks.

Morgan does love the exclamation mark, and has been known to use it at any given opportunity.

I drop my phone on the couch next to me and start absently picking at the skin on my fingers. This is the first job I’ve applied for since beginning with the agency. It was my first job, and I hadn’t thought about how I’d feel when actively applying for another one. The nerves are making me feel ill, and I focus on my breathing to try and calm myself, focusing instead on seeing Jake this weekend. I haven’t felt as unsettled as this since I moved here, and I know a large part of that is because of Jake.

Realising this was the perfect opportunity to create some content for my social media, I begin researching things to do around Stanthorpe, and soon, I’m calm and in my happy place, looking forward to seeing Jake in a few short days.

Morgan

And hey, if you’re going to have a job like that, where you’re travelling so much, you could just move back to Mum and Dad’s. You’d barely be home.

Brianna

Why would I move back in with Mum and Dad? Is this about me living with Jake again?

Morgan

I just worry that he’s getting feelings for you and is going to get hurt.

Brianna

Morgan, for the love of God, let it go.

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