Page 89 of The Winning Ticket

That is an oddly specific description, and I narrow my eyes while I look him over. “Are you saying I’ll end up like you?”

“Well, not exactly like me, but yes, you’ll end up a grouchy old bastard, and we already have one of those in the family.”

I laugh and shake my head before finally taking a bite of pizza. “Can’t have another grumpy Boyd stomping around town, that’s for sure.”

We eat quietly for a moment before Dad speaks up again. “What happened with Brianna?”

I sigh and take another mouthful of beer. “We’ve put the brakes on our situation for a while.”

“Seemed like a hell of a lot more than a situation to me,” Dad replies with a raised eyebrow.

I shrug. “Honestly, I hope we’re working towards something more, but she’s got a lot going on, and I don’t want to put any pressure on her.”

Dad watches me for a moment before shaking his head.

“What?” I ask.

“Just seems like you’re not so good at putting yourself first, Jake. Talk to her. She deserves to know how you feel.”

I stare at my father, unable to believe where this conversation has taken us.

By the time he’s ready to leave, we’ve cleared the air, and I promise not to be an asshole to Dylan the next morning.

Watching my father drive off down the street, I mull over what he said and realise he’s right. I never put myself first. Maybe it is time I’m honest with Bri and see what she says.

40

FINALLY GETTING MARRIED TOMORROW

JAKE

It had nearly killed me to stay at Mum and Dave’s last night, but there was no way I was forcing my presence on Bri when I’d not heard a peep from her all week.

I wanted to talk to her about it, but we have other things to focus on with the wedding this weekend. So now I’m sitting across the table from her at the restaurant, trying not to feel like there’s a giant elephant in the room. The rehearsal had been pretty straightforward, and now we all know where to stand, when to hand over rings, and when to applaud the happy couple.

Morgan and Chris are nervous balls of energy, moving from one group to another. At the same time, the rest of our circle of friends sit at a table in the corner, avoiding getting dragged into socialising with everyone else. Tomorrow is a big day, and tonight, Will and I are crashing at the happy couple’s place while Morgan and the rest of the women stay at the apartment.

Will and I are planning to distract Chris with a few rounds of poker and a moderate amount of alcohol that will calm his nerves but not leave him hungover as all hell for one of the biggest days of his life.

“I can’t believe they are finally getting married tomorrow,” Annelisa says, resting her head back against the high-backed chair.

Her eyes track Morgan’s movements around the room.

“I’m glad it’s all almost over. Between Mum and Morgan, this wedding has completely consumed our lives for the last few weeks. She had me up for hours the other night stuffing those bonbon things for the table. You’re so lucky you missed out on that,” Bri says, looking over at Annelisa. “Morgan said you’ve been a bit sick. I hope you’re feeling better now?”

I look over at Will, who is holding Annelisa’s hand tightly. Something has been going on with them both for weeks, and an overwhelming sense of apprehension washes over me when Will catches my eye and shakes his head slightly.

“I’m okay. Just rundown with work stuff. But I’m all better now. Nothing is getting in the way of Morgan and Chris’s day.”

Kylie chooses this moment to change the subject, and I look over at her quickly when she says, “So, I hear Morgan and Chris caught quite the show the other night?”

“Kylie!” Bri snaps at her, avoiding looking at me.

Kylie laughs. “What? It’s not like it’s a secret anymore, right? Your relationship is finally out in the open.”

I shift uncomfortably while Bri looks at our friend with a pissed-off look.

“Way to put them on the spot, Kyles.” Will shakes his head at his sister, but she doesn’t look even slightly remorseful.

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