Buy One Ticket

Lou waited.

Even as their high school friends bantered about their vernal youth and sundry years following.

Even as the servers presented appetising Italian cuisines, from pizza margherita to puréed lamb.

Even as Alex tried convincing his friend to “go home,” noting the growing frustration in his physiognomy.

Lou waited. His rumination on the coquetry between Debbie and Tristian. Her coy giggles at his every word. His subtle touches along her unveiled, svelte arm. And who could let pass without notice her candescent, jubilant smiles and flushing on her mellow apricot skin. Granting her an appearance of which the employees at the office would stare, jaw slackened, if not fallen, with bewilderment.

Envy obstructed Lou.

Languished him.

But what could he do but watch?

Alex nudged his best friend once more, jumping himself when Lou at long last acknowledged him.

“Bro, I think we gotta go. I’ve never seen you like this.”

Lou’s eyes widened, though he glanced away, assuaging his discomfiture, before returning his attention to Alex after a few seconds.

“I’m good, bro.”

Alex prepared to speak more before the lights in the room dimmed.

“I hope you’re all enjoying yourselves tonight. At this time, we will draw the raffle,” said Tristian.

The billionaire’s assistants walked over with a sophisticated rack rotating several hundred tickets. He smiled while pressing a few buttons on the tech, which caused it to spin rapidly before sprouting a singular paper through a narrow depression and up the top-loading slit. Lou sat up, looking straight ahead while Tristian collected the parchment, issuing a dramatic pause before calling out the raffle numbers. Each enunciation suffusing clamoured disappointment or casual acceptance.

All except for one table.

“That is me,” spoke Debbie matter-of-factly, waving her ticket in the air.

Leaving aside a few disgruntled opposers, the room applauded Debbie, who remained composed, withstanding a slight smile that creased at her eyes towards Tristian. The young man’s grin broadened from ear to ear as he waved Debbie onto the stage. With this, Lou stood, shaking his head before gesturing towards the backdoor. Alex remarked on the action, placing his arms around his best friend’s shoulders before they both left.