99. Alice

ALICE

T he final challenge starts.

Each baker immediately goes to work on their celebration of New Year’s desserts.

Michael and I walk hand in hand to each workstation.

We listen to their ideas. Each baker doing something different.

One hour ticks away.

Then the second.

And I soak it all in.

This will be my last day of judging.

I don’t know if they’d even want me to continue on, but I already told the producers I wouldn’t. I won’t take Pamela’s job. I couldn’t do that to her or her fans.

Maybe when she decides to leave. Maybe . But I think I’ll do better behind the scenes.

Joey calls out that there are thirty minutes left.

Michael and I sit in our chairs at the front of the room, and I do my best to remember the stupid microphone.

I do my best to keep my hands off him.

I do my best to ignore the ache between my legs.

Ten minutes left.

Five.

Two.

And it’s done.