25. Alice

ALICE

“… h

ave four hours, and your time starts now!” Joey calls out from the front of the room, and his declaration is immediately followed by sounds of bowls and pans clanking together as we all scramble to get our final cakes started.

I’ve spent the whole morning stressing over Michael. Over our kiss, the things we did, the fact that he left…

And I’ll admit that I’ve cried a few more tears over my ice cream Leatherface, knowing that I won’t be winning at the end of today.

I’ve accepted it.

But I’m choosing courage.

I’m going to work as hard as I can today to put something together that’s both beautiful and delicious in front of the judges. In front of Michael.

And when I’m finally forced to look at him, rather than avoid his gaze—as I’ve been doing up until now—I’m going to meet his eyes with a calm smile on my face. I’m going to pretend that there’s nothing weird between us and that my heart isn’t seizing in my chest.