Page 119 of The Match Faker

‘Well?’ Trudy asked.

My face broke into a smile and my heart soared.

‘I got through!’ I jumped out of my seat. ‘I’m in the finals!’

Liam lifted me up in the air and spun me around as Trudy screamed.

‘I knew you’d do it!’ Liam put me down, then planted another kiss on my lips. ‘You’re fucking amazing!’

‘Thanks!’ I said.

‘So proud of you, bestie!’ Trudy gave me a big squeeze.

‘I can’t believe it! I’m so relieved.’

‘This is just the beginning,’ Liam added. ‘You’ll see.’

‘I have to win the competition first!’

‘Whatever happens, you’re gonna fly, Mia.’ He looped his arm around my waist. ‘You’re talented. People will see that. Success is coming.’

‘He’s right.’ Trudy rubbed my shoulder.

‘Thanks. I couldn’t have got this far without you two.’ My phone buzzed on the table. I looked down. It was a text from Mum. Probably checking we were on our way. ‘We’d better go.’

After I’d replied to the email, thanking the organisers for my nomination, we headed down to the car and set off.

‘Liam!’ Mum beamed as she opened the front door.

‘Mrs Bailey! Great to see you!’ Liam kissed her on the cheek.

‘Oooh.’ She grinned. ‘What a charming young man you’ve grown into. And none of that Mrs Bailey foolishness. It’s Carmen. Or call me Mum!’ She winked.

I winced. We’d barely been here a minute and she was already hinting at wedding bells.

‘Has our special guest arrived?’ Dad came into the hallway and kissed Mum gently on her cheek before striding over to Liam. ‘How are you, son? It’s been a while!’

‘It has!’ Liam smiled. ‘How have you been, Mr Bailey?’

‘You’re family!’ He slapped him on the back. ‘Call me Chris or Dad.’

They must’ve planned this whole call me Mum/Dad routine.

Whilst my parents disappeared into the kitchen holding hands, Liam and I stepped into the dining room, where Alice was seated. My chest tightened. I was still annoyed that she hadn’t passed on that message from Liam.

‘Hi, sis.’ Alice got up and gave me a stilted hug.

‘Hey.’ I patted her back gently.

Before I’d arrived I’d felt okay about how I looked, but next to Alice, I felt four feet tall. Her make-up was immaculate, her long dark hair extensions reached the centre of her back and looked like they’d just been applied and I knew from the cut of her dress that it had to be designer. Being around her always made me feel inadequate.

‘Wow! Liam Stone!’ Alice’s eyes sparkled as she planted her lips on his cheek. ‘You look amazing! Mmm, and you smell great too!’

‘Alice,’ he said flatly. ‘Long time.’

‘I know! Too long!’ She rubbed his bicep, and I wanted to swat her hand away like a mosquito. Liam stepped back and her palm dropped.

‘Where’s Jack?’ I asked.

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