Page 40 of The Match Faker

‘Everyone knows people in relationships use terms of affection. So you’d better learn to suck it up.’

‘I think we’re done for the day.’ I rubbed my temples. This man was insufferable. ‘Message me the details for our date. And try and think of somewhere pretty. I have the first interview for the competition on Friday afternoon, so I’ll probably be stressed. And if I have to suffer a whole evening of your company too, I need a nice view to distract me.’

‘You mean my gorgeous face isn’t enough?’ He smirked.

‘Oh my God.’ I blew out a frustrated breath.

‘Leave it to me. I know exactly where to take you.’

17

Mia

‘Do you think it’ll take much longer?’ I glanced at my watch nervously as the beautician applied what felt like the third layer of blusher on my cheeks whilst the hairdresser stood behind me tugged on my hair.

This time, I was leaving nothing to chance. If I was going to be papped on my date with Liam tonight, I needed to look good. That was why as soon as I’d got to the office yesterday morning, I’d rung my favourite salon to book a hair and make-up appointment.

Unfortunately, because it was Friday, they were fully booked. So were the next three salons I tried, but thankfully, I’d found one online that was able to squeeze me in and said that they could manage Afro hair.

At first I was grateful, but with every minute that passed, my stomach sank a little more.

Because my hair and make-up were being done at the same time, they’d faced me away from the mirror so I couldn’t see what was being done. And that worried me.

The hairdresser had been backcombing my hair for what felt like forever and had emptied at least one can of hairspray on my head.

At first when the make-up artist suggested she apply some false lashes, I was excited. I’d always wanted to try them, but chickened out. She was a professional, though, so she knew what she was doing, right?

But now the lashes had been applied, my lids felt heavy, like they were carrying two big wings. I had a very bad feeling about this…

I turned my thoughts to the first competition interview I’d had earlier this afternoon. It had gone okay. Especially considering I’d spent the morning feeling low after following up with Joss, the potential new client who’d called last week. She’d decided not to sign up, which was a blow.

But I’d put on my game face for the brief interview with Susie. A colleague was supposed to join her, but cancelled at the last minute.

Susie was impressed with the office, which was a good start. She’d looked over the client sign-up form and asked me a few questions about the case studies I’d submitted last week, my matchmaking methodology, what I thought my unique selling points were as an agency and stuff like that. And of course, she asked me if I was in a relationship.

Luckily, I was able to say yes, and before she got a chance to probe any further, her phone rang. She said she had to go but would call soon to arrange the home interview.

And that was that. At least another phase of the interview was complete. I should feel relieved, but as the hairdresser sprayed another layer of lacquer over my hair, my shoulders tensed.

‘Almost done!’ she chirped.

‘Can I have a look?’ I tried to turn to face the mirror.

‘Not yet!’ The make-up artist forced the chair back. ‘You’ll ruin the surprise! You’re looking a-mazing, hon!’

I glanced at my watch again. It was seven fifteen. Liam was picking me up at eight. It’d take at least twenty minutes to get back to the office and I still had to get dressed.

‘Sorry, but I’ve got to go.’ I’d been sitting in this chair for two hours and my bum was aching. ‘I’m sure everything’s fine as it is.’

‘You’re done!’ The make-up artist waved her brush dramatically.

‘Now for the big reveal!’ The hairdresser spun my chair round to face the mirror. ‘Ta-da! What do you think?’

Oh. Dear. God.

My eyes flew from their sockets.

They’d given me a beehive. But not the sexy kind. This one was so high you could fit an elephant’s arse in it.

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