Page 195 of Never Tell Secrets

I shifted on my feet, feeling the gaze of every eye fixed on us as passers by recognising Mark's familiar face.

“That means a lot coming from you.” Mark and I had our differences but that didn’t change the fact that he was a genius. His praise was high praise. “I didn’t know you were attending this year.”

“I’m on the judging panel for Best Show. I was originally asked to judge your category but I turned it down when I found out you were entering. Just between us, I’ve looked at the others and I’d put money on you winning.”

His words warmed me but there was a tinge of worry there too. “You haven’t…”

“Used my powers to sway the judges?” He laughed. “No, of course not. I don’t think I need to.”

An awkward silence settled between us and I twisted my hands, feeling the need to get something off my chest that I’d been holding onto for a long time. “Mark, thank you for the harsh words you gave me back then. I needed to hear them.”

He stuffed his hands in his pockets. “I’m sorry I didn’t conduct myself better. I’m ashamed to say I was jealous.”

“It doesn’t matter now.”

“No, I suppose it doesn’t. I’m looking forward to seeing which job you’ll take next.”

I frowned. “What do you mean? I don’t have another job lined up.”

“Yet,” he laughed. “Everyone is talking about your piece, the work you’ve done with Imani over the last year…your life is about to change, Lola.”

For the first time, the reality of what was coming hit me. Over the last few months, I had been so consumed with perfecting my project, I hadn’t allowed myself to think what it would mean if I actually pulled it off. I was both exhilarated and terrified. I straightened my shoulders, adopting the smooth expression I’d learned from Alfie.

“Thank you, Mark. I’ll be considering any offers very carefully.”

Our moment was broken by a voice ringing out over the speaker system. They were announcing the winners. I took a deep breath and smiled up at my failed mentor.

“Here we go.”

The next hour was a whirlwind.

I fell under a clutter of hugs and kisses as the judges announced my name.

I was in shock.

Me?

They really meant me?

Keira shoved me forward up to the stage to collect my award. My legs felt weak, my palms sweating as I shook hands withJanet Green, the redheaded board member I’d first seen at the Serenity opening three years ago.

Holding myself as poised as I could, I turned to the cheering crowd and smiled as my photo was taken. The applause and whoops from my family were deafening and I couldn’t wipe the beaming smile from my face.

I stared in wonder at the award. I’d done it. I’d really done it. I wanted to scream with elation but all I could do was search out Keira’s eyes in the crowd. She was crying and cheering louder than anyone else. Ryan was up on Riley’s shoulders sounding out a battle cry.

I held onto my necklace tight as they attached the rosette for second place to my sculpture.Second place.It was a mind-boggling achievement. I rubbed my thumb over the smooth glass the way that I had done a thousand times and smiled up at my work.

I could feel my mum and gran with me, warm and happy. Alfie was there too and so proud of me. The people from my past that had made me the strong woman I had become.

It was after midnight by the time I crashed into my bed, buzzing with happiness and champagne. All the anxiety that had been building for months had evaporated, leaving me floating on clouds.

We’d gone to the pub to celebrate after my win. We ate, laughed and toasted my mum and gran’s memory. After dinner, Natalie and Riley said their goodbyes and I watched them swing Ryan between them as they walked to their car.

Keira and I had stumbled home, full and a little tipsy. Now I could hear her softly snoring through the thin wall that separated us.

My body hummed with adrenaline. I was exhausted yet I couldn’t sleep. I wasn’t ready for this incredible day to end. Every night for the last few months I’d gone to work on my project, it felt strange to leave her now. It was probably a silly thing to do, but I found myself wanting to say goodbye to her.

Not bothering to change out of my dress or take off my heels, I climbed out of bed and made my way back to the show. When I arrived outside it was almost midnight, the gates were closed, the lights out save for a few security lights.