Page 79 of The Soulmate Bakery

‘Whatever. The important thing is that Silas won’t blame you,’ Raven said, nudging me with her elbow. ‘Though, if he does win, I imagine he’ll want to celebrate with you.’

My cheeks went pink. ‘I think he might actually like me.’

Raven rolled her eyes. ‘Of course he likes you. It’s so obvious. I just can’t wait till he finally tells you. Or you tell him, I suppose. What is the new plan now?’

‘The new plan is I tell Silas at the Fallen Leaves Festival on Sunday. Tomorrow, Orion and I are going to go over the soulmate spell and practise reciting it correctly, and then I’m just going to confess my feelings, say the spell, share true love’s kiss, and everything will be fine,’ I said, all in a rush.

I expected to get my friends’ quick assurances and approval, but my declaration was followed by silence. I gave them both sharp glances. Sofia was focusing on the game – Silas’s team seemed to have found their rhythm again and the scores were ticking upwards. Everyone was watching the game, but Raven had this funny look on her face.

I tried to ignore it at first, because I knew what that look on Raven’s face meant. It was a sign that she was preparing herself to say something she knew I wouldn’t like. An observation that I would likely hate. So, I told myself to ignore it. But, of course, my curiosity had to win out instead.

‘What?’ I asked, sharply, turning fully to face her. ‘Why are you looking at me like that?’

‘Nothing.’ Raven shook her head, and then, because we didn’t lie to one another, she said, ‘It’s just – when you mentioned your plan, and said Orion’s name, you sounded all … soft.’

‘Oh,’ I replied, eloquent as ever. The blush on my cheeks deepened. ‘I guess things have sort of changed between us now that he’s helped me so much. I can admit that I might have been wrong about him.’

It wasn’t a lie. After that moment on the roof, a strange peace had formed between me and Orion. We didn’t talk about it, but it was there. And I had thought about it a little too much over the last two days.

‘Right,’ Raven said, but she sounded like she wasn’t sure whether to continue or not. ‘And it got me thinking –’ She breathed out exasperatedly; my usually put-together best friend was struggling to find the right words. ‘Maya, listen, if you’re not sure about –’

Suddenly, screams erupted around us, confetti filled the air and Raven and I stared at one another bewildered. It wasn’t until Sofia grabbed us both and hauled us up that I understood what had happened.

Maple Falls High had won.

We’d won the final game before half-term.

I watched as Silas was lifted on to his teammates’ shoulders on the pitch, trophy in hand. Shouts of delight filled the air, and even I couldn’t help feeling the infectious buzzing that filled me. When the rest of the crowd started to flood the pitch – family members seeking out their players – I let myself be pulled into the throng with Raven and Sofia.

‘Go find Silas,’ Sofia shouted into my ear, pushing me forward. ‘You should be the first person he sees when he feels like he’s on that high.’

Her logic made sense, even as a little panic flooded my system. Going up to Silas when he was probably meant to be with his family, or teammates, or coach, felt presumptuous. Like I thought I was someone important to him.

But I wanted to be someone important to him, didn’t I? When he was revealed as my soulmate, wouldn’t I become that person?

‘Wait –’ Raven said, and her hand found my elbow, holding me back. ‘Maybe just wait a beat before going over.’

Caution looked strange on my best friend, and even Sofia looked confused. My gaze darted between the two of them, unsure of who to follow.

But in the end, the decision was made for me.

The way Silas parted the crowd on the pitch was like the sun was stepping out from behind the clouds; the rest of the world got lost in his shadow when he was finally before me, sweaty, breathing hard, his blonde hair all spiky.

‘My lucky charm,’ he said, and his eyes dropped to the jersey I was wearing. I saw the flare in his eyes, the flash of gold.

‘Congratulations, captain,’ I said, sweetly. ‘Guess the whole school won’t hate me now, huh?’

He laughed, throwing his head back. I watched him, and there was that ache in my chest again. I wanted so badly to have this carefree ease that he seemed to possess. Silas never seemed worried or angry or complicated. Even with the issues he had with his siblings, he seemed unfazed by them. Nothing ever dented his shine.

‘I told you before,’ Silas chided, gently. ‘Doesn’t matter what the school thinks. I like you, Maya. I really, really like you.’

There was no mistaking the meaning behind his words now. My throat turned dry and my lips felt utterly chapped.

The words sat on the tip of my tongue: I like you too. In fact, I’ve liked you for ages. And I’m pretty sure you’re my soulmate.

His eyes narrowed on to me slightly, but that easy-going smile of his never dipped. Shouts rang out from behind him; his coach was calling him over. He glanced back and then at me again.

‘Fallen Leaves Festival,’ he said, stepping one foot backwards. ‘Let’s go together?’