Page 67 of Darn Knit All

“Thirty-minutes, designers!” Michelle called, sometime later. “And your models have arrived!”

The two models walked to us, both tall and lean. This time, we’d not had an opportunity to pick our model, instead they’d been assigned to us.

They dressed quickly and Theo directed the hair and makeup artists while I completed last-minute hand pinning and stitching, ensuring that each part of the suit lay perfectly against their skin. I could tell it cost Theo dearly to be moving around as his face grew ashen. His laughter sounded forced, and his quips came slower as the clock wound down to zero.

“Tools down!” Michelle called from across the room. “It’s time to strut!”

Thank God,I thought, pressing a hand to Theo’s lower back.

“Are you okay?” I asked, my voice low.

“Let’s just get through this.”

We were once again whisked into the viewing room, and all my worry about the results of the competition dissipated as I sat next to a stoney-faced Theo. His fists were clenched on his thighs, his body held rigid as if a single touch would shatter him into a million pieces.

“What do you need?” I asked in a low voice.

“Pain relief. A crutch. For this to be over.” A shadow of a smile touched his lips. “Don’t worry, Mai. I won’t embarrass you.”

I opened my mouth to protest, knowing he could never embarrass me, but Michelle’s entry music drowned out my protest. Instead, I laid a hand on his leg, hoping he’d understand through my touch what I couldn’t communicate through speech.

The next few minutes were a blur of light, color, and fabric as models strutted down the runway and Erike, Minerva, Alison, and the founder of the brand discussed our creations. They got to ours and I could barely listen, my focus entirely on Theo.

“The fabric choices and mixture of textiles is divine,” Alison enthused.

“I love the cut,” Minerva agreed. “The fit for both models is stunning. And the way they’ve used the embroidery in both pieces to reflect that this is a cohesive collection is an act of genius.”

“I am surprised that these came from Mai and Theo,” Erike said, tapping his chin with a finger. “But I must concur. They seem to have found their rhythm. This is a collection I’d be happy to support.”

The runway show came to an end, and we were mustered for the final announcements.

Hurry,I wanted to scream.Theo needs rest.

“The winner of today’s competition is….” Erike paused for dramatic effect. “Mai and Theo.”

I started, blinking as Theo pulled me into a tight hug, his delighted laughter hot against my cheek.

“You did it, Mai,” he yelled, shaking me back and forth. “You won!”

I drew back to stare into his eyes, a startled giggle bubbling out of my throat. “Oh my God, oh my God!”

He pulled me back into him, squeezing me tight. “So fucking proud of you.”

I gulped in air, holding him just as tight. “I couldn’t have done it without you.”

“Liar,” he laughed.

We drew back a fraction, just enough that I could see Theo’s bright eyes shining as he smiled down at me, his grin wide and sincere, even through his discomfort and pain.

An impulse overtook me. Before I could talk myself out of it, I cupped his cheeks and caught his lips in a quick, soft kiss.

“Thank you,” I murmured, pulling back to search his face for signs of rejection or repulsion. “I know how much today cost you.”

“Don’t mention it.” He cleared his throat. “If this is my reward every time, then we better win more often.”

I slowly let him go, sliding back to stand beside him.

After a tense few minutes, Bec and Meg Pezerczyk were eliminated.

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