Page 58 of Darn Knit All

“They are judges.”

“True. But a little ‘finesse,’”—he made finger quotes with his hands—“wouldn’t go astray.”

The next model stepped out onto the runway, her dress the antithesis of the previous model.

Theo jerked beside me. “Is she?—”

“No,” I said, turning to cough into my fist to keep from laughing. “It’s a body suit.”

The nude-colored suit adhered to the model like a second skin, clutching and convulsing in a way that made it appear almost skin-like.

“Jesus,” Theo muttered, a slight blush flushing his cheeks. “That’s practically illegal.”

I cocked an eyebrow. “I never took you for a prude.”

“I’m not. I’m all about power to the people and feminism, and all that kind of stuff. I just never expected to see something like that.”

The camera panned in on the suit, picking up the subtle sheen of crystals that dotted the fabric.

“Bold,” Minerva enthused. “I could see one of our indie actresses strutting down the red carpet wearing this.”

“I disagree,” Alison said, shaking her head. “It’s bold, yes. But it would be quite the faux pas to attend an event dressed as the award.”

“I concur,” Erike agreed. “They wear to draw attention, not become a laughingstock.”

And so it went for another two couples before our model appeared.

“God,” Theo cursed beside me. “You did it.”

Sophia wore the crap out of the dress, strutting down the catwalk like Venus risen to tempt man. The dress moved with her, the light catching the faint sheen from the velvet and picking up on the dynamic fuchsia satin.

My heart pounded in my ears as the judges examined my design with their critical eyes.

Please like it, please, oh please like it.

“Now this is interesting.” Alison leaned forward. “I love the contrast. It’s sensual and playful while still being glamourous.”

Theo caught my hand, squeezing.

“I’d have liked to see it with gloves,” Minerva said, tipping her head to one side. “The train is clever, but the whole look could be elevated by gloves.”

I absorbed her criticism while celebrating her praise.

“Mixed bag,” Theo muttered.

“It’s nothing new,” Erike said dismissively. “Where is the innovation?”

I sagged, disappointed.

“Who needs innovation when you look like that?” Alison countered with a laugh. “I’m telling you, starlets will be lining the streets to wear a gown with that shape.”

As quickly as the critique had begun, it was over, with only Keeley and Jude’s design to come.

I breathed out a heavy sigh, relieved beyond words the ordeal was finally over. A strange mix of joy and disappointment warred inside me, churning in my chest.

“Could’ve been worse,” Theo whispered, giving my hand a quick, reassuring squeeze. “At least we can’t get voted off the island, right?”

“Small mercies,” I muttered, managing a weak chuckle.

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