Page 12 of Darn Knit All

Ouch

Theo

My only consolation is the bar felt so bad they shouted me free fries

Mai

Mmmmmm fries

Theo

Wanna come share them with me? You’re only around the corner…

Mai

Will there be chicken wings?

Theo

I can make some appear

Mai

See you in 5

Istrode into the bar, my gaze scanning the room for a familiar dark-brown head and spotted Theo waving frantically from his seat at the bar. I lifted my chin in acknowledgement, rolling my eyes and grinning at his exuberance as I began to make my way through the tables to him.

If anyone had asked me how to describe Theo, I’d have been at a loss. Sure, I could describe the way his dark hair flopped over his green eyes, or the fact he often made me feel small and protected thanks to his height and muscular build. I could comment on how he always wore plaid and jeans, with the right leg of his pants cut off at the knee for easy access to his prosthetic. I could describe how he—unlike his twin—was always ready with a smile, laughing his way through life.

But all of that was superficial. The beauty of Theo wasn’t in his looks; his beauty came from the way he made you feel. He reminded me of a hug, or the first sunny day after a bitter winter—sweet and desperately needed.

Theo had to be the very definition of a golden-retriever-type personality. Hyperactive, adorably awkward, passionately protective, lovingly loyal and hilariously friendly. When you became one of his people, he did whatever he could to make you happy.

Which is why I’d changed out of PJs and pulled on a bra to haul myself down to the local bar on a Wednesday night to comfort him.

These were sacrifices I made for friends.

“What happened this time?” I asked, sliding into the seat beside his.

He held up his phone for me to see. “Ghosted. She texted right up until fifteen minutes after the date had been due to start then said, ‘can’t come’ and blocked me on the app.”

“Rude.” I leaned over to swipe a fry from the basket in front of him. “Your bad luck with potential partners is becoming legendary.”

Theo slumped on the barstool. “Tell me about it. At this rate I’m going to end up dying alone.”

I raised my hand, flagging down the bartender. “At least you’re trying. My dating life is dryer than the Sahara Desert.”

“She arrived,” the cute bartender said, grinning at Theo.

“No, this is my friend, Mai. Mai meet Aiden. He’s been keeping me company for the last two hours.”

Aiden reached across the bar to shake my hand. “Pleasure.”

I eyed him, sizing him up as a potential date for Theo. “Lovely to meet you, Aiden. Do you happen to be single?” I jerked my thumb at Theo. “’Cause this big guy is looking.”

He chuckled. “Alas no. I also happen to be about to leave the Cove. But if all of that ever falls apart—” He winked at Theo. “—I’ll give you a call.”

“See?” Theo said with a dramatic sigh. “I’m cursed.”

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