Page 49 of Darn Knit All

We turned to find a middle-aged couple standing behind us. They wore matching outfits of sparkling leather pants, and fringed vests. It was like Dolly Parton had designed it.

“I’m Mai and this is Theo,” Mai said, introducing us. “We’re excited to be here.”

We chatted for a bit, Mai asking about their designs and background while I listened politely. The pair were from Chars. They’d met at design school, and fused Gretchen’s Pakistani heritage with Jodie’s passion for grunge and country, opening an urban street wear brand that specialized in servicing actors and music artists.

“We better keep circulating,” Jodie said reluctantly, glancing over Mai’s shoulder. “I’d love to stay but you’re about to be interrogated by the ice twins.”

“Ice?” I asked, turning to follow their gaze. “What do you mean?”

Gretchen and Jodie faded away as another couple approached. They wore matching tight-fitting suits and looked more like a brother and sister ready for a red-carpet affair rather than this casual party.

“Jude,” the taller of the two said, presenting his hand to me. “And you are?”

I felt Mai shrink beside me, crowding closer. I’d begun to relax, thinking this seemed like a nice place—apart from the overly stressed director. Seeing the way the guy looked down his nose at us, I could see my assumption may have been premature.

I took his hand, shaking it firmly. “Theo and Mai, pleased to meet you.”

“Quite,” Jude said, eyeing Mai. “I know you from somewhere. Tell me how.”

She hesitated, a flush dusting her cheeks. “I took your course three years ago.”

Jude’s gaze narrowed on Mai. “You cried.”

Mai hunched her shoulders, nodding.

He tutted under his breath.

Unimpressed, I wrapped an arm around Mai, hauling her into my side.

“And which houses have you interned?” Keeley asked, sniffing delicately.

The two of them gave me strong villain vibes, and I did not like that for us.

“Mai’s house,” I said easily. “She’s a great teacher.”

Mai spluttered as Keeley and Jude stared at me as if I’d lost my mind.

“They mean fashion houses,” Mai corrected gently. “But Theo’s correct. He’s only ever worked with me.”

As if they’d practiced it, the two evildoers exchanged a glance and as one, dismissed us as competition.

Keeley’s gaze dropped to my prosthetic. “Are you the sob story, hired to pull the ratings?”

I chuckled at their obvious attempts to intimidate me—the one guy who had zero skin in this game—but Mai didn’t seem to be on the same page. She bristled, stepping in front of me.

“That was rude,” she informed her, her expression fierce. “Theo and I are here to win this.”

“Best of luck with that,” Jude said with an insincere smirk. “I don’t think you’ll be able to cry yourself to victory.”

Hot rage burned through me like wildfire, but I bit my tongue, determined to take the high road with these two wankers.

“Good luck,” I responded sweetly, taking hold of Mai before she began to scratch their eyes out. “Buh-bye now.”

She allowed me to drag her away but not before loudly voicing her protest.

“I could have taken them,” she spat, glaring over her shoulder.

“I know, babe. But they’re not worth it. They’ll learn how wrong they are when you win this thing.”

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