Page 51 of Darn Knit All

“Oh my God,” Mai breathed, her face a picture of stunned awe. “It’s Erike Baretti.”

“A man who needs no introductions,” Michelle said with a laugh. “Erike Baretti!”

I applauded politely, having no clue who the hell this guy was and why my fake girlfriend might be in raptures over him.

“Welcome, designers,” he said, his voice soft but stern. “There will be two prizes handed out tomorrow—the first will be to the team our judges deem to have constructed the best outfit. And the second, will be revealed following the event.”

He bowed his head. “Teams, you have just eight hours to create your finished design.” A giant clock appeared on the wall behind him, the projection reading eight hours.

“Your time starts… now!”

I blanched as the crowd scattered and the other couples took off running.

“I’m sorry,” I said, staring at Mai who stared back at me. “Did he say,now?”

She nodded, her mouth opening and closing.

“Fuck.” I glanced around. “Surely they’re joking. We’ve been up since four this morning. We need food and sleep. You’re dead on your feet and I’m?—”

“Run!” Celeste barked, throwing her clipboard at me. “Get going!”

“Jesus!” I narrowly avoided the flying plastic. “Fine! We’re going!” I grabbed Mai’s hand and tugged her along. “I think this is a hostile work environment.”

She snorted. “Welcome to fashion, darling.”

CHAPTER 7

MAI

Theo

You ever feel like a waste of space?

Mai

No

Theo

Oh good, me either

Mai

What happened?

Theo

Nothing

Mai

Why don’t I believe you?

Theo

On an unrelated note, how do you feel about me becoming a monk? Good, bad, indifferent?

Mai

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