Page 91 of Darn Knit All

Theo

Enable me, Mai! Please!

Mai

Go cuddle a kidlet

Theo

Do you think Annie would let me steal one of the twins? She has two kids, surely, she doesn’t need both

Mai

Have you met Annie?

Theo

I’ll buy a dog instead

Mai

Safer bet

We’d assembled early once again, but there was a buzz in the air, a tension of nervous anticipation that hadn’t been present during previous rounds.

The director positioned us just so, checking our hair and makeup, and adjusting our clothing.

“Five minutes,” Celeste yelled.

I checked the microphone, making sure it was turned off before turning to Mai.

“How you feeling?”

Her fingers twisted the ring on her finger.

“I’m coping.”

I caught her around her waist, wrapping her in a hug.

“Before this all goes down I need to say something.”

“If it’s that I snore?—”

I chuckled. “Hush, I’m being serious.”

Mai sobered, her gaze searching my face.

“I’m proud of you. You took a chance coming here, and I know it wasn’t easy. You’ve had a lot of shit thrown at you—not the least by me.”

She smiled at that.

“I wanted to thank you for letting me tag along. This has been one of the wildest and best adventures of my life. I know we’re going to win because you deserve it, but more importantly, because you’re a fucking awesome designer.”

“Two minutes!” Celeste yelled, passing by us.

“I want you to know,” I continued, “that no matter what happens today, no matter what happens tomorrow, knowing you, being here with you, has been the greatest privilege of my life.”

“Oh, Theo.” She reached up to pull my head down to kiss me.

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