Page 99 of Darn Knit All

“The judges have made our decision,” Erike declared. “And the winners of this year’sPerfect Fitare….” He paused for dramatic effect.

I held my breath, my heart pounding in my ears. This was it, the moment of truth. We’d fought so hard to be here, worked ourselves to the bone to make this happen. As if hearing my thoughts, Theo pulled me into him, wrapping an arm around my shoulders to squeeze me tight.

“Jude and Keeley!”

I sagged, the excitement and anticipation leaving my body in a rush. Exhaustion hit me with an almost-overwhelming thump.

Tears clogged the back of my throat even as I smiled through the pain.

It had always been a long shot. But I’d hoped.

Theo and I clapped politely, smiling and nodding as Jude and Keeley accepted their award.

“But the night isn’t over,” Erike said, waggling his finger. “While the prize money has been won, a second prize is still to be awarded.”

I exchanged a look with Theo, mouthing silently, “Second prize?”

“Tonight, I will be offering the designer who I believe shows the most promise an exclusive experience. For the next four weeks you will intern with me as we work to create your first runway show for Milan Fashion Week.”

My mouth dropped open, my heart pounding in my chest.

“You might have wondered why you signed on for six weeks when the competition is already complete.” He grinned. “The cameras will follow you over the next four weeks as you develop your designs and work around the clock to ready them. They will be there to capture your triumph as you debut your first show.”

His gaze locked with mine. “Mai, I would like to invite you to join me.”

My mind blanked. Sound disappeared, and I looked at Erike as if he were at the other end of a long tunnel.

Is this happening? Did he really just say my name?

Theo’s roar shook me from my shock.

“Mai! You’re going to Italy!” He wrapped me in a bear hug, lifting me up.

“Theo!” I squealed, thumping against his shoulders. “You’ll hurt yourself!”

“Psh!” he scoffed. “You did it, Mai. You fucking won!”

The show wrapped up and Erike came over to congratulate me.

“To be clear,” he told Theo, shaking his hand, “this offer is for Mai only.”

I stiffened, my stomach dropping.

“Of course,” Theo said easily. “Mai’s the one who deserves this.”

Erike congratulated me once more, reminding me that I’d need to be at the airport by five in the morning before he moved away.

Turning to Theo, I clasped my shaking hands together, desperately trying to hold my sudden panic at bay.

“Theo, I can’t—you—I need?—”

He clasped his hands on my shoulders, dipping down to stare into my eyes.

“You can. And, Mai, you have to. I can’t come with you to do this. God knows I would if I could, but I can’t.”

“I’ll cancel,” I said, running through my options. “Or maybe we could?—”

He cut me off with a shake of his head. “No, baby. This is one path I can’t walk with you—and it’s one path that I know you have to take. You’ll hate yourself if you don’t.”

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