Page 29 of Knot Happening

"You two are attending the masquerade?" Theo Blackwood asks, and he sounds genuinely pleased rather than surprised or judgmental.

"We are," Adam confirms, squeezing my hand in what I assume is meant to be a supportive gesture but which also reinforces our couple charade.

“Great!” Marcus says, and he actually sounds like he means it. "You'll have an incredible time. The palace is spectacular during the ball, and the organizers always create something truly magical."

"You sound as if you know them, and as if you’ve been before,” I observe.

"Not personal experience," Felix says carefully. "But we... appreciate good event planning."

There's something in his tone that suggests there's more to the story, but before I can analyze it further, Theo changes the subject.

"Miss Hartwell, I hope the library expansion planning is going well. Felix speaks very highly of your vision for the project."

I'm sure that I told him to call me Belle. No one calls me by my last name, but when he does it, something inside me changes, a shift. It's not only their scent, but there's something else I can't put my finger on.

"Great!" I reply, grateful for the safer topic. "Mr. Romano has some brilliant ideas for integrating modern functionality with historical preservation."

Well, if he's going to use last names, then I will do the same. But my voice is stuck in my throat. The words that usually flow out of me become stuck.

"Felix does excellent work," Marcus says with obvious pride in his pack mate. "The community is lucky to have his expertise."

"Speaking of community," Adam interjects, apparently feeling confident enough to join the conversation, "will we see you three at the ball? It would be nice to have familiar faces there."

The question is innocent enough, but the reaction it provokes is immediate and telling. All three men exchange glances that speak of shared frustration and disappointment.

"We won't be attending," Marcus says simply, but there's an edge to his voice that suggests this is a sensitive topic.

"That doesn't seem fair," I say before I can stop myself. "I mean, look at all the people who received invitations this year. Claire Mitchell from the flower shop works sixteen-hour days creating the most beautiful arrangements for everyone's special moments, bringing joy to people during their happiest and saddest times. She absolutely deserves to experience something magical for herself. And Dr. James Rodriguez? That man has delivered half the babies in this town and stayed up countless nights saving lives. If anyone has earned a night of enchantment, it's him."

I notice Adam's hand slip away from mine, but I can't seem to stop myself. This is exactly what happens around these three men, I either say nothing at all or I can't shut up. There's no middle ground.

"Then there are the Walsh twins at the auto shop. Those two have helped every single person in Willbrook at some point, whether it's a midnight breakdown or fixing someone's car for free when money's tight. They're the first to volunteer for community events and never ask for anything in return. And Emma Thompson! She's shaped the minds of practically every child in this town for the past fifteen years, staying after school to help struggling students, buying supplies with her own money. She may be quiet, but she's had an enormous impact on our community."

Marcus is watching me with an expression of fascination as I go through the list of invitees. Felix has that slight smile playing at the corners of his mouth, like he's genuinely entertained.Theo's dark eyes are completely focused on me, and Adam looks somewhere between impressed and mortified.

I pause, realizing I'm practically lecturing three of the most prominent men in town, but I can't seem to stop. "Even Jake Sullivan almost threw his invitation away because he was convinced he didn't deserve it. But he's the one who opens his hardware store at dawn for emergencies, who never charges full price for elderly customers, who taught my neighbor's grandson how to fix his bike for free. These are the people who make Willbrook what it is, who give and give without ever expecting recognition. If anyone deserves a magical night, it's them."

The four men are all staring at me now, and I suddenly realize I've been gesturing wildly with my free hand while completely monopolizing the conversation.

"I just assumed... I mean, you're all obviously successful members of the community..." Adam says, as everyone stops to just stare at me.

"Not everyone who deserves an invitation receives one," Felix says quietly.

These three men are clearly intelligent, successful, and contributing members of the community, but they have been excluded from the same event that somehow deemed Adam and me worthy of attendance.

"Fairness is rarely a factor in social exclusion," Theo replies with the pragmatism of someone who's experienced it firsthand.

"But you're all... I mean, you contribute so much to the community. Mr. Romano is designing our library expansion, Mr. Sterling's development projects have brought jobs and growth to the region, and Mr. Blackwood..." I trail off, realizing I don't actually know what Theo does professionally.

"Provides security consulting," Theo finishes with amusement. "And thank you for the sentiment, but we're used to being excluded from certain social circles."

"It doesn't make it right," Adam says firmly, and I'm proud of him for speaking up despite his usual shyness around intimidating strangers.

"No," Marcus agrees, "it doesn't. But it's the reality we've learned to work with."

There's something profound about this moment as we have an honest conversation with three men who've been demonized by town gossip, realizing that exclusion and inclusion often have nothing to do with merit or character.

"Well," I say impulsively, "if you're ever interested in attending library events, you'd be more than welcome. We're always looking for community members who understand the value of education and cultural programming."

---