With adrenaline coursing through her, she walked off the stage. Backstage, Bree was already waiting, bouncing on her heels with excitement.
Zara couldn't stop smiling. Neither could Bree.
Before Bree could even speak, Zara blurted out, "Nicole wants to talk to me." Her whole body trembled with the rush of joy and disbelief.
Bree's eyes widened in shock. "What? Are you serious?"
Zara nodded, still unable to believe.
A slow, radiant smile spread across Bree's face. "Zara, I am so happy. Nicole Cook noticed you. This is huge."
Zara's fingers tightened around the award. "I need to see Nathaniel," she said, breathless.
"Then go," Bree urged. "Find him. I'm sure he is bursting with pride right now."
Grinning with excitement, Zara turned and rushed toward the exit leading to the main hall. Her eyes searched, skipping past faces and shoulders until she noticed the familiar figure. In the far corner of the hall, near the curtains that framed the stage, she spotted him.
