We’d nailed it! Again!

We ran backstage with thunderous applause still raining down.

“YESSS!” I said, and Lily practically leapt into my arms. The Bunheads were jumping around together, and then they ran over and enveloped us in a huge hug. We were giddy with relief and happy tears. Then I noticed Eliza and the Dance City crew standing right behind Vanessa.

There was a brief and awkward silence, where I was still being smushed by my team, with Eliza standing there.

Then Eliza came right up to us and gave me a double high five.

“That was beyond incredible,” she said. I let myself breathe then, grateful to Eliza for breaking the ice. Then she turned to my team.

“You make an outstanding team.” She smiled at everyone.

“Wow, thank you so much!” Trina said. “We didn’t see yours, but I’m sure it was great, too.”

“I agree!” I said. “I totally do.”

Eliza gave me a big hug,

Megan looked away from us, and everyone else talked politely with one another until we were all invited back onstage.

Trey Thompson threw back a smile as we piled in. “As our top three dance troupes make their way back on stage, let’s show them some New York City love and congratulate them on a fantastic job on this nationals stage today.”

The applause filled my ears. I definitely felt the love. I was also feeling the butterflies. Plenty of them!

CHAPTER

16

Unlike yesterday, when we held hands in anticipation of group qualifier announcements, there was no hand-holding going on at this moment. Lots of hand-wringing, sure. But that was it. We were totally in the moment.

“Trey looks amazing,” Riley breathed.

Trey Thompson was wearing a flashy jacket today. He paired a retro baseball bomber with his blue jeans and work boots. Only thing was, his bomber and the cool swirly lettering on it was made entirely in shiny sequins. And yes, he looked great. “Judges, I don’t envy the tough job you have had today.” Trey gestured to the panel of five people seated flush to the stage, in front of where the corral of performers sat yesterday. “So, please—a round of applause for the judges, too.”

The crowd applauded politely, as did all of us onstage. It was nice to have the attention take a break from us. The spotlight beaming on us literally shifted to the judges. But then, just as quickly as it was gone, it was back. I stood up taller and smiled.

“Now,” Trey announced with a backward glance at us, “before we announce the winning group from today’s amazing performances, let’s see these beautiful trophies!”

Everyone oohed and aahed. Augh, I could hardly take the suspense anymore. I knew he was building it on purpose for the excitement, but I was about to explode. Finally, he said it.

“Now, here is the moment these talented performers have been waiting for. The judges have tallied their scores, and we are ready to announced the forty-fourth annual nationals winning dance group!”