#Chapter 36: The Win

As soon as that gavel hit the table, it was like waking up from a nightmare. "Evie, you did it," Timothy exclaimed, rushing toward me. I gasped as he wrapped me in a tender hug, twirling me around. I returned the hug, feeling the swell of pride and relief. He set me down and I couldn’t help but laugh at the sudden look of embarrassment on his face, like he just realized what he had done. “Uh, sorry. Got a little excited…” He rubbed the back of his neck and I nudged him in the arm. "It’s fine.” I kept my hands on his arms, steadying myself with his weight or I’d tip over otherwise. I was still winded by the exhilaration of it all. “We’re okay.” As we pulled apart, the atmosphere shifted. Linda approached with a tight-lipped smile. Her tone was laced with sarcasm as she said, "Well, well, Evie. I have to admit, I'm surprised. I didn't think you had it in you." I shot back with a smile of my own, "Well, Linda, let this be a lesson in not underestimating others. Especially if t