The ballroom buzzed with conversation, packed with Broadway performers, directors, and producers celebrating another season of theater. Mike Faist wasn't usually one for these kinds of events. He preferred being onstage to standing around making small talk.

Still, he found himself lingering near the refreshments, listening to snippets of conversations drift past.

"...have you heard her sing live?"

"They're saying she's going to be the next big thing."

"Her stage presence is unreal."

Mike had heard the name all night.

“Guest.”

Curious, he glanced across the room just as a small crowd parted around a young actress laughing at something someone had said. Even from a distance, she seemed completely at ease, carrying herself with the confidence of someone who belonged there—even if she was one of the newest faces in the room.

As if sensing his stare, she looked over.

Their eyes met for a brief second.

Then she smiled.

Not the polite smile people gave strangers at industry events. A real one.

Before Mike could look away, she was already making her way through the crowd toward him.

"So," she said when she finally reached him, tilting her head slightly, "Mike Faist, right?"

There was a teasing glint in her eyes.

"I've been hearing your name all night, too."