The Summer I Became a Nerd - By Leah Rae Miller Page 0,83

just wonderful, Awesome Logan,” Martha says.

“What gave you the idea to put this together?” His tone sounds like he already knows the answer.

“As much as I’d like to take the credit, this wasn’t my idea.”

“Wait,” he says, all hint of knowing the answer gone. “You told me this was your doing.”

“I’m sorry. I lied.” From where I’m standing on the practice mats the coach set up for the cheerleaders, I can see the trademark Scott smile spread across her face. “The truth is this was all thought up by a certain nice, young girl.” She looks in my direction and Logan’s gaze follows.

I pretend to be completely enraptured by the nearby bakery booth that’s selling cake-pops. After a few seconds of silence, I glance back. Martha and Logan have their hands over their mics and are leaning close to each other, having what looks like a very fast-paced conversation. Martha says something that makes Logan’s mouth drop open and his eyes sort of glaze over, and then she flicks him on the forehead. He sits up straight and adjusts his mic.

The sound of him clearing his throat crackles through the speakers. “Well, let’s get the real mastermind mind over here. I hope all of my regular listeners remember Wonderful Wendy.” He waves a hand for me to come over.

I shake my head vigorously, but Terra laughs and shoves me toward his booth. Reluctantly, I take Martha’s seat. She pats my head, then leaves to help a customer.

Logan stares at me, his shock still obvious, then seems to realize we’re on the air. He clears his throat again. “So, this is quite an amazing undertaking, especially for a seventeen-year-old. What made you do it?”

“I…I know this guy whose family owns a small business here in town. They were having troubles like a lot of locally owned stores, and I couldn’t understand why they weren’t getting the customers they deserved. I know prices are lower at the bigger, chain stores, but I think the benefits to the community are worth the extra dollar or two. Then I thought maybe people just didn’t know about all the amazing stores around town. So, why not give them the opportunity to explore them in one place and make a little money for charities and the college at the same time?”

I can’t believe I got all that out without stumbling over every other word, especially with how intently Logan is watching my mouth.

He shakes his head slightly and looks me in the eye. “That’s very noble of you. So, what’s been your favorite booth today?”

“They’re all great. Did you know Cajun Confections has an orange spice cupcake with hot sauce in it? So yummy. But I’d have to say my favorite has been The Phoenix. I spent most of my money there. I picked up the first five issues of the new Green Lantern.”

“I’m glad to hear it. Well, thanks for talking with me today, Wonderful Wendy, and to all the listeners—”

“Actually, my name isn’t Wendy,” I blurt out. “It’s Maddie. Madelyne Jean Summers. I’m a cheerleader at Natchitoches Central. And I love comics.”

Logan raises an eyebrow. “Good for—”

“Oh, and role-playing games. And video games.” Now that I’m confessing, I can’t seem to stop.

“Okay, well—”

“And reading regular books, all kinds, and science fiction stuff. I’ve also been thinking of making a costume for next year’s NerdCon. Maybe Princess Leia when she was captured by Jabba the—”

Logan flips the switch on the microphone. “That’s great, but we need to get back to some music now.” He looks like he’s trying very hard not to smile.

“What? You don’t like that part? I thought all guys had a thing for Leia in that metal bikini thing.”

“Of course, I like Leia in the…bikini thing. But don’t announce to the city you’re going to be wearing that. I can hear Dan from here making a note on his phone to get passes to S.N.C. next year. And look at Tommy and his friends. They haven’t stopped staring. Tommy’s grooming his fake beard, for God’s sake, probably getting ready to hit on you.” Logan glares at Tommy, who straightens and tucks his beard comb back into his robes.

“So, you don’t want me to dress up for the con next year?”

His gaze drops to my lips again. “I didn’t say that.”

I can’t help myself. I lean closer and whisper, “How about Power Girl? I could probably work that costume up before next year.”

The rest of the festival fades away when he smiles. He