Free Awkward by Marni Bates Page B

cafeteria went silent before a hum of mass whispering began. Jane’s mouth dropped open, not attractively I might add, as she stared at him in shock. Notables are always a shock on the system. I felt like I’d just consumed another shot of caffeine.
    Corey sat up in his chair but pretended as if a Notable visit was an everyday occurrence. I could practically hear Corey’s gaydar beeping, as he tried to decipher Logan’s sexuality. I was guessing straight since he’d been distracted by Chelsea’s cleavage, but I’ve got notoriously bad gaydar.
    “Hey,” said Logan smoothly, as if eating a hamburger and fries with a pair of Invisibles and the Spectacle was no big deal.
    “Um, hey,” I managed. Jane needed more time to untangle her tongue. “How’s it going?”
    “Fine.” He picked up a fry and turned to see everyone in the cafeteria watching the four of us. “That’s a little intense.”
    “No, really?” I couldn’t help saying. “I hadn’t noticed.”
    Corey elbowed me in the ribs, but Logan just grinned. Slowly Jane and Corey began to relax.
    “So … has Alex given you any more trouble?” Logan asked casually.
    This time I really smiled. The one time I’d seen Alex in the cafeteria he’d given me a wide berth. Just the way I wanted it.
    “I guess my threat yesterday worked!” I elbowed Corey back, a little harder than necessary as payback. “Told you I could handle it.”
    “Yeah, way to deliver an empty threat,” Jane said weakly.
    “I could probably tell
Teen People
about him or something.” I considered it for a moment. “But I don’t think I’ve got the nerve.”
    Corey paused midbite of his pizza. He can scarf down twice the amount of junk food I can and fit into size 4 skinny jeans. Boys and their stupid metabolisms. “He just better leave you alone, Mackenzie.”
    Jane and Logan nodded in agreement—which was weird. Why would Logan Beckett care whether a football player harassed me? Unless … maybe he wanted more friends. But that couldn’t be it. He didn’t need Invisible friends—he probably had too many invites for keggers and parties already. Plus, I couldn’t picture him looking forward to a movie night with the three of us.
    “How’s AP US going?” I asked him, to take the attention off me.
    God, I’m a geek.
    “I didn’t get what Helm was talking about today.”
    “Well,” I said. “Remember in the chapter how …”
    “Study session after school?” he interrupted. “I could use the extra time.”
    “Um, sure.” The answer was automatic.
    “Great,” Logan said simply. “I’ll meet you after class.” Then he turned to Corey and asked him something about Woodshop. While the two of them discussed cherrywood and sanding techniques, Jane and I carried on a nonverbal conversation.
    A small shake of the head meant she couldn’t believe what was happening.
    My answering shrug confirmed I didn’t get it either.
    Then Jane flicked a glance at Logan before letting her eyes linger meaningfully at me.
    I shook my head deliberately. I am so not Logan’s type, which is (of course) tall, willowy, blond, and generously endowed. That’s why he and Chelsea are obviously suited for each other. Just like I’m perfect for Patrick.
    Jane raised an eyebrow, and it was a good thing the boys missed my derisive little snort.
    The world’s social order would have to implode before Logan Beckett and I ever became an item. I couldn’t see that happening either.

Chapter 14
    I didn’t know where I was supposed to meet him. He’d said “after class,” but that didn’t really tell me anything. I mean, was I supposed to stand outside AP Lit and wait for him to appear? I didn’t like that idea. I may fear the spotlight, but I am no Cinderella waiting around. I learned a long time ago that when you depend on people, they usually let you down. Not that I believed all guys wanted to make out with ballet instructors—I’m not that damaged. I just knew that the only person I