Stacey McGill, Super Sitter Read Online Free PDF Page B

out.
     
    "But we've been practicing in our heads," Robert said, his eyes dancing mischievously. "Mental attitude counts for a lot." "Okay, Mr. Spock," Logan teased. "Let's see if you can use the Vulcan mind meld to keep that ball out of the gutter." Robert put one hand on a bowling ball and the other on his forehead. He closed his eyes and scrunched up his face as if he were concentrating hard. "No problem," he reported, opening his eyes again. "The bowling ball and I are one." "One what?" Mary Anne asked as she wrote our names on the score sheets.
     
    "One nut case." Logan laughed.
     
    "You'll see," Robert said knowingly. "We're ready. Right, Stacey?" "Yeah, right," I replied sarcastically. "We're ready." As it turned out we did better than I expected. Maybe Robert was right about the power of the mind. I was in such a good mood that I bowled better than usual. I wonder if there was a connection. Throughout the game Robert and I were almost tied with Mary Anne and Logan.
     
    "Whoa, guys!" Logan said admiringly. "That mind meld is working." "You'd better have a talk with your dad's ball," Robert kidded. "Tell him it's time to get tough. Stacey and I are through fooling around with you. Now we're out to win this thing." "In that case I need strength," Logan said. "I need a pizza break." "Pizza sounds good," Robert agreed.
     
    "They have those big soft pretzels here," I. recalled enthusiastically. Pretzels are one of the snack foods I can have. The big baked kind reminds me of the city, where vendors sell them warm on street corners.
     
    "I'll come help you carry the food back," Mary Anne said to Logan.
     
    "Uh ... no ... one person from each team should go," Logan replied.
     
    We all looked at him with puzzled expressions. "Why?" Mary Anne asked.
     
    "Because . . . uh . . . uh . . . because that's fair. I mean, each team should have its members equally tired out," Logan said.
     
    "Yeah, like walking to the food counter is so exhausting," Robert said dryly.
     
    Logan shrugged and grinned. "Hey, in a game this close who knows, it might make a difference." "You're crazy," I laughed. "But I'll go with you." Logan and I walked toward the food counter together. "Did that sound totally nuts?" Logan asked.
     
    "Yes," I said.
     
    "I just had to find a way to talk to you alone." "What about?" While the counterperson heated three pieces of pizza and a big pretzel, Logan told me what was on his mind. "I want to buy Mary Anne a ring for Valentine's Day," he said.
     
    "How sweet!" I cried. "She'll love that." "I want her to love it," Logan said, "but that's what I'm worried about. I'm not sure I'll pick out a ring she'll love." "You can always return it," I reminded him.
     
    Logan made a face. "I know. It's not the same, though. It's much better if she loves the ring right off the bat." "That's true," I agreed.
     
    "Would you come shopping with me? You know Mary Anne's taste. I'd feel better if you helped me pick out the ring." "Sure," I said. "When do you want to go?" "I'll have the money by next week," Logan said. "How about then? We can go downtown right after school." "Okay, I can - " I stopped short. I'd forgotten about my new job with the Cheplins. "Can't," I said. "I'll be working until five-thirty every night." Logan looked disappointed.
     
    "Why not ask Kristy to go with you?" I suggested. "She knows Mary Anne's taste as well as I do, maybe even better." "That's a good idea," said Logan. "Okay. I'll ask her. This should be a great Valentine's Day. I'll have the ring, and I've made reservations at Chez Maurice." "Chez Maurice!" I gasped, clasping my hands together excitedly. "How romantic!" "I hope Mary Anne thinks so," said Logan.
     
    "She will," I assured him. "Definitely." I heard a timer beep and soon the guy behind the counter brought us our food. We bought some sodas (club soda for me) and returned to