This was no secret. Who could forget Costume Day in fifth grade, almost exactly six years ago? Certainly not their classmates. It was held the day before or after Halloween so that the school district couldn’t be accused of celebrating a pagan holiday. Derrick had come dressed as Rowan, complete with a red cloak and flowery speech. But that was before the TV show, before most middle schoolers had any kind of familiarity with the world of Swords and Shadows. Bridget had been the only one who hadn’t thought Derrick was a pint-sized Prince Charming. Even then, it wasn’t the outfit or the language that had branded Derrick as an übernerd. It was the complete seriousness he’d brought to the role. He had been all too solemn, like someone cast as Jesus Christ in a Passion play, who felt it was blasphemy to act un-Christlike, even off stage. Any teasing had made him flush and then get angry.

So of course the other kids had teased him unmercifully.

Even now, as Wyatt walked by, he fake-coughed the word “Nerds!”

“Yes,” Bridget said, ignoring Wyatt and wishing she could ignore Derrick. “The books are amazing.” Was Ajay waiting for her?

“Have you been to one of Haldon’s readings? Do you ever wonder what he’s like in real life?”

Even though Bridget was only half-listening, she had the strangest feeling that Derrick was suppressing some strong emotion. For a second, she focused on him. While nobody looked good under fluorescent lights, Derrick had the kind of skin that cruel kids sometimes called pizza face. But now a smile was playing about his lips.

Oh no. She got it. Derrick must like her. Like her the way she liked Ajay. Oh no. No, no, no.

“I more just think about the books,” she said truthfully. “Not the author.” As she spoke, she realized how little she really knew about Bob. Then again, all he ever wanted to communicate about was the world of the books. She snuck another glance toward the hall. She was relieved to spot Ajay, but that relief was short-lived when she saw that a senior girl sporting cat ears, a fur tail, and a tight black sweater was talking to him.

Derrick made an impatient noise. “Don’t you ever wish that you could read that last book, like, right now?”

“B—Haldon will write it when he writes it.” Bridget was so distracted that she almost forgot her connection with Bob was a secret.

Derrick smiled at her again, but this time it was more of a smirk. “I’m hoping someone will help him realize how important that is to his fans.”