“Take a seat and I’ll go find her,” Morgan said.
Apple noticed another girl, sitting on the couch flipping through a magazine. She looked around Apple’s age, even though she was wearing a lot of makeup. The girl looked at her briefly, just long enough to give Apple a disgusted sneer before going back to her magazine. Apple knew it had to be Emme, the other intern Fancy Nancy had talked so glowingly about.
What is up with her? Apple wondered. She couldn’t deny it. Even with all that makeup, the girl was pretty. She was more than pretty—Emme was in Happy’s league of pretty. She was wearing something way more fabulous than Apple was. She looked as fashionable as Morgan and even Fancy Nancy. Clearly, Emme wasn’t as insecure as Apple either. She seemed calm and collected, as if she did these kinds of meetings just as often as she brushed her teeth.
Apple wondered if she should introduce herself. She hated herself for even wondering. She hated that she was so shy. She always had. She had to—had to!—get over her shyness. She was now an employee—well, an intern—at Angst magazine. She was part of the Angst family, and weren’t you supposed to be nice to other family members? Apple knew she would have to stop being so self-conscious if she was going to make it in this business, or at least make a good impression. Plus, the fact that Sloan Starr had just been so nice to her had given her a confidence boost that surprised even her.
And what was it Happy had said? That she had to be a “better version” of herself? What better time to actually be a “better version” of herself, even a new version of herself, than right now?
“Hi,” Apple said quietly, taking a seat near the girl. The girl clearly hadn’t heard her, because she didn’t look up from reading. Apple’s voice had sounded like a frog’s croak. She cleared her throat.
“Hi, I’m Apple,” she said, this time more loudly. “Are you Emme? Is that short for Emma?”
Again, the girl didn’t look up from her magazine instantly, as Apple assumed she—or anyone—would when someone says hi and offers an introduction. When Emme finally did glance up at Apple—after what seemed like a minute—she looked bored.
“Yes, I’m Emme,” she answered, her tone flat. “And, no, it’s not short for ‘Emma.’ It’s just Emme, like the letter.”
“Oh! You’re going to be interning here too, right? Nancy was just talking about you. We’re going to be working together,” Apple said. She knew she sounded childish and geeky and nervous.
“Exciting,” Emme said, sounding anything but excited.
Luckily, Dr. Berg finally appeared. Emme went back to reading and didn’t look up again.
“Ready?” Dr. Berg asked. “I think you’re going to have a wonderful time here. The people are so nice. And I met a very nice young man who apparently is on television too. His name was Sloan … Sloan something.”
“Sloan Starr,” Apple finished for her, acting as if her mother should know who he was, even though Apple hadn’t remembered his name herself. “He hosts Rock the Clock,” Apple said. “He’s very famous. His show airs right after yours. Happy loves him. He interviews musicians.”
“Ah, my baby gets her first job. I’m so proud of you,” her mother said, pushing Apple’s hair behind her shoulders. It was all Apple could do to stop from slapping her mother’s hand away. “Just think of all the interesting people you’re going to meet, including celebrities!” her mother continued. “It’s so exciting!”
Apple glanced at Emme, who gave her a look that clearly said, “You brought your MOTHER to a job interview? What a loser!”
Emme, unlike the others, appeared not to notice just who her mother WAS. If she did recognize Dr. Berg, she didn’t seem to care. For some reason, it bothered Apple that this Emme didn’t notice or seem to care.
Apple wanted to explain to Emme about the boots and how they hurt so much and that that was the reason she brought her mother in with her. But Emme, her new co-worker, seemed far from friendly. In fact, she seemed scarier than Fancy Nancy.
“Emme?” Morgan called out as Dr. Berg and Apple were leaving. “Nancy will see you now. I’ll take you there.”
Apple couldn’t help but look at Emme, who must have been 5 foot 10, as she got up gracefully, like an elegant safari animal. Her legs seemed to go on forever in her fishnet stockings. Her stiletto heels didn’t seem to bug her at all, even though Apple was in pain just seeing her walk in them. Emme straightened the flowery silk scarf around her neck and gave Apple a quick look before picking up what looked like a very professional portfolio. She smirked at Apple as she passed by. She smirked! Emme was treating her like a pestering younger sister.
“That girl certainly has attitude,” her mother whispered. So Apple was right. She wasn’t being paranoid. Even her mother noticed!
This job just became even more challenging—and not in a good way, thought Apple as they made their way back to the car. She wondered if this whole working-at-Angst thing was one big mistake. Even though she had been excited just a few moments earlier, she couldn’t help but wonder if she did have what it took to make it in this business. What if she had to deal with people like Emme, and their attitudes, every day? It wasn’t worth it, thought Apple, even if she would get to meet celebrities in person. So not worth it.
On the way home, her mother babbled. Apple barely paid attention. She couldn’t get Emme’s smirk and bored look out of her mind. She could tell Emme hated her already, and she had no idea why. How was she going to work beside someone with a personality like that two afternoons a week, plus weekends?
As soon as Apple got in the car, she had pulled Happy’s boots off, not easy considering her feet were super swollen.
“I am in so much pain,” she moaned.
“Well, it went well, didn’t it?” her mother asked.
“I guess so,” Apple answered.
“What do you mean, you guess so? God, Apple. Can’t you ever just be happy? You have an internship that people your age would murder you for. I’m not joking. They would poison you if they could get the chance to work at Angst. And you get your own advice column! And you get to go on television? You just ask me if you need to know anything about being on television. You know, it’s not as easy as it looks,” her mother said. “You can’t show any weakness on television. And people notice the tiniest details. If you change your earrings and they don’t like them, they’ll let you know!”
“Thanks for the added pressure, Mother!” Apple resonded, turning to look out the car window. “I can’t believe I have to start tomorrow. I thought I’d have a little more time to prepare myself emotionally.” Apple sighed, hoping she could stop her mother before she really started into lecture mode about the ins and outs of televisionland. Now not only would she have to deal with her mother’s relationship advice, but she would have to deal with her advice on being on television.
“Well, you know what I always say …”
“Yes, Mom, I know. ‘Why put off to tomorrow something you can do today?’ ‘Better to jump in feet first,’” Apple said, deadpan. She could have gone on and on with her mother’s peppy phrases, but she stopped herself.
“Didn’t you think Nancy was a little harsh?” Apple asked her mother, in an attempt to change the subject.
“Harsh? She seemed quite friendly. I think you’re very lucky to have her as a boss. Not all first bosses are that accomplished, you know. She’s worked in New York, Paris, Milan—all over the world. That woman knows her fashion. And she definitely knows how to run a magazine. At such a young age! So what if she seems harsh? Why is it that hardworking women always get a bad reputation? She’s just the type of person you could learn a lot from. You don’t want to let her down.”
“She just acted a lot nicer to you than to me. And that girl Emme? Sitting there not looking at me? That’s the person I’m supposed to work with. How am I going to deal with that?”
“Well, you’re the one who always complains about being my daughter. Don’t think I don’t know that. You can’t have it both ways.
You can’t want people not to give you special treatment because you’re my daughter and then want people to treat you special when you think they aren’t being nice to you. You’re just being paranoid about the other girl. She’s probably as nervous as you are. You can’t judge someone in the blink of an eye. Yes, she seemed a little snooty. But maybe she’s a really nice person. Be excited! It’s good to get out of your comfort zone once in a while. It will be good for you to meet new people.”
Apple immediately thought of Sloan Starr.
Screw Emme, thought Apple. After all, Sloan Starr had noticed Apple. Sloan Starr had complimented her! Though she knew she was being immature, she couldn’t help but admit that the fact Sloan had noticed her made her feel special and got her heart racing.
“I’m going upstairs to soak my feet in a salt bath,” Apple said when they pulled into the driveway. “If I can walk upstairs.”
“Okay, but hurry down,” her mother said, getting out of the car. “I’ve invited some people over for dinner.”
“Who?” asked Apple warily.
“You’ll see,” her mother answered in a singsong. “Just a little celebratory dinner for my future celebrity daughter.”
“Oh, God,” Apple moaned, though she was actually pleased. Apple had to admit that sometimes her mother was very thoughtful.
Apple had just gotten out of the bath when Happy and Brooklyn burst through her bedroom door. Apple wrapped a towel around her body and walked into her room.
“So how did it go?” Happy screamed. “Did the boots work? They did, right? I knew they would. Did they?”
“Yes, Happy! They worked. I start tomorrow,” Apple said.
“Tomorrow?” Happy screeched.
“Yes, I know. Tomorrow! Can you believe it?”
“Well, that’s kind of quick,” said Happy. “We don’t even have time to go shopping for new outfits. And we don’t have time to go to Gossip for a manicure!”
Gossip was a spa for teenagers and a regular haunt for Happy, Apple, and Brooklyn, who loved to go there for manicures, facials, and eyebrow waxing. Apple certainly needed a manicure after today. She had bitten off all her nails.
“I know. That’s what I was thinking. But you should see this Fancy Nancy. She’s strict. When I said, ‘Tomorrow?’ she was all like, ‘Is that a problem for you?’ What could I say?” Apple asked her friends.
“What else did she say?” Happy demanded.
“Oh, let’s see. Oh, yes, my favorite line was something along the lines of ‘If you screw up at this job you’ll probably never get the chance to work in magazines or television again,’” mimicked Apple.
“Harsh,” Brooklyn said. “That doesn’t sound very nice.”
“Tell me about it,” moaned Apple.
“Television?” Happy asked curiously. “Is Angst television really happening? It’s not just a rumor?”
“Yup. They’re starting a show called Angst TV. I’m going to be on it, apparently. I think I have to read my advice in front of the camera or something. I’m not quite sure. I’ll find out more tomorrow,” Apple said.
“Get out of here! Why don’t I just slit my wrists now? You are so lucky!” screeched Happy, giving Apple a friendly shove, but one strong enough that Apple fell onto her bed. “I knew they were trying to get a show on air, but I didn’t know it was actually happening! I didn’t even know you wanted to work in television. Now you really are going to be a mini Dr. Berg.”
“Don’t say that! Don’t ever say that again! But I know. Doing the advice column was one thing, but I also have to intern there two days a week, answering phones, making coffee. And now I have to worry about looking good on television,” moaned Apple.
“Well, the making-coffee part sounds tedious,” said Happy. “But getting to be on television? I’d fetch a thousand coffees to be on television regularly.”
“It’s not going to be fun. It’s a job! And one I don’t get paid for!” Apple muttered.
“Well, it’s a start,” said Brooklyn. “Hey, I wipe down the mats at the yoga studio for nothing, just to take free classes there. How do you think I feel wiping up other people’s sweat?” Brooklyn asked.
Apple and Happy crinkled their noses.
“Oh, and the worst? There’s this other intern starting with me, Emme, who is like a model by day and Angst intern by night. She literally gave me the dirtiest look I have ever seen. I’ve never been so scared of anyone in my life. She was scarier than Fancy Nancy. And I have to work with her, in the same office, four times a week,” moaned Apple. She grabbed the first tank top she saw and a pair of jeans from the Absolutely Not pile and threw them on.
“Oh, you can take her,” said Happy. “And if she gives you any trouble, just let me know and I’ll handle it. I could definitely take her. No one messes with my best friend.”
Apple smiled. Happy had always backed her up, ever since they met in first grade.
“I hope so. If not, I’m not going to last at Angst very long. And I don’t think you can take her. She’s, like, six feet tall,” Apple muttered.
“Oh my God, Apple. What’s with your feet?” Happy said suddenly. “They look like they’ve been run over by a truck!”
“Don’t blame me. That’s what YOUR boots did!” Apple said, looking down at her red, swollen, blistered feet.
“I just hope you didn’t stretch them out too much,” said Happy, picking up one of the boots and looking at it.
“Oh, by the way,” Apple said, “Fancy Nancy gave you a compliment.”
“Me? How does she know me? Did she mention my appearance on the Queen of Hearts?” Happy asked excitedly.
“Well, not exactly. She said she loved the boots,” Apple said.
“She said that?” Happy asked, looking pleased, running her fingers tenderly over the boot in her hand like it was a baby.
“Yup. It was practically the first thing she said to me. Actually, I think it was the first thing she said to me,” Apple admitted.
“See? I told you! I told you they’d be looking at what you wear. Aren’t you happy you listened to me?”
“Oh, and you’ll never guess who was there—” started Apple.
But before she could tell Happy about Sloan Starr (and his compliment on her hair) they heard the doorbell ring downstairs.
Apple, Happy, and Brooklyn immediately heard Crazy Aunt Hazel screech so loud that they all covered their ears in unison. And then they heard Aunt Hazel scream, “And then he got down on one knee and proposed!”
Apple looked at Brooklyn, who looked at Happy, who looked, shocked, at Apple.
There was no way, was there?
“There is no way your aunt just got engaged, is there?” Happy asked in disbelief, as if she were reading Apple’s mind. “Because that’s what it sounds like.”
“To Mr. Kelly?” Brooklyn added. “The math teacher who practically flunked me? The one teacher I hate? No, I shouldn’t say ‘hate.’ I don’t hate anyone. Hate is bad. It’s not good to put that kind of energy out there. No, I definitely don’t hate him. But I do feel sorry for him.”
“Well, in his defense, Brooklyn, you did absolutely no work,” Happy said.
“Hey, you’re supposed to be on my side!” said Brooklyn. “It’s not my fault if I suck at math.”
“I am on your side, Brooklyn. Why do you think I help you so much? Oh, my God, Apple! Mr. Kelly is going to be your uncle!” laughed Happy, giving Apple another small push.
“Don’t say that! I can’t hear you! I can’t hear you!” Apple said, covering her ears and bending over so her hair covered her face.
“We’d better go down and congratulate her,” Brooklyn said.
“I can’t,” Apple said. “I just can’t. How am I ever going to go to math class again? This is mortifying.”
“Don’t be such a baby. Just think! You suck at math too. Maybe he’ll take pity on you and give you a good mark!” Happy said. “After all, he’s going to be part of your family!”
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�And because he knows that I’m your best friend, he’ll take pity on me,” said Brooklyn. “This could be the best thing that has ever happened to me! Let’s go down and find out what happened.”
“I can’t,” moaned Apple.
“Yes, you can. She’s your aunt, for God’s sake. You have to congratulate her,” said Happy.
“No, I mean, I can’t walk. You guys have to help me walk!” Apple said.
Happy and Brooklyn each held onto one of Apple’s arms and they all walked slowly downstairs to see if what they had heard could possibly be true.
Apple knew that Mr. Kelly had indeed proposed the minute she saw her aunt at the foot of the stairs. Crazy Aunt Hazel grabbed her, lifted her into the air, and swung her around like she was a toddler.
“Put me down. Are you crazy? Put me down!” screamed Apple. She had had no idea Hazel was so strong.
“He proposed! We’re getting married!” she said, dancing around the living room as if she had just won a twenty-million-dollar lottery.
Apple looked at her blankly, not knowing what to say. Brooklyn and Happy started laughing.
“What is up with you guys? Why are you laughing?” Crazy Aunt Hazel demanded. “What? Did you think no man would ever propose to me? Is that it? Did you think I would never find love? Did you think I’d be alone forever and ever? Did you think no one could ever love me?”
“Of course not! We’re just so happy for you!” said Happy, racing to give Aunt Hazel a hug. Brooklyn followed suit.
Apple noticed Mr. Kelly standing by the door, looking on proudly with his hands behind his back. He also seemed a little nervous, like he wasn’t sure whether or not to walk inside. Apple felt bad for him, but not bad enough to be the one to say, “Come in!”
He was her math teacher, after all, and to see him in her home was strange, to say the least.
“Apple! Isn’t this the best news ever?!” Crazy Aunt Hazel screamed.
“Yes! Yes!” Apple said, trying to sound as excited as possible. “It’s very exciting!”
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