Read Online Apple's Angst by Rebecca Eckler - Free Book Online Page A

super-cute guy who was walking out, one Apple could swear she had seen before, momentarily distracted her. Then it hit her. Oh, my God, thought Apple.
    Was that What’s-his-name walking past her, leaving the
Angst
offices? No, it couldn’t be. But was it? Apple could have sworn she saw—Oh God,
what’s his name?
That guy on that music video channel who interviewed all those famous musicians? Happy would know his name. It was on the tip of Apple’s tongue. Happy had forced Apple to watch the show—it was one of her favorites—more than once. It aired daily right after her mother’s show, on a different channel. What’s-his-name was cuter in person but shorter than he looked on television.
    According to her mother, most television personalities were shorter in person (and also had bigger heads).
    â€œI dig your hair,” said What’s-his-name, smiling at Apple. “It’s very cool.” Apple blushed. What’s-his-name smiled at her again, this time for what seemed like a while. He looked down at her—rather, Happy’s—bootsand smiled appreciatively. She almost jumped back as he reached out and pulled one of her boings.
    â€œCute!” What’s-his-name said. Apple didn’t mind that someone she just met had pulled on one of her curls without asking.
    Apple called out, “Thanks!” but wasn’t sure if What’s-his-name heard her. He had already walked out. This day certainly has been strange, thought Apple, wondering if she had dreamed What’s-his-name’s presence.
    â€œHey, Morgan,” Apple said, trying to be brave. She would have to see Morgan a few days a week, so Apple knew it would be better to start off on the right foot and at least try not to be as shy as she really was.
    â€œHow did it go?” asked Morgan, seemingly sincere. Then she whispered, “I know Nancy can be harsh.”
    â€œWell, it went,” Apple responded. “I think it was okay. I’m supposed to get a card from you.”
    â€œYup. Already done. Here’s your pass. Every time you come in, you swipe this card and the office doors will open for you. Nancy explained that you’d be meeting Michael tomorrow, right? You look a little wary,” Morgan said, eyeing Apple. “Don’t worry. Michael’s a charmer. You’ll love him. He’s a true doll. Everyone adores him.”
    â€œI’m fine. It’s just that Nancy was a little …” Apple didn’t know exactly how to describe how she felt, and she certainly didn’t want to say anything that might offend Morgan or get back to Nancy.
    â€œI know. Like I said, she can be … well, harsh. But that’s why
Angst
is the number-one-selling teen magazine in the country. You don’t get to be the editor ofsomething like this unless you’re harsh. You can’t be a success unless you really are forward-thinking and make sure people hear you. But don’t worry. She’s a teddy bear underneath. Or at least that’s what all of us employees say. We
say
it. We’re not sure if it’s true, though,” Morgan laughed. “With
Angst TV
launching, she’s under extra pressure.”
    Apple didn’t want to talk about Fancy Nancy anymore. She wanted to know about What’s-his-name, the cute guy she’d seen on television who had complimented her, pulled her hair, and smiled at her.
    â€œUm, that guy who was just leaving. Was that … ?” Apple asked. “My brain is totally fried. I can’t remember his name.”
    â€œSloan Starr? Yup, that was him,” responded Morgan. “Cute, huh?”

T hat’s right, thought Apple. Sloan Starr! She wanted to slap herself on the head. How could she have forgotten his name? Happy is going to be so jealous, she thought. She’d have to play it down. It was enough that Apple was going to work here, let alone actually meet celebrities. It would put