Boomerang Read Online Free Page B

on his gape-mouthed expression, and she lets out a big, open-throated laugh. “That boy did not know what hit him.”
    Before I have a chance to respond that I know the feeling, she has my dress off over my head and has replaced it with a violet silk blouse. Beth comes from a long line of dressers and stage managers, so this is a feat I’ve witnessed several times before, though it’s my first time on the receiving end.
    “Where’d this come from?” I ask.
    “It was on my body when I left the house this morning,” she tells me. “Or did you think I walked around looking like some broke-down Dorothy from Oz?”
    She drops to the floor and pulls a heather-gray skirt from the bag.
    “Step in,” she orders, holding the garment open for me, and I do.
    She stands, spins me around, tugs down the bottom of the blouse, zips up the skirt, and then reaches her hands beneath my clothes to do some adjusting.
    The outfit is, not surprisingly, absolute perfection.
    I plant a hand on Beth’s shoulder as I zip on her pair of soft leather boots, which she trades for my strappy sandals. “You really are so good to me.”
    “As good as Ethan ?”
    I straighten and look in the mirror. My skin looks sallow in the fluorescent lighting, and half my hair has escaped its bonds, making me look like the spawn of an anemone. But still, it’s an improvement. “You’re going to kill me, but I barely remember.”
    She tsks. “What a shame. And also why I don’t drink.” Then she grabs my hair like reins. In a flurry of purple nails and chunky silver rings, she wrestles it into order, smoothing it into a neater version of the low bun I’d attempted.
    It seems a pinch ungrateful to remind her that she actually stopped drinking after accidentally making out with her cousin.
    “I’m glad you had yourself a little fun, though, Mia. You deserve it after that tool Kyle.”
    “Thanks, gorgeous.” I give her a quick hug, and then I turn last night’s dress and shoes over to her. I think of returning Ethan’s shirt to him, but some impulse makes me hand it to her too. “And thanks so much for this. You’re a lifesaver.”
    She drops them into the shopping bags and then considers me for a moment. “Looking good, but you could use a little lipstick.”
    “What have you got with you?”
    “You like this?” she asks, pointing to the bright poppy stain on her full lips.
    “It’s gorgeous. Can—”
    Beth grabs my face and plants a firm kiss on my lips.
    “Voilà!”
    She thumbs away the excess, spins me toward the door, and then gives me another slap on the butt. “Now? Go show this place who’s boss.”

 Chapter 6 
     
    Ethan
     
    Q: Rule breaker, or rule maker?
     
    M ia rushes off with her friend, leaving me alone in the lobby. Between starting the internship and everything this morning, I’m beginning to feel like I stepped into someone else’s life—except this is the job I’m gunning for. The one that’s going to launch my professional career. At least that feels right.
    I’ve barely made it to the receptionist desk when I see Rhett Orland, the HR manager, striding down the hall.
    During my interview for the internship, I learned that Rhett is in his early thirties, divorced with no kids, and has recently gotten very into biking, swimming, weightlifting, and running. The guy is always amped up—probably because he’s an energy-powder distributor on the side. I’m almost positive I landed this gig because he wants me to give him some training tips, but hey, if it’s what got me in the door, I’m fine with it.
    “Ethan!” he booms as he pumps my hand. “I’ve been expecting you, man! Day one!” Rhett’s face actually looks like he works out constantly, sort of skeletal and muscled, like a pit bull. “You’re looking good. Been logging some extra time in the gym?”
    “Nah. Just doing some cycling lately.” Because I can’t afford a car.
    “Nice! I knew it. Come on, let’s get you saddled up!” Rhett