Pushing the Limits Read Online Free PDF Page A

second-round card over her head, there would be no avoiding showing off her ass to the crowd.
    She clutched her purse at her waist, in an effort to both hide her stomach and not have the bag stolen, the mix of strong scents killing her. She had to get out of the bathroom, but that would mean actually going out in public and leaving the small comfort of security it provided. Fear over what she’d signed on for that evening gripped her, making it difficult to breathe.
    â€œHey, new girl, you all right over there?” The tall blonde at the mirror closest to her eyed her.
    Colby shook her head no as she mumbled, “Of course. I’m great.”
    â€œWell, which is it?” The girl paused, her mascara brush midair.
    Several others turned to look at her as well, and memories of the cheerleading camp her parents had forced her to attend when she was fourteen in an effort to “girl her up a little” came flooding back. Lipstick, high heels, high-pitched giggles, and whispers that were no doubt about her all crashed her memory as she stood frozen, her back pushing against the cool brick wall.
    This is ridiculous, she told herself. She wasn’t a tomboyish young girl anymore. She was a successful journalist and she had a job to do.
    â€œShe looks like she’s going to faint,” a shorter brunette with tattoo sleeves covering both arms said.
    â€œNah, she’s naturally that pale. I saw her yesterday at her interview,” the tall blonde said, moving closer.
    Now Colby did feel as though she were about to faint. She was crazy to be here. She was so far out of her element. Sheswallowed hard when the girl lifted her chin.
    â€œYou have absolutely no makeup on,” she said, a note of terror mixing with disbelief.
    â€œBullshit,” the brunette said, coming closer. “No one’s skin is that perfect.” She peered closer to study Colby’s face in the dingy lighting.
    â€œI have makeup on,” Colby said. Not as much as they did. The bright colors around their eyes and the heavy application of black eyeliner was way over the top, and the bright sweeping of color over their cheekbones was almost clownlike.
    â€œNot enough. Where’s your makeup bag? We have like five minutes to get out there,” the short brunette said.
    She cleared her throat. “I think I’m fine,” she mumbled, but she opened her purse and pulled out a pale pink lip gloss.
    â€œYou’re kidding, right?” the blonde asked.
    Colby shook her head. “Why would I be kidding?”
    The women each grabbed an arm and dragged her toward the mirror, where their oversized purses were full of makeup products.
    â€œThis fresh-face look might be cute in normal lighting, but out there, you’re going to look like a seasick ghost.” The brunette opened a compact and started pressing a silky powder to her cheeks and forehead.
    The blonde dug through her bag and retrieved a bright red lipstick.
    Colby backed away. “No way. I’ll look like a clown.”
    The blonde frowned, placing a hand on her hip. “I’m wearing it.”
    Shit. Perfect way to make friends. “Sorry . . . it looks great on you, but . . . do you have something a little less . . .”
    â€œHookerish?” the brunette supplied.
    â€œYes.”
    The blonde shook her head. “No. Besides, this color will really make those nonexistent lips stand out.”
    Nonexistent lips? Colby glanced in the mirror and sighed. It was true. She barely had a top lip. “Fine,” she muttered.
    The blonde applied the lipstick expertly as the brunette added bronzer to her cheeks, then some to her eyelids. “That’s all we have time to do. It’s better at least,” she said, stashing the makeup away and sliding her feet into even higher heels than the ones Colby was wearing.
    She barely recognized herself in the reflection. She looked . . .