Big Shot. Katy Evans

my toes, pushing me to reach my potential.”

      Montana tuts, lightly slapping my arm. “I don’t know why you would ever defend his behavior like that, India. Besides, even if that is true, isn’t that kind of manipulative?”

      I struggle to find a way to get my argument back on track. “I’m just saying, maybe he’s not as bad as he comes across. I mean I hate the phrase misunderstood but maybe that’s what he is. Misunderstood. He’s under a lot of pressure, running such a high-profile company.”

      “Yeah, yeah. I get what you’re saying. You’re saying that he should be excused because he does incredible work. He must be so great because he handles it all with grace. Except he doesn’t, does he? Hotshot or not, he’s not a nice guy. You’re lucky to be completely rid of him.”

      I sigh. Maybe bringing this up to Montana was a bad idea. She’s never met the guy, so how could she possibly see my point of view? Though she’s right—defending the guy who has made my life miserable doesn’t reflect well on me. It makes me sound like I like being constantly beaten down by a man who thinks he’s superior to me just because he got dealt a better hand in life.

      But haven’t I done the same to him? Sure, maybe he started the whole cycle by being harsh to me. But was it always that way, or did I drive him crazy with my snarky comments and poor attitude? He kept me around only because I was a good worker. Maybe in his mind I’m just as bad as he is in mine.

      The thought gives me a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach.

      Montana can see that I’m torturing myself. She nudges my arm, looking concerned. “Hey. You’re overthinking everything. You need to let it go. This is where your new life begins. Make the most of it.”

      She’s right. I can’t just mope around, second-guessing myself forever. I sit up straighter, rolling my shoulders to get comfortable. Then I grab my laptop and open my emails. There’s a message from Lauren Garvey. I smile. This is it.

      “Right. New life. Here we go.”