bad. I’m not trying to rip anyone off or commit some kind of crime. I just need a hand to get me a decent job, right?
I mean, there’s nothing wrong with that… right?
Rubbing a hand over my mouth, I feel the scratch of my stubble and spot that water stain on the ceiling again.
Sixty thousand dollars.
I bet people who earn that kind of money don’t live in houses that reek of pot and have brown water stains on the ceiling.
“Sixty K,” I whisper, for a moment letting myself imagine what it must be like to be rich, never having to worry about where your next meal’s gonna come from.
3
To the Most Beautiful Girl in the World
I flip from my stomach to my butt, shuffling back to lean against the ridiculous mound of pillows covering the top of my bed. I have no idea why Loretta insists on putting them here every time she makes my bed. I’ve tried to tell her not to bother, but she always comes back with the same answer.
“You don’t spend money on something so beautiful and not use it. Your room is a sanctuary, il mil topolina. You must make it pretty.”
My little mouse.
She’s been calling me that ever since I was born. I’m still not sure why, but I guess it doesn’t really matter. It’s kind of nice having a pet name. No one else calls me anything but Indigo.
I swallow and read the text that just popped up on my screen.
TABBY: One week to go! Are you nervous yet? I’m kind of freaking out, but just a little. But maybe totally. You know what I mean, right? I shouldn’t be scared. I know a few people already, like Percy Walters and his older brother, Barnaby. You, on the other hand, should be petrified, because you know no one. I can’t believe how brave you are. I mean, I’m leaving my family too, but at least I have friends here. My dad is driving me over to stay with the Walters on Sunday, then I’ll move into the dorm on Friday. What day do you arrive? How long will the drive be for you?
I grin at the way Tabatha words everything. She’s always got so many things to say and so many questions to ask. But I kind of love it.
I love her.
At least I think I do.
Even though we’ve never met in person, we’re like online besties.
At least I think we are.
The coolest part is… she doesn’t know who I really am.
I’m not normally a liar, and I haven’t like full-out lied to her. I’ve just omitted one little word and stayed quiet about a bunch of my family stuff.
I don’t feel bad about it. Like hell I’m starting college with fame hanging off me like an ugly fur coat. Being the daughter of a super-rich movie producer, among other things, is a cross I never asked to bear. I’ve been counting down the days until I can escape this life.
That is why I’ve chosen to attend Montgomery University—this little college in Fitzroy, California—as Indy Bardot. That’s just my first name shortened and my last name excluded. No big deal, right?
It’s probably a really lame “disguise,” but I’ve set myself up with some glasses I don’t need, I plan on wearing zero of my LA wardrobe while I’m there, and I’m figuring a small college town that’s miles away from Hollywood is hopefully unaware of my father being a billionaire.
I had to fight for months for this chance. At first Dad didn’t even want me to go to college.
“What do you need college for? I can teach you everything you need to know.”
I gave him a dry glare and crossed my arms. “Oh really? You can teach me how to be a large animal vet?”
He sighed and rubbed his forehead. “I wish I’d never taken you to that stupid ranch.”
“Well, you did! And I fell in love!”
“With animals!”
“Why wouldn’t I?” Horses were beautiful and majestic, and they never judged you on your clothing choices or how your makeup was looking. Cows didn’t gossip behind your back and believe every freaking headline written about your family.
“I don’t want you being so far from home.” Dad frowned, trying on his stern face.
“It’s a two-hour drive. Stop being so ridiculous!” I flung my arms wide. “Kids leave home all the time to attend college, and some of them fly to the other side of the country.”
“But why Fitzroy? This Montgomery place? Surely you can get a