My mouth fell open as I stumbled backward. Was this embarrassment or anger welling in my chest? My breathing quickened as shock from his tone settled. Who did he think he was, talking to me like that? I glanced back at the sidewalk, tempted for a second to turn around and leave right then and there. My ego pulled me—no, yanked me—in the direction of the street, but my internal voice wouldn’t shut up. You need this job, Addy. Keep your mouth shut and nod like he didn’t just crush you under his polished leather shoe.
