Page 113 of Second Down Darling

Miraculously, Kota did not winThe Hot House. Somehow “America’s sweetheart” didn’t nab the grand prize, but she did win a modeling contract with Gypsy Glam, the company she tore to shreds on my oldvideo.

I’m ridiculously pleased with myself for finding that little treasure because it’ll keep her out of our hair for a while. At least long enough for Jake to enter the draft thisspring.

Although… it might be a moot pointnow.

Last week, it was unusually warm in Southern California, which was likely why Kota was driving down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills with the top down on her convertible. It gave bystanders a clear view of her texting when she ran a red light and got T-boned by anSUV.

She’s fine. I mean, except for that broken leg, which jeopardizes the modeling contract. She’s lucky she wasn’t arrested, although that’s still a possibility, especially after video of her texting as she sped through the intersection wentviral.

Maybe that’s karma kicking herass.

It still pisses me off to remember how she gushed on TV about being a mom after abandoningAsher.

With Kota not winning the big prize onThe Hot House, it makes me wonder if she had an inkling that loss was on the horizon and was getting her ducks in order to update her social media with pics of Ash. She used to say mom influencers got the best sponsorshipdeals.

But she did drop one more bomb on hershow.

In the final episode, she claimed our mother deliberately poisoned her when she was little. Dakota said our mom made her sick for the attention after she met that producer in the hospital. Since doctors could never figure out why Kota got progressively worse, there may be some truth to herallegations.

There’s a name for when parents do that kind of heinous thing to their children. Munchausen syndrome byproxy.

If it’s true, that would explain why our parents always let Dakota get away with murder. And why they had so manysecrets.

The possibility that happened breaks my heart. Kota was an innocent little girl, and I know how much shesuffered.

But that doesn’t excuse her for being such an asshole now as anadult.

I pause, wondering if this is why she asked if I had set my apartment building on fire. Because she learned how to fabricate drama from ourmother.

Speaking of the woman who spawned me, I think it’s time to get the rest of my royalties back. I’m planning to talk to an attorney about it nextsemester.

My phone buzzes, and I check the message. I have to hurry because LSU’s timeout is almostover.

It’sMerle.

Guess what just sold out? You did it,girl!

I cover my mouth, overwhelmed. I threw the calendar order form online as a sort of Hail Mary, hoping and praying we’d make a little more money. Never in my wildest dreams did I think they’d allsell.

Jake did this. I mean, yes, I coordinated and shot it, but Jake pimping out the calendar at that press conference is what drove so many people to the Second Chances website. Roxy has been helping me package them for the last twoweeks.

So many more animals are going to get the love and attention they deserve because of this. Just like Duke, who we formally adopted right before the holidays. It was one of our Christmas gifts to Ash, who is ecstatic we’re keeping his best buddy. Ash is a natural with animals. Even my pirate cat adoreshim.

The teams set up on the line of scrimmage. LSU has to pass on fourth down since they’re almost out of time. A field goal won’t tie thegame.

I’m so nervous, I want to puke. And no, I’m not pregnant. Apparently, I get nauseous on game days. I’m learning to live withit.

With ten seconds left, they snap the ball. The QB hurls it high. I’m watching through my viewfinder as my shutter whirs. It’s so tempting to set down my camera and enjoy the game, but this is an incredible opportunity and I want to make the most ofit.

An LSU receiver reaches up, looking like he’s going to make the catch. I hold my breath. If they score on this down, the Broncos won’t have time torecover.

Out of the blue Billy cuts in front of him, leaping and stretching like a panther about to kill his prey, and bats the ball out of his opponent’shand.

Game over,baby!

Otto and I scream and jump and hug eachother.

Fans rush the field, and I hop up and down and look forJake.

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