Page 45 of Second Down Darling

“Maybe we should hide out in Mexico until the season isover.”

I nod.“Vámonos.”Let’sgo.

Billy snorts. “Think it’ll really be thatbad?”

“Do you know anything about reality shows?” Charlie asks, turning toward him. “You’re followed by cameras twenty-four seven. You’re told to ramp up your emotions and the drama to make the show interesting. You’re encouraged to argue and fight and do stupid things for ratings. And the worst part is theFrankenbites.”

“What’sthat?”

“You sign a contract that basically gives the editors license to do whatever they want with the footage. Think of Frankenstein and the way the scientist used different bodies to create the monster. So let’s say nothing interesting happens on the show this week when they’re taping. The editors might then use parts of different conversations and piece them together or take a conversation out of order until the resulting narrative is scandalous and nothing like what was originally intended orsaid.”

So even if Dakota doesn’t say something horrible about me or her sister, the editor could make it seem like shedid?

Great.

The Hot Houseis being shot at some swanky penthouse in West Hollywood. All of the celebrities are gathered in the living room as the host, some model named Evangeline, explains the rules of theshow.

“One of you will get a contract for an upcoming movie. One will get a modeling contract. And the one who makes the most personal improvement will win a quarter million dollarsanda contract with a topagency.”

The contestants clap politely, but they’re apparently too cool to actexcited.

“And with so many sexy singles, don’t be surprised if the nights here get a little steamy.” Some of the contestants eye-fuck one another, which seems par for thecourse.

If I have to look on the bright side here, it’s the relief I have to not be harboring any feelings for Dakota. Absolutely none besides being pissed she doesn’t ever attempt to see Asher. But if she hooks up with some wannabe celebrity, I won’t be crying into my Wheaties. I’m not sure if she’s still involved with Troy, but I’m guessing she dumped him to go on thisshow.

There’s some psychiatrist who will do one-on-one and group sessions to work through everyone’s issues, a shrink named Dr.Fields.

They do a quick recap of everyone’s careers, and when they get to Dakota, I hold my breath as I watch a montage of her big reality show moments. Mostly quick clips from that private school show,Winchester Prep High. Then it switches gears toLittle Darlings.Shots of her as a sick kid in a hospital bed tug at my heart, but it’s the video of Charlotte all alone and crying that wrecksme.

“How can they use footage of you without your consent?” I askher.

Charlie’s eyes are wide, her face pale. “I was a minor at the time. My mother signed off on everything when I was a kid. I have no control over how it’s usednow.”

I tug her to me and glance at Cam, Billy, and Roxy, who are riveted to thescreen.

Damn. This will probably be a huge hit if our friends can’t take their eyes offit.

The TV flashes pics from Dakota’s social media and notes she’s an influencer with millions of followers. But it’s the photos of Asher as a baby and pics with me and Troy that set me onedge.

Her voice narrates the montage: “I’ve come a long way—from nearly dying as a child to having more than my fair share of success. I have a beautiful baby, I’ve dated some beautiful men, and I have a beautiful life, but I’m ready formore.”

My jaw is so tight, it feels like it might crack. Sure, she has a beautiful baby… who she basicallyabandoned.

It hits me for the first time. How Asher could be at risk for whatever made Dakota sick when she was younger. Doctors could never figure out why she was soill.

I close my eyes, praying my son doesn’t have to go through anything likethat.

Dakota’s voice gets emotional. “I’ve done a lot I’m not proud of, and I’m hoping to work through my demons and be a betterperson.”

She sounds so sincere. I’d bet everything in my bank account it’s allbullshit.

By the time the episode ends, I’msweating.

“That wasn’t so bad,” Billysays.

Yet.

I’m right to feel uneasy because the voiceover goes on to say, “This season onThe Hot House…” as shots of the contestants start up again. It’s the video of Dakota wiping away tears as she talks to the psychiatrist that has meworried.

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