Page 98 of Second Down Darling

I run after him, grateful there isn’t anytraffic.

When I reach my Aussie, he’s on his belly, barking and whining, trying to crawl under thedumpster.

“What’s up with you?” I grab his leash, but he won’tbudge.

Praying we’re not about to get mauled by rabid raccoons, I bend over to try to see what’s making Duke socrazy.

That’s when I hearit.

“Meow-eow! Meow-eow!”

Ifreeze.

“Winkie? Is that you?” Tears spring to my eyes. I’ve never heard a cat who meows like my furball.

It takes another half hour for me to calm down Duke enough for Winkie to emerge. And then he starts purring and rubbing against mylegs.

“Aww, I missed you, my one-eyed pirate. I’m so glad you’re okay!” I pick him up and he immediately tries to curl around my neck. He’s kinda scrawny, but he’s obviously been eating out of the trash, and that’s better thannothing.

“Good job finding Winkie, Duke. Sorry I freaked.” I cradle my cat in my arms, excited to get him back to ourapartment.

This feels auspicious. Like the universe is trying to tell me my life is on the right track. That Jake and I will be okay. That we’re stronger than the challenges weface.

I’m smiling as I open the door to ourapartment.

“I’m home! Guess… what I… found?” The words die on my lips when I see the picture-perfect family in front ofme.

Jake.

Asher.

And mysister.

“Kota.” In a flash, in the two seconds it takes to cross the threshold into the apartment, my whole world falls apart all overagain.

Winkie flies out of my arms and disappears down the hall while I gape at mysister.

“Surprise,” she snarks as she bounces Asher on her lap a little too aggressively on the couch. Jake is standing a few feet away with his hands on hiships.

My sister looks absolutely stunning, like she’s bathed in the golden California sunset for the past few months. Her hair is a pale blonde and shimmers in big waves. She stands, putting Asher down, and smooths out her minuscule sundress that puts her considerable assets on display. Her nails are done, her makeup flawless. She’s every bit the Hollywoodcelebrity.

I glance down at myself. I’m wearing old sneakers I got at the Goodwill, a Bronco t-shirt, and a pair of shorts I got from a discount bin at Walmart. And let’s not forget the bruising under myeyes.

She flicks her hand at me like I’m a gnat. “Wow, it’s really true. I didn’t want to believe it, but you really have goneSingle White Female, trying to live my life. Well, minus a sense of fashion and a good skin routine. Anyway, I caught the video of Jake pulling you from that fire.” Her eyes narrow to slits. “Did you set it so he’d come to yourrescue?”

What an odd thing to suggest. “Um, no, I’m not apsychopath.”

Judging by her eye roll, she doesn’t believe me. “Whatever, Charlotte. The important thing is I’m back now, so you don’t need to be a placeholderanymore.”

“Dakota.” Jake’s jaw istight.

She ignores him and flips her hair over her shoulder. “Well, Charlotte? What do you have to say foryourself?”

“Wh-what are you doing here? What about your show?” I hate that I stutter, but she brings out every one of myinsecurities.

“I’m in Austin for a few days to shoot a campaign. I have a camera crew.” She pats Asher on the head like he’s adog.

Duke doesn’t like that, and he starts barking ather.

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