Page 5 of Accidentally Sliding Into A Second Chance

“I’m fine, it’s just—” Another ripple of dizziness hits me, and I drop into the chair, leaning my elbows on my knees. “Dr. Hall mentioned that this new medication could cause dizziness. I’ll be okay.”

Jade shoves a bottle of water into my hand, and I gratefully take a sip. The cool water helps. “Thank you.”

“Why don’t you stay here and rest a bit. I can handle the dogs.” Jade’s eyes are full of worry.

“Give me a few minutes and I’ll be fine. You know how much I love this part of the day.”

“I know,” Jade’s expression is sympathetic. “But it would make me feel better if you stayed here. You have a big day tomorrow. Rest. I’ll be back in a bit, and then we can leave together.”

I know she’s right, but I hate having this problem. “Okay.” I blow out a breath and watch her pick up the things she threw, then head out to finish up with the dogs.

When I can’t see her through the window anymore, I lean my head against the wall and close my eyes.

I haven’t had an episode like this since before the change in medication, and I’m not sure what’s causing it. Luckily, the side effects only last a few minutes before my equilibrium returns, and honestly, I feel so much better than before.

But it’s definitely not something I want to live with if I don’t have to. Hopefully, my upcoming appointment with Dr. Carlson will give me some answers and options.

Chapter Three

David

Staringattheglowingfaces of the newlyweds, a mountain of emotions overcome me. I’ve never been happier for the two of them, and yet at the same time, it causes the ache left behind by Fiona to deepen.

In moments like these it doesn’t help that Ava is the spitting image of her twin sister, except for her hair color. But I see that everyday in Scarlett.

“You look awful,” Duncan’s eyes twinkle. Please, no, not the happy version of him. I can’t handle that today. I need his grumpiness so I don’t feel like a complete grouch. “Are you getting any sleep?”

“David?” Ava’s face fills up the entire screen, eyes squinted. “Why does your house look like a tornado hit it?”

I groan before turning to look around my house, which is officially a declared disaster zone. “Because a forty-five-pound tornado and her eighty-five-pound sidekick have officially moved in.” I rake my hand through my hair, shoulders slumped.Snickers come from the phone, and I scowl back at the images on screen, which results in cackles from both of them.

“He looks like you, honey.” Ava cups Duncan’s cheek, and he turns to press a kiss on her palm while she gazes at him adoringly.

I roll my eyes. I’m not in the mood for this lovey-dovey stuff. My life is turned upside down, and I blame it all on them. “You know the only reason the two of you are married is because I told Scarlett she could get a dog if we let you have some privacy.”

“Hmmm,” Duncan’s eyes dance, annoying me further. “Are you sure it’s not because I asked her?”

My best friend, and now two-time sister-in-law, is the famous movie star Ava Norris. She came to visit, or more accurately hide out, in Maple Ridge when her ex-fiance, Nathan Vaughn, didn’t handle the ending of their engagement well.

How my brother and her ended up together is a whole other story. Right now I’m just grateful she’s still in town. Because I need help.

“Minor detail,” I grumble. A blur of motion moves past me, followed by my daughter’s giggles. “No, Emmy! Not my cleat. Scarlett, please grab my cleat from her!” When she opens her mouth to say something, I cut her off. “Anddon’ttell me she likes it!”

Muffled laughter comes from the phone, and I pinch the bridge of my nose. “Please tell me one of you is able to help me today?” I roughly scrub my face.

“I’m available,” Ava pushes out through chuckles. “I’ll be around the entire week, but you’re on your own next week. I have an audition in LA.”

“Thank you.” I breathe out a sigh of relief. “You’re saving me! Can you be here in five minutes to take Scarlett to school?”

“You need my help now?” Under any other circumstance, I’d laugh at Ava’s shocked expression, but I’m running way behind schedule.

“Scarlett, did you brush your teeth?” I shout at my distracted daughter. When I turn back to the screen, it’s to find Duncan’s grinning face, and I panic.

“Relax. Ava just left and will be at your house in a few minutes.” I open my mouth to ask about his schedule but he cuts me off before any words come out. “Gotta head to practice. I’ll check in later.”

Left with my mouth hanging open, the call ends. “Scarrrlett!” I yell, needing to make sure she’s focused on getting ready for school and not Emmy.

“Yes, Daddy?” She shouts from right behind me, and I nearly jump out of my skin.

---