Page 106 of Look on the Bright Side

“Mom,” Silvio said, coming in with an apologetic expression, “let me take you onto the deck. Are you cold? Let’s get you in the sunshine. Excuse me, kids.” He removed Noni, to Lark’s relief. She was never sure Noni wasn’t about to shiv her.

Winnie and Lorenzo eyed each other. “So you’re the asshole doctor?” Winnie asked.

“Winnie,” Lark sighed.

“I am,” Lorenzo said.

Winnie glanced around. “Let me just say that intimidating my sister into pretending to date you is a shitty thing to do,” she said in a low voice. “I told her to file charges against you.”

“I didn’t intimidate her. This is a completely voluntary situation,” Lorenzo said. “I resent the implication.”

“Hey, walk that back, Winona,” came Robbie’s voice. He appeared in the doorway, holding Rosie’s hand. “Hi, I’m the brother, in case you missed it. Love this whole situation. Totally romantic. I’ve seen this movie, in like, eight different versions.”

Lorenzo gave Lark a pitying look.

“Hi,” said Rosie. “I’m Harlow’s friend, Rosie Wolfe.”

“Also my girlfriend,” Robbie said.

“It’s almost true,” Rosie said. “We are close to finalizing negotiations.”

“Wait, what?” Izzy entered, holding a drink. “Lark, I was promised a husband, and now I learn your brother is already with someone? Hi, I’m Isabella Santini. Just kidding. Very nice to meet you, even if we won’t be husband and wife soon. Sorry, and your name again?” She smiled at Rosie.

“Rosie. I’m not related to anyone here. I just pretend to be.”

Izzy laughed, but Lark was already exhausted. Why did she have so many siblings? Why did Lorenzo?

Lorenzo took her by the arm and towed her to the butler’s pantry. “This is ridiculous.”

“I know,” she said as he closed the door to the small room. “Lying is exhausting. Can’t we just tell everyone we’re not together?”

“No.”

“Your grandmother is more likely to bite me than give us her blessing, and anyway, no one has to tell her. It’s not like we’ll be staying together.” Dating his brother, though…

“Lower your voice, for one. For two, don’t be fooled. My grandmother wants what’s best for me, and because of some outdated European notions of family, she thinks a wife is that thing.”

“For one, wives are not things, and for two, I’m not your wife! I’m your fake girlfriend.”

“I’m well aware, Lark! Believe me, I wouldn’t marry you with a gun to my head, not if it meant having to deal with your family.”

“Are you yelling at my sister and insulting my family?” Addison had just opened the door and stepped in, ignoring boundaries like a good twin. “Also, there’s a Santini coming up the stairs from the yard, so stop yelling.”

“She yelled first,” Lorenzo said.

“I don’t care,” Addie said. “Also, Lark never yells. She’s perfect in every way.”

Lorenzo heaved a sigh, looked at Lark and walked back into the melee.

“Charming, isn’t he?” Lark said.

“You okay?” Addie asked.

“No. Not at all. I was ambushed by this.”

“He really is gorgeous,” Addie said. She peered out the window. “What’s that on Grandpop’s arm? Is that a falcon?”

A nap. Definitely a nap. Or a kidnapping, if she could get someone to pop her into the trunk of a car and drive off somewhere.

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