Page 47 of Look on the Bright Side

Lark stiffened. “Because they’re humans with brains and hearts and feelings and histories and friends and families. You might be surprised at how interesting people can be if you’d stop trying to prove how superior you are.”

“I don’t need to prove anything.”

“My God. You’re horrible.” She almost smiled. “So smart, so gifted with a scalpel, so unpleasant with fellow humans.”

Brian appeared. “I’ll just have club soda with lime,” Lark said.

“Tap water, no interruptions,” Lorenzo said.

Brian started to leave, but Lark grabbed his arm. “Hold on, Brian, I think Dr.Santini forgot to say something.”

Lorenzo glared. “No, I didn’t.”

“Yes, you did.” She glared back and didn’t let go of Brian’s arm.

Lorenzo rolled his eyes. “Tap water, please, and please, no interruptions. Thanks.”

Lark gasped with feigned delight. “See? Wasn’t that easy, Lorenzo? Brian, I’ll have…oh, the Kobe burger, please. Medium rare. Thanks. And, Lorenzo? What would you like?”

“Nothing. You had questions, this is a convenient spot, let’s get this over with.”

Lark looked at the menu. “He’ll also have a burger.”

“No, I won’t. I’ll have six oysters, the roasted chicken and asparagus.”

“Don’t forget to say please,” Lark said.

He stared at her, unamused. “Please,” he said after a beat.

“You got it, you two,” Brian said. “And I’ll be totally cool about not interrupting.”

“Thank you,” Lorenzo growled.

“You get an A for effort,” Lark said. “An F for sincerity, but it’s a start.”

“Why did we have to meet again?”

“Because we’re dating, Lorenzo,” she said.

“No, we’re not.”

“We’re coconspirators, then, making you feel less alone at your family events and giving your sweet grandmother the impression you’ve found happiness.”

“Accurate. And after the wedding, we never have to speak again.”

“Which I’m really looking forward to,” she said. “The never-speaking part. By the way, you said Noni was on hospice, right?”

“Correct.”

“How is she?”

“Fine.”

She waited, but he said nothing more. “I just got approved to be a hospice volunteer. In case you need anything.”

“Why would I need anything from a volunteer? I’m a doctor.”

“As am I. But neither of us works in hospice, do we? I’m volunteering there, so let me know if you need me to do anything for your grandmother.” He failed to acknowledge her words. “Anyway, Lorenzo,” she went on, “about this fake relationship. Your sisters both texted me separately, then started a group text, and we’re all having drinks on Sunday.”

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