Page 15 of Look on the Bright Side

“This is gorgeous,” Lark said. “Is that bread homemade?”

“It is,” said Addie, smiling, “and you’re welcome. It’s true, I’m amazing, but you’re a doctor, Larkby. Many people would see that as an accomplishment.”

Lark sat down next to her. Grandpop was on her other side, Mom across from her.

“Did everyone know that Cynthia and Bertie are in Paris?” Grandpop asked. “Paris! Mon Dieu!” Cynthia was his niece (or something; no one really knew, but she called him Uncle Robert). “They’re having a splendid time! They FaceTimed me from the Arc de Triomphe! I felt almost like I was there.”

“Aw,” Harlow said. “That was very sweet of them.”

Addie and Nicole brought out vegetable lasagna and salad, Dad poured wine for those who wanted it, and the Smith family fell on their food like hyenas on a limping baby zebra. For a few minutes, it was silent aside from the sounds of eating, and Lark figured it was time to seize the moment.

“I have some interesting news,” she said.

“Heard you got kicked out of Oncology,” Robbie said. “Probably for the best, don’t you think?”

“No, Robbie, she doesn’t think,” Addie snapped. “She wants to cure cancer. Or at least, treat it. Because she’s an angel, not like you, loser.”

“Or you, you snobby, materialistic Instagrammer,” Robbie answered.

“Shit! I forgot to take a picture of the lasagna,” Addie said.

“I got a few in the kitchen with the tulips in the background,” Nicole said. “And don’t swear in front of the girls.”

“Anyway,” Lark said, “that is true, Robbie. I’m now working in the ER, but it’s temporary. Um, but that’s not the news. It’s something else.” She glanced at Addie apologetically. Addie hated not knowing things first. “It’s a little complicated.” Yes. Addie was scowling.

“I love complicated!” Grandpop said. “Complicated makes life interesting.”

“What is it, honey?” Dad asked.

“Um…well, it’s kind of sweet, actually. This doctor who works at the hospital wants me to be his sort of date for the summer. His sister’s getting married, and he doesn’t want to be the bachelor brother, so he asked me to…hang out.”

Robbie gasped dramatically. “Oh, my God, I love that. Fake boyfriend turns real. The Proposal. The Wedding Date. Single All the Way. To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before. Pretty Woman. I’m here for it.”

“Since when do you watch rom-coms?” Winnie asked. “I thought you were straight.”

“Since forever, and stop forcing all that heteronormativity on me, Winfrida,” Robbie said.

“My name is Windsor, and okay, fair point.”

“How charming this is!” Grandpop exclaimed. “Maybe Robbie’s right and it will blossom into something real! I think this family is overdue for a wedding, don’t you, Harlow?”

“No comment,” Harlow said, smiling. She was pretty serious with her guy.

“I take it you’re friends with him already?” Dad asked.

“We know each other a little,” Lark said. Her face felt hot.

“What aren’t you telling us?” Addie demanded. This was the punishment for not telling her first.

“Um…nothing! He’s a surgeon. Uh…successful. Handsome.”

“I hate supper, Mommy,” Esme said. “Can I have macaroni and cheese instead? This is yucky.”

“I hope he’s paying you,” Robbie said. “Tell me he’s paying you. It just makes the falling in love part better. The Wedding Date and Pretty Woman have set a strong precedent in the love-for-money arena.”

“Of course he’s not paying her, Robbie,” Mom snapped. “She’s not a sex worker.”

He offered to pay me, Mom. Quite a bit, in fact. “He’s not paying me, Mom. Well. Not in money.”

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