Page 24 of The Two Last Moments

I hold up my hands. “That’s the last thing I want. Actually, I—”

“It’s one thing if she truly needed full-time psychiatric care. But she’s more than capable of managing herself. She just needs a little help. A roof over her head and some sound advice. She’ll stayhere.”

“My first priority is you, though. I intend to help Lark, but I could make other arrangements for her.”

My grandmother scowls at me like I’ve just said something patently offensive. “What is your daddy’s damned money for, if not this? Helping someone in need? I want to pay Lark’s hospital bill, for starters. I’ll trust you to handle that. But we’ve got this big house just sitting here.”

“I was thinking that too. But—”

“Butnothing. If you leave that girl to fend for herself with no friends and no memory, I’ll never forgive you.” Her nostrils flare. “Why are you smiling?” she spits out.

I perch my hands on my hips. “Because you’re preaching a fiery sermon to the choir.”

“Don’t patronize me, boy. In fact, I’ll write you out of the will.”

I cover a laugh. We both know she’s kidding. I don’t care about inheritances, and besides, the money is my father’s. Nina has access to a large trust fund that my dad set up for her, but it’s not something she can pass on.

“Ouch. You’re playing hard ball.”

“Honey, that’s the only way I play.”

“And I wouldn’t change that.” I drop a kiss on Nina’s cheek. “You’re a good soul, Nina.”

“So are you, when you listen to me. Now get out of here and help that girl. That speech wore me out.”

I head back to the living room.

A few days ago, this was the last thing I ever would’ve expected to find myself doing—inviting a woman I barely know to live with me. But if Nina agrees this is the best move, who am I to argue?

Lark deserves someone to look out for her. If she hasn’t got anyone else, then it’ll have to be us. Nina and me.

Lark is standing with Angela, and Matteo has joined them. All three are talking quietly. The moment I step into the room, Lark’s head lifts, and her shoulders visibly relax.

“Danny.”

I ignore the shiver that runs through me when she says my name. “Could I talk to Lark a second?” I ask my friends.

“Sure,” Angela says. “We were just finishing up.”

“Did you need me to stay here longer?” Matteo asks.

“No, thanks. You’ve both been great. I appreciate it.” I give Angela a gentle hug and a rougher one to Matteo, who claps me on the back.

“You’re doing the right thing,” Matteo says into my ear. It’s probably his highest compliment. Aside from,this pasta is even better than what I could make. Which he has never said to me, ever.

“Which part?” I ask. Because he doesn’t know yet about the decision Nina and I just made.

“All of it. Whatever it is you’re planning, I’ve got faith in you.” He’s said this quietly enough that the women didn’t hear. “You’ll know what to do.” Matteo claps me on the shoulder, then takes his girlfriend’s hand. We say a last goodbye, and then they head for the door.

Lark and I are alone again.

She’s still got her arms crossed over her stomach, eyes on the rug. She looks like she’s putting on a brave face, but inside, she’s bracing herself. “Guess it’s back to my hospital room. I feel like I’ve been playing hooky from school.”

“Yeah, I’m sure we’ve caused some sort of paperwork nightmare for the hospital admins.”

“What is life, except a paperwork nightmare?” Lark throws me an offhand smile and walks toward the front door, following after Matteo and Angela.

I catch her by the arm. “Hey. Wait.”

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