She turned to me and looked like she was going to snap me in half, then she turned back to Doc. Through a tight-lipped smile, she said, “Now that you mention it, I do remember.” The fake smile sounded in her voice as she opened the door wide for Doc Ramsey to enter. “A little too late, I’m afraid. We’re not prepared for company. The fridge is empty. I was planning on ordering in.”

All of our eyes went to the focal point of the room—the over-flowing trash, and more specifically last night’s pizza box.

Mom’s voice stayed even, cool. Impressive. “Maybe we should all go someplace nice? Serena, would you pick a restaurant while I change?”

“Sure, Mom.” I gave Doc an apologetic glance. “Sorry, I thought since it was Saturday, she might’ve gone to the store. We’ve been out of food for a while now.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Mom’s fists clenching as she restrained from storming back out to the living room to defend herself against these latest allegations.

“So, Serena, how are you doing?” Doc asked while we waited. I could tell by the question, he wasn’t talking about the state of our town house.

Unless you count the pimp action I’d set up for him with my mother, I thought I was doing pretty well. I lifted my messenger bag to my shoulder, gave him a smile, and said, “I’m fine.”

“Your bag looks like it weighs a ton,” he said, eyeing it.

I’d already taken Baby Maru out in an attempt to prove to Doc I was doing the assignment. I reached back and pulled out an apple as I gave him a weak smile. I’d actually taken it from our refrigerator, replenishing my supply for tomorrow, but I told him, “I take extras from the caf.”

His forehead crinkled up and his eyes had this deeply concerned look. “Looks like you’ve got a lot of apples.”

“Yeah, I guess.”

I didn’t explain about the horses. I don’t know why. I guess I just liked the way having all that food in my bag made him worry over me, and if I told him the apples were for the horses, he wouldn’t be worried about it anymore. Everyone should have someone who worries about her.

The restaurant I picked had starched white tablecloths, waiters who shaved, and a romantic view overlooking the reservoir. This time of year only a few sailboats slid across the surface. Just the diehards getting their last weekend runs in before winter started clamping down.

Mom had changed into a classic fall outfit—short-sleeved sweater, long skirt, and tall boots. Not exactly date wear, but as always, she looked perfect and together, and nothing like she had just moments before.