"See your mom?" Jorick froze like a deer in headlights. The smile plastered across his motionless face looked painted and stretched. He held it for several seconds before it slowly melted into something that resembled a grimace. His voice sounded as enthusiastic as his new smile looked, "We?"

The reaction wasn't as bad as she'd anticipated, so she plunged on. "Why not? I want my mother to meet you."

His laughter was mirthless and sarcastic. "Oh yes, she'll love it when ...