Ali pictured Gigi cutting into a fancy cake surrounded by miniature Oscars and knew immediately it was a good idea. But she also knew there wasn’t a big budget for Gigi’s birthday party. In fact, thanks to all the Copycat stuff, she hadn’t even talked to her parents about it yet.

“Mom!” Emily hollered.

Emily’s mother appeared seconds later, as if she’d been hanging around offstage waiting to make her entrance. “Is everything okay?”

“Can we lend Ali the red carpet for a party she’s throwing for her great-grandmother?”

For the first time since they’d met, Ali saw genuine excitement on Emily’s mother’s face. “Of course! Are you doing a movie-themed party?” she asked.

“Uh-huh. My great-grandmother loves Walter Pidgeon.”

“I do too! What fun! I still have a few of those dollar-store Oscars,” she mused aloud. “And I think I even have some gold balloons left. You’re welcome to all of it.”

“Are you sure?” Ali breathed. Getting things for free would help.

“Of course! They’re in a closet in the basement. Let me go grab them.” She rushed away.

“Your mom is so nice,” said Ali.

Emily nodded. “Yeah, though I kind of wish she had a job. She’s always here, hovering.”

“Sounds like my dad. On the other hand, I wish my mom was home more. She works long hours at a nursing home.”

“Like my dad. He works all the time. Do your parents get along?”

It was an odd question, but Ali didn’t want to be rude by not answering. “I guess.”

Emily nodded. “Mine too.” But she didn’t sound certain.

The doorbell rang. “That must be my dad,” said Ali, hopping off her stool and popping the last bite of cupcake in her mouth.

Digger stepped inside just as Mrs. Arai came down the hallway carrying a large canvas tote filled with party supplies. When he saw Mrs. Arai, Digger’s mouth dropped open.

“Tina?” There was no mistaking the surprise in his voice.

“Digger?” replied an equally flabbergasted Mrs. Arai.

“You guys know each other?” Emily asked.

Mrs. Arai blushed. “Digger and I went to high school together.”

Given the blushing, Ali sensed that Digger and Mrs. Arai had been more than just friends in high school. From the way Emily’s eyes narrowed, she’d realized the same thing. “You dated Ali’s dad in high school?” She sounded scandalized. “Does Dad know?”

Mrs. Arai flicked a piece of lint off her dress. “I don’t think your father would care about who I dated in high school, Emily.” She passed the large tote to Ali and stuck out her hand to Digger. “It’s been a long time.”

Digger smiled. “It sure has.”

“The last time I saw you, you and Teddy were running Teddy’s underwear up the flagpole after graduation.”