"You are?" I said.

Tiffany nodded. She'd just started a garden in the very back corner of the backyard and

was spending hours there these days.

"Is it hard?" I asked.

"No. Spinach grows well in cool weather, like early spring and in the fall," answered Tiffany. After a moment, she added, "Broccoli, too. And cabbage. And peas."

Maria, bouncing happily on her toes, said, "I wish you could grow chocolate in your garden, Tiff."

Tiffany smiled, but she didn't answer.

"Maybe it's a good thing you can't," I said. "Chocolate is really bad for dogs, but they love it. Astrid would probably come out and eat any chocolate right up!"

"I'm glad I'm not a dog," Maria said. "I'd hate not to get to eat chocolate." She paused, then added thoughtfully, "I'm hungry."

"How about some nice pepper ice cream with garlic sauce?" I teased.

Maria kept her face straight with an effort. "I can't," she said as we pushed open the door of our house. "I have swim practice, thank you."

"We're home," I called.

Maria bounded off to her room to get her swimming gear. As silently as a fish in water, Tiffany slipped away. I had a feeling she would be changing out of her school uniform and into gardening clothes.

I headed for my room.

"Shannon?" My mother's voice came from the den.

I stopped and looked in. My mother was sitting on the couch holding a book. "Did you have a good day at school?"

"Same as always/' I said.

"No new teachers? New friends? New news? What about your club meeting?"

"The Baby-sitters Club meets on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, Mom," I said. "Today is Thursday."

"Oh. Right." My mom nodded and smiled. I smiled back.

Some people think my mother and I look alike, but I think she and Tiffany look more alike. All three of us have thick, blonde hair and blue eyes and high cheekbones.