“That is the only way you’d get me to eat brussels sprouts,” she told him.
He set the baby bath down. “They’re on the list.”
“Nuh-uh,” she told him. “No way. They’re yuck.”
“You’ll eat them.”
“Will not, Wolfie.” She was surprised that her Little side was pushing forward so easily.
“We’ll see. Just because something might not be considered normal, doesn’t make it wrong. Just look at me.”
She ducked her head. “Thanks, Wolfie.”
“Not sure I approve of that name, though.”
“Why not? I like it.”
“Aleki calls me Wolfie sometimes. We should have a name that’s just for you to use.”
She pouted. “Tell him to stop.”
Something flickered in his eyes that she almost thought could be amusement. “I will.”
He picked up the baby’s bath and dumped everything in. She squealed with laughter as it dropped, splashing water on her.
“Wolfie!”
“What?” He gave her an innocent look. She narrowed her gaze at him. Oh, he played a dangerous game.
He filled up the baby’s bath with fresh water in the bathroom sink. Then he set it down next to her and she struck. She scooped up water, splashing him right in the face.
He froze. Water dripped down his face. Over his glasses. Down his chin onto his shirt.
Uh-oh.
She sat there, staring at him.
He drew off his glasses and wiped them on the bottom of his shirt very, very slowly.
Oh shit. Now would probably be a good time to run, Vivi!
She grabbed the side of the bath, prepared to heave herself up.
“You try and you’re over my knee, and having wet skin will make it so much worse.”
She froze. Shit. Shit.
He put his glasses back on, then picked up the plastic mug with the swimming fishes. He wouldn’t. He wouldn’t.
He splashed some water right in her face. She screeched.
“Wolfie, no! Bad Wolfie!” she cried. She tried to clear her eyes as he splashed her again.
“No, Wolfie! No!” She started laughing, unable to stop herself. Water went in her mouth as she tried to splash back. “Noooo!”
“What the hell is going on in here?” a big voice boomed.
She turned her face to the side. “Aleki, save me! Wolfie is being mean! He’s splashing me.”