Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 50006 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Phineas smiled. Of course, Essie did. “How sweet. Are you interested in having a Little friend?”
“Maybe? Yes? I don’t know. I’m not sure how to be Little by myself, much less with a friend.” Her hands twisted in her lap.
“Here’s the thing. Once you’ve talked about this, the genie is out of the lamp. You can’t stuff him back in there.” He smoothed a hand down her forearm and wrapped his fingers around her restless ones. Her nervous movements slowed and disappeared.
“I’m aware of that. I didn’t really have a choice,” Tiffanie muttered.
“Come here, Princess. I need to hold you.” Phineas scooped her onto his lap so she straddled his thighs. Having her with him made him feel whole—like she was his other half that had been missing. He hugged her close and noted her heart beat quickly. “What are you most scared about?”
“That she’ll laugh at me.”
“Can you imagine Essie doing that?” he asked, helping her think through her big feelings.
Silence fell between them for several seconds before Tiffanie whispered, “No. She’s my friend.”
“So, she’s going to understand whatever you decide. Whether you wish to be Little and experience that with another Little in a safe space or not.”
Tiffanie melted against his chest and pressed a kiss to his throat. “How do you always make things better?”
“That’s my job, Little girl. I’m here for you.”
“And you had a tough day too. Did you even have dinner?”
“I brought a treat for us here. Ivan had to go out for a while. Would you try it with me?” he asked, holding his breath.
She hesitated for a minute before saying, “Suddenly, I’m starving.”
“Then, let’s go eat, and I can tell you about the great library bathroom explosion.”
Her giggles made him smile for the first time that day. She clapped her hand over her mouth. “Sorry. I shouldn’t laugh.”
He chuckled. “You should have seen the reaction of the people near the men’s bathroom. I’ll never forget the absolute horror on the face of the mayor’s wife.”
Tiffanie leaned back to meet his gaze directly. “What did she look like?”
Phineas made the worst face he could, and Tiffanie exploded with laughter. “That’s probably only half as bad. Let me try to showcase her reaction.” After the second grimace, his Little girl wiggled desperately on his lap.
“Daddy, stop! I’m going to wet my pants,” she cried, still giggling happily.
He quickly helped her to the bathroom. “Go potty. Wash your hands. I’ll meet you in the kitchen, Princess.”
He gave himself one more shot at capturing that horrid expression. Instantly, Tiffanie squeezed her legs together and ran for the toilet. Grinning from ear to ear, Phineas headed for the microwave. Fingers crossed, he’d come up with something else she’d devour.
“That was so good, Daddy,” Tiffanie said, rubbing her stomach.
“I’m glad you liked it. What would you like to do tonight? Watch some TV? Play a game?”
“You’re going to stay for a while?” she asked. He loved the hopeful tone of her question.
“I thought I might sleep over tonight if you’ll invite me to share your bed.” Remaining here overnight hadn’t popped into his head until he arrived. Seeing her instantly reminded him how much he’d missed her while they were apart.
“I’d like that,” she whispered.
“Then that’s what I’ll do. I want to spend as much time with you as I can. Perhaps I can convince you and Biff to come live with me.”
Her eyes widened in surprise. “You want me to move in with you?” Almost immediately, she shook her head. “I’m a lot of work. When I have my treatments, I’m sick and not girlfriend material. Ivan’s stuck with me because we’re family.”
“I doubt Ivan feels like he’s trapped.”
“I don’t,” Ivan’s deep voice announced from the doorway. Her brother’s gaze floated over the dish on the table that was now empty before he glanced at Phineas with relief.
“Right on cue, Ivan. This affects you too. We were discussing Tiffanie coming to stay with me,” Phineas said.
“That’s a big step, Tiff. You should definitely think about where you wish to live and then do whatever makes you happy. In the meantime, Phineas is always welcome here.”
“Thanks, Ivan,” Tiffanie said, nodding at her brother. She yawned hugely and slapped a hand over her mouth as if embarrassed.
“Let’s brush your teeth and go to bed, Tiffanie,” Phineas said.
“Yep, time for your beauty sleep.” Ivan backed him up.
Tiffanie looked between the two men and muttered, “No fair. Two against one.”
“Come on, Princess. Let’s get you into bed,” Phineas announced. He met Ivan’s gaze over her head as he tugged Tiffanie to her feet. He needed to have a frank talk with Ivan about many things, but first, Phineas wanted to hear Tiffanie’s report of how she was doing.
A few minutes later, he stripped off her clothes as she wobbled slightly in the bathroom. This shower wasn’t as large as his, but they could make do. He grabbed an extra towel from the basket next to the shower and tossed the edge of the thick material over the shower curtain.