Giggle.
'Well, what is it? An ice cream or a sunbeam?'
'Eye-ee.'
'What's that? Speak up.'
'Eye-ee!'
'I thought so.'
Vicki opened the freezer compartment and took out a quart container.
'Mint chip,' she said to me, frowning. 'Frozen toothpaste, if you ask me, but she loves it-all the kids do. You want some?'
'No, thanks.'
Cassie danced a quick little two-step of anticipation.
'let's sit down at the table, young lady, and eat like a human being.'
Cassie toddled to the table. Vicki put her on a chair, then pulled a tablespoon out of a drawer and began to scoop ice cream.
'Sure you don't want some?' she asked me.
'I'm sure, thanks.'
Cindy came in, drying her hands on a paper towel.
'Snack time, Mom,' said Vicki. 'Probably ruin her dinner, but she did pretty good on lunch. Okay with you?'
'Sure,' said Cindy. She smiled at Cassie, kissed the top of her head.
'I cleaned out the coffeepot,' said Vicki. 'Down to the dregs.
Want some more?'
'No, I'm time.'
'Probably go out later to Von's. Need anything?'
'No, I'm time, Vicki. Thanks.'
Vicki set a bowl of ice cream in front of Cassie and pressed the round part of the spoon into the green, speckled mass.
'Let me soften this up-then you can go at it.'
Cassie licked her lips again and bounced in her chair. 'Eye-ee!'
Cindy said, 'Enjoy, sweetie-pie. I'll be outside if you need me.'
Cassie waved bye-bye and turned to Vicki.
Vicki said, 'Eat up. Enjoy yourself.'
I went back outside. Cindy was standing against the fence. Dirt was clumped up around the redwood slats and she imbedded her toes in it.
'God, it's hot,' she said, brushing hair out of her eyes.
'Sure is. Any questions today?'
'No... not really. She seems to be time.... I guess it'll be.
