1Another shot at giving Fran a life outside being the nanny. Again, no offense to the wonderful creators of The Nanny, but my undying thanks, for creating such fun characters to play with!
Another alternative universe story of how Fran and Max met. Danny fired her from the bridal shop, and she took a job with her cousin, putting her on the path to her destiny.
Frannie the Producer
Chapter One
"I'm gonna be late, I have to hang up, Danny!" She pulled the receiver away from her ear and made a face at it, then moved it back to listen. "I said we'd talk about it later, this is an important meeting this morning! No, that's not a good idea." She looked at the wall clock, it she didn't get into a cab right now, she'd be late. "Danny...Danny, I'm hangin' up now. I'll call you tonight when I get home, if it's not too late." She rolled her eyes and sighed. "I don't know, as long as the people that sign the checks want us to work. I'll talk to you later. I know." She hung up the phone and broke into tears. She'd been dating this man off and on for years, and now he was trying to pressure her into a more serious relationship. She stayed with him for a few weeks a couple of years ago, and realized that this man was not husband material. He liked women...all women, and was not faithful to any of them. Now he must have gone through his black book, because he was once again talking about them living together and eventually getting married. She knew his definition of eventually...when pigs fly! She also knew that Danny's temper being what it was, it was only a matter of time before he fell back into his same pattern. She had never told anyone, just wore extra makeup, dark glasses and clothing that covered the bruises. She also swore to herself she would never let this happen again. Why couldn't he just settle for nice, casual dates, he was so much more fun when his possessive side didn't take over.
She wiped her eyes and checked her makeup. Why today? She was already nervous about meeting these producers today. He had to make it worse. She'd been working for her cousin, Todd, since she'd moved out of Danny's apartment. She started out as just an assistant, making appointments, getting coffee, but, as Todd became more in demand, he started counting on Fran to attend meetings and do some designing on her own. This was her biggest assignment yet. She was meeting with Sheffield Productions, their biggest contract ever, and Todd was turning it over to her. She hailed a cab and headed for the 49th St. Theater. Her cousin was waiting out front when she arrived.
"Oh, Toddy, they aren't here yet, are they?"
"No, not yet. You OK? You look frazzled."
"Oy, don't ask."
Toddy looked at his cousin. He could see in her eyes that she was upset. "You need to stay away from him, Frannie".
"I can't tell Ma and Daddy what's goin' on, they LOVE Danny. Whenever I try to bring it up, they tell me to work it out with him and marry him!" The tears began to well up in her eyes again. "Once I've got enough for an apartment of my own, I'll move out. It's so hard, with my parents on his side...." She wiped her eyes, and checked her face in her compact mirror.
When she looked up, the producers had arrived for their meeting. Toddy was shaking hands with the woman, a striking blonde in a tailored suit. "And this is my associate, Fran Fine, Frannie, C.C. Babcock and Maxwell Sheffield." Fran shook hands with C.C. and turned to exchange handshakes with her partner. This had to be the most handsome man she'd ever met. As they shook hands, he gripped hers tightly, and held her hand just a bit longer than normal for a business greeting. She looked up into his eyes. Oy, she could get lost in those olive green eyes!
"Nice to meet you." She smiled as she pulled her hand back.
Maxwell couldn't remember when he'd met such a beautiful woman. That hair, that skin, that body, those eyes. As he looked into her dark chocolate brown eyes, he could sense there was a lot of pain hiding behind them. As he took her hand, he felt a jolt of electricity flow through his body that he hadn't felt in years, not since his wife died.
"It's a pleasure to meet you both, we're so sorry we were running late this morning. Do come inside." Max unlocked the door and held it open for everyone to enter, as Fran brushed past him, he caught a whiff of her perfume, what was that, Shalimar? He watched her as she walked into the theater. She was dressed very professionally, a white skirt and jacket, with a royal blue blouse, although the skirt left little to the imagination. He hoped she'd remove that jacket once she got inside. He led them through the theater into the office backstage, where Max and Todd went over the terms of the contract. Todd had always been protective of Fran, since they were children, but now, he had the opportunity to protect her professional future. The contract bound Fran exclusively to Sheffield Productions, and guaranteed her three shows. Todd was still working on a show for another production company, so this was Fran's time to shine. He felt like a parent bird pushing the baby out of the nest. Once the contracts had been signed, Max took the opportunity to get to know his new costume designers on a more personal level. He watched Fran's eyes light up as she talked about her family, they seemed to be very important to her. Her eyes danced as she talked about her sister's twin daughters. She obviously loved children. He glanced at her left hand, no ring, no tan line. He decided to risk an incredibly personal question.
"You've never been married?"
The sparkle faded from her eyes, and he saw the pain return. "Came close once", she glanced at Todd, "but it wasn't meant to be."
Her cousin's protective side jumped into high gear. "Frannie, show them your sketches!"
"You've completed sketches already?" He'd only messengered the play to her a few days before.
"I wanted to have some ready for today". She pulled out her pad and showed them her completed work. "Is this something like you're looking for?"
Max and C.C. exchanged shocked glances. This was exactly what they were looking for.
"These are perfect!" C.C. walked over and picked up the drawings. "It's like you read our minds!" "You read the play in one day?"
"No, two days, I did the drawings last night"
"The detail is superb! You even have their makeup perfect."
Todd laughed. "That's my Frannie! She graduated top of her class at Ultissima!"
Max looked up. "Ultissima? This is where you got your degree in design?"
Now it was Fran's turn to laugh. "Ultissima Beauty College!" She looked nervously at Max. "I don't need a degree in design for this job, do I?"
He smiled at her. "Obviously not, but let's keep that our secret for a while, shall we?"
The four of them looked over Fran's sketches, commenting, making changes for quite some time, when Fran's stomach growled loudly. She looked at her watch. "What are the chances of breaking for a quick lunch?"
"By the sound of your stomach, I think that might be a good idea." Max helped her up.
"I'm just going to run down to Mr. Broadway real quick, want me to bring back lunch for everyone?"
Max looked over at C.C., who was deep in conversation on her cell phone, then at Todd, who was deep in thought, reading over the second act. "Tell you what, I'll go with you and help you carry everything back; we'll surprise them with something".
Fran smiled and pulled off her jacket. "I'm sure I won't need this outside, it's probably warmed up by now." She caught Max appreciating the view out of the corner of her eye. Wow, is he checkin' me out? She grabbed her purse. "Ready?"
They headed out the door, making small talk as they walked. They hadn't gone a block, when Fran's cell phone rang. She pulled it from her purse and checked the caller ID "Damn! Oh, sorry", she looked apologetically at Max. "He thinks he owns me!"
"Boyfriend?"
She sighed. "I'm not sure what to call this guy, besides a pain in the touchas!" She punched the answer button. "Fran Fine". "I'm working, I didn't look. Because I didn't, all right? No, I am not going to schlep across the bridge and meet you for lunch. No. Because we're getting ready to eat right now. Because I'm hungry. No, I am NOT always hungry, someone kept me on the phone this morning and I didn't have time to eat. No, that's not a good idea. No, I can't have visitors at the theater, I'm supposed to be working. Danny...Danny, I told you I'd try to call you tonight." She put her finger over the mic and apologized to Max. "Sorry, I'll be off in just a sec". What? My boss. Because he's helping me bring back the food. Because I offered, that's why. Danny, I don't know. I've gotta go. No, I'll call you tonight. I'm hanging up now... Oy, Danny, g'nug! I gotta get back to work. Bye." She clicked the phone and dropped it back in her purse.
"Anything I can do?"
"You gotta time machine? I'd love to go back to the day I met him and walk the other way!"
"How long have you been together?" He couldn't believe he was being so bold with a woman he'd just met, but he wanted to know everything about her.
"Together? Officially together all of two weeks. That's how long he could hold down a relationship." She couldn't believe she was being so open with him, but she had a gut feeling this man could be trusted. "We date off and on, and THAT has been going on for about 10 years, but all of a sudden, he wants more, wants me to move in with him, is talking marriage, but..." She couldn't tell him the rest. Only two people knew the whole story, Todd and her best friend, Val.
"You don't want to get married?"
"I'd love to be married....to a great guy who loves me, treats me with respect, as an equal, one who's faithful, and one who doesn't..."
"Doesn't what?" He felt like she had a secret buried behind those beautiful eyes, something she was dying to shout to the world.
"Nothing, it's nothing. I guess I've read one too many fairy tales. I still believe there's a "happy ever after" for me".
"I know what you mean, Fran." She looked at him and saw the hurt he must have felt when his wife died. She'd read about him in Esquire Magazine. He was on the ten most eligible widowers list.
"What was she like?" She'd opened up to him, now it was his turn.
"Who?"
"Your wife. If you don't want to talk about it, just tell me. Sometimes I'm such a yenta!"
"Yenta?"
"Busybody. You changed the subject, was that on purpose?"
"No, no it wasn't. Sarah was wonderful. She was sweet and kind and beautiful, a wonderful mother, a perfect wife."
"How long were you married?"
"Eleven years. I married her three months after I met her. Margaret was born 9 months later." He smiled as he thought of Sarah holding their newborn daughter. It had been so long since he'd allowed those memories to surface.
"Any other kids?"
Max smiled brighter. "Yes, Brighton is 10 now, and Grace is 6."
"It must have been hard on the kids, especially little Grace, she was just a baby. Do you have pictures of them?"
Max pulled out his wallet and showed Fran the children. "They are adorable! That Brighton looks like he's got some spirit, though!"
Max shook his head. "Yes, he does. He's single handedly gone through every available nanny at our regular agency."
"Sounds like maybe he misses his mom"
"We all do." Max's face showed the pain of remembering a strong love. Fran thought she'd better change the subject. Luckily, they had arrived at Mr. Broadway's.
"So, what sounds good?" She looked hungrily at the menu. Kosher Chinese food, deli sandwiches, she didn't know what to choose, so she chose a little of everything. Max had never heard of some of the foods here, but the sandwiches looked safe. Fran watched him with amusement. "Never ordered from a kosher deli before? You're gonna have to trust me then." She ordered several things, enough for the four of them to share, and then safely ordered four pastrami sandwiches just to make sure everyone had enough to eat.
"This looks like enough food for a week!"
She giggled. "Well, maybe for you! Good thing you came along to help me carry it!"
They grabbed the two boxes of food and headed back to the theater.
Max decided to try to find out more about Fran and this Danny character.
"So, tell me more about Danny."
"Oy, where do I start? I started working for him after we started dating, and we dated off and on for about 6 years before he talked me into moving in with him. THAT didn't last long. I stayed about 2 weeks; I couldn't take his possessiveness and his temper."
"He's got a temper?"
Fran closed her eyes and took a deep breath. Why did she tell him that? "Yeah, it's not so bad now that I'm back at Ma's, but as soon as I moved out, he fired me. THEN, he actually thought I'd go out with him. I can't believe I actually caved in and started going out with him again. Every time I start to move on, he sucks me back in."
"You must really love him, then, to put up with that." He looked over at her and saw the tears start to form in her eyes. He knew he'd crossed the line.
"No, that's what's so pathetic. I DON'T love him anymore, I'm not sure now if I ever really did. He's just...comfortable, I guess. I'm sorry. Maybe we should talk about something else. Tell me more about your kids".
They walked slowly back to the theater, and by the time they arrived, Fran couldn't wait to meet the children she'd heard so much about.
"I'd love to meet them, Max, they sound wonderful!"
"I'm sure you will, I have an office at the house, and we'll be working from there quite a bit".
Fran smiled as Max held the door to the theater for her. She was really looking forward to working closely with this man, but what about that C.C.? She saw the way she looked at Max, yet, he didn't seem to return the admiring stares...and he still wore his wedding ring. She had some research to do before she let herself care for this man. Oy, he was so easy to talk to!
They entered the office with the two boxes of food and put it on the table. Max's box held the sandwiches, chips and drinks, while Fran's had all the foods that she had picked out. Todd dove right into Fran's box of food "Leave it to you to scope out the best kosher deli in town, Frannie!" He handed a package to C.C.. "Here, try this, it's great!"
She wrinkled her nose. "What is it?"
Todd through a glance over to his cousin and laughed. "Don't ask, just try it!"
She opened the wrapping and gingerly took a bite. "Oh, this is GOOD!"
Fran was busy unwrapping several packages. She lifted one particularly delicious smelling treat up to Max's mouth. "Try this." She saw the look on his face, and mimicked her cousin." Don't ask, just TRY it!"
He looked into her sparkling brown eyes, and leaned in to take a bite, accidentally grazing her fingers with his teeth. She thought she was going to faint. His eyes lit up as he tasted the delicacy. The sandwiches went untouched as the four devoured the contents of the first box. Fran and C.C. seemed to bond a little, as Fran explained each item to her. They looked like a couple of schoolgirls, laughing and chatting. He hadn't seen C.C. like this in years, not since she and Sarah used to sit and cut up like this. They finished their lunch and got back to work, but the mood remained light.
Todd looked at his watch. "Frannie, I've got to get to the other job, now. You gonna be O.K.?" Her eyes widened as she nodded. He told her he was leaving the job to her, but she was still nervous. "Max, C.C., I'll leave you in Frannie's capable hands!"
The rest of the afternoon went extremely well, Max and C.C. were impressed by Fran's designs, and her ideas for different scenes. Degree or not, she was a natural.
"Fran, you have any dinner plans tonight?" C.C. was rummaging around looking for a snack.
Fran reached into her purse and pulled out a package of cookies. She tossed them over to C.C. "No, just going to go home and heat up a lean cuisine."
"Good, then how about having a girl's night out. Do you like sushi?"
"Probably, I eat just about anything!"
"Just don't get carried away, you two. We've got a lot of work to do tomorrow. I thought maybe you'd both come by the house a bit early, maybe join us for breakfast." Max had a mock stern look on his face. Fran grinned playfully at C.C., then looked back at Max and pouted.
"You never let us have any fun!"
"Yeah!" C.C. chimed in. Somehow, the pout just wasn't as cute on her as it was Fran.
The playful mood was broken by the sound of Fran's cell phone. She made a face as she stared at her purse. She reached in for her phone, checked the caller ID, and set the phone down on the table. Max looked over at the phone, the ID said "Danny-Work".
"You're not going to answer it?"
Fran shook her head. "The voice mail will pick it up. I told him I'd be working late." The phone stopped ringing for about thirty seconds, then started again. He was calling back. Fran ignored the phone and went back to her drawings. He called back a third time.
"Oh, for goodness sake!" C.C. reached over and picked up the phone. "Hello, no, this isn't Frannie. C.C.. None of your business."
Fran giggled and looked over at Max. "Boy, he's gonna be sorry he called now!"
"No, she can't talk right now, she's in a meeting. Late, we have a dinner meeting with a backer. Yes, she needs to be there. You know, you really are an unpleasant person. No, I don't think I WILL tell her you called. Oh, you MUST be joking, ME, go out with YOU? I don't THINK so! Does your mother know you talk like that? Look, Fran is busy, she's working, she'll call you later. I don't know how much later. Goodbye." She hung up the phone and slammed it down. "What a total moronic JERK! What do you SEE in him?" She looked over at Fran and saw the tears starting to form. "We definitely need to talk, girlfriend!"
Fran nodded. "Just never tell him where the theater is, or where the office is. I don't want him showing up and causing a scene."
C.C. placed a supportive arm around her new friend. "Just let him try it!"
Max watched the girls in total disbelief. He'd never seen this side of C.C. before. She and Fran were total opposites, not like her snobby high society friends. There was just something about Fran that made everyone feel close to her, no wonder Danny didn't want to let her go.
"Come on, Fran, let's call it a day. Maxwell, we're leaving, we'll see you in the morning for breakfast"
Fran smiled at him. "Will the kids be there?" She saw C.C. roll her eyes behind Max.
"Of course they will, I'm sure they'll love to meet you. We'll see you in the morning, then."
"Night!" The girls linked arms and headed out of the theater, leaving a stunned Max behind. What just happened here? C.C. was actually thinking of someone besides herself? She'd be a good influence on Fran. She's a strong woman, with a good business head, she'll have Fran on the fast track in no time. With C.C.'s business sense, and Fran's fashion sense, the two of them could make one hell of a team. He packed up and headed home, all the way, he couldn't stop thinking about Fran. He closed his eyes and could almost smell her perfume, hear her laugh. Only once before had a woman captivated his thoughts like this. He went through the motions of dating, but none of the women he dated were anything like this. The others wanted to impress him, show him they were wife material, only told him what they though he wanted to hear. Fran told him everything. He knew more about her in one short day than he did about the two other women he'd been dating for three months. Get a grip, Max, she's a business associate. The cab pulled up to the house. Max wondered what new problems awaited him inside. He found Niles waiting for him at the door.
"Good evening sir. I trust your day went well?"
"It was a good day, Niles. We hired a new fashion designer, she's amazing."
Niles raised his eyebrows. "Oh, she IS, is she?" He hoped she wasn't another phony after the Sheffield money and name like the other women he was attracted to.
"Niles! She's a very talented designer. You'll meet her tomorrow, you'll see what I mean by amazing. She and C.C. actually went out to dinner on a 'girl's night' tonight! You should have seen them; they were like best friends by the time they left tonight! Almost like..." He stopped short, remembering the friendship C.C. shared with his wife. "They'll be here for breakfast in the morning, Niles. Please fix something special."
"Have anything particular in mind, sir?"
Max laughed, thinking of Fran's comment 'I eat just about anything'. "No, well, maybe some of your famous Belgian waffles, fresh fruit, eggs, bacon..."
"How many people did you say were coming?"
"Fran enjoys her food; I just want to make sure there's a variety. You should have seen her at the deli! She was like a child turned loose in a candy store." His mind went back to her feeding him, the taste of her fingers in his mouth.
"It sounds like someone made quite an impression." Niles was grinning from ear to ear. He hadn't seen his friend like this in many years.
"You'll understand when you meet her, Niles." He looked around. "Where are the children?"
"They're up in their rooms doing their homework, sir. Miss Jenkins is upstairs with them."
"Very well, I'll take my dinner in the office; I've got a lot of work to catch up on."
"Yes, sir." He hated to see him employer spend so much time buried in his work. It had been that way since Sarah's death 4 years before.
Meanwhile, C.C. and Fran were on their way to Fran's so she could change. C.C. looked around the modest apartment. This place didn't look like Fran at all.
"I thought you were going out with Danny tonight!" Sylvia stood facing her daughter with her hands on her hips.
"No, Ma, I told him I'd try to call him, IF I didn't get home from work too late."
"Well, you're home from work, and you haven't called him!"
"Oh, Mrs. Fine, this is a business dinner, we're meeting potential investors." C.C. decided to come to Fran's rescue.
Fran took that opportunity to slip into her room and change, leaving C.C. to chat with her mother. She emerged a few minutes later, looking dressed to kill.
"Ready, C.C.?"
C.C. couldn't wait to get away from that apartment. "Absolutely!"
They stopped at C.C.'s penthouse so she could change, and then they were off to dinner, and then hit a couple of clubs for some dancing. C.C. used the time to get to know Fran better, and got Fran to open up to her about her history with Danny.
"It sounds like your mother isn't much help. She actually likes this guy?"
"She likes ANY guy that I go out with more than once. She's been after me to get married for the last ten years." Actually, she doesn't know everything that went on with Danny. Before today, only Todd and my best friend, Val, knew."
"Why don't you just tell her?"
"Oh, I don't know...the worst of it happened two years ago. I just don't want to get in the position of letting it happen again, which means NOT moving back in with him, and NOT getting too involved with him. He just can't get it through his head that I only want him for a friend.
"Some friend!"
The girls continued dancing and talking until they heard the last call.
"Oh, dear, it's two in the morning! Max will kill me for keeping you out this late!"
"What, he's not my father!" She laughed. "This was really fun, we should do it again!"
"We'll call your friend, Val, next time!"
"I don't think you're ready for Val, C.C.! She's more of an acquired taste!" The girls had a good laugh as they headed for their cab. The driver dropped C.C. off first, before heading for Queens. Fran paid the driver and headed up the stairs to her parent's apartment. "Oy, I need a car!" She headed up the hall, and as she reached into her purse for her key, she heard a familiar voice.
"Where ya been, Frannie?"
This was the absolute last person she wanted to see tonight. "Danny, I'm tired, and I have an early meeting in the morning."
He blocked her path. "Where were you? I called your phone a million times."
"I turned it off, the meeting ran late, and then C.C. and I went to eat." She had no idea why she was explaining herself to him.
"It's almost three in the morning!" He took a step forward and grabbed her by the arm. "You were supposed to call me!"
She pulled her arm free and pushed around him. "I told you I'd TRY to call you IF I wasn't too late. Now go home, I gotta get some sleep!" She put her key in the door and turned the lock.
He pushed up behind her and breathed into her ear. "Aren't you gonna invite me in? Your folks are asleep."
She opened the door and slipped in, blocking the door with her foot. "No, I'm not! I'm goin' to bed. Now GO HOME!" She shut the door and turned the locks. "Oy, I gotta get outta here!"
She took off her makeup and collapsed into bed. She felt like she'd just fallen asleep when the alarm went off in the morning. Her phone was already ringing as she stepped into the shower. She checked the caller ID, luckily, it was C.C..
"Good morning! Just wanted to make sure you're up"
"Thanks. I'm just getting in the shower. I'm up, just don't know how awake I am. Danny was waitin' for me when I got home".
"You O.K.?"
"I will be, as soon as I get outta here. Maybe I can find a place I can afford in Manhattan, at least I'd be closer to work."
"I'll ask Maxwell if he knows of anything, maybe we can find you a cheap sublet until you can save up some more money. I'll see you when you get here; you know how to find the house, right?"
"I'm taking a cab, should be no problem. See you soon!"
She stood in the shower and let the cool water flow over her. After a few minutes, she felt a little more awake. She looked in the mirror as she was drying, and saw fresh bruising on her arm, where Danny grabbed her the night before. "Oh, now, THAT'S attractive!" She dressed quickly, curled her hair, and put on light make up while the rollers were in. She grabbed her jacket and stepped into the living room.
"Frannie, Danny was looking for you last night. Did you ever call him?"
"No, Ma, but he was waiting for me when I got home." She rubbed her arm.
"Oh, so you talked to him then. So, when are you moving back in with him?"
"What? NEVAH, Ma! I tried that once, it didn't work!"
"That was a long time ago, sweetheart, I'm sure things have changed."
She pointed to the bruises on her arm. "Yeah, they've changed all right...for the worse! This is what happens when he doesn't get his way!"
Her mother looked thoughtfully at her arm. "Well, dear, you've always bruised easily."
"Oy, Ma! This isn't the first time he's done this! You wouldn't listen to me then, either! I have to go, I'm expected for breakfast."
"Fran, what if he calls, where can he find you?"
"He can't. I don't want him coming to find me at work. I'll be working at both the office and the theater, and I don't want him either place. Now, I gotta go, I'm gonna be late!"
She grabbed her jacket, purse and briefcase and headed downstairs. She was grateful to catch a cab quickly, and she was across the bridge in no time. The cab pulled up in front of the Sheffield mansion at 10 minutes before 8am. She rang the bell, and an extremely attractive blond man answered the door.
"Good morning, I'm Fran Fine, Mr. Sheffield is expecting me."
Niles smiled as he invited her in. She was just as Mr. Sheffield described, and more.
"Good morning, Miss Fine, I'm Niles, the butler, may I take your jacket?"
Miss Fine. Wow, was this for real? He took her jacket and placed it in the closet, then showed her into the living room. About that time, she heard a loud racket behind her, and turned around to see the three children running down the stairs, followed closely by their nanny. The children continued running into the living room, and stopped abruptly when they saw Fran.
"Who are you?"
Fran smiled at the inquisitive boy. "You must be Brighton. I'm Fran. Fran Fine, I work with your dad and C.C." She looked at the girls, oh what were their names? Oh, yes. "Let's see, Maggie and Grace, right?" The girls simply nodded. Max entered from the office.
"Fran, good morning! I see you've met the children."
"Yes, we were just getting to know each other. Max, they're adorable!" Nanny Jenkins let out a snort behind them. "What, they're not?"
The nanny didn't address her, just ushered the children into the dining room.
"Well, isn't she just a ray of sunshine!"
"I don't see her lasting too very much longer. My children are very rough on their nannies."
"Maybe you just haven't found the right nanny yet."
"Hello, hello! How did you get here before me?" C.C. breezed into the living room.
Fran smiled at her new friend. "Just lucky, I guess, I was sure I was going to be late, since Ma gave me the third degree this morning about you know who".
C.C. reached out and touched Fran's upper arm where the bruise was. "Oh, gee, I can't imagine WHY!"
She lowered her voice to almost a whisper. "I wish that was why. She was mad 'cause I didn't call him last night, NOT because he waited outside my door and manhandled me. Get this, Ma said I bruise easy. Oy! I can't go through this again with him!"
Max watched the exchange between the women, wondering what they were talking about. "Ready to eat, ladies?"
Fran's eyes lit up. He loved the way the mention of food excited her. "Yes, I'm famished!" He led the way to the dining room, where the children were waiting.
Max expected the children to begin their usual fighting, but as soon as Fran started talking to them about school, hobbies, food, they opened up and the four of them sat and chatted like old friends. Max jumped in where he could, amazed that his children were actually communicating like a real family. He tried to remember the last time they'd been like this. It was their last breakfast with Sarah. That was the last time they'd acted like a family. Now, this amazing stranger had charmed her way into his children's hearts. She just seemed to know what to say to them. When it was time for the children to leave for school, they rushed to hug their new friend.
"Will you be here when we get home, Fran?"
"I'm not sure, Gracie, if we're still working, I will be". Fran tossed a quizzical glance towards Max.
"Please?"
Max stepped in to reassure his youngest. "Of course, she'll be here, Sweetheart".
Grace hugged Fran tightly, and then moved to her father. "Bye, Daddy!"
The kids left for school, leaving the adults to finish breakfast. "I can't remember a noisier meal in this house, Maxwell! What got into those children this morning?" C.C. was obviously irritated.
"What, they were just being kids! That was noisy by you?"
"Fran's right, C.C., I was just thinking how nice it was to see the children acting like a real family again. I haven't seen Grace that animated in a long time, and Brighton didn't play any tricks on his sisters this morning."
C.C. threw down her napkin and got up from the table. "Are you two done, we have a lot of work to do." She headed off to the office.
Max stood up and got ready to follow her. "Niles, we'll take our coffee in the office. Take your time, Fran; enjoy the rest of your breakfast."
Once Max had left, Fran turned to Niles, who was busy clearing the rest of the table. "O.K., dish, Niles what's really up with C.C., why did she get so upset?"
Niles looked around before answering quietly. "She'd like to have Mr. Sheffield all to herself, but you didn't hear it from me." Seeing the look on her face, he added, "but Mr. Sheffield prefers a more down to earth woman, but you didn't hear THAT from me either."
She grinned at him. "Thanks, Niles! I'd better get in the office before Max fires me!"
When she got into the office, Max and C.C. were deep in conversation. They got busy with the plans for the new play, and never paid attention to the time until Niles came in with lunch. Fran's phone rang three different times, each time it was Danny, so she finally turned it off again.
"Isn't that what got you into trouble last night?" C.C. looked concerned.
Fran rolled her eyes. "He has no right to know where I am every minute. He lost that right two years ago!"
Max looked up. "What happened last night? I thought you two went out and had some fun. What's this about trouble?"
C.C. darted her eyes to the injury on Fran's arm. Max's eyes carefully followed her glance, until he located the marks on her upper arm.
"Nothing, it was nothing."
"That doesn't exactly look like nothing. Is that what you meant when you said he has a temper?"
"Believe me, this IS nothing. I just have to avoid him for a while, and convince my mother to quit trying to push us together."
Max looked at C.C., who nodded an encouragement to him. "Fran, why don't you stay here in the guest room for a while? It actually makes a lot of sense, you'll be working out of the house quite a bit, and you'll have access to the limo to get to the theater."
C.C. chimed in. "You will also have two men here to keep Danny from seeing you, if that's what you want and you also won't have to take a cab from Flushing every day".
Fran looked shocked. Move in here? Are you sure? I mean, you both hardly know me!"
C.C. took her hand. "We know enough. Come on, it'll be fun. You'll be on my side of town, we can do girls night all the time!"
Max decided to play his last card. "I also think it would also be good for the children. They seem to enjoy being around you."
Oh, he played dirty. "Well, if you're sure". She wasn't sure if she was going to be able to handle living under the same roof as this man, but she was sure going to give one hell of a try.
"Good, it's settled then. If you're done with your lunch, why don't I have Niles drive you to your mother's and collect your things, while Danny is still at work."
"You're the boss!"
Sylvia was less than pleased with the arrangement. "You just met the guy, and you're moving in with him?"
"I'm moving into the guest room, Ma!"
"What about Danny?"
"Ma, g'nug already with Danny! We are not together, we are not gonna be together. I want someone who treats me with respect, who loves me, and only me. That is nevah gonna be Danny Imperiali."
Niles appeared at the door to help carry the luggage downstairs. "Ma, this is Niles, Niles, my mother, Sylvia Fine"
"Charmed, Mrs. Fine. Miss Fine, do you have everything you need?"
"I think so; Ma can always bring me anything else if I've forgotten it." She hugged her mother. "Remember, Ma, do NOT give out my address or phone number. I don't want Danny showing up over there."
"I still think you are making a mistake, darling".
"I'll be fine, Ma! Max is right, it makes sense, I'll be working at the house, and be able to use the limo to get around. Trust me, ok?"
The phone rang as Fran was leaving, as she closed the door, she heard enough to know it was Danny. "No, she's not here, she moved out. No, I don't know her address yet. Yes, if she calls, I'll tell her to call you." Good girl, Ma. Fran closed the door, and headed back across the bridge.
The limo pulled up at the mansion just as the Sheffield children were arriving home from school. Niles started taking her things upstairs, while Fran greeted the kids. Fran took a break from work and had a snack with the kids in the kitchen, listening to the stories of their day at school. Max came into the kitchen, and found the four of them laughing at the kitchen table. As he stood pouring his juice, he listened to all of them laughing and joking, talking about what happened during the day, and he suddenly realized that he'd been missing all this. He'd turned his children over to the nannies, and all but shut them out of his life, rather than deal with them without Sarah. He took his drink over to the table and pulled up a chair. He soon found himself laughing and joking with his children, getting to know them all over again.
This started to become a daily ritual. Max took a break from work at three, and he and Fran sat in the kitchen with the children. C.C. started to feel like an outsider. She didn't feel comfortable with the children, and Fran was spending more and more time with them. On the evenings when Max had a date, Fran would make popcorn and watch movies with the kids. Girls night out became a thing of the past.
Two weeks after Fran moved in, Nanny Jenkins walked out. Brighton staged one of his famous fake suicide attempts, and his nanny promptly packed her bags and quit. Max was out with Laura, or was it Stephanie, Fran couldn't keep track, so she waited up for him to tell him of the news.
"I'll have Niles call the agency in the morning; it was sweet of you to wait up to let me know."
"Oh, no bother, it was hard to sleep tonight, anyway. I was thinking of watching a movie."
"I could use a movie to relax a bit, mind if I join you?"
"No, not at all. I'll pop some popcorn, why don't you go upstairs and get comfortable."
Max went upstairs and put on his pajamas and robe, then came downstairs to find Fran already flipping the channels. "Anything good on?"
"What are ya in the mood for, comedy, drama, romance?"
The decided on a comedy, and sat munching popcorn and giggling like a couple of teenagers. Halfway through the movie, Max felt Fran's head fall against his shoulder. She'd fallen asleep. He was actually pretty tired himself, but found himself wanting to be with her just a bit longer. She adjusted herself in her sleep, moving her head to his chest. He hated to wake her, but knew if he fell asleep, they'd be there all night.
He shook her gently, rubbing her arm. "Fran, Fran, wake up, time for bed."
She cuddled up closer to him. "Mmmm hmmmm..." She buried her face in his neck.
Max got up slowly and scooped her up in his arms. He carried her to her room, and deposited her in her bed. He carefully loosened her robe before covering her with her quilt. She looked so peaceful. He brushed a stray hair off her face, and admired her beauty before turning off the light and closing her door. He went to his room and took a cold shower before heading to bed that night.
Fran woke up late the next morning. She could hear the kids laughing and running in the hall. She didn't remember coming to bed. Last thing she remembered, she was watching television. She pushed back the quilt, and realized she'd slept in her robe. Then she realized what had happened. Max had helped her to bed. She jumped up and brushed her hair and teeth before hurrying to help the kids get ready. With no nanny, Gracie was going to need some help. She got the kids downstairs right as Niles was serving breakfast. Max hadn't come down yet.
"Nice robe, Miss Fine!" Niles had an amused look on his face.
"Well, I didn't have time to get myself dressed. No nanny, you're cooking, Max is sleeping, and someone had to get these kids ready!"
Max walked in about that time, and overheard the exchange. I didn't mean to oversleep; someone kept me up rather late last night." He smiled at Fran. Niles rolled his eyes, assuming Max was referring to the latest gold-digger he was dating.
"Thanks for getting me upstairs." Niles stopped in his tracks. He must have missed something last night.
"No problem, you were so tired, I couldn't wake you up. I hope you don't mind, I didn't think you wanted to sleep on the sofa."
"No, not really, my bed is so much more comfortable!"
Max's mind started to wander. He was thinking about how his own bed was even more comfortable than the bed in the guest room, and how comfortable they would both be lying there together after...
"Max? Did you hear a word I said?"
Max was snapped back to reality by the sound of Fran's voice. "I'm sorry, Fran, I must be more tired than I thought, what were you saying?"
She glanced over towards Maggie. "I was telling about the date that Maggie was asked out on".
"A date? Absolutely not. Margaret, you're only 14!"
"Dad, it's just a movie! There'll be other kids there."
"Maggie, the subject is closed. I'm not letting you go to the movies with some boy!" He threw down his napkin and stormed out of the dining room.
Fran watched him leave. "Finish your breakfast, kids, I'll be right back" She got up and followed Max into his office, shutting the door behind them.
"Fran, I know she sent you in here to work on me, but my mind is made up, she's not going!"
She walked over and sat on the corner of his desk. "If you would have let me finish in there, instead of blowing up, you would have heard that I agree that she's too young to be on a date by herself."
"Good, wait, why do I hear a 'but' coming?"
"Because you're getting to know me pretty well...she's too young to be by herself with a boy, BUT, what if we went to the same movie, and sat a few rows behind them. I already mentioned the idea to Maggie, and she's all for it. She said she'd feel better with us close by, see, even SHE knows she may not be ready for this!"
"So, is this your way of asking me on a date?"
Fran blushed. This was not her idea of a perfect first date, but what the hell. She decided to jump in with both feet. "Yeah, I guess I am!"
He stood up and moved a step closer to her. "So, when is this date supposed to take place?"
She licked her lips, he was close enough she could smell his cologne. "Friday, I'll ask Niles to watch the younger kids". She spun around and hopped off the desk. She had to get out of here, her head was swimming. "I'll go tell Maggie the good news; you want me to bring you some coffee when I'm done?"
Max was also having trouble concentrating. No other woman affected him as she did. "Yes, I'd love some."
Fran returned to the dining room to fill Maggie in on the details. She was still surprised by Max's reaction. A date? Oy! She poured Max a cup of coffee, and asked Niles to bring a fresh pot into the office for them. When she returned to the office, C.C. had arrived, and they were already heatedly discussing the upcoming backer's party. She handed Max his coffee.
"Thank you, Sweetheart." He continued his discussion with C.C., never realizing what he'd said.
Fran stopped short for a second, then, without missing a beat, grinned and responded "You're welcome, Darling," as she headed out the door.
C.C. stopped cold. What had just happened here? Sweetheart? Darling? "Maxwell!"
"What is it, C.C.?"
"What's with this 'Sweetheart and Darling' stuff?"
"What ARE you talking about?"
"Just now, you called her Sweetheart!"
"Did I? When?"
"When she handed you your coffee! Come to think of it, why is she still in her robe and slippers? What's going on here?"
"She's not dressed because she's been taking care of the children all morning. The nanny quit last night. Brighton staged another fake suicide. So, until we can hire another nanny, Fran's agreed to help with the children."
"You still didn't answer my other question. Is something going on between you and Fran?"
"C.C., if there was it would be none of your business. She lives here, we see each other every day, and we're becoming close friends. If more that than arises, it will be between Fran and me, understood?"
C.C. understood all too well. She knew the women he'd been dating, and she despised them. She knew they were out to marry up, and Maxwell Sheffield was about as 'up' as they could get. Fran, on the other hand, was a different story. She didn't seem impressed by Max's money or stature. If something was brewing between the two of them, she could get it out of Fran. C.C. had loved Max for years, even before he married Sarah, but he'd made it clear to her that she would never be more than a friend and business associate. She loved him enough to want to see him happy, and from what she'd seen over the last few weeks, Fran made him AND the children happy. She decided right then and there, if she couldn't have Maxwell, she was going to make damn sure her friend did.
"Understood, Maxwell."
Fran saw the children off for school, and headed upstairs to change. She was still trying to figure out exactly what happened in the office earlier. First, he'd almost dared her to call accompanying Maggie to the movies a date, and then called her 'Sweetheart' as if it were the most natural thing in the world. She got dressed and headed to the office. She'd have to talk to C.C. later, get her take on this. As she got to the office door, she could still hear them arguing about the backer's party.
"Maxwell, if you insist on taking a date to this thing, it should be Fran. She knows the theater business, and she's not likely to say something stupid and cost us money. She's got a stake in the next show, too!"
Fran decided that she'd better get in there before they killed each other. What was C.C. doing, anyway? "Knock, knock! You know, they can probably hear you two across the street!"
Max softened when she walked into the room. "Oh, perhaps you're right, C.C., maybe Fran would be the better choice."
She grinned as she opened her laptop. "Oh, so I'm second choice, am I? What if I'm not available?"
"What do you mean, you're not available?" Max looked concerned.
Fran looked at C.C. and laughed. "He just can't take a joke, can he? I'm all yours, when is this thing?"
"Saturday night".
"Oooh, a date with a handsome producer two nights in a row. People are gonna start to talk!"
Max blushed, and C.C.'s eyes brightened. So, there was something going on after all! She had to find out about this other date they had planned.
Later, when they were alone, Fran explained that they were going to the movies to keep an eye on Maggie and her first date, and how Max turned it into a date for the two of them.
"Are you sure you're o.k. with this, C.C.? I mean, I know how you feel about him."
"You and Max are two of my best friends. If it were anyone else but you, I'd scratch her eyes out. However, you don't belong with guys like Danny, and Max doesn't belong with the gold digging tramps he's been going out with. Go for it, Frannie! You're here all the time, you love his kids, his kids love you, and you've got an edge over every other woman he dates!" C.C. hugged her friend. "I have a feeling you fell into his life for a reason."
Friday night came, and Fran wasn't sure what to wear. She peeked into the hall and saw Max wearing blue jeans. Good choice! She pulled on her jeans, and picked out a light sweater. Perfect, casual, doesn't make her look too eager. She dabbed on her perfume, gave her make up one last check and headed down the stairs.
When they got to the theater, it was obvious the girls had picked the movie. It was the new comedy-romance, bordering on a total chick-flick. A perfect make out movie. Even though the night out was her idea, Max refused to let her pay for anything. He bought them a large tub of popcorn, a couple of sodas, and, remembering her penchant for chocolate, some raisinettes. They settled in a few rows behind Maggie and her friends. They sat in the darkened theater, sharing the tub, exchanging glances when their hands met in the popcorn tub. Max couldn't concentrate on the movie, he found himself constantly staring at the beautiful woman sitting with him. Fran put the now empty tub on the floor, and leaned over on the armrest, only to find Max already there. As she pulled back, he gently took her hand in his, intertwining their fingers. He had to keep fighting the urge to lean over and kiss her, remembering his daughter was only a few feet away. Halfway through the movie, Fran sat upright in her seat, eyes fixed on Maggie's row. She pulled a raisinette out of the box and skillfully threw it at the head of Maggie's boyfriend. He pulled back from Maggie and looked around. Maggie looked back at Fran and smiled.
"That oughtta settle his hands down!" Fran leaned over and whispered to Max. "Don't worry, Daddy, everything's fine now."
She never ceased to amaze him. He thought he'd been keeping an eye on his daughter, but Fran had a better eye than he did. After the movie, the kids wanted to go to the diner for burgers, so the adults tagged along once more. Max watched his date devour her burger as if she hadn't eaten in days, and wondered where she put all that food in her thin frame. Afterwards, on the ride home, she snuggled up next to him and dozed on his shoulder. He woke her about a block from the house, so he wouldn't have to carry her again. They kissed Maggie goodnight, and watched her bound up the stairs.
"I'm glad you talked me into this tonight, Fran. Look how happy she was."
"A first date's a big deal for a girl" She was walking around, turning off lights, and met him at the bottom of the stairs.
"Yes, first dates are very important." He slid his arm around her waist and kissed her gently on the lips. They looked into each other's eyes for several seconds, and then kissed again, this time a bit longer. "Fran..." He pressed his mouth hard against hers, nipping at her lower lip with his teeth. She sighed gently as his tongue pushed deeply into her mouth. Fran pulled him tighter to her and deepened the kiss. She felt her knees going, thought she was going to faint. Max backed her up against the wall to steady her, and pushed himself into her. Neither one wanted this kiss to end. She pulled her mouth away from his, putting her head on his chest, trying to catch her breath. No kiss had ever affected her like this before. He stroked her hair gently, and then reached behind her neck to pull her back to him again. She wrapped her arms around his neck, and ran her fingers through his thick hair. Her brain was turning to mush, she wasn't thinking clearly. She had to breathe again. She tilted her head back, and he ran his mouth down her throat. Her head cleared just enough to know this had to stop. It was too soon, and the children were home.
"Max, we can't." She heard a low growl come from his throat as his mouth moved over her.
"I know. I don't want to stop".
"Neither do I, but..." she looked up the stairs, and his mind finally started to clear.
"The children". She nodded. He leaned forward and kissed her gently one last time, then took her hand. "Come on, I'll walk you home." He walked her to her door, where he held her tightly.
"I had fun tonight, Max, thanks for the movie."
"Can I see you again?" His teasing eyes were dancing.
Two could play that game. "Sure, how about breakfast?"
He kissed her forehead. "Breakfast, it is. Oh, and, wear that lovely lilac robe! Good night, sweet dreams!"
"Night, Max!" She slipped into her room and collapsed on her bed. Max headed to his room for yet another cold shower.
Fran slept fitfully that night. She woke up several times and found it hard to get back to sleep. It felt so good being in his arms, but she also knew that things were moving way too fast. She found him terribly handsome, incredibly sexy, but she wasn't the type to jump into bed with a man that she didn't love, and that didn't love her. And she knew he didn't love her. He couldn't, not when he still sees other women. She'd been down that road before, and she knew the familiar signs. She also knew she was starting to have feelings for him that went beyond friendship. He was everything she'd always said she wanted in a man, caring, respectful, honest, but they were from completely different worlds, and, if his relationship with C.C. was any indication, she was always going to be just a business associate. She just had to keep her distance. Oy and she had another date with him. Hopefully, he'll be so busy schmoozing backers, things won't heat up again.
After a restless sleep, she still was able to get out of bed before the children. She stood in the shower, letting the hot water course over her, trying to get herself awake. The smell of fresh coffee was making its way up the stairs. THAT'S what she needed! She finished in the shower, pulled on her short lounging pajamas, and her lilac robe, as requested. No, she wasn't going to do that. She'd dress casual, as she didn't have to go to the theater today. No sense sending the man a message that he could just snap his fingers and she'd be his. She decided on her jeans and a crop tee shirt, nothing too sexy. She curled her hair and pulled it up out of her face, applied her makeup, and headed downstairs.
"Niles, you are a lifesaver!" She poured a large mug of coffee and plopped down at the kitchen table.
"Late night last night, Miss Fine?"
"No, just didn't sleep well." She really didn't want to go into the reasons with him. "I don't have much work to get done today, so once the kids go to school...wait; it's Saturday, isn't it? Oy!"
"I can look after the children if you need a nap."
"No, I need to go shopping for a new dress for the backer's party tonight. C.C. convinced Max to take ME...I've never been to one of these things."
Max pushed slowly through the kitchen door. "Good morning!" He patted Fran on the arm as he headed for the cupboard for a cup. Did I hear you say you were going dress shopping?"
"Yeah, I really don't have anything formal enough for this party tonight, thought I'd hit the sales."
Max pulled a credit card out of his wallet. "Here's my business credit card. Buy yourself something smashing. I really want you to wow the investors tonight."
She didn't like the sound of that at all. He wanted to pay for an expensive dress for her? "Max, I don't think..."
"Fran, this is a business dinner, you are a large part of the business, and you WILL be a part, for at least the next three shows. Let the business buy you the proper attire to help the business make money". He saw the look on her face. "No ulterior motive, it's strictly for the business." Let her think that, he was dying to see her all dressed up. Her looks would definitely be an asset to the business. He knew that when he arrives with C.C. on one arm and Fran on the other, the backers would be tripping over themselves. He held out the card to her. "Please?"
She stared at the card for a minute. She sighed. "O.K., you're the boss!" She snatched the card from his hand. "What's the limit on this thing?" She smiled broadly. "Well, I was thinkin' a new dress is going to need some new shoes, and I'll need a new bag to go with the dress and shoes, and..."
"Buy whatever you like, as much as you like. There will be many more backers dinners, opening nights, fundraisers; you'll want to have clothes for those, too."
"You may be sorry you said that!" She grabbed a muffin and her coffee and headed up the back stairs. She couldn't wait to hit the stores. She also loved making him sweat! She would pick up a couple of dresses, some new shoes; she wanted to make sure all attention was on Sheffield productions tonight!
She was at the mall as it opened, hit Loehmann's first, and scored two fantastic dresses, and a pair of shoes that went with them both. Then went purse shopping, and was done by noon. She still had time to go home, take a short nap, and be ready to knock the backers dead!
At 6:00, Max was waiting at the bottom of the stairs. "What can be keeping her, Niles? We still have to stop and pick up C.C.!"
"Would you like me to go up and move her along, sir?"
"No, that won't be necessary, Niles, I..." He looked up and she was standing on the landing. She was wearing a black beaded dress, which hung to the floor. It was slightly off the shoulders, her hair was pulled up, and falling in ringlets around her face, and cascading down her back. She was a vision. As she descended the stairs, he could see the dress had a slit up the back. "Whatever you spent today, it was well worth it!"
She smiled and lowered her eyes. "You like? Don't worry, there's plenty of room left on your card. I found an amazing sale!"
He took her hand as she stepped from the stairs, and then kissed it gently. "You are beautiful! Ready to tackle the backers?"
She took a deep breath. God, he looked amazing in his tuxedo! "As ready as I'm ever going to be. Is C.C. meeting us there?"
"No, we'll pick her up in the limo on the way." He offered her his arm, and they were on their way.
All eyes were on the trio as they entered the room. Everyone was familiar with Maxwell and C.C., very few of them had ever seen Fran. They were shown to their table, and Max ordered champagne for the three of them. As Fran lifted her glass, C.C. could see her hand shaking.
"Frannie, it's all right, calm down. They aren't as bad as they look!" C.C. patted her friend's hand.
"They LOOK like a tank of hungry sharks!"
"Don't worry, just answer questions about the show, dance with them if they ask, and just be yourself. You know, smile, and flirt a little."
"She does NOT need to flirt, C.C.!" Max looked sternly at his partner, then at Fran.
"You do NOT need to flirt! Just smile, be yourself, if there's a question you can't answer, direct them to C.C. or myself. And save me a dance or two." He smiled reassuringly as he spoke to her.
Fran decided to test the waters a bit. She batted her eyes at Max. "You don't like it when I flirt?"
He leaned over and put his lips to her ear. "Only with me!" She leaned the side of her head on his forehead as he spoke, and then looked up at him with her eyes dancing.
"I'll have to remember that." Oh, why did she say that? Why was it so easy to relax with him?
C.C. watched them with amazement. They looked so comfortable together. She hadn't seen Maxwell like this since Sarah was alive. She remembered the days of their courtship, how they laughed and flirted. Much like he now flirted and laughed with Fran. She was going to lose him again, and to another friend. This time, she wasn't going to create diversions, find things to do that would take her friend's focus from her relationship. If she hadn't interfered with Max and Sarah, they would have married much sooner. When Sarah realized what was happening, their friendship was forever changed, she didn't want that to happen again.
After a delicious meal, the band started to play. C.C. leaned over to Max and nudged him. "Ask her to dance!" As Max turned back to Fran, one of their regular investors was at the table, taking her by the hand. Fran glanced over her shoulder at Max as she was led out onto the floor. Max watched her glide around the floor, laughing and talking. As the song ended, Fran found herself in the arms of another partner. She danced song after song, until the band finally took a break. Several of the investors approached Max, complimenting him on his taste of associates, and presenting him with checks. As the band stopped for a break, so did Fran, and hurried for the ladies' room. Max was waiting for her as she emerged.
"You are amazing!" He stepped forward and pulled her close. "We have made an indecent amount of money tonight, all due to you! You put such a spell on men." He looked deep into her eyes. "On one man in particular". He leaned in and kissed her gently, then took her hand to lead her back to the table. "Save me the next dance?"
She squeezed his hand. "Absolutely!" As hard as she was fighting her feelings, she was dying to be in his arms. They sat down and she shared everything discussed on the dance floor. Max and C.C. were thrilled that Fran was so comfortable with the business aspect of the company.
As the band started back up, Max took Fran's hand and led her to the dance floor. He held her close and looked into her eyes, and the world seemed to disappear around them, as they moved to the soft music. Max would apply quick kisses to her cheek, and she would rest her head on his shoulder, kissing it softly. They became more and more relaxed as they danced, never leaving the floor until the band took its second break. By this time, they were holding each other as close as possible, swaying slowly, they never heard the music stop. It was C.C.'s joking that made them come back to earth.
"Hey, you two get a room, would ya?" They looked at C.C., then questioningly at each other. "Hey, I was kidding!"
They stood staring at each other for a full minute. It was at this moment they both knew. This was beyond simple sexual attraction. They were falling in love.
The three of them returned to the table, and found that C.C. had also gotten backing from several investors. This was a very profitable night for Sheffield Productions.
"What do you say we call it a night, ladies?"
"Are you sure, Maxwell, Fran was doing so well with the investors!" She smiled at her friend.
"It was actually much easier than I thought; most of them are very nice. I am a little tired, though."
"Let me say goodnight to a couple of people, then I'll get your wraps." Max left the table to mingle with the men.
C.C. grabbed Fran's hand. "O.K, girlfriend, dish!"
"What?"
"Come on, Fran, you know what I mean. You and Maxwell, that dance, those looks, and I SAW him kiss you earlier!"
"C.C. this is all so fast! I've only known him a couple of weeks, how could this be happening?"
"I've seen it happen before. One time, about 15 years ago. The couple met, fell in love, married three months later. They would have married earlier, if their jealous, meddling friend hadn't interfered."
"What happened to them?"
"Well, they married, had three beautiful children, built a successful production company, and lived happily ever after, until 4 years ago, when the wife was killed in an accident."
"Max and Sarah?" C.C. nodded. "But C.C., he's not ready to settle down! He's still dating! I've been down that road before, and I didn't like it. Well, it's not like before, Max has always been totally honest with me. But how can I live there, AND date him? It will totally confuse the children. He and I will be together, and then he goes out for a date with someone else?"
"Don't you DARE think about moving out. You have home field advantage, here! Use that! You are there with him, and the kids, like a real family."
"I will NOT use those children! I love those kids as if they were my own already. They've already lost their mother."
"God, you sound like Maxwell, now. That's been his excuse for 4 years! I'm worried about the children! Don't you understand, YOU are the first woman he's been interested in that has even MET the children! Sally and Lucy have never been to the house!"
"Who are Sally and Lucy?"
"Oh, whatever their names are!"
"Stephanie and Laura?"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah...you get my point?"
"He's coming back, change the subject!"
"Ready to go, ladies? The limo is out front." He led them outside and helped them into the limo. C.C. made sure she sat further towards the front leaving the large back seat for the couple. Max slid in next to Fran and slid his arm behind her. She laid her head on his shoulder and yawned.
"I guess I'm more tired than I thought! I haven't been out dancing like that in a long time!"
"You and C.C. went out clubbing last week."
"Different type of dancing. I didn't have to think, or have my guard up being held close. I never slow dance when I go clubbing."
"Good!"
She looked up at him and smiled. He was jealous! That was so adorable! She lifted her head and kissed his cheek.
"What was that for?" He leaned his head down against hers.
She sighed. "For caring." She quickly wiped away the stray tear that found its way down her cheek. No one had ever cared enough about her to be jealous.
The driver stopped at C.C.'s building, and Max walked her up to her penthouse.
"It's happening again, isn't it, Maxwell?"
"What's happening, C.C.?"
"I watched it happen 15 years ago with you and Sarah, and I fought it, and I got in the way. I just want you to know that it won't happen this time. You deserve to be happy, Fran deserves to be happy. These last years have been hell for both of you."
"I know, I feel it, too. I think she's fighting it, she's so afraid of being hurt again. I don't know what I can do to reassure her!"
"I can think of TWO things you can stop doing that might help!"
"What are you talking about?"
"Those two gold digging bimbos that you are seeing. Fran's worried about starting anything with you, while you are still dating anyone, especially with her living there. She afraid of confusing or hurting your children."
"She actually told you that?"
"She didn't use the term 'gold digging bimbos', she's too nice for that. But she IS worried about the kids, if you two start seeing each other, the kids are going to see that, and then what will they think when Daddy goes out on a date and leaves the person they see as Daddy's girlfriend at home alone? Looks to me like you are looking for the best of both worlds, Maxwell, you have Fran at home, cooking, cleaning, taking care of the kids, giving you emotional support, helping with the business...just like a wife. Then, you go out and play free and easy bachelor with the girlfriends. You aren't being fair to any of them!"
"C.C., Fran and I haven't even started a relationship yet, well, not really."
"You're falling in love with her. I've seen you with other women; you look at Fran like you looked at Sarah. Before you push anything with Fran, you need to decide exactly what it is you want. I don't want to see either of my friends hurt!"
"You're right. About everything. You've always been a good friend, C.C., I don't know what I'd do without you." He kissed her on the cheek before heading down to the limo.
He climbed inside and found Fran sleeping on the seat. He lifted her gently and placed her head on his chest. He watched her sleep the rest of the ride home, listening to her regular breathing, watching the faces she made as the limo hit a bump in the road. C.C. was right. He was falling in love with this woman. He leaned his head down and kissed her gently, she stirred slightly, moving her head enough to make her lips more accessible. He lifted her head a bit more and kissed her lips, using his tongue to open her mouth slightly. She moaned gently and responded to the kiss, by meeting his tongue with her own. He slowly leaned back on the seat, pulling her on top of him. She was totally awake now, and ran her hands through his thick black hair. His hands explored her back, finding their way to her neck. His fingers found her zipper and slowly lowered it, making the bare skin of her back accessible to him. His mouth moved from her lips to her throat, her chest, her shoulders. She couldn't believe how incredible he was making her feel. She started working his tie, and opening his shirt. She wanted to taste his skin. She moved her mouth over his neck and chest, biting and licking as she went. His hands moved down her back, then to her hips, pulling her closer, moving against her. She moved her mouth back to his, their lips meeting in a deep kiss. He moved his hands from her hips back up to her shoulders, then slowly started pulling her dress forward, looking into her eyes for permission. She was starting to panic, was this going to happen here? In the limo? They had to be almost home. She lifted herself up to check her bearings.
"Max, we're almost home."
He slid her dress down, revealing her breasts to him. He pulled her back down onto his bare chest. "I know." Their breathing was returning to normal, as they lay quietly holding each other. "I just wanted to feel you against me." He gently massaged her back as the limo came to a stop. They quickly straightened their clothes and hair, and then Max opened the door and helped her out.
The house was dark; Niles must have gone to bed. Max locked the door behind them, and they walked hand in hand up the stairs. Max stopped them at his bedroom door.
"I don't want to push you into anything you aren't ready for." He kissed her gently. "My door is always unlocked, when you are ready, you know where I live." He pulled her into his arms for another deep kiss.
"Things just seem to be happening so fast, Max. We just met, but I feel like I've always known you. I'm not ready to be hurt again."
He brushed a stray hair out of her eyes. "I'd never hurt you, I hope you know that."
"I think I do. We have a lot of things to talk about, before we..." she looked at his bedroom door.
"You're right, we do. Come on, I'll walk you home." He took her hand again, and walked her down the hall to the guest room, opening the door for her.
"Wait, I want to check on the kids before I go to bed."
"I'm sure they're fine, Fran".
"Humor me?"
He smiled. She had done it again. Every time he thought he had her figured out, she changed gears. She went into all three children's rooms, removing toys and books from the beds, and replacing the covers over them.
"See, they DID need me!" She grinned.
"We all need you." She walked across the hall into her room, where she found Max had turned down her bed for her.
"Aren't you a doll?" She kissed him lightly. "Thanks. I'll see you in the morning." He stepped in for one more lingering kiss. "Night!" She watched as he left the room and closed the door behind him. She quickly changed into her pajamas, removed her makeup and climbed into bed. She soon fell into a deep, restful sleep.
Max, on the other hand, barely slept all night. He had only seriously started dating again six months ago. He'd met Stephanie at a benefit, and they'd been dating ever since, but he always kept her at arm's length. Then he met Laura a couple of months later. He went to dinners and movies with each of them, but had yet to feel a connection. Then he met Fran, who excited him from the moment he laid eyes on her. Was he ready for a commitment? Was she? Every time one of the other women called, he was starting to feel like he was cheating on her. She was here, working with him, cooking for him, taking care of the children, it was obvious she already loved them like her own. For the first time in 4 years, he found himself hurrying home from the theater to be with his family. Maybe he should just slow things down with her, let her set the pace for a while. She'd been hurt in the past; he'd have to make sure he was completely honest with her. She knew about the women he dated, maybe this was why she was holding back. She had to have feelings for him, he could see it in her eyes, feel it in her kiss. He looked at the clock...it was four in the morning. He decided that he'd find time to sit and talk with her, the sooner the better. They could take the children to the park for a picnic, and could talk while the children played. He started to relax a little. He enjoyed Stephanie and Laura's company, but if he never saw them again, he couldn't say he'd miss them. Fran on the other hand, he wasn't ready to lose.
He finally drifted off to sleep around 4:30, only to be awakened by the sound of the children in the hallway. What were they doing up so early? He looked at the clock. 8:30, no wonder they were up. He heard Fran's voice quieting them down, and getting them downstairs. A few minutes later, he heard his door open. Fran appeared in his doorway with a pot of coffee and two cups. It was if she could read his mind.
"Good morning, sleepyhead! I thought you could use some coffee!" She put the tray down and poured two cups, then brought them over to the bed. Max sat up and patted the bed for her to sit.
"How did you sleep?" She actually looked very rested.
"Like a baby, how about you?"
"Actually, I didn't get to sleep until late. I had a lot of things on my mind".
Oy, this can't be good. "You wanna talk about it?"
He reached over and rubbed her hand. "Yes, that's what I finally decided last night; we need to talk, to define our relationship. I thought we could take the children to the park for a picnic today, and we could talk while they play."
She smiled. "You think they're going to let us just sit there? How long has it been since you took them to the park? They're going to want us right there, playing Frisbee, football...you'd better wear your tennis shoes and be ready for some action!"
"Well, we have a few minutes right now." He took a deep breath and held her hand. "I don't want you to think I'm pushing you into more of a relationship than you're ready for. I also don't want you to think that, well, take last night in the limo for instance, I don't want you to think that's the normal way I behave on a date. The last woman I was that intimate with was my wife. I know you've been hurt, and I know you want to slow things down a bit."
She looked into his eyes. "Max, I'm just afraid. I...I've never felt like this before".
"I have. Once before. I'll give you the time you need, Fran. Whatever you need to be sure. You know about Stephanie and Laura, right?" She nodded quietly.
"I don't want you to put your life on hold, because mine is messed up, Max. But, if we are going to start seeing each other, and if I'm going to continue living here, I don't want the children confused or hurt, I know you don't either. They can't come to the house, that's all I ask. I'm not asking you to stop seeing them, just don't bring them around the kids. If I have a date, I'll do the same.
Again, she'd amazed him. "That's fair. You're right; we don't want to confuse the children. They're going to see us together, and assume we're a couple. Until we agree to stop seeing other people, no dates at the house. Anything else?"
She took a sip of her coffee, took a breath, and then looked down at the bed. "Max, I can't...I can't sleep with you if you are sleeping with anyone else. That's why I stopped last night."
He reached over and lifted her head with his hand. "I'm not, you are the only one I've had those feelings for since Sarah."
She drained her coffee cup and set it on the nightstand, and lay back on his chest. They sat there cuddling quietly until they heard a soft knock at the door.
"Mr. Sheffield, Miss Fine, breakfast is ready".
"Thank you, Niles, we'll be right down." He kissed the top of her head. "You know you can always talk to me about anything, don't you? Any problems you have about this arrangement, tell me immediately, I don't want you hurt, and I don't want to lose you."
She looked up at him. "Just always be honest with me; please don't lie to me because you think you're protecting me."
He kissed her forehead. "Always. Now, let's go feed the children, before they're up here with us!"
Fran headed downstairs, leaving Max to dress for the park. The children were thrilled with the idea, and, Fran had been right, the children insisted they play with them, leaving them no more time to talk. Once the children were totally exhausted they all headed home.
"Fran, what do you think of a nice dinner tonight, just the two of us, we can get Niles to watch the children." He took her hand in his as they walked down the street.
"Sounds wonderful! You mean a real date?" She giggled, sounding like a teenager. "I'd love it!"
They walked home hand in hand, discussing the plans for the evening. When they got to the house, Fran hurried upstairs to start getting ready. Two hours later, she emerged at the top of the stairs looking fabulous. They went to the Rainbow Room, and enjoyed dinner and an evening of dancing. On the way home, Fran snuggled up next to Max, putting her head on his shoulder. He took her hand, intertwining his fingers with hers.
"Max, thank you for tonight. I can't remember when I've had such a wonderful evening."
"It's just the first of many more to come." He lifted her hand to his lips and kissed it gently. He longed for more, but he'd promised her they would take things slow. They rode home in silence, enjoying the closeness they were sharing. Once home, they went upstairs and tucked the children in together, before heading to their rooms.
The next morning, C.C. arrived as the family was sitting down to breakfast. She joined them at the table, listening to the children going on and on about the family picnic, and she was sure she saw several looks pass between Max and Fran. After the children left for school, the couple joined C.C. in the office. As they all went about their work, C.C. noticed the frequent glances between her friends, and the way Max always made sure that he was close to Fran, touching her hands or her arms whenever possible. When it was time for lunch, Fran went into the kitchen to help Niles prepare the sandwiches. C.C. followed her to try to find out exactly what had happened.
"OK, girlfriend, dish!" C.C. stood in the door watching Fran empty the refrigerator contents onto the table.
"What?" Fran wasn't giving an inch. She was going to make C.C. work for this.
"You, Max, what's going on? He can't keep his hands off you, you can't stop looking at each other, it's almost disgusting!"
Fran assembled a pitcher of tea on a tray with three glasses. "I have no idea what you're talking about!" She grabbed the tray and headed into the office.
"Niles, come on, tell me! I KNOW you know!"
"What's it worth to you?"
"NILES!"
He looked around, and then went and checked the door. "Well, you didn't hear it from me, but after the backers party, he kissed her in the hallway. Then yesterday, they took the children to the park together for a picnic, before dinner and dancing at the Rainbow Room last night."
"It's about time! What about the other two? Did he dump them?"
"That, I don't know. But if they are acting like a couple in front of the children...." He stopped short as Fran entered the kitchen. She smiled at her friend.
"So, did the yenta fill you in, or do you need more details? Max is asking about lunch, Niles."
"I'll be right there, Miss Fine" He finished assembling the sandwiches and carried took the tray into the office.
Once Niles had left, C.C. confronted her friend. "So, what happened? Niles said he kissed you? Now you're dating?"
"We're taking things slow, C.C. He's still seeing Laura and Stephanie, and I'm not going to tell him to stop. We agreed they won't come to the house, no sense confusing the children."
"There's something you're not telling me, something else happened."
"Things got a little, um, heated between us...a couple of times".
"When? You never told me this!"
"Friday night, after Maggie's movie, and then again on the way home from the backer's party."
"In the limo?" C.C. could not picture Maxwell Sheffield getting heated in a car.
"Shhh... No one knows. We discussed it afterwards, and we decided to slow down, things were moving way too fast for me."
They cut their conversation short when Niles returned to the kitchen. "Mr. Sheffield is wondering if you two will be joining him for lunch, or spending the rest of the day in the kitchen gossiping". The friends laughed as they hurried back to the office. They spent the rest of the day buried in work.
