Past Imperfect

by FJS

Max and Fran meet and fall in love as teens. Their lives are manipulated, and Fran is forced to walk away from the only man she'll ever love, but she takes something with her when she goes. Years later, when their paths cross, can they find love again?

1. Chapter 1

PAST, IMPERFECT

Chapter One

No offense intended to the talented Fran Drescher or Peter Marc Jacobson. I don't own these characters, just messed with their lives a bit. I did, however, create Sophie. She's all mine, attitude and all.

Fran and Max fall in love as teens, but fate has some nasty twists in store for them. Definitely an alternative universe. This story took on a life of its own, so it's quite long. Grab a beverage, maybe a light nosh, and spend an afternoon with the Sheffields. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to the Tsunami Sisters Editing and Proofing Co., Inc., for their tireless work, sometimes around the clock. Sisters, love ya lots!

This story is dedicated to Vernon Malone and all the other wonderful residents of Hopetown, Elbow Cay, Abaco, Bahamas. Hopetown and Marsh Harbor were hit by Hurricane Frances and Hurricane Jeanne, three weeks apart, in September, 2004. Our thoughts and prayers are with these people as they struggle to rebuild their lives, homes, and businesses.

"Nay, look at his signup sheet. I can't audition for this with you! It says right here, you gotta be 18!" Fran smacked her gum and thrust the paper to her older sister.

"Frannie, you just TELL 'em you're 18. Oy, you can be such a schmegegi sometimes! Just change the year you were born, look." Nadine entered 1956 as her birth date. "Now, you're 18, you'll be 19 in September."

"Lie about my age? What are you, mental? I can't do that! Anyways, who's the schmegegi? If I'M born in 1956, and you're my OLDER sister, when were YOU born?" Fran stood glaring at her sister with her hands on her hips.

"I guess I can be older, too." She changed the birth year on her own sheet to read 1955. "Meanwhile, have you read the play? Do you know the lines you are supposed to read?"

Fran held up her book. "Yeah, Nay, I got some tough lines. 'When shall we three meet again in thunder, lightening, or in rain?' Tell me again why I'm auditioning for the part of a witch?"

"Because with that voice, you can't read for Lady Macbeth!" Nadine flipped her blond hair off her shoulders and gave her younger sister a superior look. Fran may have gotten all the looks, but she also got Ma's voice to go along with her beauty. "Meanwhile, there's the producer, would you look at him?" She pointed over to the stage, where and incredibly handsome man was standing. Fran couldn't move or speak. She'd never seen anyone like him in her life. He turned around and looked over the groups of actors standing around.

"May I have my witches on stage, please?" Fran had never heard such a sexy British accent before. Roger Moore's was cute, but Sean Connery made a better Bond.

"Frannie, that's you, move it!" A shove from Nadine shook Fran out of her daydream. She hurried up the steps to the stage.

"Sorry, Mr. Sheffield" Fran couldn't take her eyes off him, and almost walked into the second witch.

"Max, please, and you are?"

"Frannie Fine, I'm witch number one, well, at least I'm hoping to be". She handed him her registration form, and he looked it over carefully.

"You're how old, Frannie?"

She threw a quick glance to her sister and took a deep breath. "Eighteen, I'll be nineteen in September". She looked quickly towards the heavens, hoping a bolt of lightning wouldn't strike her down for lying.

"All right, then, are you ready to read?"

"I sure am!"

He loved her enthusiasm. That voice would surely keep her out of acting as a profession, but it would be perfect for one of Macbeth's witches.

Fran read her lines perfectly, having practiced them over and over with her sister. When Nadine's turn came, she was just as perfect in her reading of Lady Macbeth, so both sisters were cast. Fran couldn't believe her luck. She was performing Shakespeare in Central Park in summer, where she could wear nearly nothing to rehearsal. Oh, how she hoped that adorable producer was unattached. Rehearsals started in mid June. Nadine was needed every day, and, even though her character wasn't needed, Fran tagged along to keep an eye on her sister. Max noticed her hanging around doing nothing, and started giving her small projects to do to help with the production, from schlepping water for the cast, to helping make wardrobe decisions.

Mid July brought Nadine's birthday, and Barry showed up with flowers and a dinner invitation.

"Oh, Barry, that's so sweet. I have to take Frannie home first; she's over under that tree folding programs. I'd better ask the producer if he can spare her." She watched Max walk over to the shade of Fran's tree, and followed him over.

"Max, can you spare the witch for today? Barry's asked me to dinner, and we need to take her home before we go out." She flashed a bright smile at Barry. "You see, it's my birthday."

"Oh, happy birthday, Nadine. Of course, Fran can leave."

Barry's face brightened. "Hey, Nay, I've got an idea, why don't we take Frannie with us, she can get a date, and we can make a party of it!"

"Hey, what a good idea, you don't want to go back home yet, do ya, sis?"

"A date? Who am I gonna ask? Geesh, Barry, what are ya thinkin'?"

Barry looked at Max. "How about this guy? How about it, a little dinner, a little dancing. Our Frannie's quite the little dancer!"

Fran blushed. She wanted to kill Barry with her bare hands right now. "Barry, it's kinda late notice, maybe he's got plans or something."

"No, actually, no plans at all, you're sure you don't mind?"

Nadine beamed at her sister. She was gonna owe her big time. "Of course not! The more the merrier! And this way we don't have to drive back to Queens right away. If you'll excuse us for one minute, we'll be right back, just have to finalize the plans." Nadine pulled Barry away and filled him in on the age story.

"He thinks Frannie is 18? Nay, that's not a good idea, what if he tries something with her, she's just a kid. I never woulda asked him if I knew that."

"We'll be there to keep an eye on her, besides, I'm been watching him for six weeks, he's always a gentleman. It must be a British thing."

The foursome found a casual restaurant for dinner and dancing, and celebrated late into the night. Max couldn't believe how drawn he was to Fran. They were able to sit and talk while Barry and Nadine danced, and finally Max worked up the courage to ask Fran to dance. He led her out to the dance floor and took her in his arms. They immediately felt the connection as their bodies touched. By the end of the fourth dance, Fran's head was on his shoulder, and he was resting his head on hers.

"Fran, I'd really like to see you again. I know this wasn't exactly a date. I'd like to do it right next time."

"I'd like that too, Max."

"How about this weekend? Friday night? How about dinner and a movie?"

"That sounds wonderful. I can't wait." She looked up into his green eyes. She'd never had this strong urge to kiss a man before.

"I'll pick you up at six, how does that sound?"

Pick her up? She hadn't thought of that. Oy, she had to get Nadine to get Ma and Daddy out of the house. "Perfect!"

They continued to hold each other close and sway to the music. Fran saw Nadine pointing frantically to her watch. It was 11:00, and Fran was going to be in big trouble. "Max, I hate to do this, but Nadine wants to go home."

He kissed the top of her head gently. "You can always stay, I can take you home later."

"Oh, no, we live with our parents, and they're a bit overprotective, I'd better go home with Nay." Oy! That was close! She slowly pulled out of his arms, and missed them immediately. He took her hand and led her off the dance floor. "Ready to go, Nay? Where's Bar?"

"Oh, he went to make a quick phone call, he'll be right back and we can go." She looked down and saw Max holding Fran's hand tightly. They weren't leaving a moment too soon.

"Ready to go?" Barry appeared and picked up the girls' purses. They left the restaurant and headed towards Max's house to drop him off. When they stopped, before getting out, Max kissed Fran lightly on the cheek.

"Will you be at rehearsal tomorrow?"

Fran nodded. If she wasn't grounded she would be. "I'll be there."

"See you then. Barry, thanks, for including me in your celebration. Happy birthday, Nadine." He gave Fran's hand one last squeeze before exiting the car. After he was safely inside the house, out of earshot, Nadine turned around to confront her sister.

"Just WHAT were you thinking?"

"What?"

"We SAW you on the dance floor, letting him hold you so close, letting him kiss you. Frannie, you're only PRETENDING to be 18!"

"Come on, Nay, he was a perfect gentleman. And he only kissed the top of my head and my cheek."

"He kissed you twice?"

She giggled. "Yeah, and he asked me out Friday night. Nay, you GOTTA get Ma and Daddy out of the house so they don't see him."

"Where's he taking you?"

"I don't know, he said dinner and a movie. He's picking me up at six. Please, Nadine? I promise, nothing's gonna happen. I barely know the guy."

"He's nineteen years old, Francine."

"Now you sound like Ma! Just because he's older doesn't mean he's gonna try anything. We were back here all the way from the restaurant, and he only held my hand."

"Then he kissed you!"

"On the CHEEK, Nay! Come on, Nay. This is the first time any decent guy has asked me out. Please help me?"

"Frannie, if you let me down, I swear I'll never help you again. You promise nothing will happen?"

"I promise. It's only our first date."

Nadine looked at Barry and smiled. She remembered their first date two years before. Max was nothing like Barry, maybe she was worrying for nothing. "Ok, Barry and I will invite them to dinner with us. We'll make sure they're out of the house before six."

"Yeah, now all I have to worry about is explaining why I broke curfew tonight! They're gonna ground me for sure!"

Barry smiled at her in the rear view mirror. "No they won't. I called them and told them that rehearsals ran over, and we all went out with some of the other actors, and you were working on lines at the diner. You're fine, Frannie."

"Thanks, Bar!" She leaned forward and hugged him from the back seat. "You're the best!"

Barry's call did the trick. Morty and Sylvia were sleeping when the girls arrived home. They slipped in quietly and hurried to bed. They were due at the park for rehearsal at nine in the morning, and Fran was going to make sure she looked her best. She had this gorgeous guy's attention, and she intended to keep it. She'd see him all week at rehearsal, then, Friday. She snuggled under her covers and drifted off into a restful sleep.

"Frannie, I said move it, the shower's free! You comin' with me today or what?" Nadine ripped the covers off her younger sister.

Fran looked at the clock. Seven thirty. This guy had better be worth this. "Yeah, I'm comin'!" She rushed into the bathroom and stepped into the shower. She could hear her mom announcing breakfast from the other room. "Be right there, Ma!" She finished quickly, pulled on her fluffy terrycloth robe, and rushed into the kitchen to eat.

"Fran, slow down, you'll get a stomach ache!"

"I don't wanna be late, Ma"

"I don't understand why you have to go every day, what do you have, five lines? Meanwhile, your sister is the star; I know why she goes every day."

"I'm helping the producer, Ma. And, anyway, I DO rehearse today, this afternoon." She looked at her sister for help.

"She's doin' a great job, Ma! I can't wait for you and Daddy to see the play."

Fran felt sick. She hadn't thought that far ahead. Oy, she couldn't let her parents meet Max, they'd tell her age for sure. "Yeah, Ma, you'll love it! Come on, Nay, we're gonna be late."

She hurried into the bedroom and grabbed a pair of shorts and her leopard print halter top. "You're not wearing that, are ya, Fran?"

"Yeah, why? What's wrong with it?"

"Well, don't you think it's a little, uh, 'come and get me'?"

Fran giggled. "I sure hope so!"

"Francine Joy!"

"Geesh, Nadine! I'm KIDDING! But I can't dress like a kid around him all the time!"

"I really hope you know what you're doing!"

The girls grabbed their purses and ran out the door. They rushed down the steps onto the sidewalk, where they were met by a blonde man standing next to a limo. "Miss Fran and Miss Nadine Fine?" He also had a British accent.

The girls looked at each other. "Yeah."

He handed Nadine a note, which she quickly read and handed to Fran. "I don't believe this."

Fran read the note:

Fran,

Thanks for a wonderful evening. I'm sorry I kept you out so late on a "work" night. Enjoy the ride; I'll see you at rehearsal.

Max

"Oh, my God! NAY!!"

"Just get in before Ma looks out and sees us!"

The driver opened the door for the girls and helped them inside. Fran could smell Max's cologne. This must be his private limo.

"Thanks, Mr...." Fran looked at the man.

"Niles. Just call me Niles"

"Thanks, Niles." She smiled brightly at him.

Niles closed the door and returned to the driver's seat. Now he understood what his friend had been talking about. She was beautiful, but, she couldn't really be eighteen, could she?

The limo started down Kissena Blvd towards 495. Fran watched her neighborhood as she rolled by; wishing everyone could know it was the Fine girls in the back of this stately vehicle.

"Hey, Nay, I've got an idea. Got any money? How do ya talk to the driver?"

Nadine looked suspiciously at her sister. "Yes, why? And you I think you push that little button marked 'intercom'."

"I wanna stop for bagels. We might want a nosh later."

"You always wanna nosh. Can't you get a snack at the park?"

"Not bagels!" She pushed the intercom button. "Niles?"

"Yes, Miss Fine?"

"You takin' the LIE to Queens Blvd.?"

"Yes, that was the plan, do you have a better route?"

"No, that's perfect. Would you mind taking a quick detour? I want to pick up some bagels."

"Just tell me which way to go."

"Thanks, Niles! Go east on the LIE to Utopia, exit 25, it's only a mile. It's Bagel Oasis, over by the mall." Niles followed Fran's directions and rolled up in front of the popular bagelry. The girls went inside and loaded up and bagels and toppings. They emerged from the shop to find Niles holding the door open for them. Fran handed him a cup of coffee and a bag.

"Thanks for stopping, Niles. Here's some coffee, and a bagel with cream cheese. I didn't know if you liked lox, so it's on the side. There's cream and sugar for your coffee, too." She giggled as she climbed into the limo with her purchases. "Maxwell will be so surprised at all these goodies!"

Niles smiled as he closed the door behind him. This young woman was like no other that Mr. Sheffield had ever dated before. This one was definitely a keeper, he just hoped his boss realized that. He took a sip of his coffee before peering into the bag. The delightful scent of a fresh bagel greeted his nose. Yes, she was a keeper all right. He started up the limo and headed for Manhattan.

"Frannie, you mean you bought all this stuff to impress Max?"

"Well, no, not JUST to impress him. You know how I get hungry way before lunch."

"You sound like Ma. And if you don't quit all the noshing, you're gonna LOOK like her, too! What are you gonna do with all this stuff? Sit the cream cheese and lox in the hot sun?"

"No, I'm gonna put it in Max's cooler. He keeps a cooler with water under the stage."

"Since when? I've never seen it"

"Since always, I guess. When he sends me for water for the cast, that's where I get it."

"Frannie, be careful. This guy really likes you. He's older, more experienced."

"I know, Nay. I'm gonna have to tell him how old I am sooner or later. Oh, Nay, what if we go to an R rated movie Friday? What if they card me? What am I gonna do?"

"Just don't go with him to the ticket window. Once they've sold you the tickets, they won't check."

"Oy, and the play starts next week, maybe he'll be so wrapped up in it, he won't have time to...what am I sayin' I WANT him to spend time with me. Nay, I just don't know what to do. I'm so confused about this. I like being around him, he makes me laugh, but he also makes me feel...you know?"

Nadine smiled at her sister. "Yeah, honey, I know. It's the 'you know' that I'm worried about. Just be yourself, don't do anything you aren't ready for, and if he can't accept you for who you are, then he's not the one for you."

The limo pulled up in front of the stage, and Fran saw Max heading over to meet it. Niles opened the door, and the girls were met with Max's smiling face. "Good morning, ladies. How was the ride in?"

"Great, Max, thanks." Fran held up the bags of bagels. "I brought some bagels and bobke for later, in case we might want a nosh. I'll need to put the cream cheese and lox in your cooler, though."

"Sounds wonderful. I'll have to get you to stock the snack table from now on." He took the bags from her and helped her from the limo. As she stood up, he whispered in her ear. "You look beautiful this morning."

Her eyes sparkled as they met his. "Thanks." A slight blush crept in to her cheeks. She took the bags from him. "I'd betta go put these away."

The rehearsals went well the rest of the week. Max found every excuse he could think of to stay close to Fran, he always found small tasks for her to do for him, to make sure he had a chance to talk to her. When Friday came, he was more than ready to have some time alone with her.

As promised, Nadine and Barry took Morty and Sylvia out to dinner at the Lobster House. They hadn't been gone fifteen minutes when Fran heard the doorbell. She opened the door, and what she saw took her breath away. She'd never seen him dressed like this, Oy, was this man handsome.

"Oh, Fran, don't you look lovely." He'd only seen her in shorts and either her halter tops or tank tops. "Ready to go?"

"Yeah, um, yes, I'm starving!"

Max laughed. "Now, why doesn't that surprise me?"

"Hey!" She laughed with him. "So, where are we going?"

"Well, I know your penchant for sweets, so I thought we'd try the Old Homestead Steakhouse. They have a triple chocolate mousse cake that is out of this world."

"Mmmm...And, then what's for dessert?" The look in his eyes told her that was one question she shouldn't have asked. "How about the movie?"

"Well, at first I thought I'd take you to see Monty Python, but a lot of Americans just don't get the humor, so what do you think about Jaws? I haven't seen it yet, have you?"

"No, I haven't, that would be great!" She'd been dying to see that movie, but couldn't find anyone brave enough to sit through it with her.

They walked hand in hand down the stairs to the waiting limo. "The limo again, Max? You're going to spoil me!" She looked up and saw the butler holding the door for them "Hi, Niles!"

"Good evening, Miss Fine, you're looking very lovely."

She giggled as he helped her in. "Thanks." Boy, these Brits really know how to charm a girl!

Max got in and slid beside her. "Would you care for some champagne before dinner?"

Fran panicked. She'd totally forgotten about drinking. Of course, he was going to want to order wine with dinner. She had to think fast.

"Oh, Max, I don't really drink, it goes right to my head. You don't mind, do you?"

"No, not at all, how about a soda or some water?"

She flashed him a bright smile. "No, I'm fine, thanks."

The entire ride to the restaurant, he kept her talking about her family, her life, he couldn't hear enough. Her family was totally different, close, fun loving, not at all like his boarding school upbringing.

They arrived at the restaurant, and Fran felt like a queen. She'd been on a few dates with boys, but none of them came close to this man. He treated her with respect, like a lady. She could get used to this. After dinner, Max ordered the chocolate cake for her, and watched with delight as her eyes lit up when she saw it. He picked up the fork and scooped up a bite, and held it to her lips, watching as her mouth covered the treat.

"Oh, Max, this is so GOOD! You have to try it! She took the fork from him and fed him a bite, just missing his mouth by a fraction of an inch. He didn't notice the spot of chocolate on the side of his mouth, until Fran absently reached up with her finger and wiped it off, licking the finger when she was done. She giggled, "It's too good to waste!" She picked up her fork and continued pick at the cake, offering him a bite every now and then.

"No, I'm just enjoying watching you eat." He wondered how she kept that tiny waist. He paid the check, then sat and watched her until she had finished the last bite.

"Ready for the movie? Niles should have brought the car around by now."

She smiled and nodded. They arrived at the theater just before the movie started. Max stopped at the concession stand and picked up some popcorn and sodas for them. "Would you care for anything else?" He couldn't imagine she'd even be able to nibble on the popcorn.

"Um, maybe some Rolos?"

Max smiled. He should have known. He let her choose their seats in the theater; she opted for close to the back, to his relief. They settled into their seats just as the movie started. Fran sat their drinks on the floor between them, helped herself to some popcorn, saving her Rolos for later in the movie. They sat quietly watching the movie, sharing the popcorn, every time their hands touched in the tub, they would sneak a look at each other. Finally, when their hands met, Max took the opportunity to grasp her hand. She really didn't want that bite of popcorn; anyway, this was much nicer. She reached over with her free hand and placed the tub in the empty seat next to her.

Fran didn't realize just how intense this movie would be. She found herself squeezing his hand tightly, and almost jumping into his lap when the shark attacked its victims. He let go of her hand and put his arm around her shoulder to comfort her. Maybe this movie wasn't such a good choice. She seemed to settle down a bit, and started munching on her candy. She leaned over at one point and asked, "Why didn't they just go get a bigger boat?" She laughed, and he realized she was fine. She kept her head on his shoulder for the rest of the movie. When it was over, she stayed in her comfortable position through the credits, not wanting to move.

"Fran, are you ok?"

"I'm fine. You have a very comfortable shoulder. I loved the movie! Thanks so much for bringing me; I couldn't get anyone brave enough to watch it with me."

He laughed, remembering her face buried in his chest for half the movie. "It was good, wasn't it? Next time, you pick the movie."

"Next time?" She couldn't believe she hadn't made a total fool of herself. Did he really want to see her again?

He took her hand in his and kissed it gently. "Of course, next time. We'll just have to find some time to sneak away from the play once in a while. We can't work ALL the time, well; at least that's what Niles keeps telling me."

They started walking out of the theater. "I like Niles. He seems like more than just someone who works for you, he almost acts like a friend."

"Yes, he does seem that way, doesn't he? That's probably because he's known me all my life. His father was my father's butler, and Niles practically raised me. He was like a big brother in school, then, as I got older, he became my butler. He likes you, too. He told me about the coffee and bagels. I wondered if I should be jealous."

"Jealous? Why? I brought you bagels, too."

"You bought him coffee."

"Oy, we had coffee on the snack tables. If it means that much to you, I'll schlep you some coffee from Queens tomorrow!" She laughed and squeezed his hand. He was jealous?

"Maybe I'll come with Niles to pick you up in the morning and you can show me this Bagel Oasis, and we can schlep the coffee together."

"You're picking me up tomorrow?"

"Do you mind? I thought my assistant and her sister, who happens to be one of the stars, by the way, should arrive at dress rehearsal in style."

She looked over at the limo, where Niles had the door open waiting for them. She could definitely get used to this. "No, I don't mind at all. And I'd love to show you Queens."

He helped her into the limo and slid in next to her, putting his arm around her shoulders. This was the part of the night she'd been looking forward to all evening, and at the same time, dreading. She'd always dated clumsy boys, now she was with an experienced man. She couldn't wait to feel what a real kiss felt like, but was also afraid of the way it would make her feel. Just looking at this man gave her this feeling deep in her stomach, and now, they were alone in the back of his limo, with the privacy glass raised.

She felt his nose nuzzling her neck and ear. It sent a shock wave through her entire body. What could one kiss hurt? She leaned the side of her head into him, and then turned to face him. His face was inches from hers. He brought up his hand to her face and brushed the stray hairs out of her eyes, then stroked her cheek. Without a word, he leaned in and pressed his lips to hers. She couldn't think, she couldn't breathe, she was glad she was sitting down, because her body felt like gelatin. He pulled back and looked into her eyes. He couldn't quite read the look she was giving him, was it fear? Anticipation? He slowly moved towards her again, watching her eyes for a sign. She closed her eyes and met him halfway this time. Their lips met, and he darted his tongue out and explored her lips. Fran's body took over for her confused mind. Her lips parted slightly, inviting him to explore further. She let out a little sigh, and moved her hands up into his hair. Max deepened the kiss, plunging his tongue into her mouth, wanting to taste as much as he could of her. She'd never been kissed like this before, and she was sure she never would again. She let her tongue match the movements of his; she couldn't get enough of him. Their kisses seemed to go on forever. When she finally pulled away to catch her breath, she saw something in his eyes that almost frightened her. He wanted more.

"Max, I...I've never been kissed like that before. I've never..."

"Fran, nothing is going to happen that you don't want to happen, that you aren't ready for. We've got all the time in the world to get to know each other."

"So you don't mind taking things slow?" She searched his face for signs of disappointment, and saw none.

"Absolutely not." He took her in his arms and closed his eyes. He'd only known her a month, and for the first time, could see a future with a woman.

She kissed his chest before laying her head down. She'd never felt this way about anyone before. Even though they'd only known each other a little while, she felt so close to him, so safe in his arms. The guilt over the age lie was gnawing at her. She had to tell him soon, but not tonight.

The limo rolled to a stop in front of Fran's building. She didn't move from her spot on his chest.

"Fran, are you awake?"

"Mmm, hmm. Just thinking how nice this feels."

"I have a comfortable chest, too?" He laughed gently.

"More comfortable than your shoulder. I feel safe here."

He pulled her tighter and rubbed her back gently. "Then we'll have to make sure you're there more often, won't we?"

She looked up at him and smiled. "I had a wonderful time tonight, Max. Thanks so much for everything." She yawned quietly. "Sorry, I just feel so relaxed now." The tension she'd felt earlier had left. She was now totally comfortable being close to him.

"I'm glad you feel safe with me." He kissed the top of her head. "I'd better get you upstairs so you can get some sleep. I hear that producer you work for can be a real tyrant at dress rehearsal."

She grinned at him. "Oh, really? I think I can handle him."

"Oh, you do, do you? And just how do you plan to do that?"

"Like this." She moved her mouth up to his and kissed him gently. "You won't be jealous if I go kissing the boss tomorrow, now, will ya?"

"I hear he likes to be kissed during the break periods. But you didn't hear that from me." He smiled back at her as Niles opened the door for them. "Come on, let's get you to bed." She SO hoped her parents were already in bed. He walked her up the stairs and stopped at her door, taking her in his arms. "I'll see you in the morning. How's 7:30, so we'll have time to stop for breakfast?" She nodded. He leaned down for one last kiss. Oy, she didn't want this night to end. Suddenly, the door to her apartment flew open. Nadine stood there grinning at the two of them.

"Have a good time?"

Fran pulled herself out of Max's arms and faced her sister. "Yes, we did, dinner was wonderful, the movie was great, and you'll be happy to know that Mr. Sheffield is a complete gentleman." She smiled at him. "Good night, Max, we'll see you in the morning." She stood on her toes and planted one last kiss on his lips.

"Good night, Fran. Pleasant dreams. Good night, Nadine." Fran watched him as he walked down the hall and disappeared in the stairwell. She walked into the apartment and went straight into her bedroom.

"So, Frannie, DISH! Come ON, already!"

"Oh, Nay, he was wonderful. He offered me champagne in the limo", she saw the look on her sister's face. "I said 'no thanks, I don't drink much'. Then we had dinner at the Old Homestead Steakhouse. Nay, the chocolate cake there is to die for! Then we went to see Jaws. I thought he'd think I was a nut job, since I spent half the movie with my face in his chest, but he never laughed at me."

"And...Then what?"

"Oy, Nadine, can that man kiss! I don't think anyone could eva kiss me like that again!"

"Frannie...."

"Don't worry, Nay, we already talked about...we agreed to take it slow. I told him that I'd never...and he understood. He wants to get to know ME, not just my body. I really like this guy, Nay. I hate that we lied to him. I've got to tell him. I just couldn't do it tonight; I didn't want to ruin our first date. Now, we gotta get to bed. He's picking us up in the limo at 7:30. He's taking us to get bagels and coffee."

"He's WHAT?"

Fran smiled at her sister and climbed into bed. "Night, Nay!"

Nadine turned off the light and climbed into bed. "Night, Fran!"

The next morning Nadine sat looking out the front window. "Fran, they're here, come on!"

"Shhh...Don't wake up Ma and Daddy. Did you write the note?"

"Yeah, it's on the table; let's go, before Max comes up here. If Ma sees him, you are so dead."

"I'm comin', I'm comin'!"

The girls hurried out the front door and down the stairs, just as Max was entering the building.

"Good morning, I was coming up to fetch you."

"Our parents are still sleeping, um, they like to sleep in on the weekend, right, Frannie?"

Fran nodded and smiled at Max. "Good morning."

He gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. "How did you sleep?"

"Like a baby." She didn't want to tell him about the dreams she had.

Niles drove them to Bagel Oasis, then to the park to set up for dress rehearsal. During rehearsal, Nadine broke some news to Fran.

"Frannie, ya know, Ma and Daddy are coming to the opening. You'd better warn Max to watch it. If they see you two together, you know what's gonna happen."

"They're actually coming? Oy, I was hoping there'd be a game on or something. What, are there NO teams playing tomorrow?"

"I guess none that Daddy wants to watch. He said he'd rather watch his little girls. Just tell Max that your parents will be upset because he's not Jewish, which they will."

"Yeah, it's not enough that he treats me good, is a gentleman, has a career, and has goals..."

"A career? Frannie, the man produces off Broadway plays."

"Yeah, but he's gonna get betta and betta, and, you'll see, he'll be a big shot producer, winning Tony Awards. You just give him some time, you'll see."

"Frannie, don't you dare fall in love with him. You're too young!"

"Who's in love? He's my friend. I love being around him, he makes me laugh, he's easy to talk to, he actually cares what I have to say."

Nadine looked over where Max was giving some direction to one of the actors. Every few seconds, he'd look around and focus on her sister. 'Who's not in love', she thought. 'These two are perfect for each other. If only Frannie were a couple of years older.'

Rehearsal ran later than expected, and it was getting close to dinnertime. Fran and Nadine were standing talking to some of the other actors, when Max approached them. "Fran, can I speak with you a minute?"

"Sure, Max, be right there." She excused herself from her friends, and gave Nadine a puzzled look. They walked over out of earshot of the group.

Max looked around, and took her hand. "I've missed you today."

"What, you've seen me all day. You even yelled at me for missing my mark!"

"No, that wasn't me. That was the producer. I told you he could be somewhat of a tyrant."

"He's a complete pain in the touchas!" She frowned at him, but as soon as she looked into those green eyes, she melted. "What did you want to talk to me about?"

"I thought we could drop Nadine off, and then you and I go grab a burger. There's something I want to tell you, but not here. I've got a surprise for you, to reward you for all your hard work on the play. You don't already have plans do you?"

"No, no plans. A burger would be great!"

"Are you ready to leave then?"

"Now, you're gonna take us with you with everyone around?"

"Yes. I decided it doesn't matter. If people want to talk, let them. It's not like I gave you the lead because you're my girlfriend, and WE know we didn't start going out until well after the play began rehearsals. And if I DID decide to give my girlfriend the lead, that's MY bloody business, isn't it?"

Fran froze, had she heard him correctly? Did he just refer to her as his girlfriend? Oy, this was gonna get complicated. "Max, did you just say..."

"Yes, I did, do you mind?"

"No, not at all. We might have a bit of a problem, though."

"What's that?"

He might as well know about them now. "My parents. They can't know right now. You aren't Jewish, and they'll freak."

"Ah, I understand. And they are coming tomorrow?"

"Yes. Nadine just told me today. I figured Daddy would be glued to the TV watching a game, but he told Nay he'd rather see us in the play. We just have to be careful, let them get used to the idea gradually."

"No problem. Let's get your sister and go eat, I haven't seen you snack in a couple of hours. You must be starving."

"You don't miss a thing, do ya?" She hurried over to get her sister.

"Come on, Nay. We need to take you home. Then we're gonna go get burgers."

Nadine told her friends goodbye, then followed Fran towards the limo. "You're going out to dinner with him again? Fran, if Ma and Daddy find out, you are going to be grounded until you ARE 18."

"I've already told Max we need to be careful, and YES we're going out to eat again. Nay, he called me his girlfriend. He really likes me, please don't spoil this for me. And I KNOW what you're gonna say next. I have to tell him, and I will. Soon. Give me a couple of weeks; I've got to figure out the right way to tell him. In the meantime, I'm hungry, and we're going out for a burger. Just tell Ma I had a production meeting, which is probably true. He said he wants to talk to me about something before the show opens tomorrow."

The girls walked over to where Max was waiting for them. He helped the girls into the limo, and slid in next to Fran. He held her hand tightly as they rode into Queens. The discussed how rehearsal went, and things they might need to change for the opening tomorrow. As they pulled up in front of the Fine's apartment building, Fran felt sick to her stomach. Her mother was standing on the stoop talking to a neighbor. She looked at Nadine for help.

"Ok, I'm gonna get out and shut the door fast, you tell Niles to take off quick, before Ma can walk over here." Nadine glanced over her shoulder at her mother, who was now staring intently at the limo.

Max clicked on the intercom. "Niles, as soon as Miss Fine is clear of the car, and the door's closed, drive away immediately."

"Yes, Sir."

Nadine threw open the car door and stepped out, not a moment too soon, as Sylvia was slowly making her way over to the limo. Nadine slammed the door, and the limo sped away.

"Where's Frannie, didn't she come home with you?"

"Uh, no, Ma. She had a meeting with the producer, they, uh, need to go over some final changes before the show opens tomorrow."

"What's she need to be at a meeting for? She's a witch, she barely has any lines!"

"She's been helping the producer out; she's sort of an assistant. Anyway, they are going for burgers, she won't be home for dinner."

"I was making spaghetti. She said she wanted spaghetti tonight. What time's she coming home?"

"I don't know, Ma, she didn't say. I'm sure not too late, since we have to get ready for the opening early tomorrow."

"I just don't like her running around the city alone. She's just a baby."

"Ma, she's not a baby, she's almost 16. And she's not alone, she's with Max." Nadine regretted her words as soon as they were out of her mouth.

"And who's this Max person?"

"The producer, Ma. Maxwell Sheffield. He's a great guy; he'll look out for her." Oy, Fran was going to kill her. Hopefully she'd be home at a decent hour, and her mother would forget about it. She followed her mom into the building and up the stairs. As they got to the door of their apartment, Sylvia turned around.

"If I'm not awake when she comes home, you come get me. I want to have a talk with that girl, but we won't mention it to your father just yet."

"Ok, Ma." She wished she had the number the phone in the limo. If Frannie didn't get home soon, she would be in big trouble.

Meanwhile, Fran and Max were just sitting down to enjoy their cheeseburgers.

"So, what did you want to talk to me about, Max?" She took a big bite out of her burger. It just didn't taste the same without the onions, but Max had ordered his without them, and there was no way she was eating onions when there was a chance he'd kiss her.

"I've decided to put you on the production payroll, Fran. You've worked hard over the last 6 weeks, without being asked, and you deserve to be paid for all your efforts."

"Max, I didn't do it to get paid, I did it because..." Oy, should she tell him it was so she could be around him? "Well, I was with Nadine, and I didn't have anything to do."

"I'm glad you came with your sister. It gave us a chance to get to know each other. But, if you hadn't helped out, I would've had to hire someone. C.C. can only do so much. So, here you go." He handed her a check. She just stared at it for a minute.

"Max, I can't take this. This is too much." She tried to hand the check back to him; he took it and put in her purse.

"You earned it. Just take it and go buy yourself something special. There's something else. Tomorrow, when we introduce the crew, I want to give you stage credit as my production assistant."

"Isn't that C.C.'s job?"

"Well, partly, she's my assistant. She does other things for me, things that you'll learn if you stay in the business. Will it cause a problem for you with your family?"

"No, actually it'll be a good way for me to explain how my bank account suddenly expanded."

"Wonderful. First, the cast will be introduced, and you'll come out then. Then the cast will go backstage, and the crew will be introduced."

"And I come out again." She giggled. "I wonder how many people will notice." She reached over, took a French fry off his plate, and popped it into her mouth. "I'm really nervous, Max."

"You'll be wonderful. You know your lines...you know everyone's lines."

"Yes, but we've never really had an audience. Just the joggers and winos that stop to watch us rehearse. What if they can't hear me?"

He laughed. "Sweetheart, your voice carries all the way to New Jersey, they'll hear you, don't worry."

She had grabbed another French fry, but this one she tossed at him. "Hey!"

He picked up the fry and tossed it back at her. "What, not hungry? Ready to go?"

"Not really, but I guess we'd better, before they throw us out for having a food fight!"

"I don't have to take you right home; we can go back to my place for a while, if you like."

"Oh, Max, I'd really love to see your place, but I'd better get home. Ma is probably still fuming because I left with you."

"We'll go another time." They got up and headed for the limo. "I know, I'll have Niles make us a nice dinner tomorrow night after the show, how's that?"

"Niles cooks, too?"

"He does just about everything. Cooks, cleans, drives, gives unsolicited advice."

She giggled. "Yeah, I noticed he's a bit of a yenta!"

"That's a new one, what's a yenta?"

"Um, busybody, nosy. You know how you're always saying he listens over the intercom?"

"I can't wait to see the look in his face when I call him that."

Once they were settled in the limo, he took her in his arms and kissed her. She loved kissing this man, and he was so patient with her, almost as if he sensed her inexperience. She didn't know how she was going to make it through an evening at his house, though.

They were still locked in an embrace when the limo rolled to a stop in front of Fran's apartment building. She sighed loudly.

"What's wrong?"

"I wish I didn't have to go in so soon. I'll see you tomorrow."

"I'll send the limo for you. I'll take my car to the park tomorrow, and we'll take that back to the house. Niles can drive your sister and parents home after the show."

"Oh, Max, do you think that's a good idea? My PARENTS?"

"Think about it, we can make the final decision tomorrow." He kissed her gently. "Come on, I'll walk you upstairs."

She looked nervously at the building. "Ok, but we have to be careful. Nay was going to tell Ma I was at a meeting, but if they see us kissing..."

"Well, then, we'll have to make sure no one sees us." He kissed her again, and opened the limo to help her out. They walked hand in hand up the stairs, and he pulled her under the stairs for one last kiss. "Good night, sleep well. I'll see you in the morning."

"G'night, Max."

He stood and watched her as she went into her apartment, then walked slowly down the stairs.

Inside, Fran found her mother and sister sitting on the sofa watching TV.

"How was your meeting?" Sylvia looked at her daughter suspiciously.

"It was fine. The producer wanted to let me know I was officially a Production Assistant. He gave me a check for the work I've been doing!"

Nadine looked shocked. "Are you serious?"

"Yeah, and I'm being introduced as a cast member AND crew during the show!" She pulled the check from her purse. "I have to go deposit this on Monday!"

Her mother looked at the check. "You get this much for schlepping papers around?" She poked Nadine in the arm. "And you! You get bupkes for acting in the show, meanwhile your little sister figures out a way to make some money this summer."

"Yeah, Frannie's just full of surprises, Ma."

"I've got one more surprise. Tomorrow after the show, the crew is getting together for dinner, so Max has offered to drive you, Daddy and Nay home in the limo! Isn't that GREAT?"

Nadine eyed her sister. She knew there was no crew dinner. Well, not the WHOLE crew, anyway.

"Speaking of the limo, why is he always sending it over here for you girls? You could take the bus."

"We're the only ones that live over here, everyone else is in Manhattan. He's just being nice. So, do you want the ride home tomorrow? I have to let him know in the morning."

"Yeah, a limo ride would be nice. So where's this dinner you're going to?"

"Uh, I'm not sure, Ma. They just said a crew dinner after the show. Man, I'm really tired. I think I'm gonna take a shower and get to bed."

When she got out of the shower, she found her sister sitting on her bed waiting for her. "So, Frannie, where's this dinner?"

"Shhhhhhhhh!!!! Nay!"

"Where's the dinner, Francine?"

"It's at his house. And you can't tell Ma and Daddy."

"Who's gonna be there?"

"Nadine, you're NOT my mother!"

"Well, I can go get her, and we can ask these questions together. Now, who's gonna be there?"

"Me, Max, Niles"

"Francine!"

"Don't worry, Nay, nothing's gonna happen!"

"Are you sure?"

"Well, that's the plan. Niles is gonna cook dinner for us, and we'll probably just sit and watch TV or something."

"It's the 'or something' I'm worried about."

"I'm more nervous about the show tomorrow than I am about going to his house for the first time. Now, I'm tired, can we go to sleep?"

"I just hope you know what you're doing. Good night, Fran."

"Night, Nay."

The next morning the girls were just finishing their breakfast when they heard a knock at the door. "I'll get it!" Fran hurried to the door, hoping it wasn't Max.

"Good morning, Miss Fine!"

"Hi, Niles! Come on in!" As she showed him into the living room, she grabbed his arm and whispered into his ear "What are you doing, since when do you come up for us?"

"Since Mr. Sheffield thought I should meet your parents before I drive them home this afternoon", he whispered back to her.

"Ma, Daddy, this is Niles. He's Mr. Sheffield's driver and butler. He'll be driving you home after the show."

Sylvia looked up from her eggs. "Have ya eaten, Niles?"

"Oh, yes, Ma'am, thank you."

Nadine finished the last bite of toast, and took her empty plate to the sink. "We'll see ya after the show, Ma. Love you!" She kissed her parents and headed for her room.

"Bye, Ma, bye, Daddy. See ya this afternoon."

"Bye, Honey, love you!"

She hugged her parents. "Love you more!" She hurried into the other room to grab her sister, and quickly ushered Niles out the door before her parents started asking questions. Once safely in the limo, she could relax.

"Oh, I am gonna SO kill Max for that!"

"Don't worry about it, Frannie, it worked out fine. They didn't seem suspicious at all."

"Well, they really shouldn't be. I'm really NOT doing anything wrong."

"Now, that depends on your definition of 'wrong', now doesn't it? Let's see, you're dating a guy four years older than you…"

"Three and a half..."

"HE doesn't know how old you are, Mom and Dad don't even know you have a boyfriend, WHO isn't Jewish..."

"Number one, I'm gonna tell him soon. I just don't wanna upset him while he's so busy with this show. Number two, I don't CARE if he's not Jewish. He's offered to go to temple with me, to learn about it, but then...

"But then Ma and Daddy would see you two together. Frannie, you'd better watch it today. You two can't even be close to each other without people knowing you're in love with each other."

"Who said we're in love?"

"Oh, please! It's so totally obvious! His eyes follow you everywhere you go, and when you are close to each other, you keep making eyes at each other, or touching each other's hands, and you both find a reason to be around each other."

"Oh, we do not!"

Nadine rolled her eyes and laid her head back on the seat. Fran sat and tried to take in everything her sister had just said. Was she falling in love with him? Was HE falling in love with her? She had to tell him the truth, and she had to tell him soon.

Once they got to the park and started to get ready for the play, Fran tried to pay attention to the way she and Max interacted. He greeted her with a quick kiss, and every time she glanced over at him, she noticed that he was watching her. She also noticed how she missed him when she was away from him. Oy, Nadine may have been right.

The show went on without any problems, receiving two curtain calls. Afterwards, Morty and Sylvia made their way over to where their daughters were talking with some of the other cast members.

"There are my angels! You girls were wonderful!" She took both girls into her arms and hugged them tightly.

"They were, weren't they?" Fran froze as she heard the familiar British accent from behind her mother. Sylvia turned around to see who had spoken.

"Maxwell Sheffield. It's so nice to finally meet both of you. Your daughters have certainly been an asset to our production."

Fran avoided looking at him. "Ma, this is our producer. Mr. Sheffield, these are our parents, Morty and Sylvia Fine."

"Mr. and Mrs. Fine, it's a pleasure to meet you."

"Oh, please, we're Morty and Sylvia, Mr. Sheffield. Thank you. My husband and I are pretty proud of our girls!"

"As you should be, and please, call me Max. Do you mind if I borrow my assistant for just a few moments?"

"Of course! Frannie, you come see us before you leave for your business dinner."

"I will, Ma. I'll see you in a few minutes."

Max and Fran walked over to the production trailer and stepped inside. As soon as Max closed the door behind him, he slipped his arms around Fran's waist and kissed the back of her neck. She turned around and moved her arms around his neck, and he kissed her gently on the lips. "I've been wanted to do that all night."

"And I've been wanting you to, Max."

"Business dinner?"

"Yeah, I told them you were taking some of the crew to dinner, which isn't technically a lie, since I'm 'some' of the crew."

"I just don't feel right about misleading your parents".

"Well, right now it's either mislead them, or miss me. We only have a couple of minutes right now, are we going to spend it arguing?"

"Is that what we were doing?"

"It sounded like it."

"Then we need to make up". He leaned down and kissed her, softly at first, then becoming deeper and more passionate. Fran quickly felt lightheaded and weak in the knees, and held him tightly to prevent herself from falling. When they broke the kiss, she rested her forehead against his chest to regain her composure. He kissed the top of her head. "Are you all right?"

"Mmmm...can we schedule another argument? I like the way you make up!" She looked up quickly, walked over to the blinds, and looked outside the trailer. "Max, grab some papers, quick, my parents are coming!"

Max grabbed a stack of contracts and tossed them on the table, and Fran quickly sat down and started sorting them, as Sylvia knocked on the door. "Frannie? Are you still in there?"

"Yeah, Ma, come on in."

"Niles is ready to take us home, now. What time is your dinner?"

"We'll be leaving here in an hour or so, Ma."

"Do you need us to pick you up afterwards?"

"Oh, no, Sylvia, I'll drive her home afterwards. No sense in you driving back into Manhattan."

"You're sure you don't mind bringing my baby home?"

Fran cringed. "MA!"

Max laughed. "It will be my pleasure, Sylvia."

"I'll be right back, Max, I want to tell Daddy goodbye." She went outside, hugged both of her parents, and watched them until the limo drove away.

She jumped as Max came up quietly behind her and whispered in her ear. "Ready to go?" She nodded. They walked hand in hand to his car, and sped off to his house.

Niles met them at the door. "Good evening, sir, Miss Fine. Dinner will be ready in about 15 minutes. I've laid out some appetizers in the living room."

"Thank you, Niles." Max took Fran by the hand. "Shall we?" Fran followed Max into the dimly lit living room, where Niles had prepared a table with caviar, pate and champagne. Oy, she was in big trouble.

She sat on the sofa and watched him pour two glasses of champagne. "I know you said you don't drink much, but, I thought this being a special occasion, a glass or two might be in order."

"Special occasion?"

"Your new job, the opening of our play." He handed her a glass.

She took a deep breath. "Maybe just a little. Max, you need to know, the reason I don't drink much, is that I don't do well with it. One glass and I'll be fast asleep on your couch."

"Just a sip then." He held up his glass to hers. "To beginnings." He looked into her eyes. She knew he wasn't only talking about the show. She raised the glass to her lips and just let them touch the beverage.

He picked up a toast point and covered it with caviar. "I've never had that before, Max."

"Do you trust me?" She nodded, looking into his eyes. "Close your eyes, and open your mouth". He placed the toast in her mouth and she opened her eyes wide in delight.

"Mmmm!" Oh, this was GOOD! She looked over at the pate, and he prepared her a taste and slid it into her mouth. She felt like she was in heaven. She absently picked up her glass and took a sip of the champagne. Max took her glass and moved it away from her.

"Careful, I don't want you falling asleep before dinner."

As if on cue, Niles appeared, announcing the meal. On Max's instructions, he'd prepared most of Fran's favorite foods. Lobster, twice-baked potatoes, steamed vegetables, and strawberry cheesecake for dessert.

"Oh, Max, this is so much nicer than going to a restaurant."

"I was hoping you'd think that. We'll have to have many more dinners here."

"I'd like that! You really know how to spoil a girl."

"You're fun to spoil. You're eyes light up when you're happy."

She blushed and looked down at her plate, as another wave of guilt washed over her.

After dinner, he led her back into the living room, where Niles had prepared a dancing area and lit the room with candles. They held each other close, dancing for what seemed like hours. As they talked and caressed each other, Max began applying light kisses to Fran's lips. With each dance, his kissed became more and more demanding. He pulled her in closer, and she could feel how much he wanted her. He led her over to the sofa and began to lower her down as he kissed her. She wanted nothing more than to give in to this man, her body and heart were willing, but her head kept putting on the brakes.

"Max, we need to stop. I've never…I haven't..."

It suddenly became clear to him. She'd never been with a man before.

"Fran, I'm sorry, I didn't realize..."

"Don't be sorry, I should have said something. I can't believe I'm actually stopping you. I want you, I really do, but I think we should wait."

"Then we'll wait." He tried to hide his disappointment. He'd never wanted a woman as much as he wanted her. "I promise, Fran, nothing will happen until you are completely ready."

She kissed him gently. "Thanks, Max. So, now what, more dancing, watch a movie, or are you ready to throw me out?"

He loved the way she could always make him smile, no matter what the situation. "Yes, yes, and never." He stood up and drew her back into his arms. "We'll dance over to the movie cabinet, and find something suitable, and then sit and hold each other while we watch, how's that sound? Maybe some popcorn? Sorry, I don't have any Rolos." He grinned at her. She nodded and laid her head on his chest. This man was just too good to be true. Now all she had to do was prove to him that he'd be lost without her.

The spent the rest of the evening cuddled on the sofa watching a romantic comedy. It was close to midnight before they finally decided to call it a night, and Max drove her home. "Is it safe to walk you up?"

"Yes, remember, they know I'm with you tonight." He walked her up the stairs, and stopped at the end of her hallway for a goodnight kiss, before taking her to her door.

"I'll call you tomorrow."

"Max, you'd better not, they might get suspicious."

"Then you call me in the morning. Get some sleep. I'll talk to you tomorrow."

"Good night, I'll talk to you soon. Drive home safely!"

He ran his finger down her cheek. "I will. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you more!" She opened the door and disappeared into her apartment.

Max almost skipped down the stairs and into his car. He could still smell her perfume on his clothes. He knew he was going to have wonderful dreams tonight.

Fran tiptoed quietly into her bedroom. She got into her pajamas and slipped into bed. The lamp flicked on, and she saw her sister sitting up in bed. "So?"

"So, what?"

"How was dinner?"

"Oh, Nay, it was wonderful! He's so romantic! When we got there, we had caviar and pate and champagne, I only took a little sip. Then we had lobster, twice-baked potatoes, steamed veggies, cheesecake, and STRAWBERRY cheesecake! Then afterwards we went into the living room and danced and, Nay, it was so hard to say no to him tonight! My body and my heart want him so bad!"

"What did he say when you said no?"

"Oh, he was so wonderful. He said that he promised that nothing would happen until I was totally ready. I told him I'd never done it before."

"You didn't!"

"Yeah, I did. I didn't want him to think I didn't want HIM, because I really do. But, you know I always wanted to wait. So many of my friends are already...and I want it to be special."

"It will be, Frannie, believe me. And if he's willing to wait for you, it makes it even more special when you finally are together."

"I can't yet, I know I'm too young...and I know what you're gonna say, HE doesn't know it...I've gotta tell him. The guilt is killing me.

"You'd better tell him soon. It won't be good if he finds it out from someone else."

"I know. I will...real soon. I need to get to sleep; I'm supposed to call him in the morning, since he can't call me here. I wonder if Ma will let us get our own phone line."

"I'll ask her tomorrow, I'm older, she'll give in to me before she will you. Get some sleep, Sis."

"Thanks, Nay. G'night!"

The next three weeks went by quickly for Fran. She was busy with the play, between acting and her assistant duties, Max had almost all her time filled. He still managed to make time for the two of them. One the days when the show was dark, he'd drive her to the beach, and they'd take long walks. Max kept his promise of more dinners at his house. They were eating there almost every night, unless her mother insisted she come home. Max also kept his word about not pressuring her, and as frustrating as it was for him, was a complete gentleman, letting Fran set the pace in their relationship.

Finally, the play was over, and Fran had more time to herself. She had to find time to get some school shopping done. SCHOOL!!! Oy, there was no way she was going to be able to explain away school to Max. It was time to tell him the truth, and just hope he'd be able to forgive her. She sat staring at her phone, trying to work up the courage to call him. She'd go over, take him into his office and they'd talk it over. She picked up the phone and dialed his number.

"Sheffield residence."

"Hi, Niles. Is Max busy?"

"Good morning, Miss Fine. He's going over some scripts, but I'm sure he's not too busy to talk to you. Let me put you on hold one minute, I'm in the kitchen." He walked into the office and found his boss frowning over a stack of scripts.

"Sir, there's a telephone call for you."

"No calls, Niles. I've got to go through all these scripts and try to find something I can use."

"It's Miss Fine, Sir." Max's frown disappeared.

"Well, why didn't you just say that in the first place? She's line one?"

"Yes, Sir, will there be anything else?"

"Stay close; I may need you to go fetch her." He picked up the phone. "Good morning, Darling!"

"Hi, Max. Are ya busy?"

"Never too busy for you."

"I was wondering if I could come over for a while, so we can talk. There's something I need to tell you, and I need to do it in person."

"Sounds serious. Let me send Niles for you." He motioned for Niles to get the car.

"You don't have to do that, Max."

"Nonsense, he's on his way out the door. Is everything all right?"

"It will be. I'll see you in a few minutes." She hung up the phone and started to cry. Her sister stuck her head in the room.

"Hey, we're going to Loehmann's, wanna come?" She saw the tears, and came inside, closing the door. "What happened, did you tell him?"

"I'm on my way over there right now. Niles is coming for me. Nay, what if he never wants to see me again?"

"Then he's a schmuck and you don't need him! Good luck, Honey. We'll talk this afternoon. Want me to bring you anything?"

"Yeah, an aging potion!"

"Nah, you don't want that...in a few years you'll just be kvetching to reverse it!" She laughed and gave her sister a hug. "See ya soon. Love you!"

"Love you more!" Fran took a deep breath went to splash some cool water on her face. She had just finished freshening her makeup, when she heard the door. "I'll get it, Daddy!" She dabbed on some of Max's favorite perfume before heading for the door. She was going to need all the help she could get. "Daddy, I'm leaving, I'll be back later!"

She greeted Niles and started the walk to the car. "Niles, can I talk to you about something personal...about me and Max?"

"Of course, Miss Fine, but don't you think you should be talking to Mr. Sheffield?"

"I will, that's why I'm going over there now. I just need to run this by you, so I have an idea of what to expect. When I tell him this thing, I don't know if he's going to scream, cry, or throw me out. I just can't keep it in any more."

"The fact that you're not really eighteen?"

"How did you know that? Max doesn't already know, does he?"

"I'm sure he hasn't a clue. Love really is blind. And I didn't know for a fact until you just confirmed it. I've suspected all along that you were younger than you told him. So, now how bad is it?"

"I'm sure Max has told you my birthday's this month, so it's not going to be as bad as it sounds right now."

"Oh, Miss Fine, what are you, seventeen?" He saw the look on her face. "Sixteen?"

"Almost. He's going to freak, isn't he?"

"I don't know. A month ago, I would have said yes. Now, I'm not sure what he'll do."

"Niles, I didn't do it to get him to go out with me. My sister just didn't want to be in the play alone, so she put down on my application that I was eighteen. Now, he thinks I'm gonna be nineteen next month."

"What if you don't tell him?"

"I can't do that, Niles. We can't have a relationship based on a lie. And even if I WANTED to hold off telling him, how will I explain school?"

"I don't envy you this."

"Just do me a favor, Niles. Please stay off the intercom in the kitchen while we talk. This is humiliating enough without knowing you are listening to him tell me how much I've hurt him."

"You really love him, don't you?"

She started to cry again. "Yeah, I think I do. Nay says I'm too young to understand love, but Max has really shown me what it's about." She noticed the shocked look on his face. "No, Niles, get your mind out of the gutter. Not like that. He's patient, caring, he understands when I tell him I'm not ready for, um, more than just kissing. Some people wait their entire lives for someone like him." She pulled out her mirror and wiped her eyes. "How do I look?"

"Beautiful, as always." He squeezed her hand. "Good luck. Be brave." She nodded and walked into the house. She knew she'd find him in his office, probably buried in paperwork. She was right. She stood in the doorway watching him work for several seconds.

"You should probably just reach in the middle of the pile, pull out one, and run with it."

"Fran, Darling! I was getting worried; you took longer than usual to get here."

"Sorry, I was talking to Niles." She closed the office door and crossed over to his waiting arms. She held him tightly, as she felt tears beginning to form again.

"Darling, what's wrong. You sounded so serious on the phone. Did your parents find out about us?"

"No, it's not that. I have to tell you something, and you aren't going to be too happy with me. Before I tell you, will you do me a favor?"

"Anything."

"Kiss me?" He leaned down and pressed his lips gently to hers. She returned his kiss, tilting her head to deepen it. The kiss became more passionate; their hands started caressing each other. Suddenly, Fran broke the kiss, pulling back and catching her breath.

"Fran, what is it?"

"I have to start school next week." There, that was a start.

"That's wonderful. I think it's great that you'll be going to college. Wait, are you going away to school, is that what this is all about?"

"It's not college." Damn, here came the tears again. "I'm not eighteen, either, Max. Before you get upset, I didn't plan on this, on us. Nadine just didn't want to be in the play alone, so she dragged me along, and talked me into auditioning, but you had to be eighteen, so she made me change my birth year on the application."

Max walked over to the sofa and sat down. "So, you'll be eighteen this month?" She shook her head. "Oh, God, seventeen?" Fran buried her face in her hands and began to cry harder. "Sixteen? You're FIFTEEN years old?"

"Max, I'm sorry. Please forgive me. I promise to never lie to you again. This has been killing me since we started going out. Why do you think I couldn't...?"

"Fifteen, Fran? My, God, what were you thinking?"

"I wasn't. I let my sister talk me into something I knew was wrong, and then you started paying attention to me. I didn't plan to fall in love with you!" Max's head snapped up at her last comment. He knew it was true. "I didn't want our relationship to be based on a lie. This has been eating at me for a month."

"Fran, I need some time to think about this." Her sobs almost broke his heart. He couldn't stand to see her crying. He walked over and took her in his arms. "When does school start?"

"Next week."

He pulled out his wallet, and handed her a credit card. "Here, take this, and go shopping. You know how shopping relaxes you. Use this week to get ready for school, and I'll call you in a week or so."

"It's the 'or so' that worries me, Max".

"I'll call you around the middle of the week. Don't make that face, and stop crying. It's just going to take me a while to let it sink in that I'm in love with a teenager."

"You're a teenager!"

"Until February, Fran, then I'll be 20 and you'll be 16. This is why you didn't want your parents to know about us?"

"Yeah, it's not so much our age difference, just that I wanted to be the one to tell you how old I really am. I didn't want you to hear it from my parents, or Nay, or Niles."

"Niles knows?"

"Yeah, he's known for a while. He said love is blind. Wait, go back, what did you say a couple minutes ago?"

"That I'll call you in the middle of the week."

"No, after that."

"Let's see, I believe I told you to stop crying."

She grabbed his tie and pulled him to her. "After that."

Max looked into her eyes, now red and swollen from crying. "I said I'm in love with you."

"I love you, too." She kissed him softly. "I'm going to have Niles drive me home, and give you a chance to work, and to start dealing with this. I meant what I said; I'll never keep anything from you again."

"I believe you. I'll talk to you next week. I'll get Niles for you."

"No, I'm sure he's in the kitchen on the intercom, even though I specifically asked him NOT to be. You get back to work." She looked at his desk, eying the script on top. "Cats? What's that one about?"

"It's people dressed as giant cats, singing and dancing."

"Sounds like fun!"

"C.C. read it, said I should pass on it."

"So, read it yourself, and think again. I'm tellin' ya, it sounds fun. You could make a fortune!" She stopped at his office door for one last look. She was going to miss seeing that face. She made her way to the kitchen, and pulled Niles away from making Max's lunch to drive her home. She also had a lot of thinking to do. He loved her; he gave her his credit card to go school shopping. Maybe things weren't as bad as she thought.

The next week was sheer hell for both of them. Max was torn between his feelings for Fran, and the fact that she was only going to be sixteen on her birthday. He also missed her terribly. He missed hearing her voice first thing in the morning and the last thing at night. He had to stop himself from picking up the phone to call her on several occasions. Fran was miserable. She'd taken his credit card out for a spin, and although she enjoyed shopping, she wished he was with her. She hated not talking to him before she went to sleep each night, telling him about her day. She had nightmares almost every night. By the time the first day of school rolled around, she was exhausted. She was glad to see some of her friends again, and got all the teachers she wanted. Hopefully she'd be able to concentrate on school and make decent grades this year. She forced herself to make it through the first day, then made an excuse to her best friend and hurried home. She lay on her bed staring at the phone, trying to will it to ring.

"Fran, he said the middle of the week, it's only Monday."

"I know, but I was hoping he'd call to see how my first day went. Nadine, what if he doesn't call? What if he never wants to see me again and this was just a way to let me down easy?"

"Frannie, he gave you his credit card! That has to mean something. Give him some time."

The next day at school didn't go much better for Fran. The same swarm of boys gathered around her at lunch, but she tried to ignore them. She was no longer interested in them, all she wanted was Max. When she arrived home, Nadine was on the phone, but she hung up quickly as Fran entered the room.

"Who was that, Nay?"

"Uh, Barry, we had a fight."

"Oh, Nay, I'm sorry, you okay?"

"Yeah, things will be fine."

Wednesday, Fran was in a better mood. It was the middle of the week, and she hoped this was the day she'd be able to hear his voice. When the final bell rang, she hurried towards the front doors with Val, and saw a bunch of senior girls milling around the door, looking out on the street. She pushed her way through the crowd to see what they were all gawking at. When she had made her way through the sea of girls, she froze. There was the familiar red Ferrari, and sitting on the hood holding a red rose was the man of her dreams. Val finally made her way to the front of the crowd.

"Wow, Fran, look at THAT. I wonder who he's here for. Have you ever seen anything so good looking?"

Fran found it hard to catch her breath. "Never in my life. How do I look, Val, is my makeup on straight? Is my hair ok?"

"Yeah, you look great, why? You aren't gonna...Fran, wait. Is that..."

Fran was no longer listening to her best friend. She slowly made her way down the stairs toward the car. Max hopped off the hood and took a couple of steps to meet her. He handed her the rose, and looked into her eyes.

"I've missed you."

"Oh, Max, I missed you too. Does this mean...?"

"It means I'm not ready to give up on us. We'll just need to take things slowly." She nodded, and then leaped into his arms, wrapping her arms around his neck. He kissed her quickly before setting her down. "We're drawing a crowd, come on, get in." He took her books and tossed them into the back seat.

"Max, what about Val, can we drop her off on the way? Wait, where are we going?"

"My place, is that all right?"

"You bet! Val, come on, we'll give ya a ride home!" Max helped the girls into the car, and they started off towards Val's apartment. "Valerie Toriello, Maxwell Sheffield."

"Fran, this is the guy? You are so lucky!"

Fran blushed. "VAL!!"

Max stopped to let Val out. "It was nice meeting you, Val."

"Nice meeting you, too. Bye, Frannie, see ya tomorrow!"

"Bye, Val!"

"So, let me run this by you and see what you think." He reached over and squeezed her hand. "I was thinking, you did a wonderful job as my production assistant during Shakespeare in the Park. Why don't I hire you as my permanent assistant?"

"What would I have to do? What about C.C.?"

"Well, let's see. You'd come to the office every day after school, do your homework, then you'd have dinner with me, watch television together while I hold you in my arms. I might ask you to help out and read a script from time to time, or answer the phones if we're in a meeting, if Niles is busy. You'll probably have to come with me on opening nights, to make it look like you're really working. You think your parents would buy this?"

Fran stared at him, shocked. "You came up with this all on your own?"

"Well, Niles helped with the planning, what do you think?"

"I think it will work. Now, back to what happened earlier. Just how did you find out where I go to school?"

"I called your bedroom line yesterday. I got lucky and Nadine answered, so I was able to surprise you. She didn't slip up?"

"No. She told me it was Barry, and they were having a fight. She hangs up on him all the time, so it was no big deal. I can't believe you called my sister."

"Well, I couldn't very well call your mother, now, could I?"

"That's IT! Max, you're a genius!"

"Fran...I don't like that look in your eye. It usually means you're up to something."

"No, I'm not up to anything, YOU are. YOU are gonna call my mother and tell her you want me to work for you, and ask her permission, before you ask me, of course. Oy, I've got to call Val first, tell her if Ma calls, I went to the library."

"You want me to call your mother?"

"Sure, she was so impressed that I was your assistant for the play, she'll love it that you liked my work and want me again."

After they got to the mansion, Fran called Val and worked out the story with her. She was sure her mother would call there to tell her the news. Sylvia was thrilled that her daughter was being offered such a prestigious job, and as expected, called Val's to find her. Val stuck to the plan, and told Sylvia that Fran had gone to the library to finish her homework, and then was planning to grab a burger with some new friends.

Fran thought it wise to call it an early night, since she knew her mother would be anxious to talk about her new job when she got home. Max dropped her off a couple of buildings away from her apartment, so her parents wouldn't hear the sports car. Fran grabbed her books, and kissed Max quickly. "I'll see ya tomorrow. Well, I guess I'll probably be calling you in a few minutes. I'll talk to you soon. Drive safe going home."

"I will. I'll sit here until I see you go into your building. Don't forget to act surprised when you hear the news, Fran."

She turned to leave. "Oh, I'm supposed to be surprised?" She giggled and hurried off to her building. Max watched the door close behind her, and then headed home to await her call.

Her mother was sitting on the sofa when she walked in. "Hi, Ma!"

"Hi, Sweetheart, how was school? Did you eat?"

"School was great, yeah, we grabbed burgers after the library. Sorry, I shoulda called; it was kinda spur of the moment."

"That's ok, Darling. I called Val's, and she told me where you were."

"You called Val?"

"Yes, you had a phone call. That Mr. Sheffield called, you remember, that nice producer? He wants to hire you again as his assistant! I told him I wasn't sure, since you had homework and studies and all, but he assured me that you'll have time to get your homework done at his office and even have time to study."

"Really? He wants to hire me again? Can I, Ma?"

"As long as you keep your grades up, and it doesn't interfere with school. Here's his number, he wants you to call him. You need to find out how you're supposed to get to his office, and how late he'll want you to work."

"Ok, Ma. I'll call him as soon as I take a shower." That should give him time to get home.

Fran hurried into the shower and let the warm water run over her body. She couldn't believe her mother was not only buying this story, but happy about it. She couldn't wait to call Max. She hoped her mother would let her call from her bedroom, so she could have a little privacy. She stepped out of the shower and wrapped herself in her terrycloth robe. She wrapped a towel around her long hair, and went into the living room to get the phone number from her mother. "I'll call from the bedroom, Ma."

"Ok, just don't forget what I told ya to ask him."

"I won't, Ma."

She went into her room, shut the door and dialed the number. "Hi, Niles. Is Max home yet?"

"He just walked through the door, Miss Fine; let me get him for you."

While she was waiting for Max to come on the line, his sister entered their bedroom.

"Shut the door, Nay!"

"Who are ya talking to?" Fran smiled brightly. "Frannie, Ma will kill you!"

"Not this time! Hi, Max! Ok, Ma LOVES the idea of me working for you, as long as it doesn't interfere with school, and I keep my grades up. She wants to know how I'm getting to your office, and what time I'll be home at night."

"I thought she'd like the idea. She sounded pretty excited this afternoon. Let's see, Niles will pick you up from school in the limo, and you'll be home by, oh, is eleven too late?"

"On a school night? Try ten."

"Really? All right, ten, then. Now, I'll expect you to work weekends, as well."

"Yes, Sir, no problem." She looked up as her mother poked her head into the room.

"What did he say?"

"He said his driver will pick me up and bring me home by ten each night, unless there's a problem, and then I'll call and let you know I'll be late, but that shouldn't be too often. I'll also be working weekends."

"I don't want to see your grades go down, young lady"

"Yes, Ma."

Sylvia closed the door and headed for bed. "You heard that?"

"Sweetheart, if your grades start to suffer, I'll hire you the best tutors I can find."

"Max, you don't have to do that."

"I'll do anything I need to do to keep you with me. I love you."

"Mmm, I love you, too."

"Get to bed, I'll see you tomorrow. If you can haul your touchas out of bed early enough, call me on my private line to say good morning".

"If it means talking to you, I'll have my touchas out of bed bright and early!"

Nadine rolled her eyes. "That'll be the day!"

Nadine woke the next morning to the sound of her sister's voice. She couldn't believe her eyes. Fran was up, on the phone and getting dressed.

"Ask Max what he did with my lazy sister!"

Fran put her hand over the mouthpiece and giggled to her sister. "Nothing, yet!"

"Frannie!"

"What? Oh, nothing, Nay was just being mean, as usual. Um, yeah, I can do that. Ok, I'll see you this afternoon. Love you too!"

"You can do what?"

"He wants me to pack some extra clothes; you know, comfortable stuff, for after dinner, when we're watching TV."

"What does he mean by comfortable?"

"I dunno, he just said comfortable. I'm takin' my sweats, ok?"

"Oh, THAT'S sexy. OH, what am I sayin'? YES, take the sweats."

Fran reached into her purse and pulled out Max's credit card. "I could always run to the mall at lunch and shop for something at Victoria's Secret!"

"Like hell you can. You still have that?"

"Max told me to keep it for school stuff and new clothes. I just can't get it all at once, or Ma will freak."

"I can't believe he gave you his credit card. He doesn't want it back?"

Fran beamed. "Neither can I, I tried to give it back yesterday, he said to hang on to it, I might need more stuff. Oy, look at the time; I gotta get to Val's. I'll see ya tonight, Nay!"

The next two weeks flew by. Fran felt like she was in heaven. Her friends were envious of the limo that picked her up from school daily, and once at her second home, she'd change from her school clothes, and get her homework done quickly so she could spend time with Max. C.C. was growing more irritated by the day watching them together. What REALLY irritated her was the way Maxwell hung on her every word. Fran enjoyed reading all the plays that crossed his desk, unlike C.C., who only glanced at the title to make her decisions.

Fran was dreading telling him she was going to have to take some days off, this was one year she could do without Rosh Hoshana. She decided to just go in and tell him. She poured him a glass of juice and carried it into his office. "Hi, Honey, I thought you might be thirsty."

He looked up from his desk. "You read my mind, Darling, thank you. Uh, oh, what's that look? What's wrong?"

"I need to take three days off next week. I mean, I know I'm not really working, but I can't come over for three days. It's Rosh Hoshana."

"Wait, I thought that was later in the month, closer to your birthday."

She smiled. He WAS trying to learn the holidays. At least he knew when her birthday was. "That's Yom Kippur. I won't be here for two days on that one, either. I have to fast starting the night before."

"Five days without you. Well, at least they aren't together. We'll just have to make up for it when we celebrate your birthday, won't we? And who knows, maybe next year, your parents will accept us being together, and we can all celebrate the holy days together."

Fran's heart felt like it stopped beating. Did he say next year? He's looking ahead to family celebrations? "Oh, I hope so."

"In the meantime, anything special you'd like for your birthday? Someplace special you'd like to go eat?"

"Max, you make every day special. Maybe we can just eat here; Niles could set us up an area to dance?"

"You don't want to go out?"

She moved closer to him, and he took her in his arms. "I can't do this in public." She reached up and pulled him to her for a kiss.

"No, I guess not. I'll have Niles prepare something special. If you think of anything you want, just let Niles know. "

"Thanks. I'll let you go back to work; I'll be in the kitchen helping Niles with dinner."

"You don't have to do that, Darling."

"I know, I like doing it. Anyway, gives me someone to talk to while you're busy."

"I won't be long."

When she got home that night, her mother was still up, and filled her in on the plans for the holy days. There was a nice Jewish boy at temple she wanted her to meet. Oy, just what she needed. She'd smile, make nice, like she did every time her mother tried to fix her up with a potential husband. She already had one of her own lined up for that job. So what if he wasn't Jewish! He loved her, respected her, worked hard, and he was going to make some adorable babies some day!

Temple was just as she expected. Her mother kept pushing her at this boy, who was a total schmuck. He smelled funny, and couldn't keep his hands to himself. Then her mother had to invite his family to dinner. She couldn't even escape into her room, this creep kept following her. Finally, she'd had enough, and dialed Max's number. As she expected, he followed her into her room again.

"Who ya talkin' to, Baby? You don't got another boyfriend, do ya?"

Fran heard nothing but strained breathing on the other end of the line. "Max?" She turned to her mother's guest. "I just have to talk to my boss for a minute, could you please excuse me?"

"Sure, Doll." He turned and left the room, blowing her a kiss as he left.

"Max, I only have a couple of minutes. If he tells my parents I'm talking to my boss, I'm in trouble. There's supposed to be no working over the holidays."

"Who the HELL was that, and why was he talking to you like that?"

"Like what?"

"Calling you 'baby' and 'doll' and asking if you have another boyfriend. ANOTHER boyfriend, Fran?"

"Oh, he's nothing, some yutz that Ma tried to fix me up with. But DON'T worry; I've been blowing him off all night. I really miss you...boy, being around him really makes me appreciate you more!"

"Why, what's he done?"

"Uh, you'll just get mad. I'm gonna let Daddy handle it."

"Fran, Sweetheart, I'm already getting mad, now tell me what he's doing to you." His tone was gentle, but she could tell he was angry.

"He just keeps putting his arm around me, trying to hold my hand, and he tried to kiss me once."

"WHAT? Oh, I wish I was over there."

"I do too, Sweetie, but nothing's happened, and nothing's gonna happen. Ya see, I have this adorable British boyfriend, who's smart, sexy, and incredibly jealous. I don't even look at other guys."

"I love you."

Sylvia stepped into her room at that time, so she couldn't answer. "Fran, you aren't supposed to be working. Tell your boss goodbye, and you'll see him when the holiday is over."

"I have to go Max. Oh, and, me too."

"Bye, Darling, be careful."

"I will, thanks." She hung up the phone and looked at her mother's frowning face

"What was that all about? You know you're not allowed to work."

"I wasn't working. I just asked him if he'd read a play I recommended yet."

"That's still work related, Darling. No work until after the holiday. Now, we have guests, go mingle."

"Ma, the guy's a real geek."

"Fran, be nice. He's a nice boy. I've invited them to your sweet sixteen party."

"MA! I told you I didn't want a sweet sixteen!"

"Nonsense. We're having it at Benny's Clam Bar, it'll be great!"

"Ma, I've already missed five days of work because of the holidays. I can't keep taking time off."

"Well, invite your boss. Maybe when he sees how close your family is, he won't keep you locked up in his office all the time."

Maxwell Sheffield at Benny's Clam Bar. She giggled to herself. THAT she wouldn't miss for the world. She looked up and saw Jeffrey heading her way again. This guy just didn't take a hint.

"Hey, Baby, I missed you."

Fran rolled her eyes. It was time to send a stronger message. "Jeffrey, I'm NOT your baby". She moved across the room closer to where her father was sitting, with Jeffrey right behind her. She stopped next to the television and turned to face him. "Jeffrey, stop following me around." He reached out and grabbed her by her hips, pulling her close to him.

"Come on, Baby, let's go back into your room, no one will miss us." This was all Fran could stomach.

"Jeffrey, get your hands off me right NOW!" That got Morty's attention. He stood up and spun the boy around.

"You touch my daughter again, and you're gonna wish you were never born, boy!" Fran had never seen her father this angry. Jeffrey made a quick retreat and planted himself next to his mother.

Fran hugged her father. "Thanks, Daddy! That schmuck just didn't know the meaning of the word 'no'! You gotta tell Ma to quit fixing me up! She's invited this guy to my birthday party; I wanna bring my OWN date!"

"You have someone in mind?"

"Yeah, my boss. He's been so nice to me; I wanted to return the favor. Ma said I could invite him."

"How old is this boss of yours?"

"He's nineteen, Daddy, and I already know what you're gonna say. You don't have to worry. We've had business dinners, he's danced with me, we've been alone in his house, and he's ALWAYS a gentleman, you don't have to worry about him. Wait till you get to know him, Daddy!"

"Sounds like my little girl has a crush. Is he Jewish, Frannie?"

She wondered when he'd get to THAT question. "No, he's not. But he's been learning a lot about it, he..."

"Francine, you know how your mother and I feel about that."

"Daddy, what's more important...settling for an ok guy just because he's Jewish, or being with a perfect guy, even though he's a gentile?"

"Frannie, let's talk about this later. I'll at least meet the man before I pass judgment."

She hugged him again. "Thanks, Daddy! I love you!"

"I love you too, baby girl!"

Fran wanted to dance around the apartment. She was going to make Max her date for her party, and she was sure once her father saw the way he treated her, he'd accept him. All of a sudden, she couldn't wait for her birthday.

When the day of her party rolled around, Max had pulled out all the stops. He'd had two dozen Sterling roses delivered that morning, and called to let her know he'd be picking her up in the limo. He'd wanted to wear his tux, but Fran talked him out of it. Benny's was not a tux type of place. He arrived at her door loaded with gifts. He brought a two pound box of Godiva chocolates for Sylvia, Fran had told him that chocolate was the best way to soften her up. He also brought flowers for Fran and Sylvia. Morty was impressed. This was not like most of the boys that had called on his girls.

While Sylvia was putting the flowers in water, Max took the chance to talk to Fran. "Darling, I know the limo ride was for you, but what do you say we invite your parents to ride with us?"

"How will we slip away if we have to bring them home?"

"I'll call for another limo for them, how's that?"

"Ok, ask them. You've already started making points, might as well make some more!"

Morty appeared in the living room about that time. "Mr. Fine, nice to see you again!" He held out his hand.

"Morty, please, Son." He shook Max's hand. Nice firm grip, he liked that in a man. "Syl, are you ready to go? I'll go get the car."

"Morty, Fran and I would be honored if you joined us in the limo."

Morty looked at his daughter. She nodded her agreement. "Thanks, Max, we'll take you up on that."

Once in the limo, Max pulled a bottle of sparkling cider from the ice bucket. "I thought we'd have a toast to Fran's birthday."

Sylvia hadn't looked at the bottle and frowned. "Frannie can't have any champagne, she's too young."

"This is sparkling cider, Sylvia." He opened the bottle and reached for the glasses. Morty looked at him and smiled in approval. They toasted Fran's birthday, her job, and Max's success in their upcoming plays.

They arrived at Benny's to a full house. Most of the guests had already arrived, including Jeffrey and his family. He stared open mouthed as Fran walked in on Max's arm. Fran tried to stick close to Max all evening, but when she was forced to mingle with the rest of her guests, he kept a close eye on her. He watched as Jeffrey followed her around the room. As the evening got later, the band switched to slower music, giving Max a chance to finally hold her in his arms.

"I've wanted to hold you all evening." He pulled her close to him, glancing carefully over at her father. "Your father is watching us."

Fran giggled. "No, he's watching YOU! After I made sure he saw Jeffrey pawing me at the house, I told him how respectful you are to me. He's making sure I was telling the truth."

"What else did you tell him?"

"Nothing. Ma said I could invite you to the party, and I wanted you to come as my date. He thought that I'd be safer with you than some grabby boy."

They continued dancing quietly; occasionally Fran absently laid her head on his shoulder. She couldn't wait to get away from this place and be alone with the man she loved. When the band took a break, they went back to their table. Max reached under the table and pulled her hand to him. "How soon can we get away from here?"

"As soon as some more of the guests leave. I'll check with Ma." She got up and headed for her mother, and was immediately cut off by Jeffrey.

"That guy's been hogging you all night, when do I get a dance?" He reached out and took her hand. "The way he watches you, you'd think HE was your boyfriend or something."

"Jeffrey, he's my date, he's allowed to hog me. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to talk to my mother." She pulled her hand away from his and hurried to her mother's side.

"Ma, please don't try to fix me up anymore. That Jeffrey is awful, he won't stop touching me!"

"He just wants to dance with you, Frannie. You've been dancing with Max all night; give some of the other boys a chance."

"Ma! Max is my date; I can't leave him sitting there and dance with everyone else! That's what I wanted to talk to you about. How soon before Max and I can leave?"

"What's your rush? Max is your boss; he'll understand you want to be with boys your own age."

"No, I DON'T, Ma. The boys my age are only after one thing, and they're not gettin' it from ME!"

"And what about an older boy like Max? You're spending an awful lot of time with him."

"Max is always a complete gentleman. He respects me. You'll never see HIM grabbing me. Daddy even noticed."

Sylvia looked at her youngest daughter. She seemed so much more mature lately. "The place closes in an hour, wait till a few more people leave. And you can dance with whoever you want to."

"Thanks, Ma." She made her way back to her table. "That was close. She wanted me to abandon you and dance with Jeffrey and some of the other boys. I told her they were too grabby for my taste. THEN she said she was worried about YOU, because you're older, and I'm spending a lot of time with you. Don't worry, I told her you are a respectful gentleman who would NEVER grab me."

Max smiled at her. "So, you lied."

She blushed. "Max!" The band started up again. "Wanna monopolize me?"

He stood up and offered her his hand. "Always." He led her back to the dance floor, where they found Morty and Sylvia already dancing. Fran loved to see her parents like this. After a few songs, Fran saw her father whisper something to her mother. They walked over to where Fran and Max were dancing, and Morty asked Max if they could switch partners so he could dance with his daughter. Fran felt panic spread over her. This was potentially dangerous, but she was helpless. Max kissed her hand, and placed it in her father's, and held out his hand to Sylvia. Fran could hear the small talk as she danced with her father. So far, so good.

"So, Frannie, this guy seems nice. You like him?"

"Well, yeah, Daddy, he's my boss. Well, he's my friend, too. Of course I like him."

"You know what I mean, princess. I've been watching the two of you. You be careful, you understand what I'm saying? He's older, more experienced."

"Daddy! He's not like that, really. He's never tried anything with me. He makes me feel special. Not like the boys at school who ask me out because they want to score. When we aren't working, we sit and watch television, or a movie. He just likes being around me, he listens to what I have to say. I'm learning so much being around him, Daddy."

"I see the way you look at him, Frannie. Your mother used to look at me the exact same way. I don't want you getting hurt."

"He's not gonna hurt me, Daddy, really."

"Bring him by the house to dinner once in a while, let's get to know him. You know, your mother isn't going to like this one bit, though. He's not Jewish, and you know how she feels about that."

The music stopped and Morty led her from the dance floor. Max and Sylvia were laughing over by their table.

"What's so funny?"

"I was telling your mother about the day you tried to organize the contracts in the office, then turned the fan on, and blew them all over the room, just as an important backer walked into the office. I tell you, Sylvia, the look on that man's face. Fran is scrambling all over the room, trying to catch the papers, and then just sits down in the middle of them and starts crying. The man took such pity on her, he helped her pick up the contracts, and wrote me a huge check, more than he intended on investing." He looked over at Fran, who was now pouting. "Oh, come on, suck that lip back in. I gave you a raise, didn't I?"

Fran smiled at him. "Yeah, you did. I think you gave me a bonus, too" She sighed softly, thinking of the 'bonus' he'd given her. That was one of the best kisses she'd ever experienced. Max was speechless at that remark. He couldn't believe she'd actually brought that up in front of her parents. Fortunately, they thought she meant a monetary bonus, and just kept laughing.

"Ma, Daddy, can we leave yet?"

Morty looked around the room. Most of the guests had left, and there were just a few boys from her school hanging around. "Sure, Princess, don't be home too late."

She wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "Thanks, Daddy. I love you. Thanks for the party, it was really great."

"You're welcome, Sweetheart. Remember what your father said, not too late."

"I won't."

"Morty, I'll have the limo waiting outside, for whenever you're ready to leave."

"Thanks, Max. We shouldn't be too long. Just want a couple more dances with my girl."

Fran grabbed Max's arm and pulled him toward the door. "Let's get out of here before they realize they didn't give me a curfew!"

A light rain was falling as they hurried to the limo. As they headed across the bridge to Manhattan, the rain started falling harder.

"Where are we going?"

"Home. I have a surprise waiting for you."

She laced her fingers through his and laid her head on his shoulder. She loved the way he always referred to his place as 'home', as if she belonged there. Maybe someday.

The limo rolled to a stop in front of the mansion. Max grabbed the umbrella and opened it slightly, waiting for Niles to open the door. He covered their heads and they hurried inside. Max looked to Niles for a sign that all was ready. Niles smiled and nodded, then headed off to bed. Max took her into his arms and kissed her gently at first, and then his kiss became more demanding. "I've needed to do that for about an hour now."

Fran smiled and wrapped her arms around his neck. "Sounds like you might need at least one more."

He leaned down to take her mouth again. "At least." He moved his fingers through her curls as his tongue explored her mouth. When they stopped to catch their breath, he was able to clear his head enough to remember why he'd brought her back to the house. "Come with me." He took her hand and led her into the living room. Niles had prepared a table of Fran's favorite goodies. Caviar, strawberries, whipped cream, and a chafing dish with rich melted chocolate. Max pulled the champagne from the ice bucket and popped the cork. He handed Fran a glass, and offered a toast to her birthday. She sipped from her glass and giggled slightly.

"Max, I really shouldn't be drinking this."

"It's a special occasion, darling. Only a glass or two. I'll keep an eye on you." She took another sip. This wasn't their usual brand.

"Max, this is different, what is it?"

"It's just an older vintage. Do you like it?"

"Mmm, I love it. A girl could get used to this."

"To what?"

"Being spoiled."

"You deserve to be spoiled, and I intend to keep on doing just that." He kissed her gently, then pulled a strawberry from the bowl, and dipped it into the warm chocolate. "Try this".

She wrapped her lips around the fruit and bit gently. Her eyes lit up. "Max! This is wonderful! Did you try it yet?" She dipped a berry in the rich treat and put it to his lips. He tasted it, and nodded in agreement. Niles deserved a raise for this one!

"Ready for your present?"

"Max, you've already done so much for me; you didn't have to get me a present."

He pulled the small leather box from his pocket. "Well, if you don't want it..."

She stared at the box. "Well, I didn't say I didn't WANT it..." Her eyes sparkled as she smiled at him.

He opened the box and removed the contents before she could get a look at it. "Close your eyes, sweetheart." She obeyed. He picked up her left hand and slid something on her finger. "All right, you can open them now." She opened her eyes and looked at her hand. She saw the most beautiful diamond and sapphire ring she'd ever seen.

"Max! It's beautiful! Thank you so much!"

"I wanted it to be just a diamond, but I thought a birthstone ring would be easier to explain to everyone, for now."

She moved closer to him and put her arms around his neck. "It's perfect, I love it."

"I love you, Fran. So much."

"I love you, too." She leaned forward to kiss him, and then pulled him backwards gently. She began to get 'that feeling' again. She wanted him so badly. As she pulled him on top of her, she could feel that he wanted her, too. She had always said she'd wait until she was at least 18. She wasn't sure she would be able to resist this man for another two years. His kisses became deeper and more passionate. She wanted to feel him touching her. She reached up and started working the buttons on his shirt. He stopped kissing her and looked into her eyes. He could see how torn she was.

"Fran, I'm not sure you're ready for this."

"I'm not sure, either. I just know I need to feel you against me." She looked around the room nervously. "Can we go upstairs?"

He scooped her up and carried her to his bedroom, depositing her on the bed. "Max, I don't think I'm ready to...but I know I want more than we've been doing. Am I making any sense at all?"

He nodded. He wanted her so badly, and he loved her enough to wait for her if it took years. "You just tell me what you want".

"I'm not sure. I don't know. Come hold me?"

He kicked off his shoes and joined her on the bed. He reached down and removed her shoes, and the clip from her hair. "We'll take this slow; you stop me if I do anything that makes you uncomfortable, agreed?" She nodded and smiled. She trusted him completely. He started to kiss her again, this time reaching behind her and unzipping her dress. As he began to pull it from her shoulders, his eyes met hers for approval. She nodded gently, and he slowly slid her dress down. She reached up and began to finish working the buttons of his shirt. When she reached the last one, she began to pull the shirt from his pants. She started working his belt, when he stopped her.

"Just the belt, Max, I thought you'd be more comfortable." She knew if she got the pants off, she wouldn't be able to stop herself. She pulled the belt through the loops and tossed it into the chair. She wanted the dress off, it was now bunched at her waist, and she knew she couldn't go home with this wrinkled thing. She slowly started working the dress down further, encouraging him to help her. He pulled it down her legs and reached over and draped it across the arm of the chair. "I didn't want it to get too wrinkled, ya know?" He looked down at her and smiled. God, she was beautiful. And she was his. She reached for his hand and moved it to her bra strap.

"Fran, are you sure?"

She nodded. "Just this." He slowly began to pull the straps down her shoulders, his eyes never leaving hers. He wondered if she had planned this when she chose a bra that opened in the front. He leaned down and kissed her throat, and she tilted her head back to give him better access. His lips moved down her chest, and she felt her bra clasp open. He started to pull back, but she gently guided his head back down. He nudged the bra aside with is nose, as his mouth found its target. As soft moan escaped her lips as he took her into his mouth. She'd never felt anything so wonderful. He nibbled on her gently, and she raised her body to meet him. She wrapped her arms around him and pulled him over on top of her. His head was spinning, he knew he had to stop, things were moving too fast, and if they didn't stop, they would end up making love before the night was over.

"Frannie, Baby, we should stop."

She held him tighter, trying to catch her breath. "I know."

He rolled off of her and lay on his back. She moved into his arms, laying her head on his chest. They laid there in silence, listening to the sound of the rain outside. After a few minutes, Fran's breathing became slow and regular. He could tell she'd fallen asleep. He carefully got out of bed, not wanting to disturb her. He walked over to the window and looked out over Park Avenue. The lightening was flashing across the sky by now, and the thunder was close by. He looked at the clock, it was almost midnight. He decided to take a chance and call the Fines, and offer to let Fran stay in his guest room to keep her out of the weather. He walked downstairs into the kitchen and dialed their number. They sounded like they were still awake. He made up a story that they'd stopped at the house to do some last minute paperwork, and Fran had fallen asleep. He was thrilled when they agreed to let her stay the night, just this one time. He went back upstairs and found her curled up in a ball in the middle of his bed. He pulled a t shirt from his drawers and carefully pulled it over her head. She stirred slightly.

"Max, what time is it?"

"Don't worry about it. Go back to sleep. I spoke to your father, told him you fell asleep while we were working. You are sleeping in the guest room."

She started to get up. "Oh, ok."

He laughed and pulled her back down into bed. "No, Sweetheart, that's the story I told your father. Go back to sleep, you can call them in the morning."

Max changed into his pajamas and climbed into bed. Fran had already fallen back asleep. He pulled her to him and held her gently. This was something he could get used to. The thunder began to subside, and the sound of the rain soon lulled him into a restful sleep.

The next morning, Fran woke with a start. She had no idea where she was at first. She relaxed a bit when she realized Max was sleeping next to her. Then panic set in. "MAX!!!"

He was jerked out of a deep sleep. "What's wrong?"

"What's WRONG? It's MORNING, that's what's wrong! I'm in SO much trouble!" She started to get out of bed, and stopped to look at what she was wearing. She gave him a puzzled look.

"Frannie, Frannie, it's fine. Don't you remember? I called your father last night; they think you spent the night in the guest room." He saw her pulling on his t-shirt that she was wearing. "I put that on you when I came to bed, so you wouldn't be cold."

"My dad knows I spent the night with you?"

"Well, at the house. I called and said we stopped to go over some paperwork, and you fell asleep, and with the storm, I wanted to keep you here overnight. I was actually surprised when he agreed."

"That makes two of us! Max, I don't have any clothes to put on."

"You might, I think you might have left some things here. Did you take home the clothes Niles washed last week?"

"I don't think so. At least, I don't remember taking them."

"I'll buzz Niles and ask him. Would you like some tea, coffee, fresh bagels?"

"You have fresh bagels?"

"No, but I'll get Niles to go out for some." He pushed the intercom button. "Niles?"

Niles was busy in the kitchen. C.C. had arrived early, and was giving him a hard time because the coffee wasn't ready yet. "Yes, sir?"

"Does Miss Fine still have some clothes here?" C.C.'s head snapped up at the mention of the girl she was starting to detest.

"What does he want to know THAT for?" She spoke quietly to Niles, who smiled and shrugged his shoulders.

"I believe so, Sir. Shall I bring them to you?"

"No, just tell me where you put them, I'll get them. I need you to go out and find some fresh bagels." He turned to Fran, "Anything else you'd like for breakfast?"

She thought for a minute, then walked up behind him and put her arms around him. "Well, I can think of a couple of things. OH, you mean for Niles to pick up while he's out?" She giggled and tickled his ribs. "How about some fresh fruit and some eggs with the bagels? And, Niles, please don't forget the cream cheese!"

"Of course not, Miss Fine. Anything else?"

She was now laughing out loud, as Max was paying her back for the tickling. "I could use some coffee!"

"Yes, Niles, please bring us up a pot of coffee, two cups."

"Right away, Sir." He clicked off the intercom. "Well, Miss Babcock, I guess you have your answer."

"She spent the NIGHT? Where are her parents?"

"I heard Mr. Sheffield on the phone with Mr. Fine last night. They were working late, and Miss Fine fell asleep. With the storm and all, Mr. Sheffield thought it best for her to stay here."

"Working late, my aunt Fanny! Come on, Niles, what REALLY happened here last night?"

"I really don't know, Miss Babcock. Why don't you ask one of them?" Niles smiled wickedly at her as he took the tray up the stairs. He could hear laughter coming from the bedroom as he knocked on the door.

"One minutes, Niles!" Max grabbed a bathrobe from his closet and tossed it to Fran. She pulled it on and hopped into the middle of the bed as Max opened the door. "Thanks, old man. You never did tell me where Fran's clothes are."

Niles looked over at her and smiled. "Look in your bottom drawer. Good morning, Miss Fine."

"Good morning, Niles. Thanks for the coffee! And thanks for going out for the fruit and bagels."

He really liked having this young woman around. "And the cream cheese."

She giggled as she got up and headed for the coffee. "Right!" She poured two cups of coffee and added the sugar and cream, before handing a cup to Max. Niles stood there watching the two of them. They looked so natural together. She was good for his boss, he was finally remembering to have fun.

"Will there be anything else, sir?"

"No, thank you, Niles, just the bagels and fruit."

"Anything special, Miss Fine?"

She thought for a minute. "Um, no, just surprise me!"

Max tugged playfully on her hair. "She loves surprises."

"Yes, Sir. Speaking of surprises, Miss Babcock is here already. I left her in the kitchen."

"What's she doing here so blasted early?"

"Max, you don't have to go to work already, do you?" There was that protruding lower lip he'd come to fear.

"No, Darling, I don't. Niles, tell her that we'll be down after our breakfast."

"You're taking your breakfast here, sir?"

"Yes, yes we are. Bring us a tray when you get back."

"Very good, sir." He closed the door behind him and headed downstairs. He couldn't wait to tell Babcock.

Fran put her coffee cup on the nightstand and climbed back into bed. "What are we gonna do until Niles gets back with breakfast?" She batted her eyes innocently at him. He pulled off his robe and tossed it aside.

"I'm sure we can think of something." He slid into bed next to her and pulled her into his arms. He started to work the belt on her robe, and then slid it off her shoulders. He ran his hands down her back to her long tanned legs. Right now, he really hated that t-shirt she was wearing, but he hesitated to pull it off. He ran his hands back up her back and pulled her close to him, running his hands through her long soft hair. He began kissing her neck, her throat, working his way slowly to her mouth. She tossed one of her legs over his and pushed herself closer to him. She didn't even realize she'd done it; her body was now in control. Her shirt had slid up around her waist, so all that was separating them was her panties and the thin silk of his pajama bottoms. He started to pull away, knowing that this could easily lead to more than they were ready for. Fran saw this as her invitation to pay him back for last night. She pushed him on his back and straddled his upper thighs. Her goal was to please the man she loved, although she had no idea what to do. She remembered how good he'd made her feel last night, so she started working the buttons on his pajama top.

He grabbed her hands to stop her. "Fran..."

She moved his hands down to her thighs. "It's your turn to trust ME." She opened his pajama top and leaned forward. Just this slight motion across his sensitive area caused an immediate arousal. When Fran felt this, she was startled at first, then looked up at him and smiled. She knew she must be doing something right. She started applying soft kisses to his belly, and began working up towards his chest. She began using her tongue, licking and caressing, the way he had done to her the night before. Max groaned and pressed up against her. The split second before he lost total control, he knew this had to stop. He was too turned on by her to let her continue. He reached up and flipped her on her back, and moved to her side.

"My God, Fran, you learn quickly. That was incredible."

"I didn't do anything"

"Darling, trust me, you did. I didn't want to stop, but I knew we had to, before we went too far."

"Max, I want to make love with you, I really do, it's just..."

"Sweetheart, you don't need a reason to say no. Just holding you and kissing you is enough for now. That's still making love."

She looked into his eyes; she knew he was telling her the truth. "I love you so much. I wanted to make you feel as good as I did last night. I hope you don't think I was teasing you."

"Never. I love pleasing you, I love seeing the way your eyes sparkle when you're happy."

"I'm always happy when I'm with you."

He kissed the tip of her nose. "I think I'm going to have a shower before Niles brings breakfast."

She grinned at him. "Want some company?" She had no idea why she asked him that. That idea was like pouring gasoline on a fire.

"As tempting as that sounds, Fran..."

"I know, bad idea...we'll save the shower for after we make love for the first time."

"I'll take that rain check." He rushed into the shower and stood in the cold water for several minutes. Just the idea of first making love to her, then having her naked body in the shower was more than he could handle.

Fran got up and checked the bottom drawer for her clothes. She smiled. Niles had cleaned out a drawer for her. All her things were neatly folded and smelled so fresh. She pulled out a pair of jeans and an embroidered cotton blouse. She blushed a little as she pulled out clean underwear. Only her mother had ever washed her underwear before. She laid her things out on the bed and found Max's hair brush. She sat down and started to detangle her thick curls. She was startled as Max came up behind her and kissed her neck.

"Shower's free, Darling. I'm sorry I don't have any fancy girl type soaps. We'll have to go shopping and get some things for you to leave here, in case you have to work late again."

He wanted her to have things here? She felt like floating to the shower. "Please tell me you at least have conditioner?"

"It's in the shower. I set a couple of towels out for you; don't women usually need one just for their hair?"

"I do for THIS hair! Thanks, Max!" She disappeared into the bathroom, and then popped her head out to tell Max she'd forgotten her clothes. He had his back to her, and had just dropped his towel to get dressed. She quickly retreated and shut the door. She'd never seen a man naked before, and this one...this one was a GOD! She couldn't believe that someone that looked like THAT wanted her. She looked around the massive bathroom. A huge Jacuzzi tub took up most of the space on one side of the room. That would come in handy later. She stepped into the shower and let the warm spray caress her body. She leaned back on the cool marble wall and thought, once more, about what had happened between them last night, and again this morning. Any other man would have taken advantage of the situation, but not her Max. She couldn't wait to talk to her older sister. She wanted to make sure she kept their relationship interesting. If their relationship could withstand no sex, it could probably withstand anything.

"What do you MEAN they aren't coming down until they eat breakfast? In BED? We've got a show to plan!" C.C. was livid. She'd been flirting with Maxwell Sheffield for the better part of a year, and this little CHILD comes in and he's all over her.

"It's really none of my business, Miss Babcock. They sent me out for bagels and fruit, and they said they'd eat it upstairs." No one told this pushy witch to show up this early anyway. "If you'll excuse me, I need to head out." Niles closed the back door behind him, leaving C.C. alone in the kitchen. She headed for the kitchen door, then stopped and looked toward the back stairs. She quietly made her way up the stairs and down the long hallway towards Max's bedroom. She stopped outside his door and listened. She could hear movement in the room, but nothing more. She moved a bit closer to the door.

"Fran, do you want your clothes in there?"

She was sitting on the edge of the Jacuzzi, trying to figure out what to do. "Yes, please!" She giggled.

"Are you decent?"

"I'm in a towel, Maxwell! But, I'm covered up, I think, come on in."

He opened the door and wasn't prepared for the vision that awaited him. She had already towel dried her hair, and was sitting on the tub with her damp curls circling her face, cascading down her shoulders. "I brought your robe, too." He sat her clothes down next to her and handed her the robe.

She looked up at him shyly. "Thanks. Any chance you might have a blow dryer around here somewhere?"

"No, my hair dries quickly, so I don't use one, sorry."

"Oh, well, I hope you like curls!"

"I love your curls." He stood there admiring her beauty.

"Uh, Max, Sweetie, are you gonna stand there while I get dressed? Niles is gonna be back soon, and I'm still in a towel."

"Sorry, Darling, I was just thinking how beautiful you are."

She looked over at her reflection in the mirror, and then picked up the damp towel she'd used to dry her hair. "You're nuts, you know?" She tossed the towel at him. "Now, get out so I can get dressed!"

He tossed the towel back at her and backed out of the room. Outside the door, C.C. made a face. "Oh, yuck! I love your curls, you're so beautiful. What the hell does he see in her, anyway?" She made her way down the front staircase and headed for the office. She didn't want to get caught snooping outside his bedroom door.

Fran emerged from the bathroom a couple of minutes later. "I don't have any other shoes."

Max picked up the heels she's been wearing the night before. "You can't very well wear these. Why don't you just go barefoot around the house? You can wear a pair of my slippers when you go home. They'll be big on you, but they'll keep your feet warm."

She grabbed the remote control from the top of the television and hopped into the center of the bed. "Ok. You won't miss the slippers?"

"I've got several pair. What are you watching?"

She began flipping the channels. "I don't know yet." She stopped when she saw Eliza Doolittle on the screen. "Oh, MAX, I LOVE this movie! You should do a revival of this on stage!"

He looked at the screen. "My Fair Lady?"

She nodded. "It's one of my favorite movies!" She stood up on the bed and began dancing and singing "I Could Have Danced All Night". Max moved closer to the bed and pulled her towards him, and she fell off the bed into his arms. "Please, Max?"

There wasn't much he could deny her. "I'll start working on it Monday, how's that?"

She squealed and planted a kiss on his lips. "I love you!" He put her down, and she began dancing around the room, humming. She suddenly stopped and turned to face him. "Ya know, I've got another idea for a show for you. Have you ever read Enter Laughing? Ma's got the book...I read it, it's hilarious! Anyway, they made a play based on it, but it closed pretty fast."

"So why should I try to get this one, if it closed right away?"

"I was reading one of your show papers, and there was an article that said they are reworking Enter Laughing into a musical, oh, what was it called...something about 174th Street."

"You're right, I did read that article. Let me look into it, and discuss it with C.C., and if it looks good, we'll purchase the rights. You're really getting into this assistant role, aren't you?"

"Hey, you're paying me, it's the least I can do."

"You're supposed to be putting that money away for college."

"I am, most of it anyway. It's not like I need it for clothes, since you won't take back your credit card. I'm gonna need to use some of it to start buying Chanukah gifts for the family, and Christmas presents for you and Niles. I suppose I should be nice and get something for C.C., too. I really don't think she likes me."

"Of course, she likes you, why wouldn't she? And as for the presents, you don't need to buy me anything, and you can use the credit card for everything else. Leave your money alone."

She hopped back on the bed and started to watch the movie again. "You are too good to me, I could get used to this, and you'll never be able to get rid of me!"

He sat down on the bed next to her and put his nose to the side of her head. He brushed her hair aside and applied soft kisses to the side of her neck. "You'd better get used to it. I don't plan on ever getting rid of you. If I had my way, you'd be here all the time."

"I practically AM here all the time. My parents are complaining that they never see me." She lifted her chin to give him better access to her throat. "Max, if you start that, we'll never get out of here today"

He pulled her back on the bed and began kissing her again. They were interrupted by a knock on the bedroom door. They both sat up quickly.

"Breakfast!" Fran jumped up and ran to the door. As much as she loved kissing that man, she was starving. "Hi, Niles! Thanks!" The butler entered the room with a tray full of bagels and sliced fruit, as well as a pitcher of juice.

"Thank you, Niles, that will be all. We'll be down in a few minutes. Can you let C.C. know?"

"Yes, Sir, she's in your office going over some papers."

"Ah, good. Fran and I were working on some other ideas for a couple of shows. I want to run the ideas by her. Tell her not to run off, would you?"

Niles grinned. "I'll tell her, Sir." This was going to be good. Mr. Sheffield was about to sell Miss Fine's ideas to Babcock. He could just hear her now.

Fortunately, Max listened to Fran. The next few months were very busy, with the holidays, and the preparations for two new shows opening in the spring. Sheffield Productions was busier that it had ever been. Fran had been right on her idea for My Fair Lady. It opened to rave reviews in March 1976 at the St. James Theater. The following month, at the Harkness Theater, So Long 174th St. opened, starring Robert Morse and Kaye Ballard. They weren't as lucky with this show, and it closed after only sixteen performances. Fran was totally devastated at this, but her depression was short lived. She had suggested Three Penny Opera. C.C. had fought her on this, even going so far as to tell Max she'd quit before helping produce this show. Luckily, Fran and Max prevailed. The show opened in May 1976 and ran until January 1977, making it Sheffield Productions second most successful show.

When June rolled around, Fran was never so grateful to be out of school. This job cover story had turned into a real job, as Max had come to depend on her in the running of his business. June also brought another new production. Max had decided to produce Pal Joey, which didn't do as well as he had expected. The show ran for 33 previews and only 73 performances before closing. Fran tried to cheer him up by reminding him that he had two other successful shows running at the same time, maybe this one closing was a blessing. He loved the way she could always find a silver lining. The plan for the summer was to take a break, no more new shows, just focus on the two they had running. C.C. was still stinging from Fran's success in picking shows, and begged and pleaded with Maxwell to stage a revival of Going Up. Fran was almost glad to be going back to school, as this show had doom written all over it from the start. It ran for less than a month, with only 49 performances. Max took a loss, but was sure he could gain it back with his other shows. He had other worries to contend with. September brought the two holidays that took Fran away from him for an extended time. He made a surprising decision, and left C.C. in charge, and made sure to attend temple with the Fines at least once during each holiday.

Sylvia was starting to get suspicious of her daughter and this man. First, there was the ring on her birthday, and then she stayed the night at his house. She'd wanted to kill Morty for that one, but he assured her that their daughter could be trusted. Now this man was inviting them over to his house for meals, showing up at temple with their daughter. Morty kept on reassuring her that Max was a good man, and they could trust him to take care of their baby.

Fran's birthday was spent at home with her family. She'd begged her parents to allow her to bring Max. "Ma, he's one of my best friends, why can't I invite him. You'd let me bring Val!"

"Fran, this isn't Val. This is a man that you are spending all your time with. When you aren't in school you're either at one of the theaters or at his house working on another project. I thought you were supposed to take a break, with those two shows doing so well."

"We are." She rolled her eyes. "But C.C. wanted to do this other play, it's not going to do well, Max can already tell. But we aren't planning anything until spring. We're negotiating for a couple of good properties that should really do well."

"Negotiating for properties? Don't WE sound like a producer?" Sylvia smiled at her daughter. She was actually very proud of her. She was maintaining her grades, as well as keeping this busy schedule.

"Nah, Max is the producer; I just give him ideas sometimes."

"Well, your ideas have made him a lot of money lately."

"Yeah, I guess so. So, Ma, can I please invite him to my birthday dinner?"

"Yes, Sweetheart, you can invite him. Nadine and Barry are coming, too."

"Great! I can't wait! I haven't seen her since her wedding!" She looked at her watch. "Oy, I'd better get moving, Niles will be here before ya know it, and I won't be ready."

"Are you going to be working all day?"

"Probably. We've got to run by the St. James and the Beaumont to check on those shows, and he needs to make sure C.C.'s got everything handled at the Golden. Max may send me to the St. James by myself, that way we can get done sooner. I can call him from there if there's a problem."

"You're really enjoying this job, aren't you?"

"Yeah. At first, I was just a go-fer, ya know? Now, he trusts me to make decisions if he's not there, and he trusts my ideas for shows. Wait till you see what we're working on for spring!" She hurried into the bathroom and put on a light makeup, then ran into her room and through a bag together with some changes of clothes.

"What's with the clothes? You running away from home again?"

"Nah, not yet. I need one set of clothes for the theaters, a change if we're meeting backers, and a change for when we aren't working, so I don't have to sit around in this skirt all day." She grabbed her makeup bag and tossed it into the suitcase. She was ready to take Max up on his offer to buy duplicates of her makeup and extra clothes to keep at his house. This schlepping everything back and forth was getting to be a real chore. "Ma, that's the door, can you get it, it's probably Niles already." She continued tossing items into her suitcase while her mother opened the door.

"Good morning, Sylvia!"

"Good morning, Niles, she's almost ready."

Fran emerged from her bedroom with her suitcase. "Moving out, Miss Fine?"

Fran giggled. "SO, not! Bye, Ma, I love you." Niles took her suitcase from her and placed it in the limo, and they headed off to Manhattan.

Max was waiting for her in the living room when she arrived. "That's what you're wearing?"

She spun around and showed off her new outfit. "Wha...you don't like?" He'd never seen a business suit look like that on anyone else.

"I like a LOT, but I have a surprise for you, and that skirt might be a bit uncomfortable for where we're going."

"Where are we going?"

"Hmmm, now, that's part of the surprise. I can't TELL you where we're going."

She put her hands on her hips and glared at him with mock anger. "Well, if I don't know where I'm goin' how the hell am I supposed to know what to change into?"

Max looked over at Niles, who was coming down the stairs. "Did you take care of her things, Niles?"

"Yes, Sir."

Max got a wicked smile on his face, then rushed towards Fran and picked her up, slinging her over his shoulder. "Come with me." He carried her up the stairs and stopped at the bedroom door next to his. "Close your eyes. I mean it, Fran, no peeking."

"Ok, they're closed." She kicked at him. "Aren't you at the wrong door?"

She heard him open the door, and he carried her inside and gently slid her down to the floor. "Ok, open your eyes."

She opened her eyes and looked around the room. It looked like something she would have decorated herself. "Max, what is this?"

"I wanted you to have your own room, for when you are here. It's just a place for you to get away from work, to do your homework in privacy, instead of in the kitchen with Niles. Anything you don't see that you want, just ask."

She walked around the room, taking everything in. The closet had clothes in it that she'd never seen before. The bathroom was stocked with perfumed soaps, and her favorite shampoo and conditioner, and her favorite makeup, in all the right shades. There was a desk in the alcove by the window, making her a small office.

"Max...how did you do all this?"

"I called Nadine, we went shopping."

"And she went along with this?"

"I think she was relieved when I said it was for YOUR room. Of course, I got 'the lecture'."

"Oh, sorry, Max."

"It was worth it. She really loves you, you know."

"Yeah, I know." Fran looked around her room and threw her arms around him. "Thank you SO much, Honey. It's perfect, I love it."

He kissed her softly. "I'm glad. Now, get changed to we can go see your surprise."

"Max! This isn't my present? Wait, I still don't know what to wear."

Max walked into her closet and pulled out some jeans and a t-shirt. "Here, wear this. Wear tennis shoes." He tossed the clothes on her bed. "You have 10 minutes, better get moving! Oh, and you might want to bring a sweater or light jacket. I'll meet you downstairs." He exited her room, closing the door behind him.

Now she was totally puzzled. She quickly changed from her skirt and jacket into the jeans and t-shirt Max selected for her, and pulled on her socks and shoes. She entered her walk in closet and looked through the clothes he'd bought for her. She ran her hand over the rack and smiled. She grabbed a light cotton jacket and headed downstairs.

"Ready?" He reached for her hand.

She put her hand in his and squeezed it tightly. "Absolutely!"

He led her to the Ferrari and they sped off. "Are you gonna tell me where we're going yet?"

"You just can't stand not knowing can you? No, and I just might blindfold you before we get there."

"I SO don't think so, Maxwell Sheffield!" She sat in silence as they headed toward the Hudson River. Max pulled the car to a stop in a marina parking lot. He helped her out of the car and put a finger to his lips, warning her not to ask any more questions. They walked down the docks and Max hopped aboard one of the sailboats.

"Come aboard, Sweetheart." He held out his hand to pull her up.

He pulled out a key ring and opened the hatch, and motioned for Fran to head inside. As she stepped down the ladder into the cabin, what she saw took her breath away. The table was set for two, complete with a red rose. Champagne was chilling in a bucket, and there was a container of food sitting on the stove.

"Max, this is great! Whose boat is this?"

"Well, it was meant to be yours, but they won't let me register it in your name alone until you're eighteen, so it's ours."

"Ours? When did you do this?"

He put a tape in the stereo. "Right after you talked us into the rights to The King and I. Your suggestions have made Sheffield Productions very successful. I just wanted to show my appreciation. This is something you can use as an apartment if you want; I've set it up with all the comforts of home."

"Where's the butler sleep?" She laughed.

"Well, almost all the comforts. This is a place we can have total privacy. No Niles, no C.C., no business calls." He looked over at the stereo, and back at Fran. "I know there's not much room for it, but would you like to dance?"

She walked into his waiting arms and pressed herself close against him. "Who needs room?" They danced and caressed each other until the tape was over.

"Want to take her out for a sail?"

"Do you know what you're doing? Because, I have no clue, you'll have to teach me everything."

He smiled at her. "I think I can remember how. I sailed quite a bit at Eton."

"Then let's go!" She scampered up the ladder into the cockpit. She leaned over the back of the boat to check out the name. "Maxwell's Muse?"

"I named it for you, Darling. I was going to call her Frannie J., but, since you've been my muse, I thought it was more appropriate."

He hugged him and kissed him gently. "I love it! Thank you so much!"

Max gave her a short lesson on sailing and line handling, and then they took the boat out on the river, and sailed past Battery Park, and on to the Statue of Liberty. They took a pass around it to get a better look.

"Max, this is so beautiful! Could we sail to Queens?"

He looked at his watch. "We could, just not today, it will be dinner time by the time we get back to the marina."

"Just curious. There's a marina right next to La Guardia in Flushing Bay."

"We'll have to make a weekend of it. We can sail over, spend the night, and sail back the next day. Here, come take the wheel, see how you feel steering."

Fran slid in front of him and put her hands on the wheel. Max showed her how to get the most out of the wind, and what to do if she felt the boat heeling over too far for her comfort. "Ok, stay to your side of the channel; I'm going below to put dinner in the oven."

"You're leaving me up here by myself?" Her eyes were wide with panic.

"I can see you the whole time. You'll be just fine." He climbed down into cabin and lit the oven. He unhooked the gimbaled lock and set the pan inside. Max felt the boat heel over a bit more, and looked up at Fran, who was now smiling.

"Hey, I could get used to this! Am I doin' ok?"

"Perfect! Niles made us lasagna for dinner, and there should be a salad in the refrigerator." He opened the door and looked inside. "Yes, there's a nice salad here."

"Max, this is the best birthday ever!"

He smiled. He wasn't even done showering her with presents. He loved spoiling her. "How are you doing up there?"

"Um, we're close to the marina, maybe you'd better take it, parking isn't my strong point."

"I'll be right up."

They got the boat tied up and headed downstairs for dinner. During the meal they laughed and talked. Max couldn't remember when he'd felt this relaxed with anyone. They talked about their families, about how nothing he ever did was good enough for his father, and how no woman would ever be good enough for him in his mother's eyes. Max actually found himself feeling a bit envious of Fran's relationship with her family. They were so close, so loving. Now if he could just get her mother to accept him.

"Max, I forgot to tell ya, Ma is doing a birthday dinner for me tomorrow night, and she said I could invite you."

"Tomorrow?"

"I know, she just told me this morning. I'll understand if you can't come, I mean, you already took today off from the shows for me."

He took her hand. "What time? Niles can call if there's a problem."

"About six. You're really coming?"

"Of course. Your mother needs to get used to seeing us together. Maybe if she sees how much I love you, she can accept the fact that I'm not Jewish."

"Don't hold your breath. At least Daddy seems to be on our side. Max, this is getting so hard. We've been together for a year, and still have to hide it from everyone, just so Ma doesn't find out. I can't wear most of the jewelry you've given me outside of your house, I HATE having to go home every night." Her eyes filled up with tears. "I love you so much, Max; I just want the world to know it!"

He stood up and pulled her from the sofa into his arms. She put her head in his chest and sobbed. "Guys at school ask me out, and I can't say, sorry, I've got a boyfriend...I just keep making excuses."

"Do you want to go out with any of them?"

She looked up into his eyes. "No, I don't."

He looked down at her tear stained face, and wiped her eyes gently. He leaned down and began kissing her neck and throat. She pushed against him harder and sighed softly.

"Max?"

His mouth continued traveling over her body. "Yes, Darling?"

"Make love to me?"

He wasn't prepared for this request. He stopped and looked deeply into her pleading eyes. "Fran, not now, not while you're this upset."

"Do you love me?"

"Of course I love you! How can you even ask that?"

"Do you want me?"

"Fran, I've wanted you so badly for so long...but this is NOT the time. We've waited this long, what's a bit more?"

The romantic evening Max had planned was deteriorating rapidly. Fran took a step back from him and pulled her t-shirt over her head, tossing it on the sofa. She grabbed the bottom of his shirt and pulled it off, then unbuttoned her jeans and let them fall to the floor. She stepped out of her jeans and shoes with two swift steps, and climbed up into the berth. Max kicked off his shoes and removed his jeans. He needed to reassure her that he loved her, but he knew she was in a vulnerable state right now, and making love to her would not be right. He climbed into the berth next to her and gathered her into his arms.

"I need you, Max." She wrapped her leg around him and pulled him to her.

"Fran, this isn't going to happen now." He tried to pull away, but his body betrayed him. She could feel how much he wanted her. His body was winning the battle with his brain. She unhooked her bra and pulled it from her body. She reached for his boxers and he stopped her, rolling over on top of her. "Fran, just trust me, Sweetheart". She nodded. He began pressing against her slowly. This was closer than they'd ever been. He was as close as he could be to her without being inside her, separated only by the thin material of their underwear. She began to feel a sensation she'd never felt before. Fran wanted to feel him closer. She opened her legs wider, and then wrapped them around his waist, the sensation grew stronger. He began moving faster, kissing and suckling her breasts.

"Max, what's happening? Oh, GOD!"

"Shhh, it's all right Darling, just relax." He would have much rather been inside her, to feel her first release, but this would be enough for now. She began instinctively rocking against him. She wrapped her arms tightly around his neck, pulling him tightly to her. She felt an explosion of ecstasy she'd never experienced before. He slowed his movements gradually, until he felt her completely relax. She unwrapped her legs from him so he could roll over to her side. She rolled over and clung to him, catching her breath.

"Max, was that...did I just..."

"Yes, Darling, you did."

"But you didn't, I mean…"

"Don't worry about me, are you all right?"

"Mmm, more than all right."

"You certainly look more relaxed."

"Well, if you think that's going to take my mind off making love to you...but you're right, we've waited this long."

They lay quietly in each other's arms for a bit, then got up, got dressed, and headed into the cockpit to watch the sunset. Max popped the champagne and brought Fran up a glass. Max sat against the bulkhead, and she settled in between his legs and leaned against his chest.

"This is so beautiful, Max, so relaxing. I wish we could spend every evening like this."

"We'll have to find time to do this often. Once we start having children, we won't have any time for this." He kissed the top of her head.

Children. He wanted to have children with her? Suddenly, all the thoughts of having sex with him vanished. He wanted a future with her, and that was more important than anything. She decided to test the waters, see how deep it was. "So, Max, how many kids are we going to have?"

He wrapped his arms around her. "Oh, seven or eight sounds about right. Any more than that, and we'll need a bigger house and a bigger boat."

"We're bringing the kids on the boat?"

"Of course! We'll teach them all to be expert sailors. They'll all sail on their college teams."

"I'm sorry I was such a baby earlier. Sometimes I forget what's REALLY important."

"And what's that?"

"This. Just being together, talking, enjoying life. THAT'S the main course, the other stuff is just dessert. Not that dessert isn't good, but it's the main course that keeps you alive, ya know?"

"How did you get to be so wise?"

"Well, I hang around this big macher producer a lot, he's pretty smart."

"You know WHY I'm a big macher producer? Because I have a wonderful woman at my side, who always believes in me, no matter what."

"I'm so proud of you Max. Look at what you've accomplished this year. When I met you, you were a new up and coming producer, now, you're one of the most sought after companies. This was NOT because of me."

"You don't think so? Why do you think I want to be so successful? For us, for our future, our children."

Fran shivered a bit. The sun had gone down, and the breeze was starting to whip across the river. "Getting cold?"

"Yeah, a little."

He got up and got her jacket from inside. "We should probably get going anyway, I need to get you home at a decent hour."

"I told Ma I might be late. Whatcha got behind your back?"

"Your birthday present."

"Maxwell Sheffield! You decorated a room in your house for me, bought us a boat, you already GAVE me my presents."

"No, this one is special." He opened the box to reveal a sparkling diamond heart necklace.

"Oh, Max, it's beautiful!" He put it around her neck.

"Now, every time you look at it you'll know you have my heart. I love you, my darling."

"I love you too. Thank you, Sweetie."

"Niles will come and clean the boat up, shall we get you home?"

"I wish we could stay here. I wonder if Ma would let me live on the boat once I graduate?"

He looked at her and laughed, and remembered what she had said to him earlier. "Don't hold your breath, Darling."

She laughed and kissed him on the cheek. She would remember this day always. It was the day their relationship turned a corner, and headed for their future.

Max dropped her off in front of her parents building and she bounded up the stairs. She felt like she was walking on air. She'd seen her sister's car outside, and couldn't wait to talk to her.

"You're home early!" Her mother looked up from her dessert.

"Yeah, we actually didn't work today. Max gave me a birthday day today! I got to the house, and he picked out what clothes I needed to wear, because he wouldn't tell me where we were going. Then he took me to the marina, and showed me the new boat he'd bought. We went sailing, clear down to the Statue of Liberty, Ma, it's so beautiful from the water! I actually sailed the boat! It was SO cool! He let me sail, while he heated up the dinner that Niles made for us. Then we ate dinner on the boat in the marina, and watched the sunset from the cockpit."

"So, no bonus for all the hard work you've done for him?"

She didn't dare tell her about the bedroom office he'd created for her, but did she dare tell her about the boat? Oh, what the hell!"

"Well, yeah, he did give me a bonus, but not in a check. The sailboat, he named it Maxwell's Muse, it's in my name, too. He wanted to make it all mine, but I can't legally own it until I'm eighteen. So, for now, it's his and mine, then he's signing it over to me next year! You should see it, it's all set up like a small apartment. Stereo, stove, refrigerator, Ma, it's GREAT!"

"He gave you a boat? And what kind of name is Maxwell's Muse?"

"Yeah, he said it was for all the plays that I pushed him into producing, that made him a bunch of money. And Maxwell's Muse is ME! He says that he's successful because I push him." She decided to go for broke. "Look what else he gave me!" She pulled the necklace out from under her t-shirt.

Sylvia looked at her oldest daughter. "Maybe you need to have a talk with your sister. She doesn't listen to me. It sounds like she's getting a crush on her boss."

"I will, Ma. Come on, Frannie; let's go to your room. I gotta hear about this boat some more."

The girls went into her room and closed the door behind them. Nadine switched on the radio and moved it closer to the door, to keep their mother from eavesdropping.

"Ok, baby sister, now DISH! What's going on?"

"Oh, Nay! I love him so much!"

"Are you sleeping with him? He told me you aren't, but I wasn't sure if I could trust his answers."

"No, Nay, we aren't sleeping together. Well, I mean, we HAVE slept in the same bed, but we didn't have sex. He just held me, it was so wonderful."

"He's not pushing you, is he?"

Fran laughed. "No, he's actually the one keeping a foot on the brake, I'm the one pushing. We almost had a fight about it today, but then we cuddled and, oh, Nay, he made me, oh, it felt so good. Then we went outside to watch the sunset and talked about our children!"

"Francine, what in the hell did you just say? WHAT did he make you do?"

"Oh, not make as in forced. I was begging him to make love to me, and he was telling me not while I was upset. I guess I was just feeling like he didn't love me like I love him, I wanted him to prove it."

"So did he? Did you?"

"Not like you're thinking. Oh, Nay, it was so wonderful. We had our underwear on, and he got on top of me, and he rocked against me, and I started to feel...and then, at first I didn't understand what was happening, but Max was so sweet, just kept me calm and told me it was all right, and then, oh, GOD Nadine!"

"You had your first…" Fran nodded.

"But he didn't, he told me not to worry about it, but Nay, I want to make HIM feel like that, too. Isn't there a book or something I can get?"

Nadine laughed. "Frannie, you are so cute. You really are in love with him, aren't you?

"So much, Nay. You should have heard him today, talking about our future children, how we'd teach them to sail. Hearing him talk about wanting me like THAT made having sex seem so unimportant."

"Well, if you want kids, you're gonna have to have sex eventually!" She laughed and playfully slapped her sister. "Frannie, remember what I told you. When the time is right, you'll know it. Don't push it, don't sleep with him to prove you love him or because you're afraid of losing him. When the time's right, it'll just happen on its own. Just make sure you always have protection on hand."

"I know Nay. Thanks. I wish I could talk to Ma like this. If she even had an idea that we loved each other, she'd blow a fuse. She IS letting me bring him to dinner tomorrow night, though, so warn Barry not to say anything in front of Ma or Daddy about us."

"Yeah, Bar is still patting himself on the back for getting you two together. He still can't believe you are still together after over a year, and that you've kept everyone from finding out."

"That's why I have my job. He works closely with C.C., and they aren't having a relationship, so they just assume that I am just an assistant. Nay, I'm getting tired, and I have to work tomorrow. I think I'm gonna take a shower and head to bed."

"He's making you work on your birthday?"

"You've neva seen me work. He told me I could take the day off, but then I wouldn't see him until dinner. I can change over there. OH, Nay, you should see what he did for me. You've GOT to come by the mansion one day and see my room. He decorated a bedroom for me, filled it with clothes and make up and all kinds of soaps and lotions and stuff...and put a desk in the room. It's like a bedroom/office for when I'm there."

"I know, I helped him buy the stuff. I wouldn't let Ma or Daddy know about that."

"Ya THINK?" She giggled. Come by for lunch one day, I'll ask Niles to make us something good."

"YOU'LL ask Niles? What, you get to order around the butler, too. Frannie, he's treating you like his wife!"

Fran smiled. "Yeah, he is. And I don't order Niles around, but if I ask for anything, he takes care of it for me. It drives C.C. nuts. So you'll come for lunch?"

"Yeah, I'll call you during the week, maybe Wednesday. We can make plans for the weekend, how's that?"

"Sounds good, I'll let Niles know what we're planning." She grabbed her pajamas and headed for the bathroom. "I'm takin' a shower, Ma."

"Frannie, did you remember to ask Max about dinner tomorrow?"

"Yeah, Ma, he's comin'. I'm gonna work tomorrow to make up for what we missed today, so we'll be here before six."

"Ok, Sweetheart." Sylvia watched her daughter close the bathroom door, and waited for the water to turn on, and then she turned to Nadine. "I'm not sure I like the idea of her spending so much time with Max. She's really got a crush on him, and the way he hangs on her every word, I think maybe he has one on her, too."

"Relax, Ma. I just talked to her. Nothing's happening; she's not sleeping with him or anything."

"Well, that's a relief!"

"You're just gonna have to trust her. I'd better run. Thanks for dinner, Ma. BYE, DADDY!" He's got the game on, he don't hear me. Love you!"

Sylvia closed the door behind her daughter and bolted the locks. She stuck her head in the bathroom, told Fran goodnight, and headed to bed. Fran finished her shower and headed to bed.

The next morning, Fran was just finishing dressing, when she heard the knock on the door. "I'll get it, Ma, it's probably Niles!"

She unlocked the bolts and threw the door open. There stood Max, with a box of donuts.

"Good morning! What are you doing?"

"I thought I'd bring some fresh donuts over, have you eaten yet?"

She shook her head. "I thought I had more time. Did you eat?"

"No, I thought we could have breakfast together." He looked around the apartment and quickly kissed her cheek. He whispered in her ear. "Good morning, happy birthday. I missed you."

She blushed. "Thanks. I missed you too. Want some eggs?"

"You're going to cook?"

"I know how to make eggs! Do you want your usual, or can you handle scrambled?"

"Who are you talking to, Frannie, is that Niles?"

"No, Ma, it's Max. He brought donuts. Do you and Daddy want scrambled eggs?"

Sylvia padded into the living room, she was dressed, but still wearing her slippers. "Sweetheart, it's your birthday; we're supposed to wait on YOU! Good morning, Max. Thank you for the donuts." She opened the box and eyed the contents, licking her lips. "So, where's Niles this morning? He's such a sweet man."

"I had other things for him to do today, so I thought I'd pick up Fran myself."

"You'll stay for breakfast?"

"Yes, thank you, Sylvia."

Sylvia prepared breakfast, while Fran put the finishing touches on her makeup. Morty came out of the bedroom and chatted with Max while the women were busy. The family sat down to eat, and Morty was the only one to notice that Max and Fran seemed to always keep one hand under the table. He dropped his napkin on the floor to get a better look. He glanced over at them as he bent to pick up the napkin and found their fingers laced together. This was as he suspected. He sat up and smiled at Max. He'd try to talk to him tonight at dinner.

"Ready, Max?"

"That's all you're going to eat?" Max looked at her half eaten scoop of eggs and the untouched toast on her plate.

"I'm not real hungry; I'll have a nosh later."

He laughed. "You usually do."

She resisted the urge to playfully smack his arm, as she usually did when they were alone. She kissed both of her parents. "We'll be back around 5:30, ok?"

"Can we bring anything, Sylvia? Maybe some wine or champagne?" Most of the guests would be adults.

"Well, maybe some champagne, I suppose Frannie can have a sip or two, since it's her birthday." Morty looked up from his eggs and saw the look on his wife's face. "Syl, she's not exactly a baby anymore, she'll be at home, with her family, and she can have some champagne."

Fran wrapped her arms around her father's neck. "Thanks, Daddy. We'll see you tonight! Call me at Max's if you think of anything else you want us to pick up, it'll save you going out."

"All right, Sweetheart, have a good day, you two."

The day went by quickly, and before they knew it, it was time to get back to Queens for dinner. Max chose two bottles of Dom Perignon for the occasion, which did not go unnoticed by Fran's sister. Dinner went well, everyone was laughing and talking. Max finally felt like part of a family. Finally it was 9:00, and Sylvia reminded Fran it was a school night.

She looked at Max and made a face. "I am SO ready to be out of school!"

Nadine laughed. "You'll be so sorry you're not in high school one of these days. You'll find yourself married with four or five kids, wishing you were back with your friends in school." She winked at her sister when she said this.

"Come on, Max, I'll walk you out. I'll be back in a couple of minutes."

"Good night everyone, thank you for including me."

"G'night, Max!"

Fran closed the door behind her and they headed down the hall. When they got to the stairwell, Max pulled her underneath and held her close. "I've wanted to kiss you all night." He kissed her gently at first, but then quickly became more passionate. They moved further under the stairs, until Fran felt the wall behind her. "I love you, Fran." He began kissing her neck, her chest, then back up her throat to find her mouth again.

"I love you, too, Max." She moved her hands to his shirt and began working the buttons. He pulled her hands away several times then finally took her wrists gently and pinned them to the wall, never stopping tasting her upper body.

"Let her go, Max." They stopped and look up to see Morty standing there.

"Daddy!"

"I thought you had more respect for my daughter, than to hold her down and assault her like that."

Max was speechless. It would have appeared to anyone walking by that he was forcing her to hold still.

"Daddy, he wasn't holding me down, he was..."

"What, what Frannie?"

"I was trying to unbutton his shirt, and that's the only way he could stop me. He wasn't doing anything I didn't want him to do." Oy, she knew she'd said WAY too much. She saw her father's face redden.

"Get out here and sit down, both of you."

They sat on the stairs and looked up into the angry face of Fran's father. "Daddy, I..."

"Quiet. I'm going to ask the questions, and I expect truthful answers from both of you, is that clear?"

"Yes, Daddy."

"First of all, I want to know what's going on between the two of you, because I know damned well this is not the business relationship you both are claiming. Second, I want to know how long it's been going on. Third..." His eyes trained on Max. "Are you sleeping with my daughter?"

The couple exchanged uneasy glances. They always knew this day would come, they just wished it was later.

"I love your daughter, Morty. We've been seeing each other for over a year, and NO, I am not sleeping with her."

"And I love him, daddy. He's always been totally respectful of my feelings, even when I want to..."

Morty's face softened a bit. "What, Honey?"

Fran looked down at her hands, and played with her ring. "Sometimes, sometimes I really want to be with him, you know...and he always tells me that we've waited this long, what's a bit longer."

"What about the night you spent at his house?"

"Well, I DID sleep in his bed, but nothing happened, really, Dad, he just held me in his arms. He woke me up to move me, but I couldn't wake up enough to walk, you know how I am when I'm really tired."

"A year? A year, Frannie? And you expect me to believe that you spend every day at his house, and you are NOT having sex with each other?"

"Daddy, we love each other. Some relationships are about more than sex. We love to spend time with each other, talk, watch movies, and just be near each other."

He looked at Max again. "Where do you see this going?" Then to Fran, "You know your mother won't allow this".

"I see us married having a family, living a long and happy life together."

"Then I suggest you win Sylvia over soon, she's getting suspicious enough, with Fran not dating, spending all her time with you. Francine, you are so lucky she's doing dishes and sent ME out to look for you. If she'd found you two, this would be over, and you know it, young lady."

"Daddy, can't you help me? Make Ma understand? There aren't that many guys like this out there, she can't tell me I can't be with Max just because he's not Jewish."

"Oh, yes, she can, and you know she will. And unless you want to lose your family, you'll do what she says. Now, she's wondering where you are, get inside and help with the dishes."

"Yes, Daddy. I'll see you after school tomorrow, Max." She got tears in her eyes. Both men who loved her reached out to her, but she chose Max's arms.

"I'll be inside, Frannie, tell your boyfriend goodnight and get in the house." He turned and went back in the apartment.

"Max, I'm so sorry." She began to cry harder.

"Shhh, it's ok. I should have been more careful. He's right, it could have been your mother that caught us." He kissed her gently and wiped her eyes. "Go inside, I'll see you tomorrow. I'll call you when I get home. I love you, my darling."

"I love you, too. See ya tomorrow!" She kissed him once more, and headed into her apartment.

She walked inside and saw her father sitting on the sofa. She walked over and gave him a hug and kiss. "Sorry, Daddy. Ma, I'll be right there to help you with the dishes, I gotta run to the bathroom first." She went into the bathroom and splashed cool water over her face, soothing her red eyes. Love wasn't supposed to be like this. She almost wished she could move into Max's house, to get away from the stress here. She dried her face and joined her mother in the kitchen.

"Sorry, Ma. Max and I were talkin' and I lost track of time."

"You look tired, Sweetheart. Maybe you're working too hard."

"I am a little tired, Ma. I don't think it's work, though. C.C.'s handling 'Going Up' and Max is taking care of 'Three Penny Opera'. All I have to do is show up at the St. James every afternoon and answer questions, and sometimes make a few decisions. My show is practically running itself. I will be extra busy when we change theaters, though. But that's not until early December."

"When in December, Darling? You know you can't miss first night!"

"I know. Max remembered, so he's having everything done before that. We close at the St. James on the 5th, and re open at the Lunt Fontanne on the 9th. That gives me a whole week to get things running smoothly before first night."

"You're doing this whole transition on your own?"

"Oh, I sure hope not! Max should be able to help me." She giggled. "And we're SURE C.C.'s show is gonna be a short run. She just threw it together because Max was letting me oversee My Fair Lady, and she had nothing to do, or so she said. I just think she's jealous because Max listens to me, too."

"Are they having a thing?"

Fran felt her cheeks burn. "No, no way. She's, uh, not his type."

"So what kind of girls does he date? You must see them, you're over there enough."

Oy, this conversation had disaster written all over it. "I don't know, he's never brought anyone home when I'm there."

"Doesn't he talk about them?"

She's like a dog with a bone. "Who"

"Fran, are we in the same conversation? Max, does he talk about his girlfriends. A man like that must have a bunch of them!"

"No, Ma, he doesn't. We talk about my school, work, and just stuff, you know, like friends talk."

Fran finished drying the last dish and put it away. "I'm gonna head to bed, Ma. I'll see you in the morning. Love you!" She went to her room and flopped on her bed. Things were bound to get worse. Here she was, in her senior year, and not bringing dates home. It was just a matter of time before it all hit the fan. She rolled off the bed and pulled her pajamas out of the drawer. As she was pulling her top on, her phone rang.

"Hi."

"Hi, yourself, how did you know it was me?"

She stifled a giggle. "Me, who? Who is this?"

"It's the man who has a surprise for you, but only if you're a good girl."

"Another surprise? Max, I don't think I'm up to any more surprises today. Ma just was asking me all about all your girlfriends."

"This one, I think you'll like. I came home tonight to a message that a company in London wants to do Three Penny when it's done here."

"In London? Max, that's great! Do we get a bonus for that, or something?"

"It's 'or something'. How would you like to go to London for Christmas?"

"Are you kidding? Oh, wait, the 8th night of Chanukah is on Christmas Eve!"

"So, ask your parents if you can fly out Christmas Day, you don't already have plans, do you?"

"Well, Ma was talking about the Fontainebleau again. Hang on, let me ask them." She laid the phone down and went in to talk to her parents. After what her father witnessed tonight, she was sure he'd fight this, but she needed to ask now, so she could start trying to change their minds if they said no.

She tapped on their bedroom door. "Ma, Daddy, can I come in?" She heard her mother invite her in, and opened the door slowly. "Are we still planning to go to Miami for Christmas?"

"Yeah, Sweetheart, we are, why?"

"Well, I thought, maybe I could save you the cost of one plane ticket."

"What, you don't want to go? I don't know if I like you staying home alone."

"Well, I wouldn't be home, and, uh, I wouldn't be alone. Max just called, and one of shows might be moving to London, and he wants me to go with him to scout locations." She cut her eyes at her father. "He said we can fly out Christmas Day, so I'll be home for Chanukah"

"Will you be back in time for school?"

"I'll tell him I have to be. Please?"

"Whaddya think, Morty?"

He looked his daughter directly in the eyes. "I think we're going to have to trust our little girl, Sylvia."

"As long as you're home in time to go back to school, Fran."

Fran leaped onto the bed into her parents arms. "Thank you so much! I love you guys!!"

She jumped up and ran back to her room. She grabbed the phone. "Are you still there?"

"Yes, Darling, you sound excited, is this good thing?"

"They said YES!!! I just have to be back for school on the third of January."

"Wonderful, I'll make the reservations. I'll try to fly us out in the middle of the night. We'll see if your parents will let you stay the night here, after you finish with Chanukah over there."

"Oh, I don't know if Daddy will go for that again. Not after tonight."

"Well, we'll just have to invite them for dinner here, and you can show them that you have your own room."

"Oy, are you trying to get me locked in my room?" She laughed. "Oh, Nadine is coming over next weekend for lunch. She'll call me at your place on Wednesday, that's ok, isn't it?"

"Anything you want, Sweetheart. Now, try to get some sleep. Do you want a ride to school tomorrow?"

"No, I can walk...you're gonna pick me up after school, aren't you?"

"I may have to send Niles for you; I might be tied up at the theater. Are you terribly disappointed?"

"Oh, gee, let me think. Instead of my incredibly handsome boyfriend in his Ferrari, it's going to be my boyfriend's butler in the limo picking me up like I'm a rock star or something. Nah not disappointed at all. Will he take me to the house, or to you?"

"He'll take you wherever you want to go. He's at your disposal."

"You spoil me too much, you know that?"

"I haven't begun to spoil you, yet. Now, get to sleep. I'll see you tomorrow. I love you."

"I love you too. G'night, Max."

"Goodnight."

She laid back and closed her eyes. She was going to spend Christmas in London, with the man she loved.

She breezed through school the next day. It was hard to keep her mind on her work. At lunch, she filled Val in on her plans.

"You are so lucky, Fran! I can't believe you're going to London with him!"

"Well, it's really for work, we have to scout theaters."

"But Christmas in London? I can't believe this. I can't even get a date, and your rich boyfriend is buying you yachts and diamonds and taking you around the world!"

"How about I ask him if he's got a friend?"

"You'd do that for me? You know, I never see you anymore, Frannie, unless we're walking to school, or at lunch. What am I gonna do when we graduate and you're not around?"

"Why don't you come with me after school sometime? Well, not today, because I'm going straight to the theater, but you can come over, hang around the mansion, and have dinner with me. Niles can take you home when he brings me home."

"Max won't mind? Don't you have to work?"

"No, Max won't mind, and if I have to work, you can hang out and watch TV, either in the living room, or up in my bedroom."

"I still can't believe you have a room there. It's like you live with him!"

"I practically do! I'm there every day after school, and on the weekends. This way, I have a place to take a nap if I want to, a desk for my homework, or to read over scripts, and I have lots of changes of clothes. It really makes sense, actually. Ask your mom if you can come tomorrow, I'll let Max know you're coming."

"I can't believe you. It's like you're married or something. 'I'll let Max know you're coming'. You don't even have to ask him?"

"It's nowhere like we're married. Married couples live together all the time, and sleep together and they do more than just sleep."

"I can't believe you two still haven't...I mean, Fran, you've been together over a year!"

Fran smiled and sighed, thinking of the day on the boat when they had come so close. "Yeah, but that's not everything." She pointed to a couple making out over on the grass. "Look at them, they go at it like that all the time, and I bet he doesn't know her favorite color, her favorite singer, how many kids she wants to have, he probably doesn't even care. Now, Max knows all those things about me, we talk all the time. Well, we do other things too, but ya see what I mean, Val?"

"Yeah, but right now, I'd go for a guy that just wants to make out."

Fran rolled her eyes. No way, she could never settle for that.

She spent the rest of the day going through the motions of school. She was gonna pay tonight, she'd have tons of homework to do. Niles was waiting for her at the end of the day, surrounded by the throng of yenta students. After the day she had, his warm smile was a welcome sight.

"Hi, Niles!" She pushed her way through the crowd of students and tried to match his smile. He took her books from her as he opened the door.

"Good afternoon, Miss Fine, rough day?" He sat her belongings on the seat next to her.

"Oy, Niles, you don't wanna know. Niles, there's Val, can we drop her at home on the way to the theater?"

"Of course!"

She yelled to Val to get her attention. "Val! Val, come on, get in, we'll drop you at home!"

Val walked over to where her friend was waiting. "Fran, I can't get in there!"

"Oy, Val, just get IN! I gotta get to the theater." Val just stood there looking around. "VAL! Move your ass!" Val climbed inside next to her friend and looked at the spacious vehicle.

"This is bigger than my bedroom!"

Fran managed a weak smile. Her friend was right. Her bedroom was a small alcove off the living room at her parent's one bedroom apartment. They'd moved into the rent controlled building before Val was born, and never looked for a bigger place. She almost hated to show Val her new bedroom at the mansion. That room alone was the size of her parents' whole apartment.

"Hey, Fran, did you finish your English assignment?"

"No, I'm gonna work on it tonight. Max has been busy after dinner every night lately, so I'll have time to go hide out and work on it. It's about half done, so I should have it ready for Monday." She looked at the frown crossing Val's face. "Val, have you even started yours?"

"Fran, I don't even have a topic! What's yours about?"

"The Rise of a Broadway Producer."

"Huh?"

"I'm writing it about Max. You know how he started out in England at 17, came here and started a business, and how successful he is today, just three years later. Mrs. Mullendore says from what she read, she wants to submit it to New York Magazine." She laughed loudly. "Can you imagine ME writing an article for a magazine?"

Val shook her head. "No, but a year and a half ago, I couldn't see you with a perfect boyfriend and a terrific job, either."

Niles pulled the limo to a stop in front of Val's apartment, and came around to open the door. "Oy, Niles! I feel like a movie star!"

Niles smiled. "Have a good afternoon, Miss Toriello."

She blushed. "Thank you, Niles. Bye, Fran, thanks for the ride. I'll call you later."

"I'll be at the theater until about 5:30 or so, unless I can drag Max home before then. Bye, Val!" Home. That was the first time she'd referred to Max's house as 'home'. She WAS spending more and more time there. Even when he wasn't there, he wanted her waiting for him when he arrived. She leaned back in the seat, closed her eyes and sighed. When did life become so perfect? She must have dozed off, because when she felt the limo stop, they were in front of the John Golden Theater.

"Niles, I thought Max was gonna be at the Lunt Fontanne? What are we doin' here?"

"Change of plan, Miss Fine. Miss Babcock is having problems with her crew."

"Miss Babcock's problem with the crew is Miss Babcock. Oy, this can't be good, Niles. He is NOT gonna be in a good mood." She reached in to gather up her books.

"You can leave those; I'll take them home and put them in your room." He grinned mischievously. "You wouldn't want to give her any ammunition, now, would you?"

Fran developed an instant case of the giggles. No matter how bad she was feeling, Niles always could lift her spirits. She adored this man for the way he looked after Max...for the way he looked after her. He was more than just a butler, he was like a brother.

"No, I guess not. Thanks, Niles. I'll see you at home." She gave him a hug.

"Remind him that dinner is promptly at 6:00."

"I'll do my best, Niles." As she opened the door to the theater, she instantly knew the mood he was in. C.C. was sitting in the front row, screaming at him, he was standing in the middle of the stage, screaming at her, while all the crew stood around and watched. She knew she needed to do something, but C.C. was standing between her and her protector. She quietly made her way along the side of the theater and up the back stairs to the stage. One by one, she got the attention of the crew and had them huddled in a corner, away from the ruckus. She needed to hear the whole story, before she jumped in and opened her mouth. Apparently, the whole thing started this morning, as a small disagreement between Ron and Ed, the stage manager and lighting supervisor. C.C. butted in, made it worse, and now she's got the entire crew ready to walk. Fran knew C.C. would hate it, but she had to settle this down.

"Look, you guys know who's actually in charge, if you have a problem with C.C., just call Max". She sighed and looked around. "If you can't get him, call me. I know I'm just his assistant, but maybe I can help smooth things out, OK?"

"Frannie, she's impossible to work for!"

"You don't work for her, you work for Sheffield Productions. Just like SHE does".

"So, who's higher up, you or her?"

Fran laughed. "Depends on what you're talking about. Look, I can get Max to listen to you, but you've got to get back to work. Once he gets home tonight, I'll sit him down and present your demands to him...but you have to meet him halfway, or, I know him, he'll just pull the plug on the whole show. I've seen him do it."

"Look, we don't want much. Just for the Ice Princess to keep her nose outta our business. If a couple of us disagree, as long as it's not affecting the show, let us deal with it."

"Ok, then, please, get back to work." She looked at her watch. "The curtain goes up in 3 hours, and I need to get home and do my homework!"

They all laughed. She had sounded so much like one of the producers, until that second. Then they were reminded she was just a savvy kid that the boss hired to help out. They watched her as she crossed the stage, looking like a tiger ready to pounce on her prey. As she reached her target, he was still gesturing wildly, trying to make his point. She stepped in front of him, blocking his view of the object of his anger. She reached up and grabbed his arms, pulling them down to his sides.

"There, that's betta. Let's put those things away before someone gets hurt." She watched his face soften a bit, and took a step forward. "Hi, Honey, havin' a bad day?" She blew him a quick kiss before turning around to face C.C. "Hi, C.C., hey, you wouldn't mind rescheduling this fight for later, would ya? I just talked to the stage manager, and they really need this area right now." She felt Max's hands slide around her waist and his lips next to her ear.

"I love you; you know that, Miss Fine?" She turned her head slightly and softly grazed his lips.

"I love you, too, Mr. Sheffield." She glanced around to make sure no one was paying attention, and her eyes caught sight of C.C., who was now standing, and heading for the stage.

"How DARE you interfere with MY production! You may be able to bat your brown eyes at Maxwell, and get him to buy your crap, but I'm on to you, little girl. All you want is his money!"

"C.C.! You will apologize to Fran at once!"

"I'll do no such thing, Maxwell. This whole last year, it's been nothing but Fran, Fran, Fran. And NOW you want to produce less plays next year! To spend time with HER?"

Fran pulled away from Max's grasp and headed for the edge of the stage. Max was sure she was about to jump off and beat C.C. into a bloody pulp. "YOUR production? Are you forgetting who we work for? It's called SHEFFIELD productions; I don't see YOUR name on the marquee anywhere! Now, let me set you straight on a couple of things, just so we are abundantly clear. First, I do NOT bat my eyes at Max to get anything from him. I don't give a DAMN about his money. Second, if he wants to take time off to enjoy his success, that's HIS business, NOT yours. Third, how much time we spend together is OUR business, and you'll either butt out, or we're gonna have more of these talks." She hopped off the stage and stood eye to eye with C.C., backing her up several steps. "And, if you pull anymore of your crap on the stage crew, they'll be mopping your blue blood off these floors, got it? Now, we can either work together, and make nice, or I can make your life a living hell, it's your choice. I don't know WHY you decided to take an instant dislike to me, I don't know, maybe I threaten you on some level. But give Max a break and lighten up, would ya?" She spun on her heels and returned to the stage, where she found an astounded Max staring at her.

"Maxwell, are you going to allow her to...?"

"Oh, shut up, C.C. You can't attack her and then expect her to just take it, can you. Why don't you just go home and calm down, start over tomorrow?"

"Maxwell..."

"Good night, C.C." He turned to Fran. "You really got the crew back to work?"

"Yep. Since you sent her home, do we have to stay?"

"No, the stage manager can handle it, and they can call me if they need me. Ready to go home?"

She nodded. "More than ready."

He took her by the hand and led her back stage. After a quick talk with the stage manager, they were speeding home. She couldn't wait to collapse on the sofa in his arms. They drove for several blocks in silence. Finally, Fran couldn't take it anymore.

"Am I in trouble?"

"Why would you think that?"

"For yelling at C.C.. Are ya mad?"

"Not at you, darling. If you hadn't intervened, the crew would still be refusing to work, C.C. and I would still be screaming at each other. And I didn't like her yelling at you one bit."

"That was yelling by you? Remember, I'm from Queens!" She laughed. "THAT was just a polite conversation. If she'd been actually yelling, her big butt would still be bouncin' down the aisle!" She looked over and saw he was still frowning, and covered his hand with hers. "Sweetie, let it go. We'll get home, I'll make you a drink, we'll sit on the sofa...maybe I'll rub your neck." He was still frowning. "Maybe I'll take you upstairs and give you a full body massage." He moaned softly. Yep, he was relaxing now.

The Ferrari pulled up in front of the mansion. Max sat behind the wheel for a minute, then looked over and smiled at Fran. "It's good to be home." Niles met them at the door and took their jackets.

"You go right upstairs, Mister. I'll make your drink and check on dinner, and then I'll be right up." Max silently obeyed. He knew her well enough to know she meant business.

Niles couldn't wait to find out all the details. "How did you get him home so soon?"

"I told C.C. off. I hadn't planned on it, but I'd already fixed her screw up and had got Max calmed down, and the witch started screamin' at me, saying I was only hanging around here for Max's money. You know that's not true. I never even think of him as rich. He's just...just Max! Then she tried to get Max to stand up for her...and he told her to shut up and go home."

"Oh, I wish I could have been there to see that. I always miss the really good stuff."

She walked over to the cart and started to pour Max's drink. "Sorry, Niles. I shoulda thought of a reason for you to stick around." She sniffed the air. "Mmm, something smells good. Is dinner still at six?"

"Yes, is he going to take a nap?"

"No, I'm gonna take him his drink and give him a massage, see if I can get him to relax. See ya at dinner, Niles." She started up the stairs with her drink, smiling as she thought of how she'd REALLY like to help him relax.

She opened the door to his room and found him on his bed. He'd only taken his shoes off. She shook her head as she closed the door behind her. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield, this will never do!" She gave him a seductive smile as she made her way to the bed. She put his drink on the nightstand and climbed onto the bed, straddling his hips with her thighs. "First thing we do, is get rid of this tie." She loosened the knot and pulled the tie open, sliding it over his head. "Now, this shirt is definitely in the way." She started at the top, working each button slowly open. The movement of her hips as she worked was creating the desired effect beneath her. She loved the way she could turn him on with very little effort, but then, he had the same effect on her. As she pulled the shirt from his pants, he grabbed her hips and pushed himself into her. She grinned and moved his hands back to the bed. "Bad boy, no touching the masseuse!" She reached down and unbuckled his belt, and unbuttoned his pants, then slid off his legs back onto the bed. "Finish getting undressed, I'm going to get some oil from my room." She quickly exited the room before he could protest. As she searched for the oils she'd recently purchased, she pulled off her school clothes, and pulled on a pair of cotton lounge pants and a tank top. She might as well be comfortable, too. She grabbed the oil and hurried next door.

"Maxwell Sheffield, what are you doing? Do you want a massage or not?" He was still wearing his underwear and socks. She climbed back onto the bed at his feet and pulled the socks off, tossing them across the room. She made her way up his legs and ran her fingers under the elastic of his boxers.

"Fran..." She loved it when he pretended to be annoyed.

"Either you take 'em off, or I will. They'll be in the way. Now take 'em off and turn on your stomach!" She pretended to be busy with the oil and not watch him remove the boxers.

"All right, I'm ready, are you happy now?"

"I'm thrilled!"

She grabbed her oil bottle and climbed onto the bed, sitting on his upper legs. She poured some of the oil in her palm and rubbed it around, to warm it a bit, then leaned forward and slowly started massaging his upper back. She moved her hands down his spine, then back up his thick muscles, kneading and twisting all the knots out. After several minutes on his back and shoulders, she moved further down to his lower back. She slid further down his legs, until she was almost sitting on his calves. She worked the muscles in his lower back until she was satisfied he was feeling better.

"Now for these legs." She grinned wickedly, and moved her hands from his back to his legs, never leaving his body. Oy, did he have one firm touchas! She worked his muscles from the hamstrings down to his calves, moving off his legs, she lifted them, one at a time to work the muscles in the front of his legs, finally finishing with his feet. "Wait right there." She went into the bathroom, got a large towel, and spread it on the bed next to him. "Ok, roll over."

"What?"

"Roll over on the towel so I can get your chest. What, you think I'm gonna cover my eyes and run screaming from the room? Come on, from where I'll be sittin' I won't see a thing".

She moved next to him, and with one quick move had him on his back, and was again straddling his hips. She poured more oil into her palm as he watched her. "Oy, you're such a baby sometimes!" She rubbed the warmed oil over his chest and shoulders

"That smells good." God, he wanted her.

"Take deep breaths though your nose, it's aromatherapy. It's supposed to relax you." She worked her fingers down his chest to his stomach. He couldn't take much more of this. As she sat up to reposition herself, he sat up and pulled her close to him. "You're supposed to be relaxing." She wrapped her legs around his waist. She thought if he didn't take her right now, she'd just die. He ran his fingers through her hair and pulled her head to him to kiss her. He leaned forward, laying her on her back. Pulling her tank top over her head, his mouth sought out its targets. She moaned his name as he licked one breast, then the other, while rhythmically pressing himself into her. She felt herself slipping over edge, and rocked herself into him harder. She heard his breathing change, as he moaned her name, holding her tightly. He quickly reached for the towel and slipped it between them. They both lay wrapped in each other's arms for a couple of minutes, and then Fran realized what must have happened.

"How about a quick shower before dinner, to, uh, wash this oil off of us?" She looked up at him and smiled. "If ya let me up, I'll go in and turn on the water and get it ready for us."

He smiled gratefully at her. He loved this woman so much. She rolled out of bed and disappeared into the bathroom. He wiped himself off with the towel, and grabbed two robes from the closet before joining her. She'd pulled her hair up on top of her head and was standing in the warm water when he walked in. She was a vision. He stepped into the water with her, and slowly started soaping her body. He hoped this wasn't a mistake; they'd never been completely naked with each other.

"We can always turn the cold water on." She must have been sensing his concern. "Turn around, let me get your back." She lathered up his back and legs, making sure she cleaned all the oil residue off him. "Ok, good as new."

He couldn't resist, he had to feel her body against his. He pressed against her, pushing her against the marble wall of the shower, taking her mouth in his. She wrapped her arms around his neck and accepted his probing tongue. His mouth moved to her neck, her throat, and then moved back slowly to her breasts, teasing them gently with his tongue. She laid her head on his shoulder and began kissing his neck softly. Suddenly he stopped and pulled back. "I'm sorry, Darling, I got carried away."

"Max..."

"Fran, I don't want us to look back on our first time as a quickie in the shower."

She sighed loudly. "You know, you can be so annoying when you're right!" She stepped out of the shower and grabbed a large towel, and handed one to Max. Thanks for the robe, I was wondering how I was going to get to my room for clothes." She kissed him gently and hurried to her room to dress for dinner. Niles was a sweet man, but he could be such a bear when they were late to dinner.

Fran loved dinners in the formal dining room. She liked breakfast and lunch in the kitchen, but she felt so elegant when Niles served them dinner here. There were always candles and fresh flowers, she felt like a princess. She and Max started the meal in silence both still recovering from their relaxation time upstairs. Finally, Max broke the silence.

"Frannie, what do you think about hosting Thanksgiving dinner at our house this year?"

She looked up from her plate. "Our house?" Oh, she loved this man.

"Your parent's place isn't that large, and I thought we could have your parents, Nadine and her husband, and Grandma Yetta over."

"Well, sure, I guess we can do that. I'm not sure how to cook a lot of the dishes, though."

She heard Niles snicker behind her, and knew she'd said something dumb again. "Sweetheart, you just decide what you want prepared, and tell Niles. The lady of the house doesn't do the cooking." He gave Niles a warning glance.

"Um, Max, I hate to bring this up right now, but, um, shouldn't we invite C.C., too? She doesn't have any family here, does she?"

Niles moaned as he cleared the plates from the table. "Niles, that's enough. Fran, are you sure, after today?"

"Max, she may not like me, but if she's gonna work for you, she's gonna have to deal with me, right? One of us has to play grown up. Anyway, no one should be alone on a holiday."

"You're amazing, you know that? Oh, by the way, I booked our flights today. We have to leave on Christmas Eve, Fran, I'm sorry. I know it disrupts your Chanukah plans."

"What time do we leave?"

"The flight leaves JFK at 7:00, which means we need to be there around 5:00."

"Can we leave from Ma's?"

"Of course, Sweetheart. Anything you want."

She got up from her seat and climbed into his lap. "I WANT to make love to the man I'm crazy about in London. Will there be snow?"

"Snow? I don't see why there wouldn't be."

She suddenly frowned. "Max, where are we staying?"

"Oh, so serious. We have the corner suite at the Connaught. You don't really think I'd subject you to my family, do you?"

"Well, I wouldn't mind meeting them, but, if your parents are as bad as you say, I'm glad we aren't staying with them. I just have to remember to have you take my picture in front of the theater, so my parents know we really went to work."

"Well, work will consist of one day. I really could have handled this on the phone, but, I thought, what a great Christmas it would be, to have you in London with me. Now, going back to what you said earlier..."

She smiled innocently at him. "About where we're staying?"

"No, before that." He ran his mouth down her neck. She pretended to think.

"Um, about the snow?" His mouth was hot on her ear.

"Before that."

Her smile got wider. "OH, if we can leave from Ma's!"

His hands moved up her thighs to her hips, and then he moved his fingers to her waist, and slowly started to tickle her. "AFTER that, Francine".

She adjusted herself on his lap, and moved her lips to his neck, running them to his ear. "I said, I want to make love to you in London"

"You're sure? You don't want to wait until we're..."

"We HAVE waited, and if you think either one of us is going to be able to wait another year...after this afternoon...I think London will be perfect."

She needed to change the subject; she was getting turned on just thinking about making love to this man. "Do you have work to do in the office?"

Where did that come from? This woman could change gears faster than Mario Andretti. "Yes, I have to look over some contracts, and a couple of scripts."

"I want to talk to Niles about Thanksgiving, so you go into the office, and I'll bring you some tea in a few minutes"

"You need to let me up, first, Darling"

"Oy, details!" She grinned and kissed him quickly, before hopping out of his lap and disappearing into the kitchen.

"Niles! What am I gonna do? He wants me to take care of Thanksgiving dinner. I have no idea what to do!"

"Well, considering that I'M the one who'll be doing all the cooking, cleaning, serving...what are you so worried about?"

"I want this to be good. So, what do I do first?"

"Well, Mr. Sheffield never got around to purchasing good china. You might go shopping for dishes?"

"Niles! That's something you do when you're engaged! I just can't go out and buy china for the house." She looked over at the look her was sending her way. "Can I?"

"Well, you'll need to do something, because if you don't, I'll be serving the turkey on Chinet!"

"I suppose I should ask Ma and Daddy first. No sense getting excited if she wants to do this herself." Niles handed her the portable phone. "Gee, thanks."

"No time like the present, Miss Fine. The sooner we know, the sooner we can start making plans."

Fran dialed her mother's number and told her of Max's idea. Her parents loved the idea. Her mother didn't have to cook and clean, and her father could watch the game on the wide screen. They'd pick up Grandma Yetta on the way over. So far, so good. She dialed her sister's number. Nadine was thrilled that her sister and Max were making such progress. They agreed to get together this weekend for lunch, and if Max didn't want to go shopping, Nadine would help Fran pick out the china. This was good. The guest list was set, now she'd talk to her mother about what types of food everyone wanted, and she and Niles would plan the menu around that. She filled the teapot as she ran over some ideas in her head. She was still daydreaming when the pot whistled. She fixed Max's tea and made her way to the office, where she found him buried in paperwork.

"Here's your tea, Sweetie."

He leaned back in his chair and ran his hands through his hair. "Thank you, Fran. I could really use this about now."

She walked around his desk and hopped up on the corner. "You got a minute?"

"For you? All the minutes you want. What's up?"

"Niles just told me we don't have any proper dishes for Thanksgiving dinner, and that I should go shopping."

"That's right; we don't have any china, do we? Well, we'll just have to go get some. How about Saturday I take you to Tiffany's, and we'll pick out something appropriate?"

"Sounds great! Now, I have GOT to get upstairs and do my homework. SOMEONE distracted me earlier!"

"You haven't done your homework yet?"

"Don't you DARE start to sound like my father, Maxwell Sheffield!"

He rose from his desk and picked her up. "Don't make me spank you!"

She slipped her arms around his neck. "I like this side of you. How about I go upstairs and do my homework really slow, and then you can come spank me."

"Then you'd never get it done."

"Sure I would. OH, you mean my homework!" She kissed the tip of his nose and wriggled out of his grasp. "Ok, I'll be upstairs. Love you!"

"I love you, my darling." He stood and watched her bound out of his office and through the living room. It seemed so normal having her here. She definitely belonged here with him. He returned to his desk and immersed himself in his paperwork. The next thing he knew, Niles was knocking on the office door.

"Sir, the Fines are here to pick up their daughter."

He looked at his watch. Was it really after 10:00? He walked into the living room and greeted Fran's parents. The way they were dressed, they'd been to a nice dinner. "Morty, Sylvia, I'm so sorry, I was busy in the office and lost track of the time. Fran's upstairs in her room working on her homework." He knew as soon as he said it, he was in trouble. Fran had specifically asked him not to mention her room yet.

"Her room?"

"Well, yes, uh, I thought she might like to have a spot of her own for when she was here. She's got a desk, television, phone line, extra clothes for when we have to change. It saves driving back and forth to Queens."

"That's why we stopped by, we were at dinner, and thought, if she was still here, we'd save you the trip across town."

"That's very kind of you. Come, I'll show you to her room."

He led them upstairs to Fran's room. On the way, they passed his open door and Sylvia looked in. "Oy, this is a nice room! It's almost the size of our apartment!"

"This is my room. Fran's is next door, it's a bit smaller."

He found her door closed, and tapped on it gently. "Fran, are you decent? Fran? Your parents are here." He listened and heard nothing, not even the usual music from her stereo. He opened the door slowly. There she was, in bed, covers pulled up to her head, sound asleep. He turned to Morty and Sylvia. "She's asleep, come in and look at this."

They stepped in and quietly viewed their sleeping child. "Oh, Sylvia, look at her. It seems a shame to wake her up."

"It's a school night, Morty, get her up and let's get her home and into her own bed."

Sylvia shook her daughter gently. "Frannie, Sweetie, wake up, time to go home".

Fran mumbled something incoherent and turned over away from her mother.

Max couldn't stand to see her disturbed. "Sylvia, I can get her to school in the morning, that way she can get a good night's sleep"

"Max, that's such an imposition!"

"Not at all. I'll make sure she eats a good breakfast and gets there on time. Then tomorrow, on the way back here, we'll stop by your place so she can check in."

"You're sure it's no imposition?"

"None at all."

"Whaddya think, Morty?"

"Well, it doesn't look like she's gonna wake up any time soon. Come on, Syl, let's go home."

"I'll see you to the door." Once downstairs he held the front door. "Drive safely. We'll see you tomorrow after school"

"Night, Max!" He watched them get into their car and drive away. He turned around to see Niles watching him.

"You got them to let her stay again, Sir? That guest room story is going to get old."

"Oh, can it, Niles. She's sleeping in her room. I told them I'd get her to school tomorrow. Please make sure we're up in plenty of time." He set the alarm and started shutting off the lights. "That will be all, Niles, goodnight."

"Good night, Sir."

Max headed upstairs to change into his pajamas. Fran may have fallen asleep in another room, but she was definitely not going to sleep alone. He opened her door slowly, and took a couple of steps into the room. He could hear her soft, rhythmic breathing, and just caught a slight hint of her perfume. He smiled. It was the one he'd bought her on their last shopping trip. She'd argued that it was too expensive, but he loved the way it smelled on her. He closed the door behind him and slid quietly into bed next to her. She instinctively turned over to face him, laying her head on his chest. She draped her arm across his stomach, and breathed his name in her sleep. He wrapped his arms protectively around her and kissed the top of her head. He lay there listening to her breath, thinking of how perfect his life had become. His professional life was a success; he was admired and sought after as a producer. His private life was almost as perfect. The only thing that would complete his life would be for Fran to be his wife. And children. He couldn't wait to start a family with her. He closed his eyes and tried to picture the children they would have together. Fran stirred in her sleep, moving her hand up to his neck, caressing him gently. He opened his eyes and looked down at her. Her curls were cascading across her face and over his chest. He smiled as he pictured their first daughter, with her mother's curls. All that would have to wait. Planning a family was still at least a year away. Fran still had school to finish, and her eighteenth birthday. All they could do was wait and love each other. Max closed his eyes and let the sound of her breathing lull him to sleep.