DISCLAIMER: I do not own the characters of "The Nanny" but the utter lack of Niles and CC scenes throughout the series mandated that I write stories about them. The title was inspired by Kate Voegele's song "Chicago," which I don't own either.

[A/N: I promise I'm working on a sequel to "8 Days," but I had to get this out of my head first. As usual, I've completed this story and will update pending the reviews. So please R&R!]

7:00 to Chicago

"CC, I want you to truly think about this," Maxwell continued as CC gazed at his mahogany desk.

"It's an excellent business opportunity," CC said dully.

"It is," Maxwell agreed. "There's an excellent market for us and the potential for growth is huge. We've got a considerable range of contacts out there."

"Have you already discussed this with them?"

Maxwell nodded. "All positive responses. The mayor recently signed off on a great deal of grants for the arts so that can give us a substantial financial base."

CC nodded slowly. "That's true."

"But as I say, CC, give this some serious thought," Max encouraged. "I only bring this up because I've got ties here and—"

"And I don't," CC finished.

"Now, that isn't what I meant to say," Max pressed on.

Before he began telling her that his family was hers, too, CC interrupted, "But it's the truth, Maxwell. And as you said, tremendous business opportunity."

"That isn't what it's all about, though," Max told her. "There's no point going through with this if you won't be happy."

"Show me more about the theaters," CC said, abruptly changing the subject. Maxwell seemed not to notice and eagerly swiveled the laptop to show CC some properties he'd investigated.

A couple of hours later, CC left the office and walked into the foyer to retrieve her light spring jacket. She pulled the white linen frock out of the closet and slipped it over her shoulders, happy it was warm enough to wear again.

"Time for your coven meeting already, CaCa?" Niles asked.

"No, but I'm happy to see you're on your way to the Butler's Association meeting," CC said, gesturing toward the feather duster in his hand.

Niles almost opened his mouth to reply that the meetings were on Wednesdays before he recovered. "Oops!" he said, walking past her and dragging the duster across her sleeve, leaving a smudge of dust on the crisp white material.

"Niles!" CC exclaimed. She attempted to wipe it off and only succeeded in smearing it worse. "I know you don't understand the concept of money, Hazel, never having had any your entire life. But this coat cost more than what you'd make in a month and that means paws off."

"Paws off? But then, Miss Babcock, you shouldn't be touching it either," Niles said innocently. Glancing at CC, he saw her worriedly inspecting the smudge. "Oh, for goodness' sake, it's a little dust. I'll get it out." He walked behind her and slipped the jacket off of her, his hands grazing her arms.

She suppressed a shudder at his touch and turned, looking at him concernedly. "Niles, are you feeling all right? You just volunteered to help me out." She pressed the back of her hand to his forehead, her brow furrowed.

Niles slunk out from under her touch and draped her coat over his arm. "I'll be fine if you never touch me again."

A look crossed over her eyes fleetingly as she shrugged. "Whatever," she tossed over her shoulder as she turned and exited the mansion.

CC leaned back against her black leather couch and maneuvered chicken into her mouth with the chopsticks. For the eighth time, she was looking over the business proposal Maxwell had thrown together. She could sense that Max was excited about the prospect and CC felt a vague sense of curiosity toward it, but there was something off.

Twirling the lo mein around the chopsticks, CC gnawed her lip. In terms of business, there was no better time than the present. The money was there, the backers were there, and the profit margin was considerably wider because it wasn't nearly as expensive as New York was. More than anything, though, this was the chance for CC to truly prove herself. Despite her performance as Maxwell's equal, she was still technically his subordinate. Were she given this opportunity, she would be able to prove to Maxwell and everyone else that she was just as equally capable.

Could she be happy? She'd been in plenty of situations where she hadn't known anyone before, and work was sure to keep her busy. And as Maxwell had said, she didn't have any ties here.

For a moment, CC remembered a few weeks ago when she'd attended the Broadway Guild Awards. It had been such an enjoyable evening, and things with Niles had actually been pleasant. Following that, however, Niles gave no acknowledgment of their special time together.

CC shook her head as though to shoo away the thoughts. Now was the time to focus on her career and her life, not the annoying butler.