Hello Hello! I know I shouldn't be starting a new story especially since I haven't updated Before Its Too Late in a while but I couldn't help it. I am going to try my best to update once a week (or more) depending on how things go. If you like this and want me to continue please let me know! Enjoy!

The anger. The bitterness. It was building up inside of her. It wouldn't let her go as it grew stronger and stronger. Normally it was tolerable and after she traded a few barbs and threw out a few insults it would go away. Today however was not one of those days. On days like these she could usually take refuge in the office, lock the doors, sip some tea, get work done, and be separated from the world but today was not one of those days. The door was wide open no matter how many times she tried to close it. The children were off from school and the nanny was busy running throughout the mansion.

And to think she thought that today was going to be a good day. She had woken up a little before her alarm, was able to spend a little extra time in making her decision at the coffee shop before heading to work, and even brainstormed of how she was going to make the most out of her evening, totally forgetting what was missing.

Stepping out onto the back patio, she took a deep breath and closed her eyes, trying to do anything that would make the time go just even the slightest bit faster. Instead of being able to throw a few insults or barbs, she was left with a producer who didn't have a clue what he was doing, a nanny who kept interrupting, two children who kept barging in and one child who kept trying to analyze her psyche. And yet something was missing.

They always thought that he would be the one to leave the mansion first with the way he complained about the job or his lack of income. Never once did they think that she would be the one to leave. Sure there was the one time that she quit years ago but everything seemed to run a lot more smoothly after that without taking into consideration the trouble with Nanny Fine and the her own stay at The Place.

She could hear the phone ringing in the office as Maxwell tried to quiet the guests in the office. She placed the cigarette back in her mouth and closed her eyes. The pounding in her head only got stronger as she stood there.

"CC." Suddenly Maxwell was behind her tapping on her shoulder. "It seems the telephone is for you."

"Thank you, Maxwell." He nodded before entering the office again to give her some privacy.

"CC Babcock speaking."

"Hello CC. This is John Norman. We spoke at the Richardson Dinner party a few months back."

"Oh hello, there John. I didn't recognize your voice. Is there something that I can do for you?"

"As a matter of fact there is. You see, I recently had to fire the head of my casting staff, as well as the director and some other positions. My production company has turned to shambles especially without the help of my partner who recently suffered a heart attack. I was hoping that I might be able to interest you in a job."

"John, you realize that you called to offer me a job while I am here in Maxwell's office?"

"Of course I did, CC. How else would I get you to make a decision on the spot? I would be willing to pay you twice as much as he does and cover the traveling costs to London."

"John, it really is a nice offer but you see-"

"Did I mention that you would be head of production and if you produce a hit you could become a partner within the year?"

"You can't be serious?"

"I am. You have really impressed me with your work even if Maxwell is holding you back from reaching your full potential." CC tried to keep a straight face as she could feel Maxwell's eyes on her through the patio doors. "And my partner, who is also my wife, has been pushing me to hire someone else for years. And since she had her heart attack it's time to put things into perspective."

"This is rather sudden, John. Do you mind if I take some time to think it over?"

"If I don't hear from you by tomorrow, my dear, I will be calling you again. I can't just leave my company with anybody. I'm an old man, you see, I want to ensure that the company will go forth and prosper in the future and I need to ensure that I leave it in the hands of someone that can make that happen."

"And you think that I am the one to do so?"

"I do."

"You really want me, CC Babcock, Bitch of Broadway to run the company owned by the one and only John Norman, the only man to have produced just as many hits as Andrew Lloyd Webber?"

"I do."

"I will call you first thing in the morning with my decision."

"Very well, CC. I really hope you consider this offer. Maybe a change is just what you need."

"Thanks again, John."

CC hung up the phone and closed her eyes. This was the perfect deal. They couldn't really get much better than this but could she really leave her life behind. Could she betray Maxwell?

The patio doors opened and Niles walked out. "Mr. Sheffield would like to know if you are finished with the telephone. Some people around here actually have a job other than ensuring that the sofa doesn't float to the ceiling without any weight on it."

She didn't answer. She was stunned that this was really happening. Sure she was professional on the phone but it was starting to hit her. She would have to reply to the offer in less than twenty four hours.

"Miss Babcock? Miss Babcock? Please don't tell me that I have to return you to the place?"

"Oh Stow it Merry Maid." She bit back. Her head was spinning and she was beginning to feel dizzy. She brought her hand to her head to aid the ache.

"You aren't gonna, pass out on me are you Babcock? If you die I would have to drag your coffin out of your dungeon."

"I was just offered a job." She stammered out.

"What?" Niles asked as his voice practically squeaked.

"John Norman, the biggest musical producer in London, just offered me a job with the promise of partner."

"Are you going to take it?" Niles asked. "If you go and take your purse, where am I going to put the dust collectings after I dust?"

"Can't you be serious for one second Niles?" She spun around to look him in the face. "I just got offered a job half way around the world, during the middle of our season, and Maxwell is going to eat me alive."

"Since when do you ever listen to him?"

"Exactly! Which means that his company is going to be a failure!"

"So you should put your happiness aside to ensure his success?"

"Well no. But-" She looked up so she could look him in the eyes. "But you did."

"And look where it got me, Miss Babcock. Dusting shelves, washing dishes, tidying up after ungrateful children. You have paid your dues, we both have but Mr. Sheffield needs to see what he can do on his own and honestly so should you."

That was all he said as he entered the office leaving her to think in silence.