A Fine Mispucha
Chapter Six
The rest of the week flew by. Fran continued working mornings with her sister and helped train the culinary students to take over most of her duties, freeing her up to spend more time with Max and the kids. Richard had started calling the house on a regular basis, and was seen parked across the street in the evening. By the time Friday rolled around, she was more than ready for a party. Max had gone to Bloomingdales with a picture of Fran, and the sales girl had assured him that the ruby red Carmen Marc Valvo Silk Charmeuse dress would be perfect for her. The sales girl that modeled it for him was just about Fran's size, and even though the girl looked great in it, he knew Fran would be stunning. He picked out a pair of gold and jeweled Manolo Blahnik sandals, and a gold evening bag to complete the look. As soon as Fran put Grace down for her nap, she started getting ready. She was nervous, because she knew Richard would be there, but excited, as this was their first date without the children...and the first time he was officially acknowledging her as his girlfriend in public. She wanted everything to be perfect. She climbed out of the Jacuzzi and patted herself dry. Pulling her robe around her, she headed down the hall to her room and plugged in the curlers. She looked at the beautiful silk gown hanging on her closet door. That sweet man was just way too good to her. She pulled off her robe and massaged perfumed lotion into her skin from head to toe, then pulled the robe back on. She rolled her hair up and began applying her make up when she heard the front door close. She looked at the clock...too early for the kids, and Niles always used the back door. Max. She opened her door and headed down the stairs, where she found him at the foyer table looking through the mail.
"I already threw out the love letters from your other girlfriends, if that's what you're looking for."
"Darling! Don't you look adorable!"
She put her hand to her head. She'd forgotten about the rollers. "Adorable? I must look AWFUL!"
He grabbed her robe sash and pulled her to him. "I don't think you could look awful even if you tried." He kissed her softly. "You smell delicious." He ran his mouth down her neck kissed her throat."
She mustered all the self-control she had and pushed him away. "Oh, no ya don't mister. You don't get to unwrap this package until your party." She couldn't believe she'd just said that. But she did want him. And she wanted him NOW. Damn rollers! He pulled her back to him.
"Is your mother spending the night?" He nibbled on her ear.
"Yeah." Her brain was turning to mush.
"Make sure we put her in the guest room, I don't want to be disturbed tonight. Niles will have us a nosh prepared in our room when we get home."
He was driving her crazy. "Our room?"
"Well, we have YOUR room, for when you're being good, and our room..."
"For when I wanna be bad." She grinned wickedly at him. Tonight was the night.
"Hello, hello! Oh, get a ROOM, you two! YUCK!" C.C. breezed through the front door holding a stack of paperwork.
"Hi, C.C." Fran pulled back from Max and adjusted her robe.
"C.C., I thought you were finishing up things at the theater."
"Maxwell, it's after two, it's done. The caterer is there setting up, Fran, who is that yummy new employee of yours?"
"Yummy? Steven?" She laughed. "Honey, I don't think you're his type."
Max raised his eyebrows. "And just who is his type, Fran?"
"Don't look at me like that. I'm not his type either! Now, you, Sweetie, YOU keep away from him."
C.C. laughed and headed toward the office. "It figures. All the good ones are either taken or gay. Maxwell, we really need to go over these papers, if you can pull yourself away from Franniepoo for a few minutes."
"C.C., be nice."
"Oh, she's just mad because I suggested she take Niles as her date tonight. I mean, he's already gonna BE there, and he is a good lookin' man."
"That's not a bad idea, C.C., unless you've got a date already."
"Maxwell, I'm not going to show up at our opening night party...in front of the press...with your hired help!"
"C.C., with the problems I'm anticipating tonight, I'm going to need Niles inside with me. Instead of you BOTH going alone, I'd really appreciate it if you'd ask him to sit with you, dance with him, be nice to him."
"Maxwell!"
"Honey, maybe it would be betta if you went with C.C. and I just stayed home."
"No bloody way, Fran. C.C., when Niles gets home, I want you to make nice."
"Fran, you owe me big time for this."
"I'll cater your next party for free, how's that?"
"Really? You'd really do that?"
"Sure, why not. I know you really don't want to go with Niles, and I really appreciate you doing this to help look out for me tonight."
"That creep tries anything tonight, he'll wish he'd never set eyes on me. He comes near you, Fran, you just scream, and I'll be right there."
"And let the press have a field day? Are ya kidding?"
"Just stay close to her, C.C.. We'll make sure that one of us is always with her. If one of you needs to go to the ladies room, you both go, understand?"
Fran nodded. C.C. watched her eyes. This girl was scared to death. She may not be happy about Max being involved with her, but she sure as hell wasn't going to let this creep get away with tormenting her. Maybe this thing with Fran was just a fling, he couldn't be serious about her. When they didn't work out, maybe she'd have a better chance with him if she helped out.
"Of course, Maxwell. Between the three of us, we'll make sure Rick the .....,uh, Richard doesn't come near her." She grinned at Fran, who was suppressing a giggle.
"I'm going upstairs and finish getting ready. Ma should be here in a few minutes."
"Why so early?"
"She's gonna be with the kids when they get home from school, so we can get ready."
"That's a great idea; I made us dinner reservations at Oceana, over by Radio City."
"Oooh, that seafood place? I've met the chef, but never had time to check his place out."
"Well, you will tonight. I made reservations for 5:30; will that give you enough time?"
She glanced at his watch. "Yeah, that gives me two hours to get my hair right and finish my makeup. Let me know about 15 minutes before we have to leave, O.K.?"
"I will, Sweetheart. Now, let me get this work out of the way. I'll listen for the door. Do you want me to send your mother upstairs?"
"Yeah, I guess, she can wait with me until the kids get here, or till Grace wakes up. Wait till you see the dress Max bought for me, C.C., you'll just drop dead!" She headed out the door and up the stairs to get ready.
"YOU bought her a dress, Maxwell?"
"Yes, I popped over to Bloomingdale's and told them what I was looking for. They found the perfect dress for her. I can't wait to see her in it."
This was more serious than she thought. "Maxwell, just exactly what IS the situation between you two? I know you've got her staying here for her safety, but the chemistry between you two...you look...you act...married!"
"C.C., you know how much I love Sarah. The thing is, I've fallen in love with Fran, too, and the children adore her. I've got to be able to let Sarah go, so I can move on."
"With her." So, this was it. He fell for her just as he fell for Sarah...fast and hard...and for life. "Are you sure?"
"Absolutely. She's made such a change in my life in this short amount of time. I just can't imagine my life without her."
"So you plan to marry her?"
"Yes, C.C., I do. I love her, the children love her, and she loves all of us. She's made us a family again. I haven't mentioned it to her, yet, so please don't say anything to her."
"I wouldn't dream of it." She looked down and shuffled the paperwork as the doorbell rang. Saved by the bell!
Max answered the door and sent Sylvia up to Fran's room. Minutes later, Brighton and Maggie burst through the front door.
"Dad! Fran! We're home!" They stood in the foyer, as their parents came from two different directions. Sylvia followed Fran down the stairs.
"Hi, Bubby!" Brighton ran to hug Sylvia. Fran rolled her eyes and shrugged her shoulders at Max.
"Why don't you two take Bubby Sylvia into the kitchen and have her get your snack out of the refrigerator. I think Fran made some banana pudding for you!"
"Cool!" They each took one of Sylvia's hands and led her toward the kitchen.
"Start your homework, I'll be right in!" The kids nodded without looking back. "Well, YOU were a big help."
"What's wrong?"
"Now you're calling my mother Bubby, too? Max, that means grandmother!"
"I know what it means. Children can have surrogate grandparents, can't they? They adore your mother, and she treats them like they're YOUR children."
"You know why that is, don't ya? She's gonna start pushin' now that we're going out on a 'real' date."
He put his arms around her and kissed her forehead. "Sometimes I need a little push."
"All right...let me rephrase that. Ma SHOVES...so watch your back. OY, is that Grace?" She listened, and they could hear the sound of her crying up stairs. "Tell the kids I might be a few min, and make sure they're doin' their homework." She hurried up the stairs and into Grace's room, where she found the child sitting bed crying. "Angel, what's the matter!" She picked her up and began to rock her. "It's all right, Sweetie, I'm here. Wanna go downstairs and see Daddy and Bubby?"
"Want Bubby!"
"Ok, Sweetie, let's wash your face first, get all those tears off." She carried her to the bathroom and wet a cloth to wash the child's face.
"No, Bubby do it."
"Sweetie, you aren't going downstairs until we wash your face, all right?"
"K, Mommie."
"We gotta keep you away from the twins; you're getting as mouthy as they are." She finished washing her face and carried her to the kitchen, where the other children were enjoying their pudding. She put Grace in her chair and grabbed a dish from the refrigerator.
"O.K., you three, Bubby's in charge now. Daddy and I are going to dinner and to his opening party. I don't want to hear about any trouble, you understand? And Ma...DON'T spoil them!
She left them with her mother and returned to her room to get ready. She could hear the shower running in Max's room. She wanted so badly to join him. She began to pull the rollers out of her hair, and then finished her makeup. She decided to pull her hair up, letting part of it fall in long rings around her shoulders and face. Watch the time, Fran. Watch the time. You don't want to keep him waiting on your first real date. She walked over to her dresser and pulled out her underwear. She chose her black lace bra trimmed with red, and the matching thong. If ever got around to getting her dress off, she wanted to make the man drool. She took off her robe and hung it in the closet, and carefully pulled on the lace underwear. She dabbed perfume on all her sensitive areas, hoping to entice Maxwell to explore them. She looked at the clock. Almost time.
"Fran, fifteen minute warning, Darling."
"I'll be right out, Sweetie, thanks!" Perfect timing. She slid into her silk dress and pulled up the zipper. It fit as if it were made for her. Another knock on her door.
"Fran?" It was Maggie.
She opened the door, where Maggie was holding a small box. "Wow, Fran, you look GREAT! Um, Daddy asked me to bring you this. He said, "Ask Fran to please wear this tonight", and said to make it sound convincing, because he really wants you to wear it." She looked down towards Max's room and smiled.
Fran whispered, "He's down there, isn't he?"
Maggie nodded and handed the box to Fran. When she opened it, she gasped audibly. "Oh, my God. They're beautiful." Inside the box was a pair of three stone diamond earrings. She went to the mirror and put them on. "Tell your Daddy, I'd be thrilled to wear them."
"He went downstairs. He said tell her it's time to go." She giggled.
"I'm on my way. She grabbed her handbag and headed down the stairs. The entire family was assembled in the foyer to watch her entrance.
"Mommie pretty!"
Sylvia smiled and hugged the child in her arms. "She sure is, baby."
"Wow, are you sure you want to go with him, because I'm sure that Ms. Babcock would understand..."
"Niles! Fran, you look amazing, breathtaking."
"I love the earrings...and the dress...and the shoes...you're too good to me."
"Nothing's too good for you. Ready to eat?" She nodded and took his arm. "Niles, we'll be back after dinner, then we'll all go pick up C.C. and go to the party together."
Dining at Oceana was an experience. Fran had never seen such attentive wait staff. Max teased her that it was only because she looked so wonderful. Fran had trouble deciding what to order, everything on the menu looked so wonderful. Max ordered the oysters and caviar appetizer for them, along with a bottle of champagne. Fran finally decided on the Loup de Mer en croute, and Max settled on the Bacon Wrapped Monkfish. For dessert, Fran indulged her passion for chocolate and ordered the Hot Chocolate Trio, which consisted of fritters, warm chocolate cake, and coffee pots de crème. Max decided on the Three Course Dessert Tasting, so he could watch Fran sample more of the taste treats. They brought out Pear Soup, Huckleberry Crème Brule, and a Banana Hot Fudge Sundae. He fed her bites of each treat, and watched as her eyes lit up with each bite. He couldn't wait until the party, so he could dance with her all evening. He couldn't wait to get her in his arms. As they pulled the Jeep into the garage, Max noticed that Niles had already pulled the limo out.
They entered the house to let Niles know they were ready, and found Sylvia sitting on the sofa reading to the children. "She never read like that to me and Nadine."
"Well, Darling, grandchildren are different. This must be what you meant by a shove."
"No, Sweetie, this is only a little nudge"
Grace's head popped up at the sound of Fran's voice. "Mommie!" She jumped of the couch and ran for a hug.
Fran bent down to hug her. "Oh, Honey, I can't pick you up in this dress."
"I can." Max picked up his daughter and held her over his head. "How's that?"
She giggled. "Down, Daddy! Bubby reading book."
"What's she reading?"
"Night night, Moon!"
"Fran, I can't believe how much better she's talking."
"Yeah, and she's starting to get a little mouthy. I think she's been hanging around the twins too much." They walked into the living room to hug the other two children.
"Yeah, she sounds like Brighton now." Maggie giggled and tossed a pillow at her brother.
"Oh, now don't you kids start. Frannie, they've been perfect angels until you two got here."
"Sir, the limo is ready." Niles was standing in the doorway.
"Well, then, that's our cue to leave. Children, don't give Bubby Sylvia a hard time tonight."
"We won't, Daddy!"
The couple kissed the children and gave Sylvia a hug before heading out the door to the limo. They sat in the back and exchanged soft kisses all the way to C.C.'s condominium.
"I'll go up for Ms. Babcock, Sir. After all, she IS my date tonight."
Fran laughed as they watched him disappear into the building. "Ya know, Honey, they may call each other names and argue, but I think he's really looking forward to going to this party with her."
"I think you're right. C.C. sure didn't put up much of a fight when I asked her to go with him."
C.C. heard the doorbell and floated to the door. She couldn't wait to see Maxwell in his tux. She opened the door and couldn't find her tongue.
"Good evening, Ms. Babcock."
"Niles! I was expecting...you look...let me get my purse."
He smiled. "You look beautiful tonight."
His remark caught her off guard. "You don't look so bad yourself." He offered her his arm and escorted her to the limo, and helped her in. "Oh, are you two at it again."
"Sorry, C.C., we didn't see you coming."
Fran reached over and gently wiped the lipstick from Max's mouth. "So, what'd ya think of Niles' tux? Does he look yummy or what?" Max bit at her finger. "Well, not NEARLY as yummy as YOU, Max." She blew a kiss at him.
"Yes, he looks very nice. Maybe tonight won't be a total disaster."
They spent the rest of the ride talking about the party, about the opening of the play tomorrow, and how they were going to handle keeping Fran safe at both events. Fran had the worst feeling in the pit of her stomach that she should have just stayed home with the kids. When the limo pulled up in front of the theater, Fran began to feel ill.
"Max, maybe I should just go home. I really don't feel well."
"Darling, it's just nerves. You'll be fine. You won't be alone tonight." Niles opened the door to the limo and Max climbed out, and then offered her his hand. "Ready?"
She took a deep breath. "As ready as I think I'm gonna be." She stepped from the limo to a barrage of flash bulbs. Max has been right about the press. He wrapped his arm around her protectively and ushered her inside. They were closely followed by Niles and C.C..
"I think I need a drink. Fran, how about you?"
"I could use a glass of wine." She held tightly to Max's hand as they made their way to the stage area where the party was already in full swing. C.C. handed her a glass of champagne, which Fran downed immediately.
"Sweetheart, take it easy. We have a table reserved over here. What do you say we go sit down, get some of the wonderful treats your sister prepared, and you can try to relax?" He led her over to their table, and Niles brought her a plate.
"I thought you might want a nosh."
"Thanks, Niles." She picked up a finger sandwich and popped it into her mouth. Max handed her a glass of champagne.
"Just sip this one." He laughed. "I don't want to have to carry you out of here tonight. Have I told you how beautiful you look?"
"Only about ten times, but I never get tired of hearing it."
"Would the most beautiful woman in this room do me the honor of dancing with me?"
"I thought you'd never ask."
He held her close as he moved her around the dance floor. He caught Richard glaring at them several times, and each time, tried to move Fran to the other side of the room. Was it his imagination working overtime, or was Richard following them?
After several drinks, Niles finally worked up enough courage to ask C.C. to dance with him. He whirled her skillfully around the floor, his strong arms holding her tightly.
"Niles, I never knew you were such a good dancer!" He responded by dipping her and then pulling her closer to him.
Fran watched with amusement. "Those two are sure having a good time."
"How about you?" He looked deeply into her eyes.
"Maxwell, I always have a good time when I'm with you." She laid her head on his shoulder and pressed herself closer to him. They danced around the room, holding each other tightly, as if they were the only ones on the floor. The band took a break, and they continued to hold each other, until their spell was broken by C.C..
"Uh, in case you two didn't notice, the band stopped, oh, about an hour ago."
Max opened his eyes and looked around. "I'm sure you're exaggerating, C.C.."
"Ok, well a minute ago." They all walked back to their table, where one of the show's backers met them.
"Fran, I need to talk to him for a few minutes. Will you be all right here with C.C.? C.C., where's Niles?"
"He finally went out to move the car. He said he'd be right back."
"I'll be over at the bar. Don't leave Fran alone, please." He shot a worried look at C.C., then walked over to meet his backer.
"Fran, I've got to visit the ladies room. You'd better come with me." She stood up and headed for the hallway leading to the restrooms.
Fran got up and caught Max's eye, and pointed to the hallway. He looked for C.C., and then nodded. As C.C. entered the ladies room, Fran felt someone grab her arm and spin her around.
"Baby, you look good enough to eat." Richard pushed her to the wall with his body and began to try to kiss her.
"Get away from me, Richard." She looked down the hallway; she couldn't see Max from where she was. She couldn't see anyone. "Richard, stop. People will see us."
"You're right, doll. How about we go somewhere a bit more private?" He moved his hands to her waist and picked her up, moving her towards the men's room.
Oh, God, this can't be happening. She knew she couldn't scream, the press would be all over this story. She had to think quickly. She began to kick and claw at him, causing him to put her down. He grabbed her arms and pinned them above her head with one hand, and began moving the other hand over her body. His hips were pressed hard against hers, holding her in place. The harder she struggled, the more aroused she could feel him becoming.