26.
Fran fumbled with the tricky clasp of a gorgeous pearl necklace as she sat at her vanity. She was getting herself ready for the annual "Feed the Children: Global Mission" benefit ball that collected donated money for food and canned goods that would be sent to less-fortunate, third-world countries. Anyone who was anyone in New York show biz attended. It was also basically a gathering ground for business of any kind; an elegant sort of affair that promised fine wine, good entertainment, charity auctions, and a lavish buffet. Deborah asked Maxwell to escort her early on in the week, and since he had already told her that he wasn't attending it with anyone else, he had no way of getting out of her so-called "friendly" suggestion without hurting her feelings. At least it wouldn't be too bad though, because Deborah had persuaded Fran to come along with them as strange as that was. At first, Fran really wasn't into the idea of being a third-wheel, but Deborah promised that showing up would prove to be worth it since there apparently was some amazing guy there that Debbie wanted her to meet. Max was completely unaware of this "other guy" though and Debbie lied to Fran saying that the man she wanted to introduce her to was a good buddy of her relative Todd Oldham. Apparently, the man had a keen sense of fashion and was well-known in the designer world.
Maxwell passed by her open room on his way downstairs. He suddenly stopped and backtracked to her doorway again. He stood silent, just admiring her for a little over a minute. She looked absolutely stunning tonight with her hair pulled up in a fancy up-do and a few stray ringlets of hair framing her face. Fran was truly a lady in red, attired in a rightfully short, scarlet-colored lace and satin dress.
Fran quickly noticed Maxwell's drooling mouth in the mirror that hung on the wall above her vanity.
"How long have you been standing there?" she casually questioned, with a wide grin stretched across her face.
He shook his head and composed himself. "Ahem, ah… sorry Miss Fine. I was only passing by. I didn't mean to disturb you."
"Oh no, no! That's quite alright Mr. Sheffield!" she said, still smiling.
"By the way… you look absolutely breath-taking in that dress."
Fran somewhat shyly lowered her head to look at her shoes while she smoothed a hand over her hair. She let out a soft giggle.
"Thank you. And I must say, you look positively dashing in that suit."
Maxwell immediately became confident in his own skin upon hearing the compliment and he returned a grin. He truly did value her opinion, and was glad that he had chosen one of her favorite suits of his—a sophisticated and mysterious jet black getup.
"Well, try not to be too long now, the driver shall be ready with the limo shortly," he informed her, as he turned to leave.
"Oh, I'm just finishing up now," replied Fran after him, as she placed her blusher brush down on the vanity top.
Max had only walked a few more steps down the hall, when he stopped himself again. He had the most brilliant idea! He should take Miss Fine out to dinner to a five-star restaurant. He really owed it to her after… well—everything!
He returned to the threshold of her doorway and knocked on the open door to the side to get her attention. She turned her head towards him, an inquisitive look in her beautiful brown, long-lashed eyes. Just looking at her with the way she looked tonight almost made him lose his nerve.
"Miss Fine… what do you ah, what do you say that after the benefit, we uh catch a little something to eat?"
"I thought there was going to be appetizers and cocktail snacks?"
He bit his lip in hesitation and wrung his hands.
Why does she have to ask so many questions? Is she dodging the invite?
"Well yes, but nothing too filling. Surely you'll be hungry afterwards…"
Fran broke into a grin. "My, my you know me too well, I'm afraid!"
"So," began Fran, trying to subdue her excitement. "What exactly did you have in mind?"
"Well, I was thinking something along the lines of an… intimate table for two? What do you say?"
"A date? Oh, Mr. Sheffield!"
"A date… an outing… a friendly excursion… call it whatever you may. I'd just really like to spend some time with you. Alone. We've rarely had any quality time together and we've both been so busy lately—you with the children, and uh—well, me with the theater and all."
Omg! thought Fran. He's finally taking the ultimate plunge! I'd better reply back quickly before he changes his mind and takes everything back in a heartbeat.
"Of course I'll go!"
"Good, good then it's settled."
"But only on one condition," added Fran at the last minute.
"And what exactly would that be Miss Fine?" questioned Maxwell, eyeing her oddly.
Fran smirked and thoughtfully ran the side edge of her index finger across her chin.
"That we ditch Deborah."