I don't own these characters, I wish I did. All I own is the boat that Fran inherited! I decided to bring them down to my house to play for a little while. Most of the places mentioned are real, including the wonderful B&B, The House on Bayou Road.

UPDATE:

This story was originally published on the RUNHP several years ago, prior to Hurricane Katrina. Many of the places mentioned in here no longer exist.

Soul Mateys

Chapter One

Fran was sitting in the kitchen sipping tea and filing her nails, when Niles came in holding a large manila envelope. "Miss Fine, a messenger just delivered this for you".

"Wha?" "Who would be sending me something anything important enough for a messenger?" Fran took the envelope and looked at the return address. "It's from some attorney in New Orleans!" "Oy, I haven't been there in years...maybe I forget to pay a parking ticket?" She laughed and lightly slapped Niles in the ribs with the back of her hand. She took a sip of tea and used her nail file to open the envelope. She pulled out the contents and frowned as she started to read the cover letter. "Oh, Niles...is Mr. Sheffield still in his office?"

"Yes, Miss Fine, he's been on the phone with his costumers all morning."

"I need to talk to him about this, I'm gonna need some time off to go to New Orleans. My uncle, Leo died and left me something from his estate!"

Fran took the stack of legal papers and headed for Mr. Sheffield's office. The kids were away for a month at summer camp, maybe this would be easier than she thought. She dreaded leaving for any amount of time; she had hoped that the time they were able to spend together with no kids around would help get them closer. "Yeah, like THAT's gonna happen", she sighed.

She reached the open office door and looked inside. Maxwell was sitting at his desk, going over some papers. She stood and admired how handsome he was for a full minute before disturbing him. He was so adorable when he was so focused on his work!

"Mr. Sheffield, do you have a few minutes...I have a problem."

"I always have time for you, Miss Fine. What's the problem?"

"My uncle Leo died in Louisiana, and I've been named in his will. I'm supposed to go to New Orleans and meet with his lawyer and pick up the items he left me. It shouldn't take me more than a week to get everything settled....I think...his lawyer sent me these...can you look at them for me?" She held out the legal papers that she had received earlier.

"New Orleans, Miss Fine?" "That's no place for a woman alone!" "You can't handle this over the phone?" Fran handed him the papers and he read the cover letter. "Oh, I see, you must meet with the attorney in person. Well, I can't let you go alone; maybe Val or your mother can go with you?"

"No, Val is away with her parents, and Ma is in Boca visiting Uncle Jack." Fran lowered her head and lifted her eyes up to meet his. "I'll be O.K. alone, really, Mr. Sheffield. I've been there before."

Max sighed. New Orleans in the spring. Mardi Gras was over, but wasn't there some sort of Jazz Festival going on? Thousands of tourists, parties, men? He knew what he had to do. "Miss Fine, the children won't be back from camp for another month, and I've just about got things at the theater under control. C.C. can handle everything from here. Why don't I go with you to, uh, make sure everything goes smoothly at the lawyer's office?" He couldn't tell her he wanted to go to make sure she didn't get into any trouble, or meet some man!

"Oh, Mr. Sheffield, that would be wonderful!" She tried to hide how excited she actually was. New Orleans with Mr. Sheffield for at least a week. This had promise!

"Niles!"

"Yes, sir?"

"I'd like to you make reservations for a flight and hotel for Miss Fine and myself." We'll be leaving tomorrow and staying...let's make it two weeks...to make sure we get all the legal business handled"

Niles smiled. "Yes, sir, right away!" Legal business indeed! He knew that if Miss Fine had her way, more than LEGAL business would be handled, and he knew just how to help her along!

Niles got on the phone and tried a couple of New Orleans hotels. All booked for Jazz Fest, just as he suspected. He asked for a nice, romantic Bed and Breakfast, and was directed to The House on Bayou Road. He called and found out that one spot was available...the private Creole cottage called Bayou Self. "Reservations for two, for two weeks, arriving tomorrow." Alright, Miss Fine, the ball's in your court now!

Niles completed the plane reservations, booking the two of them first class seats into Louis Armstrong International, and then arranged a limo ride to the B&B. Now how to tell Mr. Sheffield...no, I'll give the paperwork to Miss Fine, and she can file it away with her legal papers, and he won't know what hit him until it's too late!

Niles brought the "hotel" reservation paper work up to Miss Fine's room, where she was attempting to pack. She had enough clothes on her bed for a month. "Miss Fine, I'm sure the hotel will have a laundry service, so you don't have to take everything you own!"

"Oh, Niles, two weeks alone in New Orleans with Mr. Sheffield...I want everything to be perfect! What should I take? I don't want to appear too eager and scare him off!"

"Miss Fine, remember it's warm and humid in the south, dress light and comfortable. Here is your hotel information; I'm putting it in the envelope with the information for your attorney."

"Thanks, Niles...just don't torment poor Ms. Babcock too much while we're gone!" She gave him a big hug.

Niles grinned...he was so busy plotting romance for Miss Fine and Mr. Sheffield, he'd completely forgot he'd be alone with C.C. for two weeks! Now the wheels really started to turn! He had to come up with something special for her!

Fran finally finished with her packing. She'd narrowed down her wardrobe, and finally ended up with only two suitcases for clothes, and one for her grooming supplies. She smiled at a job well done, and fell into bed and into a deep sleep.

The next morning she awoke with a start...her luggage was gone! Then she heard a tapping on her door. "Miss Fine?" It was Mr. Sheffield. We have to leave for the airport in 90 minutes...you'd better get up and start getting ready...Niles already took your luggage down to the limo!"

"I'm up, just getting into the shower!" Ninety minutes, and they'd be on their way! She danced into the bathroom and took a nice warm shower, put on her makeup, and then decided on a comfortable jogging suit for the flight. With the time change, it would only be a two-hour flight, but she wanted to be able to relax. She grabbed her paperwork for the lawyer and stuffed it into her carryon bag, and bounced down the stairs. There he was...in his blue jeans and a t-shirt...she let out a small groan, she loved him in jeans!

Max took her carry on for her and set it by the door. "Niles has prepared us a light breakfast, if you're hungry, Miss Fine."

If she was hungry. "How long you known me?" She grinned as she headed into the dining room for a waffle and fruit. She tried to avoid looking at Mr. Sheffield, she knew he could read her eyes, and she didn't want to let him know just how much she was looking forward to this trip with him. Little did either one of them know what was waiting for them in New Orleans! They both ate quickly and quietly. When they had finished, Max broke the silence.

"Ready to go, Miss Fine?" "Did you remember to bring the documents for the lawyer?"

"Yes, they're in my carry on, I'm all ready!" She looked at him and smiled. Here we go!

He took her by the hand and they walked to the door. He picked up both of their carryon bags, tossed them over his shoulder, and they headed to the limo. They made small talk on the way to Queens to the airport. Niles sat in the driver's seat praying Mr. Sheffield wouldn't bring up the hotel, and find out about the romantic hideaway until it was too late to do anything about it. Good luck finding different lodgings during Jazz Fest! He smiled again...he hoped things went well...if they did, he'd get a raise, if not, well, he'd be fired for the hundredth time!

When they got to the airport, Niles gave the bags to the porter, and gave Miss Fine a big hug. "I hope everything turns out well for you!" She just smiled at him and hugged him back.

"Be good!"

Then Fran and Max headed to the terminal to pick up their tickets and board the plane. They found their seats, and Max stowed their carryon bags in the overhead. Fran had already gotten her headphones and was ready to listen to some music on the flight, and get a little sleep. Max sat down beside her, pushed his seat back and tried to sleep himself. All he could do was stare at her. God, she was beautiful! He finally closed his eyes and tried to push the thoughts he was having out of his head.

They both jumped when the plane touched down. They gathered their luggage and headed for the security gate, where they found their limo driver holding a sign that spelled out SHEFFIELD. "Where to, sir?" he asked Max.

"Oh, Niles gave me the information...where is it, oh, yeah!" Fran dug into her carryon, pulled out the hotel information and gave it to the driver. He read the paper and smiled at the two of them. He was familiar with this particular B&B. "Would you like me to drive straight there, or would you like a small tour first?"

Max looked at Fran. "What do you think? A nice drive around the city first?"

Fran nodded. "I've been here once before, but it was a long time ago, I don't remember where anything is." She grinned. "Except for Cafe duMonde!"

Max laughed. Only Fran Fine could be in one of the oldest, most beautiful cities in the world, and only remember where to find fresh donuts!

The driver drove them into the French Quarter, then down by the lakefront, showing them the marinas, and all the waterfront restaurants. "The local seafood is excellent here. The Dock offers lake and gulf shrimp, crab and oysters, and Louisiana crawfish".

Fran's mouth was watering. She could already taste the seafood. She gave Max a hungry look.

"Alright, Miss Fine, let's get settled in our hotel rooms, and then I'll take you out for seafood!"

The driver finished his tour of the lakefront, and then headed up City Park Ave to Carrollton Ave. They crossed a bridge over Bayou St. John, then made a couple more turns, then turned into a driveway of a very old looking home. "Here you are, sir, ma'am".

Maxwell was now concerned. "What is this place?"

"It's your B&B, sir, The House on Bayou Road. Your wife gave me the reservation form".

Max looked at Fran and frowned.

"Don't look at me! I never even looked at that paper! I was packing, and Niles came in and put it into my envelope...uh, oh!" Fran immediately knew that Niles had set them up. Max was still somewhat clueless.

"Oh, well, let's go see what our rooms are like, if we don't like them, one night won't kill us, right, Miss Fine?"

"Absolutely, Mr. Sheffield!"

They entered the house and the driver followed to check on where to take their luggage. As Max and Fran waited, the driver was told to take the suitcases to Bayou Self. He looked at them and smiled. Rooms, boy, will THEY be surprised!

Max signed them in, and Fran watched as he had some words with the manager. He walked over to her, frowning again.

"What now?" She asked him.

Niles is so fired when we get home. He took her by the hand. "Come on, follow me, we'll have to make the best of this!" She followed him down a path, past a pond and a beautiful garden. So peaceful, so secluded. Then she saw the cottage. The door was open for them, their luggage inside of the most beautiful, romantic room she'd ever seen. There was a queen-sized feather bed, a fireplace,and Jacuzzi for two.

"Um, where's the other room, Mr. Sheffield?" The look he gave her spoke volumes. "Oh, no, Niles!"

"Yes, Niles! AND I've been informed that there are NO other rooms available in the entire city due to this Jazz Fest thing that's going on!"

Fran knew she had to lighten his mood. "How about I put our things away while you rest a bit, and then you promised to take me for seafood!"

Max smiled. She always knew just what to say. He took off his shoes and lay down on the bed. Oh, this was nice. He closed his eyes and could hear Fran moving quietly around the room. She found the CD player and the CDs, and put on some soft, relaxing music. He drifted off into a light sleep. He woke to the softness of her fingers on his face.

"Mr. Sheffield, are you ready to get up?" He opened his eyes, and she had cleaned up and dressed for dinner. He took her hand and squeezed it.

"Yes, thank you for letting me rest, I didn't realize how tired I was!" He got up and went into the bathroom to change for dinner. A few minutes later, he emerged, looking amazingly handsome. "Ready, Miss Fine?"

"Absolutely! I'm famished!"

They caught a cab to The Dock, which is known for its fabulous local seafood.

"What looks good, Miss Fine?" Max had his head buried in his menu.

Fran looked up and smiled at him. What looks good, you mean, besides YOU? Focus on the menu, Fran! "Well, I've never had boiled crawfish and I love shrimp and crab...I can't decide!"

"Well, what about the boiled platter, we'll get all three, and it looks like it's big enough to share".

"Sounds great!"

The waitress came by about that time, so Max ordered the large boiled seafood platter, along with a dozen oysters on the half shell, and a bottle of white wine.

"So, Miss Fine, after we take care of the attorney, what kinds of plans do you have?" "Any special sights you'd like to see?"

"Oh, there's so much to see here! I'd like to walk around the French Quarter and check out some of the shops, and Cafe du Monde is definitely on the schedule! I'd also like to check out some of the historical sites. There's an old fort across the lake, and the battlefield where the Battle of New Orleans was fought, you know the song 'In 1814 we took a little trip...'" She stopped herself short, realizing this was the battle where the British were soundly defeated

Max looked at her with interest. "I didn't know you were so interested in history".

"Well, we're here, and the history is here. There's even a bar that was once a blacksmith shop owned by a pirate!" Her eyes were dancing. Max loved the way she got so excited about little things.

About that time, the food showed up. Max wax right, it was definitely enough for two, even if one of them was Fran Fine.

Fran looked at the waitress. "How do we eat the crawfish?"

The waitress smiled. "First timer, huh? It's easy, just suck the head and pinch the tail"

"Wha?"

The waitress then demonstrated the correct way to remove the head, and told Fran to suck the juice out, then showed her how to remove the meat from the tail.

Suck the head, huh? Fran dove into the crawfish, making sure she had Max's full attention when she sucked on each one. Max was focusing on the oysters. "Care for one, Miss Fine?"

"No way, to slimy for MY taste, you go ahead!" Fran made a face and continued to make short work of the mudbugs, then started in on the shrimp. "I LOVE the spice they put in these! We'll have to buy some for Niles!"

"More wine?" Max noticed Fran's glass was empty.

"Mmm, yes, please! He filled her glass and watched her take a large gulp. He'd have to keep an eye on her.

"We'll pick up some brochures when we get back to the hotel, and see what we can find to entertain ourselves while we're here."

The both looked at the platter. They had eaten every bite of seafood, and the wine was gone. The waitress had brought by the check, so they got up and headed for the cash register. Max left the waitress a large tip for the crawfish lessons. He'd never tell Fran, but he enjoyed the show she put on for him immensely.

On the cab ride back, Fran leaned over and kissed Max on the cheek. "Thanks for dinner, it was really fun! The crawfish was great!" Then she put her head on his shoulder and closed her eyes. She was very relaxed from the wine and the company. Max took her hand in his. When they arrived back at the B&B, it was Fran who was dozing. They walked hand in hand to their cottage, where they found their bed turned down, and candles lit all around. Max looked around the room. No sofa, no large chairs, just that big bed that seemed to get smaller every time he looked at it. Well, it was just going to be one night...he could control himself for one night, couldn't he?

"You go ahead and get ready for bed, Miss Fine, I'll see if I can find a cot or something."

"Mr. Sheffield, I'm so tired, I won't even notice if you are in the same bed with me, after all, it's only one night, right? We're friends, we should be able to share a bed for one night." She smiled and patted his arm, and headed to the bathroom to change.

Max walked out the porch and sat in the rocker. He looked up at the sky, and never realized there were so many stars. Fran came out in her robe and slippers and sat in the other rocker. "The bathroom's free, Mr. Sheffield. I'm heading to bed. Goodnight!" She leaned over and gave him a gentle kiss on the lips, and smiled before going back inside.

Max sat there for a couple of minutes, and then touched his fingers to his lips. How was he supposed to get through this night! He got up and went into the bathroom to change. Fran was already in bed. She'd thoughtfully moved herself all the way over to the edge of the bed, to try to make the situation more comfortable. When he came out of the bathroom, he could hear her slow rhythmic breathing, and knew she was sleeping. He carefully climbed into the bed and tried to stay as far as he could on his own side. He closed his eyes and tried to will himself to sleep. When he opened his eyes again, he felt Fran next to him, pressing her nose into his neck. He could smell her perfume, and feel her warm body. What was she doing to him? He looked at the clock...it was 3am. Next thing he knew, her arm was draped across his chest. He could do this, he really could. He heard Fran softly whimper in her sleep, as if she was having a bad dream. He gathered her into his arms and she relaxed. He sighed. This felt so right, but at the same time so wrong. He tried to get back to sleep, he remembered seeing the clock hit 4am, but the next thing he knew it was daylight. Fran was still in his arms, but now her eyes were open, watching him sleep. As he opened his eyes, she smiled.

"Good morning, sleepy!" She started to pull away, but he held on to her, not wanting to lose the feeling of her in his arms.

"Good morning, Miss Fine." He leaned to her, kissed her forehead, and released her. "It looks like we overslept a bit! What time do we have to be at the attorney's office?"

"Not till one this afternoon, we're fine! I suppose we have to dress for breakfast here, right?"

"I think they'd frown on you wearing your robe and slippers into the main dining room, Miss Fine!"

She made a face at him, grabbed her clothes and headed for the bathroom. "Fine, I'll get dressed then!" God that woman could always make him laugh!

After breakfast, they walked around the 2 acres of the B&B. Gardens, ponds, it was truly beautiful! Then it was time to head into town to the attorney.

They walked into the office, and Fran presented the letter to the secretary. "Oh, yes, he's been expecting you...go right in!"

Fran and Max entered the large office, and the attorney motioned for them to sit. "Your uncle had homes in several cities, but here he chose to live here on a sailboat. He's left that boat to you, Miss Fine."

"A boat?" What do I know from boats?"

"I used to sail quite a bit when I was at Eton, Miss Fine, I could teach you what you need to know. How big exactly is this boat?"

"It's a 30 footer, right now it's across the lake in a marina. If you chose to take it home with you, you can sail it yourself, hire a delivery captain, or have it trailered. It's a very seaworthy boat, been to the Caribbean several times."

"This boat has been a liveaboard, so there's every amenity you need to live on it right now, stove, refrigerator, shower, dishes, and linens."

Max thought for a minute. The B&B was luxury, but this boat had two beds, he and Miss Fine wouldn't have to share a bed for the rest of the trip. "This boat is ready to live on right now?"

Fran stared at him. He was kidding, right? A boat? LIVE on a boat? No butler, no room service, no queen-sized feather bed?

"Yes, the boat is completely ready to live on. I believe the propane tanks are even full."

"What do you say, Miss Fine? Shall we stay on your new boat while we're here? Maybe take her out sailing? She DOES sail, right?"

"She has a full complement of sails, all the safety and navigation equipment. She's an older boat, but well taken care of."

Fran was backed into a corner. Mr. Sheffield didn't want to stay in that romantic setting with her if he could get out of it. He actually sounded excited about going sailing, maybe she could work this to her advantage! "You know, Mr. Sheffield, moving on to the boat sounds like an adventure! You swear you know what you are doing?"

"Completely, Miss Fine, you'll be perfectly safe."

Fran smiled. She was thinking of how to start spinning her web. "Great, then I say, let's go for it! I can't wait for you to teach me to sail!"

They took a cab back to the B&B, checked out, and then rented a car to drive over the lake to Slidell, to Oak Harbor Marina, where their new home for the next two weeks was waiting. They checked in with the harbormaster, and had keys to the gate issued. "These also fit the pool, restrooms and laundry facilities," the harbormaster told them.

They left the suitcases in the car, and walked down the docks to find the boat. It was a pretty white boat with blue trim. Max climbed aboard, and unlocked the padlock on the door. He helped Fran into the cockpit, and then they climbed inside. Max's heart sank. Yes, the boat was beautiful, but very cozy. To pass each other, they'd be touching all the time. And the extra beds? Well, the one in the quarter berth had been converted into a computer workstation, the main salon bed was tiny, and the person sleeping on it would have part of the table in their back. That left the V berth...no bigger than the queen-sized feather bed they had just given up across the lake. Fran was plotzing. She tried not to let on just how happy she was at this turn of events.

"Oh, Mr. Sheffield, this is such a beautiful boat! When can we start sailing lessons?"

Max looked at his watch. It was almost 5pm.

"How about tomorrow? Right now we need to think about dinner."

"Well, how are you with a bbq? We have one on deck, and I saw a market about a half mile up the road. How about we go get a couple of steaks and make a salad?"

"Sounds wonderful, I think I can manage the bbq!"

Thirty minutes later, Fran was making a salad, while Max was grilling the steaks. Max had picked up a bottle of champagne to toast the new boat, but almost wished hadn't. He wanted to keep his head clear...and hers!

The night was relatively free of bugs, so they decided to eat in the cockpit. Against his better judgment, Max popped the champagne open, and they toasted the boat, their vacation, and dear departed Uncle Leo's memory. By the time dinner was over, Fran was tipsy, and Max wasn't much better. Fran stumbled down the stairs into the main salon and started looking around. She found a cabinet full of DVDs and VHS tapes.

"Mr. Sheffield! Movies!"

He followed her into the salon, and looked over the movies. Fran found an old Cary Grant movie, Father Goose. Max thought that was a safe enough choice, supposed to be a comedy. Fran popped the DVD into the machine, and they settled onto the sofa to watch. By the time Max realized it was a romantic comedy, it was too late to stop watching. Fran had snuggled against his chest, putting her feet up on the sofa.

"I just love Cary Grant! I'm a sucker for a good looking man with a British accent!" She looked up at him and batted her eyes at him. He couldn't resist, he leaned down, meaning to give her a quick kiss, but the alcohol and the movie had taken its toll on both of them. The quick kiss turned into a much more passionate kiss. His tongue found hers, and they both lost what little control they had left. Max pulled her into his lap and held her closer, his hands roaming her body. Fran let out a soft moan, as she felt his arousal growing beneath her. Next thing Max knew, he was lifting Fran up and carrying her to the large v berth. He placed her in the berth, and climbed in with her. Their eyes met, as if to ask each other what the next move was. Max leaned forward for another kiss when he heard Fran breathe, "I love you". This sent him into overdrive. As he kissed her, he laid her back on the bed and began exploring her body with his hands. They started to slowly undress each other, savoring each movement. Fran was now in only her bra and underwear. As Max removed the bra, his mouth moved down from her mouth, to her chest, kissing each breast, then up to her neck. He said it so quietly, she almost didn't hear it "Oh, Fran, I love you...I love you so much". He then moved his mouth slowly over her body, kissing, licking, and sucking. Fran reached down to help him remove his pants, and then he slowly slid her thong down her legs. He was more than ready, but wanted to make sure she was. He slid his hand between her legs, she was as ready as he was. He pulled himself on top of her, and she opened her legs wider to accommodate him. He stopped and looked her in the eyes. "Are you sure?"

"I've never been so sure of anything in my life...and never wanted anyone more." That was all Max need to hear. He entered her slowly and carefully, not wanting to hurt her. It had been a long time for both of them. They made love repeatedly throughout the night, holding each other tightly between sessions. They finally fell into a satisfied, exhausted sleep.

Fran opened her eyes first. Where the hell was she? She looked around and saw Max sleeping next to her. Then she remembered. What a night...he told her he loved her, and then proved it! Max started to stir, and Fran snapped her eyes shut. She needed to let him "wake" first, and see his reaction to what had happened between them. She held her breath, and then felt his arms slide around her, and his lips on hers. She opened her eyes to be staring into those olive green eyes she loved. "Good morning, darling". She smiled. He DID love her! "Good morning Mr...Max!" This was going to be a glorious two weeks!