On Saturday afternoon, Fran came down the stairs, modeling the dress. As she slowly and dramatically descended, she said, "Niles, you're a man, right?"
"So they tell me," Niles said.
"Well, what do you think of this dress? Do you think Mr. Sheffield will like it?" Fran asked, knowing her friend would give her an honest opinion.
Niles whistled. "Miss Fine, if Mr. Sheffield doesn't propose to you before the night's out, I will personally have him commited."
Fran grinned. "Good, that's just the look I was going for. I can't wait to see Miss Babcock's reaction to this dress! She's going to drop dead!"
Niles nodded. "I'll have the smelling salts ready. Miss Babcock phoned earlier to tell Mr. Sheffield that her car is supposedly being repaired. I offered to lend her something from our broom closet, but she insisted on riding in the limo with you and Mr. Sheffield."
"Really?" Fran asked incredulously.
"That's what she said. Although I'll bet you a thousand to one, she's lying. You know it's killing her that Mr. Sheffield has asked you out," Niles said with his usual grin.
"I'll bet. Meanwhile, you look like you've died and gone to heaven," Fran remarked.
"Well, why shouldn't I?" Niles asked. "Mr. Sheffield finally made a move on you, and Miss Babcock is eaten up with jealousy. It's like a dream come true!"
"Can you come down off your cloud a minute?" Fran asked. Niles sighed. "That's better," Fran said. "Now, can you keep a secret?" Niles gave her a look which made Fran realize that was a dumb question. "Look, you cannot tell Mr. Sheffield what dress I'm wearing. I want him to be surprised."
"Well, all right, Miss Fine, but can I at least tell Miss Babcock?" Niles asked.
"No!" Fran replied. "Don't you want her to be surprised, too?"
"Oh, I see your point," Niles said. "That reminds me, what did I do with the Polaroid?" With that, Fran went upstairs to take the dress off until later. Niles walked into Maxwell's office, where he found his boss looking somewhat nervous.
"Sir, I just wanted to see if you needed any help getting ready for your date," Niles said. On the word 'date,' Max gave the butler a look. "I mean, your backers' party," he covered quickly.
"No, thank you, old man. I think I'm fine. Do you know if Miss Fine is ready yet? You know how long it can take a woman to get all fixed up," Maxwell replied, thinking of all the premieres he'd nearly missed because of Fran.
Niles grinned, remembering the dress. "Yes, sir, I think Miss Fine is more than prepared."
"Oh, well, that's good," the producer said, still obviously nervous. "Do you have any idea what she's planning to wear tonight?"
Niles shook his head. "Sorry, sir. I really don't like to get involved in other people's affairs."
"Come on, man!" Maxwell said. "Liz Smith could learn a thing or two from you."
"Well, yes sir, but even Liz Smith has her limits," Niles said.
Maxwell looked his butler, trying to decide whether or not he was telling the truth. "Are you sure you don't know what Miss Fine is going to wear tonight?"
Niles shook his head. "No idea. All I know is that Miss Toriello helped her decide."
"Oh, well, that's comforting," said Max sarcastically. "I just want tonight to go well. You know, with the investors and everything," he added.
"Sir, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Miss Fine can be rather charming," Niles said comfortingly.
"You know, you might be right, old man," Maxwell said with a smile. "She's a beautiful woman, and in her own way she's every bit as sophisticated as any of those stuffy blue-blood investors."
"Of course she is, sir. I'm sure the date will be a complete success," Niles replied.
"It's just a backers' party, Niles. I wouldn't necessarily call it a date," Max said.
"You're a man, and Miss Fine is a woman. You're going out in public together," the butler said. "I believe that qualifies as a date."
That night, Maxwell was anxiously pacing at the bottom of the stairs while Fran finished getting ready upstairs. Niles came downstairs. "Is Miss Fine ready?" Max asked impatiently.
"Not quite, sir. She's still doing her hair," the butler replied.
"Good God," Maxwell said. "I think the bloody Sistine Chapel was painted in less time than this!"
"Relax, sir," Niles said. "This is an important night for Miss Fine, too. She wants to make sure she looks just right."
Max sighed. "I suppose you're right. But I'd still like to get there before everyone else has left."
Just then C.C. arrived, wearing a stunning black dress. "Hello, hello," she greeted her business partner. "Maxwell, what do you think?" she asked, turning around so he could see her outfit.
"Very nice, C.C.," Max replied, barely even glancing at her.
"Thank you, I bought it this afternoon," C.C. replied. "Now, come on, we don't want to be late." She grabbed Maxwell's arm.
"C.C.!" Max exclaimed. "Miss Fine isn't ready yet!"
With a smile, C.C. said, "I know. We could probably make it to the limo before she gets down here." She began pulling him towards the front door.
Max struggled to break her grip. As the two continued to argue, Fran came down the stairs. "Here I am," she announced as she slowly walked down the steps. All the color drained from C.C.'s face at the sight of Fran's dress. Maxwell's jaw dropped. Niles grinned from ear to ear as he ran to pick up the camera to capture C.C.'s horrified reaction.
The butler came back quickly, camera in hand. He stood directly in front of the still-shocked C.C. and said, "Say cheese!" as he took a picture of her stunned reaction. Turning to Fran, he said, "That's going to be my Christmas card!"
C.C. glared at Niles. "Drop dead."
Meanwhile, Maxwell finally found his voice. "Miss Fine," was all he was able to get out. "You-you look wonderful!"
Fran walked over to Max. "Thanks. I thought this dress might bring back some memories," she said with a playful wink.
"Yes, it certainly does," said Max with a smile. Turning to C.C. he said, "This is the dress Miss Fine wore to her very first backer's party."
"How sweet," said C.C. insincerely. "Now can we go? We don't want to keep our potential investors waiting."
"Wait a minute, C.C., what about your date? You aren't going alone tonight, are you?" Max asked.
"It was difficult to find someone who was free on such short notice," she replied. "You know, all of my friends lead such busy lives."
"All three of them?" Niles asked.
"Very funny, coming from someone who's staying home on a Saturday night to clean the oven!" C.C. replied.
"I think we'd better get going," Maxwell said anxiously. "Are you ready, Miss Fine?" he asked.
"I just need to check one thing," Fran replied, as she walked over to Niles. "Did you--?" she asked.
The butler nodded. "I set the VCR, just like you asked."
"Thanks," Fran replied, hugging her friend quicklly. She walked back over to Max and C.C., who were looking at her strangely. "What? You don't expect me to miss Dr. Quinn, do you?"
The three got in the limo and took off for the party. Max noticed that Fran seemed a bit nervous. "Oh, Miss Fine, you have nothing to be nervous about. Just be yourself. Everything will be fine," he said reassuringly as he kissed her on the cheek..
C.C. looked at him in horror. "Maxwell! Don't tell her that! Do you want these people to invest with us or not?!"
"I just don't want Miss Fine to feel indimated by our backers. After all, they're just people," Max replied.
"Despite what Maxwell may have told you," C.C. said to Fran, "These people are not going to care about the rash on your mother's back, or why there were two Darrins on Bewitched,or any of the other idiotic things you're used to talking about."
"Well, gee, Miss Babcock, with an attitude like that it's hard to imagine why you'd have any trouble getting a date," said Fran sarcastically.
"Ladies, please," Maxwell said. "For this one night, could you please try to put your differences aside?"
"I just don't want Nanny Fine to say anything that will embarrass our potential investors," C.C. said. "There's a lot riding on tonight."
Throwing a knowing glace at Maxwell, Fran replied, "You think you've got a lot riding on tonight?"
C.C. sighed. This was going to be a long evening.
The limo finally arrived at their destination. The Vanderbilt mansion was even larger than the Sheffields. "Wow," Fran breathed as they entered. "This place is even better than Southfork!"
Max smiled. "Yes, it is rather impressive, isn't it?"
C.C. turned to Fran. "Must you relate everything to a television show?"
"Can I help it if I watched a lot as a kid? The TV was our baby-sitter whenever Ma was too busy eating to watch us. Which, of course, was all the time," Fran replied.
C.C. whispered in Maxwell's ear. "We haven't even been here five minutes yet, and already Nanny Fine is embarassing us! Do you see what happens when you let your hormones make your decisions for you?!"
"Now, C.C.," Max whispered back. "If it bothers you that much, just ignore her. I'm sure she won't do any harm. She might even surprise you." He took Fran by the arm and led her into the dining room where the party was to be held. C.C. reluctantly followed.
When Fran saw all of the food and fine china, she gasped. She'd never seen anything like it. "My mother would just die if she saw this!" she exclaimed.
Max chuckled. "Yes, this does look like Sylvia's idea of heaven," he remarked.
C.C. rolled her eyes. "My idea of heaven would be a world with no Nanny Fine," she said under her breath.
"C.C., please!" Max said through gritted teeth. "I know you don't like me bringing Fran here tonight, but she is my date!"
C.C. sighed. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was sure this was all just a horrible nightmare, and that she would wake up in a cold sweat any minute now.
Just then, the party's hostess, Louise Vanderbilt came over to the trio. "Maxwell, I'm so glad you could come! I read your play, and I'm seriously thinking about investing, but I haven't quite made up my mind yet," she said as they shook hands.
Max smiled. "Well, we'll just have to see if I can't convince you before the night's out," he said. "There's someone here I'd like you to meet. This is my date, Fran Fine."
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Fine," Lousie said.
Fran offered her hand. "Nice place you've got here. Where do Bobby and J.R. sleep?" she asked. When Louise apparently seemed confused, Fran continued, "Dallas, the Ewings...does any of this ring a bell?" Still no response. "What's the matter, don't you rich people ever watch TV?" Fran said with a laugh.
Louise was clearly taken aback by Fran's remark. For C.C., it was the last straw. "Nanny Fine, please!! You're embarrassing us!"
Louise turned to Max. "Nanny? What's a grown man like you need to bring a sitter for?" she teased.
Fran laughed. "Oh, no, I'm not his nanny. I take care of his kids," she replied.
"That's true," Max added. "But tonight, she's my date. You see, for the past four years, I've been trying to hide my feelings for her. I've finally decided to stop running from a relationship and admit that I love her." To show just how much he loved her, Max kissed Fran on the cheek.
C.C. sighed. Could this night get any worse?
"Oh, Max, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard," Louise said. "I guess it's true what they say, love is blind."
"I'll admit, Fran's methods may be a bit unorthodox, but my children have never been happier," Max said. "Neither have I, for that matter. After Sara died, I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life lonely, but Fran changed all that. Her love of life is contagious, and it's rubbed off on all of us. Once you get to know Fran, it's pretty hard not to love her."
Fran was clearly touched. "Oh, Max....I mean, Mr. Sheffield," she breathed. They looked at each other for a moment, then leaned in to kiss. Max took Fran in his arms and bent her backward and kissed her passionately.
C.C. was appalled. It was bad enough that Maxwell had asked Nanny Fine to be his date, but this was just too much. She managed to pull them apart. "Maxwell, please! This is not the time to be kissing the help!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, come on, Miss Babcock," Fran teased, "Can I help it if I'm just irressitible to men?"
C.C. rolled her eyes. She turned to Max. "When are you going to stop letting your 'producer' make all your decisions for you?!" she whispered loudly in his ear. "Are you deliberately trying to destroy Sheffield-Babcock productions?!"
Max glanced at the crowd that had gathered around them. "No....but you seem to be doing a wonderful job of it," he replied with a nervous chuckle. Realizing that this evening had quickly turned into a complete disaster, Max began searching for a way out before things could get any worse. He glanced at his watch. "My, would you look at the time?" he said, even though it was only 9:30. "I promised Grace I would tuck her in tonight," he said.
"But Mr. Sheffield, Gracie's spending the night over at her girlfriend's house," Fran said.
"Oh....," Max said nervously. "Then it must be Niles I have to tuck in. Come on, Miss Fine, C.C., I think we'd better be going." With that, Max frantically began heading for the door. The two women followed, completely confused.
Just as Max was about to make his exit, a young woman stopped him. "You're Maxwell Sheffield, the Broadway producer, right?"
"Yes, that's me," Max replied with a slight smile. He couldn't help but be flattered that someone recognized him.
"I thought so," the woman said. "Do you know Andrew Lloyd Webber by any chance? I just love Cats! Have you ever thought about doing a show like that?"
"Yes, but it turns out I'm allergic to cat hair," Max joked.
"Huh?" the woman said.
Max wasn't in the mood to explain his humor. "It was nice meeting you, but I really have to be going," he said, shaking her hand.
With that, Maxwell was out the door. C.C. and Fran followed.
"So they tell me," Niles said.
"Well, what do you think of this dress? Do you think Mr. Sheffield will like it?" Fran asked, knowing her friend would give her an honest opinion.
Niles whistled. "Miss Fine, if Mr. Sheffield doesn't propose to you before the night's out, I will personally have him commited."
Fran grinned. "Good, that's just the look I was going for. I can't wait to see Miss Babcock's reaction to this dress! She's going to drop dead!"
Niles nodded. "I'll have the smelling salts ready. Miss Babcock phoned earlier to tell Mr. Sheffield that her car is supposedly being repaired. I offered to lend her something from our broom closet, but she insisted on riding in the limo with you and Mr. Sheffield."
"Really?" Fran asked incredulously.
"That's what she said. Although I'll bet you a thousand to one, she's lying. You know it's killing her that Mr. Sheffield has asked you out," Niles said with his usual grin.
"I'll bet. Meanwhile, you look like you've died and gone to heaven," Fran remarked.
"Well, why shouldn't I?" Niles asked. "Mr. Sheffield finally made a move on you, and Miss Babcock is eaten up with jealousy. It's like a dream come true!"
"Can you come down off your cloud a minute?" Fran asked. Niles sighed. "That's better," Fran said. "Now, can you keep a secret?" Niles gave her a look which made Fran realize that was a dumb question. "Look, you cannot tell Mr. Sheffield what dress I'm wearing. I want him to be surprised."
"Well, all right, Miss Fine, but can I at least tell Miss Babcock?" Niles asked.
"No!" Fran replied. "Don't you want her to be surprised, too?"
"Oh, I see your point," Niles said. "That reminds me, what did I do with the Polaroid?" With that, Fran went upstairs to take the dress off until later. Niles walked into Maxwell's office, where he found his boss looking somewhat nervous.
"Sir, I just wanted to see if you needed any help getting ready for your date," Niles said. On the word 'date,' Max gave the butler a look. "I mean, your backers' party," he covered quickly.
"No, thank you, old man. I think I'm fine. Do you know if Miss Fine is ready yet? You know how long it can take a woman to get all fixed up," Maxwell replied, thinking of all the premieres he'd nearly missed because of Fran.
Niles grinned, remembering the dress. "Yes, sir, I think Miss Fine is more than prepared."
"Oh, well, that's good," the producer said, still obviously nervous. "Do you have any idea what she's planning to wear tonight?"
Niles shook his head. "Sorry, sir. I really don't like to get involved in other people's affairs."
"Come on, man!" Maxwell said. "Liz Smith could learn a thing or two from you."
"Well, yes sir, but even Liz Smith has her limits," Niles said.
Maxwell looked his butler, trying to decide whether or not he was telling the truth. "Are you sure you don't know what Miss Fine is going to wear tonight?"
Niles shook his head. "No idea. All I know is that Miss Toriello helped her decide."
"Oh, well, that's comforting," said Max sarcastically. "I just want tonight to go well. You know, with the investors and everything," he added.
"Sir, I'm sure you have nothing to worry about. Miss Fine can be rather charming," Niles said comfortingly.
"You know, you might be right, old man," Maxwell said with a smile. "She's a beautiful woman, and in her own way she's every bit as sophisticated as any of those stuffy blue-blood investors."
"Of course she is, sir. I'm sure the date will be a complete success," Niles replied.
"It's just a backers' party, Niles. I wouldn't necessarily call it a date," Max said.
"You're a man, and Miss Fine is a woman. You're going out in public together," the butler said. "I believe that qualifies as a date."
That night, Maxwell was anxiously pacing at the bottom of the stairs while Fran finished getting ready upstairs. Niles came downstairs. "Is Miss Fine ready?" Max asked impatiently.
"Not quite, sir. She's still doing her hair," the butler replied.
"Good God," Maxwell said. "I think the bloody Sistine Chapel was painted in less time than this!"
"Relax, sir," Niles said. "This is an important night for Miss Fine, too. She wants to make sure she looks just right."
Max sighed. "I suppose you're right. But I'd still like to get there before everyone else has left."
Just then C.C. arrived, wearing a stunning black dress. "Hello, hello," she greeted her business partner. "Maxwell, what do you think?" she asked, turning around so he could see her outfit.
"Very nice, C.C.," Max replied, barely even glancing at her.
"Thank you, I bought it this afternoon," C.C. replied. "Now, come on, we don't want to be late." She grabbed Maxwell's arm.
"C.C.!" Max exclaimed. "Miss Fine isn't ready yet!"
With a smile, C.C. said, "I know. We could probably make it to the limo before she gets down here." She began pulling him towards the front door.
Max struggled to break her grip. As the two continued to argue, Fran came down the stairs. "Here I am," she announced as she slowly walked down the steps. All the color drained from C.C.'s face at the sight of Fran's dress. Maxwell's jaw dropped. Niles grinned from ear to ear as he ran to pick up the camera to capture C.C.'s horrified reaction.
The butler came back quickly, camera in hand. He stood directly in front of the still-shocked C.C. and said, "Say cheese!" as he took a picture of her stunned reaction. Turning to Fran, he said, "That's going to be my Christmas card!"
C.C. glared at Niles. "Drop dead."
Meanwhile, Maxwell finally found his voice. "Miss Fine," was all he was able to get out. "You-you look wonderful!"
Fran walked over to Max. "Thanks. I thought this dress might bring back some memories," she said with a playful wink.
"Yes, it certainly does," said Max with a smile. Turning to C.C. he said, "This is the dress Miss Fine wore to her very first backer's party."
"How sweet," said C.C. insincerely. "Now can we go? We don't want to keep our potential investors waiting."
"Wait a minute, C.C., what about your date? You aren't going alone tonight, are you?" Max asked.
"It was difficult to find someone who was free on such short notice," she replied. "You know, all of my friends lead such busy lives."
"All three of them?" Niles asked.
"Very funny, coming from someone who's staying home on a Saturday night to clean the oven!" C.C. replied.
"I think we'd better get going," Maxwell said anxiously. "Are you ready, Miss Fine?" he asked.
"I just need to check one thing," Fran replied, as she walked over to Niles. "Did you--?" she asked.
The butler nodded. "I set the VCR, just like you asked."
"Thanks," Fran replied, hugging her friend quicklly. She walked back over to Max and C.C., who were looking at her strangely. "What? You don't expect me to miss Dr. Quinn, do you?"
The three got in the limo and took off for the party. Max noticed that Fran seemed a bit nervous. "Oh, Miss Fine, you have nothing to be nervous about. Just be yourself. Everything will be fine," he said reassuringly as he kissed her on the cheek..
C.C. looked at him in horror. "Maxwell! Don't tell her that! Do you want these people to invest with us or not?!"
"I just don't want Miss Fine to feel indimated by our backers. After all, they're just people," Max replied.
"Despite what Maxwell may have told you," C.C. said to Fran, "These people are not going to care about the rash on your mother's back, or why there were two Darrins on Bewitched,or any of the other idiotic things you're used to talking about."
"Well, gee, Miss Babcock, with an attitude like that it's hard to imagine why you'd have any trouble getting a date," said Fran sarcastically.
"Ladies, please," Maxwell said. "For this one night, could you please try to put your differences aside?"
"I just don't want Nanny Fine to say anything that will embarrass our potential investors," C.C. said. "There's a lot riding on tonight."
Throwing a knowing glace at Maxwell, Fran replied, "You think you've got a lot riding on tonight?"
C.C. sighed. This was going to be a long evening.
The limo finally arrived at their destination. The Vanderbilt mansion was even larger than the Sheffields. "Wow," Fran breathed as they entered. "This place is even better than Southfork!"
Max smiled. "Yes, it is rather impressive, isn't it?"
C.C. turned to Fran. "Must you relate everything to a television show?"
"Can I help it if I watched a lot as a kid? The TV was our baby-sitter whenever Ma was too busy eating to watch us. Which, of course, was all the time," Fran replied.
C.C. whispered in Maxwell's ear. "We haven't even been here five minutes yet, and already Nanny Fine is embarassing us! Do you see what happens when you let your hormones make your decisions for you?!"
"Now, C.C.," Max whispered back. "If it bothers you that much, just ignore her. I'm sure she won't do any harm. She might even surprise you." He took Fran by the arm and led her into the dining room where the party was to be held. C.C. reluctantly followed.
When Fran saw all of the food and fine china, she gasped. She'd never seen anything like it. "My mother would just die if she saw this!" she exclaimed.
Max chuckled. "Yes, this does look like Sylvia's idea of heaven," he remarked.
C.C. rolled her eyes. "My idea of heaven would be a world with no Nanny Fine," she said under her breath.
"C.C., please!" Max said through gritted teeth. "I know you don't like me bringing Fran here tonight, but she is my date!"
C.C. sighed. She couldn't believe this was happening. She was sure this was all just a horrible nightmare, and that she would wake up in a cold sweat any minute now.
Just then, the party's hostess, Louise Vanderbilt came over to the trio. "Maxwell, I'm so glad you could come! I read your play, and I'm seriously thinking about investing, but I haven't quite made up my mind yet," she said as they shook hands.
Max smiled. "Well, we'll just have to see if I can't convince you before the night's out," he said. "There's someone here I'd like you to meet. This is my date, Fran Fine."
"It's nice to meet you, Miss Fine," Lousie said.
Fran offered her hand. "Nice place you've got here. Where do Bobby and J.R. sleep?" she asked. When Louise apparently seemed confused, Fran continued, "Dallas, the Ewings...does any of this ring a bell?" Still no response. "What's the matter, don't you rich people ever watch TV?" Fran said with a laugh.
Louise was clearly taken aback by Fran's remark. For C.C., it was the last straw. "Nanny Fine, please!! You're embarrassing us!"
Louise turned to Max. "Nanny? What's a grown man like you need to bring a sitter for?" she teased.
Fran laughed. "Oh, no, I'm not his nanny. I take care of his kids," she replied.
"That's true," Max added. "But tonight, she's my date. You see, for the past four years, I've been trying to hide my feelings for her. I've finally decided to stop running from a relationship and admit that I love her." To show just how much he loved her, Max kissed Fran on the cheek.
C.C. sighed. Could this night get any worse?
"Oh, Max, that's the sweetest thing I've ever heard," Louise said. "I guess it's true what they say, love is blind."
"I'll admit, Fran's methods may be a bit unorthodox, but my children have never been happier," Max said. "Neither have I, for that matter. After Sara died, I thought I was going to spend the rest of my life lonely, but Fran changed all that. Her love of life is contagious, and it's rubbed off on all of us. Once you get to know Fran, it's pretty hard not to love her."
Fran was clearly touched. "Oh, Max....I mean, Mr. Sheffield," she breathed. They looked at each other for a moment, then leaned in to kiss. Max took Fran in his arms and bent her backward and kissed her passionately.
C.C. was appalled. It was bad enough that Maxwell had asked Nanny Fine to be his date, but this was just too much. She managed to pull them apart. "Maxwell, please! This is not the time to be kissing the help!" she exclaimed.
"Oh, come on, Miss Babcock," Fran teased, "Can I help it if I'm just irressitible to men?"
C.C. rolled her eyes. She turned to Max. "When are you going to stop letting your 'producer' make all your decisions for you?!" she whispered loudly in his ear. "Are you deliberately trying to destroy Sheffield-Babcock productions?!"
Max glanced at the crowd that had gathered around them. "No....but you seem to be doing a wonderful job of it," he replied with a nervous chuckle. Realizing that this evening had quickly turned into a complete disaster, Max began searching for a way out before things could get any worse. He glanced at his watch. "My, would you look at the time?" he said, even though it was only 9:30. "I promised Grace I would tuck her in tonight," he said.
"But Mr. Sheffield, Gracie's spending the night over at her girlfriend's house," Fran said.
"Oh....," Max said nervously. "Then it must be Niles I have to tuck in. Come on, Miss Fine, C.C., I think we'd better be going." With that, Max frantically began heading for the door. The two women followed, completely confused.
Just as Max was about to make his exit, a young woman stopped him. "You're Maxwell Sheffield, the Broadway producer, right?"
"Yes, that's me," Max replied with a slight smile. He couldn't help but be flattered that someone recognized him.
"I thought so," the woman said. "Do you know Andrew Lloyd Webber by any chance? I just love Cats! Have you ever thought about doing a show like that?"
"Yes, but it turns out I'm allergic to cat hair," Max joked.
"Huh?" the woman said.
Max wasn't in the mood to explain his humor. "It was nice meeting you, but I really have to be going," he said, shaking her hand.
With that, Maxwell was out the door. C.C. and Fran followed.