By the time the group arrived at the restaurant the reception for opening night was already in full swing with the cast, crew, and backers in attendance. The Fines and the Sheffield children made their way to the food buffet.
"Maxwell, where have you been? The backers have been asking for you," C.C. said as she rushed over to Maxwell.
Maxwell looked over apologetically to Fran. "Go, Go. I'm fine. I'll grab a plate and join the family," insisted Fran. Maxwell thanked her silently with a smile as he and C.C. left to join the backers table.
As Fran was making her way to the buffet table, she was stopped by her leading co-star Greg. "Hi Fran. Glad to see you made it. It wouldn't be a party without our star," he grinned.
"Oh, stop. The show was a hit thanks to you and everyone else. I just had a little helping in doing so. You are the real stars," Fran humbly replied.
"You don't give yourself enough credit Fran. You were like a seasoned pro out there. Everyone is saying so. You're a big Broadway star now!" Greg said. "Remind me to get your autograph later, so I can show everyone that I knew you when," he teased.
"Greg, cut that out. You'll make me blush," Fran remarked as she playfully smacked him on the arm.
"Let me tell you one more thing this evening before I let you go," Greg spoke seriously.
"What is it, Greg?" Fran asked nervously.
"I just wanted to tell you that Mr. Sheffield's a lucky guy. I hope I can find a girl like you someday," Greg said sincerely.
Just then, Max returned. "Is there something going on here I should know about?" he joked.
"Oh, no, I swear," Greg said quickly. "I was just telling Fran how happy I am for the two of you."
Fran smiled. "By the way, thanks for your help. If it hadn't been for you, I'd probably STILL be waiting for the man I love to make a move." She put her arms around Max's waist with a smile.
"No problem. I had a good time. I'm just glad everything worked out for you two," Greg replied.
"Yes, I want to thank you, too," Max said, extending his hand out to Greg. "I don't know why I waited this long." He kissed Fran on the cheek. Then, he turned back to Greg, "Oh, by the way, you did a wonderful job tonight, too. I wouldn't be surprised if you won yourself a Tony."
"Thank you, Mr. Sheffield!" Greg said sincerely.
Just then, Sylvia came over, after having "visited" the buffet. Out of the corner of his eye, Max saw waiters hurrying to refill the trays Sylvia had just emptied. "So, Mr. Sheffield, what did you think of Fran's performance? Is she the next Barbra or what!"
Max chuckled. "Well...I don't know if she's got the singing voice, but yes, she is quite an actress."
"You know, Mr. Sheffield, I noticed in 'The Pajama Game,' Babe and Sid got married. How do you feel about life imitating art? Is there any chance I might be calling you 'son' in the near future?" Sylvia said, playfully nudging him.
Fran turned to Max. "Yeah, I think I'd like to know the answer to that question myself! You know, I'm not gonna be 29 forever."
Max swallowed hard as every eye in the room seemed to turn to him.
"Yeah, Dad. When are you going to marry Fran already?" the Sheffield children chimed in.
"Is it getting hot in here or is it just me? Fran, darling won't you join me on the balcony for a moment," Maxwell replied nervously trying to escape this unwanted attention directed on him.
"In a minute, Max…I want to know," Fran retorted putting her hands on her hips.
"In a minute, Max…I want to know," Fran retorted putting her hands on her hips.
Maxwell pulled Fran by her arm off to the balcony, while replying "Excuse us, we'll be right back."
C.C. and Niles were standing in the corner and had witnessed the whole scene. "Looks like Nanny Fine is about to take a tumble off that pedestal she has been on lately," grinned C.C. in delight.
"If only you would take a tumble…right off a cliff!" Niles smirked back.
AN: Oh boy! What did Maxwell get into, right?