2.

"WET WILLLLAAAAAAY!"

Brighton had licked his finger, gathering up much spit from his mouth, and stuck it in Maggie's ear before the poor girl had the chance to register what exactly a 'Wet Willie' was.

Let's just say, now she'll have quite the lasting impression.

"Ew Brighton, that's gross!" shrieked Maggie, rubbing her ear and chasing after her younger brother who had taken off with speed.

Niles who was dusting a painting, moved quickly out of the way of the two rivaling siblings so that he would not get bombarded and knocked down. When they had made themselves scarce after lots of yelling and screaming, Niles continued his work on a beautiful, ornate frame with vine carvings, that enclosed a painting of a fruit bowl, until he spotted his one and only, number-one boss-man.

"It's not even noon yet and they're already starting at it sir," commented Niles as his superior had just rounded the corner into the living room.

"It figures," responded Maxwell, disappointedly.

Max stuck his hands in the front pockets of his black tailored pants in frustration. He didn't have to ask anymore, for he knew it was his son teasing one of his sisters again.

Maxwell had just gone over and revised a few scripts with C.C., when he decided to take a break. Max was in a so-so mood this morning. He was a tad bit worried more than usual, because of his in-house meeting with some people that would hopefully be the backers for his next play and provide the necessary before-hand funding. The wealthy folks would be here for quite some time and then Maxwell planned to take them out to a classy restaurant to seal the deal. It was not acceptable to have his children acting up when he was going to be having company and Maxwell was going to have none of that.

And where is Miss Fine to solve this problem? he wondered.

He closed his eyes for a second to envision Miss Fine in her playful little dress again that she had on this morning at breakfast and then he smiled in profound satisfaction. Not that he didn't mind her in her robe either, but she had looked exceptionally fetching today if that was even possible. Fetching. He really fancied that word. It sounded like whoever was "fetching" was worthy of chasing after and pleasing. He would never tell Miss Fine though, how very fetching he found her to be. Knowing her, she's probably jump to conclusions and think there was actually something serious between them.

He opened his eyes and wondered if she dressed like that for him. Either that or—

He frowned.

I wonder if she's going out on a date… God, I hope she's not out on a date. She needs to stay here to watch my children at all times. I don't want her going out. She always gets looks from handsome men—and phone numbers! Get a hold of yourself man, it's still early! I'm probably just worrying for nothing.

Feeling that his hair was out of place, Max walked over to the mirror in the foyer and feathered his hands though his grey streak. He touched the same place Miss Fine had when she imaginarily made up something being in his hair this morning at breakfast. Maxwell wasn't dumb and he knew she just wanted to touch his silky tresses. Just as much as he wanted to touch hers he presumed. Even Miss Fine hadn't briefly taken whatever she said was in his hair out; she buried her slender fingers deep in his curls, lightly grazing his scalp. Their eyes had locked for a second, but of course the cherished moment ended way too soon because they were at the dining room table with everyone around.

Maxwell sighed upsettingly and slowly made his way over to Niles, observing him in his daily duties. Surely he would know where Miss Fine had disappeared off to. After all, Niles knew everything that was going on around him. He was the biggest yenta of them all! Even if a little floorboard upstairs creaked, he'd hear it for sure.

Max decided to try the innocent approach to ask about Miss Fine.

The children need her, because she's their nanny. Yes, yes that will work, thought Maxwell.

"Where the heck is Miss Fine when you need her?" questioned Maxwell, scanning the room and taking his hands out of his pockets. "It's her job to watch the children. You know, that is why I hired her."

He didn't really need her for anything; it was just that he wanted to talk to her. He was quite troubled at why she didn't burst into his office today with some wacko story about her family or some important problem with the children. Maxwell wanted her to hop on the side of his desk in that short dress she was wearing, while he split his time into listening to her story and admiring her lengthy legs. He never feigned interest in Miss Fine's conversations, because he really did like what she had to say. Talking to her was never boring and he enjoyed their little chats immensely. More than he'd let on anyway.

"Out," said Niles curtly, so that his boss would ask more questions.

"What do you mean out?" he spat, a hint of outrage showing.

"Oh, you know, on a date…"

Maxwell lowered his eyes and brows at Niles.

"A date?" he questioned, in such a way that it seemed as if the word he formed on his tongue was foul and forbidden and he was forcing himself to say it.

"Yeah, sir. You know, when two people are interested in each other they go on outings like dinner, dancing, movie-going and such. Then sometimes they hold hands and if it's a little more intimate—" began Niles, before he was soon interrupted.

"Bloody hell Niles, I think I know what a date is! And isn't a little early to be on a date? I mean, what is it noon? How come she didn't mention this at breakfast? How does she know that I didn't need her to watch the children?" he yelled out, with an air of annoyance in his voice.

"Oh well sir, she mentioned it to me and she was very excited about it. Um, do you need someone to watch the children, because I am still here?"

"No."

"Then, er… what's the problem?"

Niles knew that struck a nerve.

"Problem? Who said anything about a problem? There's no problem! I couldn't give a horse's bottom about Miss Fine's social life! I'd just prefer if my employees would inform me, their employer, when they decide to go out! I'll be in my office." declared Maxwell, storming out of the room.

Niles just stared openly at the hallway in which his boss retreated.

"Ouch," said Brighton, who had just descended the stairs with Maggie in tow.

Niles turned around to the direction of the voices, a stunned look smeared across his face.

"Yeah, that was pretty low, even for Dad," continued Maggie, walking over to Niles after her brother.

"I'm guessing you heard," replied Niles, frowning.

"Uh, yeah! He is pretty loud. I think all of Manhattan heard!" responded Brighton as if it was so obvious.

"I can't believe he said that about Fran! Wait till she hears that he called her an employee. She will totally freak!" exclaimed Maggie, shaking her head frantically.

She subsequently opened up her shiny baby-blue purse and checked her wallet for money. Maggie was going to the mall soon and she wanted to make sure she had enough cash to have a good time with her friends.

"And that is why we aren't going to tell her! You both know how your father is and you know he really didn't mean it. Plus she's dating that Julian fellow and she's been in a good mood since she met him at the door. Don't go ruining it for her," said Niles.

"Whoa baby, Julian is dreamy! I'd be in a good mood too. I can't believe he's Val's cousin! I never would have guessed that one," stated Maggie, making an "I'm-very-impressed" face.