Chapter 9
Niles had just settled in on the leather sofa with a glass of water and the television remote when the doorbell rang. CC came from the direction of the master bedroom, closing the door behind her to keep Chester away from the crowd. Before she pulled the front door open, she grinned at Niles over her shoulder. "Ready?" She asked.
"As I'll ever be," he drawled, and shifted so some of the visitors would be able to join him on the sofa.
CC stood back as what seemed like half the population of the city ambled into the penthouse. Nanny Fine made a beeline for the sofa and sat down beside Niles, clasping his hand in her own. Maxwell smiled briefly at CC and then followed Fran. Maggie and Brighton kneeled near Niles on the floor, chattering animatedly.
Grace, on the other hand, turned her attention first to CC, and gingerly wrapped her arms around the older woman's waist. "Congratulations," she said shyly.
Touched, CC returned the hug and murmured her thanks. She'd always liked the little one best.
Next through the door came Helen, and CC turned to her and said, "Welcome to our home."
Helen looked at CC sharply, not missing the our and its implications. CC smiled at her innocently, and Helen moved into the living room without returning the greeting.
Alain followed his ex-wife into the room and smiled beatifically at CC. He rested a hand on each of her shoulders and leaned in for the kisses CC had already come to expect. "Ah, the beautiful mother of my grandchild. You have a lovely home."
CC smirked. Niles's father was growing on her. After he had moved towards his son, CC turned to Sylvia and Yetta, who had emerged from the elevator after the others and were just approaching the door.
"Miss Babcock!" Sylvia exclaimed. "How do you keep a secret like this from me?" She reached to pat CC's belly and CC automatically stepped back to avoid the contact.
Yetta eyed CC suspiciously. "She don't look knocked up to me," she observed, shaking her head at her daughter.
CC watched them as they bickered their way closer to Niles. She wondered how soon she could escape to the bedroom, and had a sinking feeling that she would have to stay with the guests. She looked around and realized people might want drinks and snacks, and immediately thereafter realized she needed to ask Angelika if she could work longer hours while Niles recovered.
CC moved into the kitchen area and glanced at the wine rack. Thankfully it was well-stocked, and she pulled a couple bottles of red. She fished her corkscrew out of a drawer, and looked up as Grace came towards her. "May I help, Miss Babcock?"
"Sure. Open these bottles and use those glasses there, while I rummage for snacks." She handed over the corkscrew.
Grace nodded and went to work, while CC sliced cheese and set out whole wheat crackers and a platter of fruit.
As the Fines and the children made quick work of the food and Maxwell, Niles, Alain, and Helen worked on second glasses of the wine, CC eyed the half-empty bottle longingly. What she wouldn't give to take the edge off right now.
She turned and caught Helen watching her speculatively. CC squared her shoulders and walked over to the couch, balancing on the armrest beside Niles. She put her hand on his shoulder, and he looked up at her.
"All right?" He asked, covering her hand with his own.
She nodded. "You? Any pain?"
"None at all. Just tired," he stifled a yawn.
CC raised an eyebrow. "Time to kick them out, I think."
Niles looked around the room, then glanced up at CC, mischief in his eyes. "You do it; you are the wicked witch of the Upper East Side, after all."
She snorted. "You say that like it's a bad thing." CC took Niles's empty wine glass from him and lifted a metal pen off the coffee table. As she tapped the pen against the glass, the conversations swirling around the room trailed off into something approaching silence.
"Thank you all for coming. Niles is touched by your concern for him, but he's feeling tired and I want him to get plenty of rest. His cardiologist said it's imperative for his recovery."
"Certainly, CC, thank you for the wine and company," Maxwell said, and began shepherding his children towards the door.
Fran, who hadn't left her spot beside Niles, threw her arms around him and rested her face against his shoulder. Awkwardly, Niles patted her back, saying "There, there." She finally stood and followed the children out into the hallway.
Alain sat briefly in the spot Fran had vacated, and kissed his son gently on the cheek. "I'm glad you're feeling better, my boy. I'm leaving you in good hands, I'm sure," he added, winking at CC.
Niles, eyeing his mother, bit back a comment about just how good CC's hands were. He smiled at his father and wished him good night.
Leaving Niles to speak with his mother alone, CC followed Alain to the door and kissed his cheek. "I'll take good care of him," she promised.
"I know you will. Be sure you take care of yourself and my grandchild, too," he said, and pulled her hand to his lips.
Helen approached them, her mouth twisted in distaste at Alain's gesture. She waited until her ex-husband was in the hall, and spoke in a low voice to CC. "I don't approve of this arrangement."
CC looked down at the shorter woman. "And I did so want your approval," she said.
Helen's nostrils flared. "I don't know what has come over young people today. But I can see that it's none of my business," she added, meaning precisely the opposite.
"I'm glad we're on the same page," CC responded. "I wouldn't want to keep you. I'm sure you must be exhausted after your trip." No one could have accused her of sounding anything but solicitous.
"I'll be to visit again tomorrow," Helen said, and strode out the door without a backwards glance.
CC locked the door behind her and leaned against it in relief. She caught Niles's eye and scowled at the look of amusement on his face.
"Your mother might give mine a run for her money," CC said with a groan.
"Wouldn't that be a treat? I'd love to see them in the same room," Niles said, his grin growing.
CC shuddered. "Dear god, no. That could only end badly for all of us."
"But think of the fireworks!" Niles said a little too gleefully for CC's liking.
"I've had enough fireworks lately, Mr. Cardiac Arrest," CC said, and walked over to the couch, pulling on Niles's hand.
"Fair point," he admitted, and stood and followed her towards the bedroom.