CHAPTER 6

Niles was despondent over his home entertainment system having plans to step out for the evening. He needed her around. The blonde was his hobby for heaven's sake. He was walking by Fran's bedroom when he overhead her arguing with the woman in question.

"Have you lost your mind?"

He couldn't resist and stuck his head in the doorway. "That would imply she had a mind to begin with, Miss Fine."

Fran and Niles laughed before CC piped up, "I only need half a mind to destroy your pension plan, Rubber Maid."

His eyes widened in fear, "Sorry," he mouthed.

CC turned to face her reflection in Fran's mirror once more, frowning at the sight before her.

"Oh Niyals, now that ya here, would ya mind comin in for a sec and backing me up? Miss Babcock doesn't think this suits her. Would ya tell her how it matches her eyes?!"

Niles looked at CC, genuinely impressed by her voluptuous figure in the baby blue, figure-hugging dress she donned. It had never looked as good on Fran as it did on the Bitch of Broadway but he'd never admit that.

CC chanced a glance at him in the mirror. She was feeling self-conscious and was not up for criticism but she valued his opinion on taste more than Fran's.

"Eyes... Varicose veins... Yes the dress matches very well!" Niles couldn't give himself away after all.

CC looked hurt. But only for a moment. "That's it! I'm not going! I barely even know the man anyway!"

"Oh, what's there to know? Fran asked, "He's rich enough to be backing your show for double his intended contribution just to impress ya! Now be a good girl and do some backing into him! Haaaaa!" Fran clutched her chest and laughed.

CC joined in with a sly grin. "I suppose it's only polite..."

Niles raised his eyebrows. Of course the mere mention of the man's wealth would persuade her, he thought with a slight hint of disappointment.

"Atta girl, now what are ya self conscious for? Ya look hot! That dress is very on-trend! It's called a body-con dress coz of the way it's contoured on ya body, see?" Fran moved her hand to mimic the shape of CC's figure. "The only thing I wish it had was more neon and sparkle… Ya know, a little pizazz!" Fran grinned at the thought.

"and only because it doesn't, I was open to trying it on." CC said.

"So ya like it? I mean come on, Miss Babcock, what guy wouldn't want ya in that?!" Fran asked rhetorically.

CC turned to Niles expectantly. "Aren't you going to say anything?"

"What?" Niles said, "You expect me to make jokes about men not wanting you? I wouldn't do that... Especially since Mr. McMann is paying top dollar to have you. Don't forget to pay your pimp after." He smirked.

Niles was stunned when she turned and rubbed her hand over his upper arm a few times and said with a smile, "Thanks, Niles. I needed one last one before I go."

And she walked downstairs at the sound of the doorbell.