CHAPTER 9
"Hey, Niles. What ya making?" Fran asked as she entered the kitchen and opened the refrigerator.
"Cheesecake," he said, unusually devoid of a friendly smile.
Fran noticed his demeanor and instantly became worried. Or, to be more precise, became curious.
"Ah, Miss Babcock's favourite? Sneaky you, making it when ya know she'll be out for the evening!"
No response. "Uh, why the long face scarecrow? Ya missing someone?" She dared a guess.
She remembered the last time she had stepped out as a fifth wheel with CC, Val and their dates. Niles had been depressed about Miss Babcock going out and had encouraged Fran to join them.
Niles was quiet for a few seconds. Likely deciding how to talk about this. He decided on the safest route for his health and sanity - the truth. Well... Some of it.
"You didn't happen to meet Miss Babcock's date did you?"
"Nah, why do ya ask?" Aha, my Yenta Central receptors are definitely on track, Fran thought.
"I was just wondering whether he's that flippant and rude with all people below his class or if its just in my head."
"Whad'ya mean? What did he say to ya?" Fran asked. Maybe I was off track. This doesn't seem to be about Miss Babcock at all.
"Oh, he just made a few degrading remarks. Nothing like Miss Babcock's though."
Aaand there it is. Can't go without a name drop. Fran smirked.
"I'm sure he didn't mean it. What could he possibly have against you?"
Niles pondered. Why do the haves always bully the have-nots?
"Well, I can change a light bulb, look after the children, cook, clean AND handle Babs, all in one day. Maybe he's angry that he can't log on to eBay and just buy my secret on how to do it all," Niles winked.
"Ha-ha! Good one! Add Jewish doctor with mansion to that list and you'd be the perfect catch! I woulda stolen ya myself, mistah!" Fran slapped him lightly and laughed and even though Niles knew she was joking, he was bothered that her remark reminded him of his inadequacies.