Arriving at the hotel with Niles and his parents, CC brushed the soft curls of her shoulder length hair with her fingers to check before confidently walking into the ballroom where the party was held. Niles was right outside the door talking with a few neighbors handling the party committee while his parents had stayed outside to chat with a few friends after briefly introducing CC.

CC believed one should never stand idly in any affair, never fidget uncomfortably while waiting, always have something to do, and so she confidently walked into the party. She knew she was beautiful and instead of being awkward with her towering 5'9-inch height, tall for a woman, she used it to her advantage and went into modelling, and how it helped her boost her confidence when she was young. Although her promising career had been cut short when her father saw her strutting down a catwalk in a bikini on one of the fashion shows and was outraged, her daughter was no starving lass that needed to flaunt her wares for fame and fortune. She tried to negotiate the kind of clothes she'll model but was not allowed to choose, and so she quitted, as much to her dismay and her friends' who told her not everyone had that opportunity. Later she realized her father was right though, she was better off being the producer and calling the shots, instead of the talent that had to follow.

But she never forgot the intoxicating thrill of being admired. It was the same sensation the minute she walked in when all eyes fell on her. and she flashed them a superstar smile. She didn't know where to go but she was sure someone was bound to meet her in the middle of the room to tell her where to sit. She didn't have to wait long before Niles' friend whom she had met the previous day approached her and invited her to sit with them.

Fyodor was busy talking to his daughter about behaving herself at the party. No wiping of dirty hands on the table linen, no throwing food on the floor and no hair pulling of the other kids at the party when his buddy Fred nudged him on the side to get his attention.

"Will you look at that! A dream just stepped into the room. I wonder who she is… she looks like Ms. United Kingdom!" exclaimed Fred.

Seeing Niles' girl walk in the room, Fyodor gave him a lopsided grin and decided to play a little trick on him to make him envious. He won't tell him she was Niles' girlfriend whom he met the previous day. She wasn't very warm at first, perhaps she wasn't one talking to strangers especially I a foreign country, but once she found out he was Niles' friend, she had warmed up.

"How much you want to bet I'll get her to seat beside me?" said Fyodor.

"Your wife's seating beside you. You want to be dead?" said Fred.

"My wife is seated on my left. Nonetheless, I'll bring her here. She can stay on my right. I'm not selfish. You move one chair to your right and she can sit here between us," said Fyodor.

"Ok, 50 pounds. I say she'll snub you. If she goes with you, I will pay you 50pounds," said Fred.

CC caught Fyodor's eyes and gave him a warm smile as he approached her.

"Why are you all alone? Where's Niles? Isn't he coming?" he asked as he led her to their table but before they could reach it, a few people had stopped them, curious about CC.

"Aren't you going to introduce us to your friend, Fyodor?" asked two elderly ladies about Marcia's age.

"Hello Mrs. Walker, Mrs. Morell… uhm this is CC…"

It's not his place to tell them she was Niles' girlfriend, after all, even the guy could not bring it to tell his friends this was her girlfriend.

"How do you do?" said CC.

"They work at the local school as teachers," said Fyodor.

A couple came over to them and introduced themselves to CC. After a few minutes of people coming to them, unable for them to go to their table, Fyodor took it upon himself to bring CC around the different tables and introduced her to the rest of the community.

"You are staying with Marcia and Edward, aren't you?" asked another neighbor.

"Yes, I am," said CC.

"So, tell me, are you Niles' girlfriend?" asked another.

CC felt a blush creep into her cheek. She'll just tell them what she told Fyodor the day he asked her when they met outside Niles' house.

"Please ask him," she smiled bashfully like it was some secret she could not disclose.

But to Fyodor's chagrin, Niles' reply when he asked him if CC was his girlfriend was a big smile with the same words, "Ask her."

As her practice always been, Kate was late. She liked coming in late to be the center of attention. She loved dressing up in tight, glittery skirts and dresses to catch the eye of the opposite sex. Unlike CC who did not need any validation to know how attractive she was, Kate wanted constant bolstering, and it was the reason she was constantly wearing her sexy, tight-fitting clothes to get noticed.

To her surprise and utter dismay, the limelight was not hers when she arrived. Everyone seemed busy looking towards the second table near the buffet where there were a few men standing with a woman whose back was to her, she couldn't make out if she was someone she knew, talking to the group seated at the second table.

Walking closer till she was in the middle of the ballroom without anyone paying much attention except for a couple of hellos and 'looking good Kate', she noticed Fyodor and a few guys in their community. That wasn't Fyodor's wife Jane, was it? She wondered.

The group walked to the next table as Fyodor introduced her. The woman couldn't be Jane, and she looked much taller than Jane. They walked around the table to give a peck to the elderly principal of the town school and shake hands with her children that were now doctors. Kate gasped, her brows furrowing in irritation. It was that woman with Niles!

Dressed in his rarely worn, expensive suit, he anxiously walked inside the ballroom, his eyes anxiously scanning the room for his blue-eyed blond queen who slipped out of his arms in utter boredom in his discussion with the committee .He was unable to tear himself away from the party committee who were talking him into helping out on a charity party they were planning for next year just in time for Niles next visit six moths later.

A bit anxious to have left CC on her own in a roomful of strangers, he was worried she'd be awkward, seething in anger, waiting for him to appear so she could blow his head off, but he couldn't be ay more mistaken, he found her walking around enjoyably talking with the people in the party like a politician's wife. Maybe his best childhood friend Fyodor had a hand in it, having met her by the old well that adored the front yard of his family home. Curiously, his friend asked him.

"There's beautiful blond on your wishing well. Is she your girlfriend?"

They were very close he almost gave him an offhand reply, "Not yet, but soon."

But then changed his mind. Thinking of playing a trick on his friend and curious about what CC would say, he said, "Why don't you ask her?"

He didn't hear CC's reply though, or if Fyodor had even the guts to ask her.

Turning around to check on his parents, he found the dirty blond that pursued him like a bloodhound standing a few yards from him, murderously staring at CC. Instinctively, he wanted to keep her attention away from his unsuspecting CC who was innocently just having a good time.

"Hello, Kate. You look good tonight," greeted Niles.

At the sound of his voice, Kate's murderous stance vanished.

"Hello Niles. Don't you look dashing, darling," she said, walking over to him and giving him a kiss on the cheek.

He eyed her in her glittering short red dress, reminding him so much of Nanny Fine the first night he saw her attend the backer's party. How he saw the look of distaste in Ms. Babcock's eyes… he wanted to corner her in the office and kiss her till the anxious look disappear from her eyes, whispering, "No woman in a glittery red dress can ever be more beautiful than you."

But he didn't get the chance because CC had been surrounded by guests, but should she need that reassurance tonight, he would gladly do so.

"Why don't you join us at our table," said Niles, bringing Kate to where his parents were seated with some neighbors.

His mother liked Kate. He had always known she was hoping he would someday end up marrying her. Truth be told he had a different blond in mind he wanted to marry, no matter how impossible or far-fetched it may be, he would have no one else but that insufferable blue-eyed blond who calls him Dustmop.

Fyodor and CC finally got back to their table, and introduced her to Fred, the third guy in their childhood trio. His mouth was still hanging open in disbelief as Fyodor led CC to sit beside them.

"This is Fred, CC. Another one of Niles' buddies from school…"

"Daddy, I want to sit beside the princess," said a pretty, brunette little girl.

"Oh CC, this is my daughter Lily. She's Niles' goddaughter… is it okay if she sits here beside you?"

Panic overcame her. She wasn't very good with kids. She was afraid of them but then Fyodor had been a really good friend of Niles, so she swallowed her anxiety and said yes.

The five-year-old girl was very pleased to sit beside CC. She looked at her I awe, touching her dress with her little hand. For her, looking at a beautiful blue-eyed blond in a silver dress and glass heels was like looking at Cinderella come to life. Her mother reminded her to behave and eat her food properly.

"Mommy, I don't need to go to Disneyland. Cinderella is here," said the little girl.

CC was flattered by the admiration Lily was giving her, and grateful that her hands were clean as she kept touching her dress and her arms every time she would ask a question to CC. Kids were usually wary of her, perhaps they sense she was uncomfortable with them but Lily was different. She felt an immediate liking to CC.

Niles soon joined CC at her table. They walked together to the buffet and took their selection together. Niles called the waiter to verify if any of the dishes had sage in them. CC was touched by Niles' thoughtfulness. He had never shown her such concern before.

"It won't hurt to be careful. We don't know maybe there's a powdered sage in the mix or a sage leaf tucked in somewhere," said Niles.

As they were getting food from the buffet table, a man in an expensive suit tapped Niles on the shoulder.

"Hey, Niles. How are you? Aren't you going to introduce me to your lady friend?"

It took Niles a moment to remember then a slow artificial smile appeared on his face as he took the offered handshake.

"Hello Jared! How's it going?" he greeted without introducing him to CC.

It's been several years since he had seen him. He was from Eton, the same batch as he and Maxwell. He had forgotten that Jared also grew up in the same city as he did, and his relatives were neighbors of his. He didn't expect him to be there though as he never was at any of the parties in the past.

He and Maxwell were frenemies with Jared. When they were in Eton he would always compete with Maxwell. Whatever Maxwell had, he had to have one too. At times even with girlfriends, he would ask a girl out simply because he knew Maxwell liked her.

"I'm a West End show producer now…" he bragged and turning to CC, he took her hand.

"I'm Jared. I'm a friend of Niles from highschool…"

"I'm CC Babcock. I'm also a theater show producer… in Broadway. How interesting that we're in the same business. I have a partner Maxwell Sheffield…"

"Oh Maxwell! I also know him from Eton. How's the guy huh? Is he here? When you said partner did you mean romantic or just business? Seems like nothing has changed. We have the same business and we still like the same type of women," said Jared.

"Just business," smiled CC.

If Niles wasn't so upset about Jared, he would have noted the sincerity in CC's tone when she answered she and Maxwell were merely business partners.

"Well, I'll see you around, Niles, CC… it was a pleasure," he said before leaving the pair by the buffet.

"You don't look happy to see him, Niles. Can't believe he is also friends with Maxwell. What a small world… I'll tell Maxwell…"

"He won't be interested. Let's just say we're both not very fond of Jared," said Niles as he led CC back to the table.

Not long after dinner, where CC hardly had the chance to finish dessert. Men started approaching her for a dance. She wasn't usually a nice and friendly person, but they were all a part of Niles' life, and she wanted to at least try.

CC danced with everyone who asked her at least once. She didn't want to be called a snob. She caught Niles' parents watching her and she wanted to leave a good impression. To her dismay, the party was almost over but Niles still hadn't danced with her. He remained seated with his friends. She was about to ask him herself when Niles' father Edward asked her.

She gave him a confident sweet smile and took his hand. As they slowly danced, CC was sure this was not meant for merely a dance. She felt a little nervous and she didn't know why.

"So, CC… I'm glad you're spending the holidays with Niles and with us," began Edward.

"I'm really enjoying myself. You have a lovely home. Thank you for the hospitality," said CC, still managing to look into Edward's eyes as they converse, her self-assurance never dwindling despite the nervousness at the pit of her stomach.

"I hope you don't mind my asking… you see Niles hasn't mentioned how you two met… I suppose you know his profession…"

Edward paused while waiting for CC to say something.

"We've actually known each other for years… I know he's a butler. We see each other almost everyday…"

CC noted that Edward seemed pleased and happy with their conversation until she mentioned Maxwell Sheffield.

"Niles and I see each other almost every day because I work with Maxwell Sheffield. I'm his business partner, and our office is in the Sheffield Residence where Niles works as his butler."

She noted the worry that etched his brows, and the shadow that appeared in his bright, cheerful eyes.

"It's the first time in a long time that Niles brought a girlfriend to meet us. The last one was back in college. Thank you for making our son very happy. I could see it in his eyes, how they lit up every time you were in the room."

CC debated whether to tell him that she wasn't Niles' girlfriend, but she didn't want the smile on his face to banish.

"He's getting cranky lately and I don't know why…"

Edward laughed in amusement.

"I have a fairly good idea, but I'll let you discover it for yourself."

Suddenly CC caught Niles dancing with Kate. How dare he dace with that woman when he didn't eve dance with her. She couldn't take her eyes off them. She wanted to see if Niles wanted that woman.

"Don't worry about Kate. She's just a family friend…" said Edward, giving CC a slow smile to reassure her.

"I just hope you can say the same thing about you and Maxwell Sheffield…"

CC's gaze returned to Edward as he spoke solemnly.

"Maxwell is a handsome, successful man just as you are beautiful, successful woman. You are more suited to each other than you and my son… I hope you will not hurt my son."

CC returned to their table to rest. It was almost time to go home.

As she sat enjoying a cold glass of iced water, she overheard Fyodor and Fred talking rather intently.

"The night is still young, I want to invite CC for a drink or a stroll," said Fred.

This didn't seem to sit well with Fyodor who was clearly upset. CC could clearly see them conversing a few yards away.

"Don't do it, Fred. She's Niles' girl. I'm telling you. Do not ruin your thirty years of friendship over a woman," scolded Fyodor.

"Did you hear him say she was his girlfriend?"

"He wouldn't be bringing her here if she wasn't, you dimwit," yelled Fyodor.

Just then Niles pulled a chair beside her and took her glass of water that was on the table. It could have been an easy mistake which glass to take but CC stared in disbelief as Niles pressed his lips on the part of the glass that had her lipstick mark on. They could share a glass if he didn't mind but he drank from the exact spot she drank from.

She swallowed hard, shiver running down her spine and at the pit of her stomach as she watched his tongue and lips glide through the lipstick mark as he drank. His lips seemed to press harder on the lipstick mark each time he took a sip, his tongue gliding on the rim of the glass like a soft caress.

She wasn't sure if he knew she was watching or he was totally unaware.

Fyodor and Fred approached them. Fyodor looked apprehensive and uneasy as Fred asked Niles.

"May I take CC out? It's still early…"

CC didn't care about going out with Fred but she wanted to get even with him, to annoy him

because he danced with Kate but not with her.

"Yes, Niles.., why don't…"

Before she could even finish her sentence, Niles retorted, "No, we are going home. There's no one to open the door for you if you stay out late. Come on…"

He immediately stood up, indicating the finality of the conversation.

A huge smile crept on CC's face when she noticed Niles carrying the glass with her lipstick mark as he made his outside the ballroom.

"Niles! The hotel would want their glass back," she called out to him.

Suddenly, she wasn't so upset with him for dancing with Kate.

In fact, she was feeling giddy.