The day before Christmas, CC awoke with a noise of bustling and distant voices. Glancing at and the alarm clock on Niles' desk told her it was almost ten in the morning. She had missed breakfast with Niles and his parents. From the bedroom she could make out a few voices talking to Niles, and a distinct voice of a little girl coming from the backyard.
It took some time before she fell asleep last night. She had too much coffee in the patisserie yesterday and when she was about to fall asleep, she felt like there was a presence in the room, like someone watching her but she wasn't sure as the room was dark. She had forgotten to switch on the night light. Afraid to open her eyes or search the darkened room, she tried to keep awake out of fear but kept her eyes shut, feigning sleep. There didn't seem any ghosts the previous nights, then she felt a weight on the bed just beside her, frightening her even more until she smelled a familiar fresh ocean scent and realized it was Niles and not some scary entity. She didn't know what he was doing there or what he wanted. She didn't bother to ask after all it was his room, and she slowly gave in to oblivion.
Languidly she stretched before kicking out the covers to get out of bed and peer through the French window that overlooked the backyard.
Niles was flipping something on the grill she couldn't make out, but on one side of the grill there were a few kebabs on a metal stick. Fyodor was talking to him about real estate as he helped Edward and Fred move the long wooden table before putting a Christmas themed tablecloth over it.
"Ma, what time is CC gonna wake up," asked Lily who was playing with gnome garden decors near the Forget-Me-Not bushes.
"She needed her beauty sleep, sweetie. But don't worry, I'm sure she'll be up by lunch," said Jane.
She was seated on one of the garden set chairs close to the house.
Niles smiled at her. "Did you see your presents underneath the Christmas Tree? You got two. One from me and one from CC."
"Yeah, I saw them. I wanted to open them already," pleaded Lily, running to where her mother was seated.
"You have to wait till Christmas morning tomorrow," said her mother, combing her hair with her fingers.
"Why do you have separate gifts for me, Uncle Niles? Mom and Dad share the same gift to everyone, grandma and grandpa have one gift to me too, and so are Aunt Nellie and her husband?"
Her parents laughed at her logic, eyeing Niles to see how he would handle it.
"Well, CC and I are not married so we don't share one gift to our friends…"
"When are you getting married? I want to be a flower girl like I was when Aunt Nellie got married."
To CC's annoyance, the woman dressed like there was a cloth shortage in England suddenly came into view, walking from the front side of the house through a little white fence that led to the backyard.
"Yes, Niles when do you plan to get married. My white dress is beginning to accumulate dust inside the closet," giving Niles a quick peck on the cheek, catching him off guard as he was busy grilling seafood and steak.
Apparently, Kate did not hear the rest of the conversation except for Lily's question.
Before Niles could answer, Marcia came walking out of the house through the sliding door to welcome Kate.
"Glad you can make it, Kate. What is that you have for us?" Marcia asked in delight, noticing the huge platter she was carrying.
"Oh, it's my famous chicken parmigiana…"
"Niles, don't you love that?" exclaimed Marcia.
Kate was pleased with Maria's remark. Over the years he knew what Niles particularly liked.
"I also made a green salad from the fresh vegetables I have grown in my garden. I also baked some muffins for dessert… but I see you already have Rhum Cake, Blueberry pie and cookies," eyeing them on the long wooden table.
"Those are from CC," Niles declared proudly.
"Oh, did she make them?" Kate asked skeptically. That socialite probably couldn't even operate a hand mixer.
"No, she didn't. She just bought that from the store," said Marcia distastefully.
"Mother, she bought them from Creperie Angelie, one of the fancy dessert shops in Bicester Village."
"And she waited forty minutes for that. There were a lot of orders," said Fred.
"Still, it's different when you bake it personally. A lot of love and effort goes into it," said Marcia.
"Did you know she can't even find her way around the kitchen. Yesterday, I asked her to help me make one of Niles' favorite dishes…"
"Mother! You want to make a Galatine, you know how difficult that is to make. Even chefs have a hard time with it. I'm sur even Jane can't do that, can you Jane?" he asked defensively.
Jane was supportive, catching Niles' pleading look and replied in all sincerity.
"Yes, I can't make Galantine either," said Jane matter-of-factly.
"But you know how to keep house, and cook, and take care of Fyodor, don't you? I'm telling you she cannot even work the stove and the dishwasher. I'm sure she's afraid to ruin those French manicure and can't do any gardening."
Pleased with Marcia's outburst, Kate placed all the food she brought on the long table and helped with the lunch preparation.
Niles said nothing but one could tell he was pissed. He handed the thongs to Fred and asked him to take over the grill as he walked out of the backyard and into the house.
CC was saddened by what she heard. Not wanting to hear anything further she slipped into the bathroom and gave a little cry as she showered.
Why did she care that Niles' mother didn't like her? She was the one acting like such a snob. She could have taught her yesterday how the dishwasher worked or how to open the stove. How difficult could it be? She just didn't bother to teach her because she didn't like her.
"CC!?" She heard Niles come inside the bedroom.
"In the bathroom," she replied.
Niles did not reply. She wasn't sure if Niles had left the room. Unable to pick out her dress and bring it inside the bathroom, she wrapped herself in the bath towel after checking there were no traces of tears on her face, she stepped out of the bathroom. To her surprise, Niles was going through his things in the closet.
She swallowed hard. They should stop meeting when she was half naked.
"Uhm… Niles… I need to get dressed," she said.
Niles turned towards her and found her clutching her towel, her hair dripping on her shoulders and chest.
She's breathtaking! God is she totally unaware how attractive she is? She wouldn't be standing so calmly if she could read my mind. She looked like Ursula Andres when she emerged from the ocean and started walking on the shoreline. Hot as Hell! Ready for making love.
He couldn't take his eyes off her. He was staring for a long time that CC was sure he was thinking of something to insult her with.
"Please Niles! I can't take any more insults today. Can you wait till tomorrow. My spirit is pretty dampened today."
Hearing the conversations clearly from the backyard, Niles was certain CC heard everything that transpired a few moments ago but he was not ready to talk about it to her.
"Uhm… CC… can you please keep this for me? It doesn't fit me now. I want to bring it to New York, and have a jeweler fix it but I'm afraid I will lose it. Can you put it in your gold chain and wear it to keep it safe."
Niles noted the surprise on her face as she took the ring from him and inspected it. It was his Oxford class ring. His name was engraved on the underside of it. Unfortunately, it was too big for her.
"Maybe you can put it on that gold chain of yours," said Niles hopefully.
Keeping one hand in her towel, she reached out for her gold necklace on the study table and handed it to Niles. Putting his class ring on the necklace, making it a pendant, he unceremoniously fastened it around CC's neck, his fingers grazing the sensitive skin of her neck sending electric volts down her spine, creating that hunger at the pit of her stomach. Suddenly she craved the touch of his all over… CC! Such dirty thoughts. She scolded herself.
Niles burst into a slow smile as he looked at his ring around her neck. CC wondered what had possessed him to give it to her for safe keeping, but returned his infectious smile, touching the ring that fell just an inch below the base of her neck.
"Niles! What are you still doing here? I said I needed to get dressed. You're not planning to dress me up, are you?" she said in a joking manner.
"Well, the thought crossed my mind," said Niles with a glint in his eyes.
CC turned crimson. "Niles! You joke about my looks, you joke about my gender, you even joke about my hair color and my weight but I have never heard you joke about something racy!"
Niles gave a lopsided grin. "Was I joking?"
CC stared at him in confusion. Ever since they got here, she couldn't tell if he was joking or not. He's starting to be an enigma. Maybe she should not have gone with him to his territory. It was a home-court advantage.
"I'll wait for you outside. Let's have lunch. I went to a nearby specialty store and bought a few tropical fruits I'd like to make into a four season shake for you."
"Sounds wonderful, Niles," she replied.
Still mesmerized by her sensual look, Niles did not move to leave, he remained staring at her.
"Niles? Niles?" she called, giving him a little shake on the forearm.
"I'm getting dressed, Dustmop," she reminded.
Niles laughed awkwardly, gave an offhanded apology and left.
Minutes later, hair blow dried, and sporting her DKNY Printed ruched spaghetti halter dress. She pushed Marcia's words out of her mind and decided to enjoy the afternoon. Upon her arrival, the first thing everyone noticed was Niles' class ring hanging around her neck. It glistened under the sun against her alabaster skin but said nothing. They said grace before starting lunch that was carefully laid on the long wooden table. She was pleased that Niles stayed by her side attentively taking care of her. It sure made up for the cranky disposition he'd been giving her since they got here.
He put one of the Ribe eye steaks he grilled on her plate.
"I made a couple of medium-rare ones that you like and try this peppercorn gravy sauce I made."
He scooped some mashed potatoes and put them on her plate. She was about to scold him that she was capable of getting her own side dish and preferred the salad when he leaned over and whispered softly in her ear.
"Don't touch the salad. We're not sure if it's free from sage. Someone could be out to get you."
Her eyes widened before a smile formed on her lips.
"Of course you wouldn't want me dying on Christmas day," she chortled.
Her laugh was a little louder than intended, causing everyone to look in their direction.
"What's so funny?" asked Kate.
"I was just telling CC how I'd like to open her Christmas present to me tonight," replied Niles.
It was not much what he said but how he said it which implied a different meaning. Fred and Fyodor burst into that male teasing chortle while Niles displayed his sexy grin. CC was horrified.
"Niles!" she scolded, her face turning crimson.
"That's not true. He didn't say that… he said… he said…" she stuttered. She wanted to explain couldn't find the words.
"Well, well, Why don't you come over tonight to see what I intend to give you for Christmas, Niles. You can compare which is the better gift," said Kate haughtily.
This sparked a fury in CC and she finally found the words.
"My Christmas present to Niles can fit a medium sized box from Calvin Klein. I don't know about you. So, you can bring my gift over to her place and compare," said CC.
"My gift is worth more than a signature shirt…"
"Kate, you know I spend Christmas with family," said Niles matter-of-factly.
"Come the next day then," she invited, her audacity not waning a bit.
"I'm not sure, Kate. I may be too worn out the next day," he said with a glit in his eyes before settling on a nearby table, his friends howling with laughter.
Jane put her hand over hers in an understanding gesture.
"Oh CC. It's okay. Get used to it. Niles just wants to tease but really, he is a good man. You know I've never seen him this happy before, and it's you who put that smile on his face."
CC sat beside Niles, glaring at him with a horrified expression, castigating him in a low voice only two of them can hear.
"Niles! Why are you flirting with me in front of everyone? They would think… they would think…"
"They would think what?" he asked a bit annoyed.
"They would think we're together," whispered CC as she took a sip of her fruit shake.
Niles smirked, watching his ring dangling from her neck. Everyone thinks we're together.
Looking at her earnest expression, her long blond hair down just a little below the shoulders, she looked much younger than her thirty-one years, albeit the assertiveness in her eyes was still evident, she had that touch of sweetness he adored. I hope she will always have her hair longer and loose about her shoulders. I can hardly wait to delve my fingers into those tousled golden locks as I kiss her senseless.
"Does that bother you if everyone would think we're together?" asked Niles straightforwardly.
"No!" said CC, her eyes crinkled at Niles' words.
"I was thinking about you," she explained, averting her eyes as she ate her potatoes.
"I don't want you to accuse me of sending the wrong message to people…I mean… yeah I find you incredibly sexy, but it doesn't mean I'm as wacko as that Kate who gives the impression to people that there is something between us…"
Niles could not believe his ears; his heart was singing with joy. CC thought he was sexy… He heard it straight from the horse's mouth.
CC scolded herself for talking too much. She wanted to take it back but didn't know how. Why did she tell him how attractive she found him? She'll never hear the end of it when he teased her. Now she couldn't look Niles in the eye.
Her mind was taken off her predicament at hand when something tugged at the side of her dress. Looking down, she found Lily I her toothless grin.
"Aunt CC, may I have my gift please. I want to open your present for me. I just finished my lunch."
"As long as your mother says it's okay," said CC.
"No, sweetie, you have to open it tomorrow on Christmas morning," said her mother Jane.
"But mommy, I have other gifts I can open on Christmas morning. Please I really want to open Aunt CC's gift," protested Lily.
Her mother finally agreed, and CC brought out her gift from under the Christmas Tree and handed it to Lily who remained in the backyard.
Opening the box, her eyes sparkled with sheer delight as she brought out a Princess Barbie Doll. "Mommy! Mommy! Look, it's a princess. How beautiful!" exclaimed Lily.
"I'm glad you like it," said CC, tucking a strand of the child's hair behind her ear.
"And she looks just like you, blond hair and her silver dress… and she has a castle!"
Lily unboxed the rest of the accessories her doll, her excitement uncontainable.
"Now, remember Lily. A princess does not need a prince or anyone to save her. She can do everything and achieve anything as long as she puts her mind to it…"
"CC, for heaven's sake, she's five not fifteen do you have to give her that pep talk," said Niles disapprovingly.
"Is that why there's no prince for the princess?" asked Lily.
CC didn't know what to say. She couldn't find a blond prince, and she didn't want to buy a dark-haired prince that looked like Maxwell.
"That's one lonely princess," put in Kate.
"She's got a big castle but no prince," she smirked.
CC knew the woman was alluding to her. With all her money and success, she was alone. She decided to ignore her.
"She's not really alone," said CC.
She showed the rest of the accessories that Lily left inside the box.
"The princess has two ladies in waiting who help her dress up and who serve as her friends. Then there are the knights that guard the castle, and… she's got a horse. Pets are companions too," smiled CC.
"CC, you spoil her! This is too much," said Jane looking at the extravagant gift.
"Oh, let me dote on her. I don't know when I'll be back here again," said CC.
"Try never again," smirked Kate.
CC glared at Kate but said nothing. She was right, she was not sure if Niles would ever bring her back here again.
"I want a prince," said Lily sadly.
Jane immediately pacified her daughter. "We will buy her a prince next time, okay. There was just a shortage of princes that's why Aunt CC was not able to get one."
Her mother's comment delighted the child.
"Yeah, she couldn't get herself a prince that's why she was taking someone else's," retorted Kate.
CC was really starting to get pissed but maintained her composure. She
"Don't let your mother choose your prince for you. It's better to choose for yourself rather than have someone else pick it out for you that way you like what you're having. Isn't that so, Niles? You should pick out your own princess than have your mother choose one for you," smiled CC, looking at Kate who was seething at CC's words.
Lily was so happy she ran to the garden set where no one was seated to have more space to play.
CC gave Kate a condescending smile before returning to her steak.
