Back to Fan FictionParts Eight and Nine
The knocking at her door jarred Fran from her daydream. How long had she been sitting in front of her mirror? Oy that was some daydream she'd just had. If her "date" with Don tonight went anything like the Final Net induced haze she’d just witnessed, she was in trouble, big trouble. She shook off the remnants of her dream as the knocking came again, more insistent this time. She tightened her robe around her and opened the door slowly, hoping it was Mr. Sheffield. "Oh, hi, Niles. I thought you left already."
"I did, but I needed to come back and pick up something, so I thought I’d check in on you. Were you expecting someone else?"
"Hoping is more like it. Oh, Niles…what am I doing? I don’t want to go out on another date with this guy. I only agreed to go out with him because Mr. Sheffield started acting so possessive. I wouldn’t MIND if he could just admit he loves me, but he’s always sabotaging my relationships, and then backs away from me."
"Why don’t you just tell him how you feel?"
"Oh, you don’t think I have? The man KNOWS I love him, and I think he knows he loves ME. He just keeps pushing me away, and then pulling me back in. I don’t know how long I can take this."
"I just hope you know what you’re doing with this Don character. I’d hate to see you get hurt, just to prove a point to Mr. Sheffield."
"I’m already hurting, Niles. It’s been four years already. We live together like we’re married. Well, ALMOST like we’re married." She winked at him.
"So you’re really going through with another date with this masher?"
"I don’t intend on getting ‘mashed’, Niles. I want you to call me on my cell phone and pretend Gracie’s sick or something. Don’t wait too long, though, I don’t want to spend any more time with him than I have to. He said something about this place having dancing, so I want to get out of there before he has a chance to put his slimy hands on me." She laughed softly. "Ya know, Niles, all the guys I used to date were just like this schmuck. Then I met Mr. Sheffield, and now I expect more out of a guy, you know? He’s ruined me for other men."
Niles smirked. "Then he OWES it to you to marry you."
She sighed deeply. "I wish he thought like YOU did. You’re British, too, why aren’t you as repressed as he is?"
"I’m part French, Miss Fine."
She thought back to her disastrous relationship with Philippe. "Well, I won’t hold that against you." She grinned and hugged her friend. "Now, let me get dressed. I’ve got to find something to wear that’s not too tight, not too sexy…I don’t want to give this guy any signals that I want him."
"Do you OWN any clothes like that?"
"Yeah, but I never wear them around Mr. Sheffield. I WANT to give HIM the signals." She sighed again. "Not that it ever does any good."
"I’ll call you at around seven thirty, how’s that? You should at least make this man buy you dinner, if you have to suffer through his company."
"Great, thanks Niles. Make sure you tell Gracie that she’s ‘sick’, in case he wants to come back here with me. Maybe you’d better make sure Mr. Sheffield is out of the house."
"Are you kidding? He’ll be sitting up waiting for you, to make sure you’re all right. He’s very concerned about you dating this man."
"Then he needs to get off his repressed touchas and do something about it." She shut the door and walked slowly to her closet. Maxwell Sheffield loved her, she could feel it in her soul. She rifled through her closet, looking for the most demure outfit she could find. She definitely wanted to pick an outfit that screamed ‘hands off’. Finally, in the back of her closet, she found the perfect dress. It was a brown Jersey knit, with long sleeves, a high scoop neck, and cut to the knees. It was her sister’s dress, so it was a bit large on her, but with a loose belt at her waist, it looked quite stylish. It also looked like something someone her sister’s age would wear. Yes, this dress was definitely a turn off. She selected a cream-colored leather belt that matched her calf-high leather boots. She reached for her Prada purse that Mr. Sheffield had given her for Christmas last year.
As she was putting on her earrings, she heard the front door close. She walked over to the window and saw the Bentley pull away from the curb. Why is he taking the Bentley? Then it hit her. He had on what Miss Babcock laughingly referred to as his ‘fancy pants’, he was freshly shaven and wearing cologne. I’ll bet he’s going to see Miss Babcock, I wonder why he didn’t tell me? She took a last look in the mirror and laughed. She barely recognized herself. She hoped Mr. Sheffield didn’t see this outfit. This one would definitely make him think twice about their relationship, and not in a good way.
She started down the stairs as the doorbell rang. "Oh, well, here we go!" She reached the bottom of the stairs and opened the door to receive Don.
"Wow, Baby, you look incredible."
Baby? Incredible? Damn, this night was not starting out well at ALL. "Thanks, Don. Would you like a drink before we go?" Good, Frannie, stall him for as long as you can.
"I’ve got some champagne on ice for us in the limo. Are you ready to go?"
She looked around the empty house. The one time she wouldn’t mind Mr. Sheffield stomping out of his office and making a scene, he’s off at some meeting.
"Fran, I said, are you ready?"
"Oh, yeah, I just had a feeling that I forgot something is all. I’m ready whenever you are."
He reached out and slipped his hand around her waist pulling her toward him. She thought she was going to wretch. "Just one second, I need to lock the door." She fumbled with her purse and found her keys, then slowly locked the door. She took a deep breath. She’d just used up her last stall tactic. She turned around and saw the limo waiting for them. Why did it have to be a stretch? He pulled her back to him roughly and led her to the car. He helped her in, then slid in next to her. Reaching across her for the champagne bottle, he let his face brush her chest. She never wanted to make a man wear a bottle of champagne so badly in her life. Even Danny wasn’t this much of a schmuck. She smiled at a memory of Danny trying to be suave.
Don looked at her and grinned lecherously. She must have liked that, this night is going great so far. He poured two glasses of champagne and handed one to her.
"Thanks, Don." She took a small sip. She needed to keep herself sharp.
"Drink up, Baby, there’s more where that came from." Maybe if she just loosened up a little, they could get this night going.
She continued to sip at her glass and listen to Don rattle on and on about himself. Every time she even TRIED to interject a little story about herself or her family, he’d steer the conversation right back to how great he was. What an ego this creep had! Every time Don would look away, Fran would pour a bit of her champagne onto the carpet. This guy was definitely trying to get her drunk!
Relief flowed through her as they pulled up in front of the restaurant. The minute she was out of the car, his arm was back around her like she was his possession. He led her into the dimly lit restaurant, and they were shown to their booth in the back corner. She was hoping he’d sit across from her, but he slid into the seat next to her and put his had on her thigh. She moved over slightly and placed her purse on the seat between them, the picked up the menu. "So, Don, I’ve never eaten here before, what’s good?" She looked over at him and smiled.
"What are you in the mood for?" He smiled seductively at her and winked.
Let’s see, I’m in the mood for a six foot tall dark haired green-eyed Brit to come in here and kick your touchas, that’s what I’m in the mood for, you schmuck! "Maybe a little lobster?" She tried to stifle a giggle that was building in her throat.
"Ah, seafood, now you’re talking, Frannie. Maybe I’ll start with a couple of dozen oysters."
FRANNIE? "Oh, I can’t stand anything slimy!" Including YOU! Oh, WHY had she taken that job? Why couldn’t she just be happy staying at home, taking care of Max and the kids? Oh, great, now she sounded just LIKE Max.
"That’s all right, I’ll eat them myself. Maybe you’ll thank me later." There was that wink again. She was ready to gag, luckily the waiter came and took their orders. Don ordered a bottle of wine for their meal. She looked around and saw a large potted plant behind their booth. She hoped the plant didn’t mind a little white wine.
"How about a little dance before dinner?" He didn’t wait for her to answer, he was already getting out of the booth and reaching for her hand. Well, as least he wouldn’t talk so much on the dance floor.
"Sure, Don, I’d love to." She smiled politely. As he took her hand, she noticed it was cold, like a snake. She stifled another giggle. This man was definitely a snake, she pictured him shedding all the way to the dance floor.
He took her in his arms and pulled her close to him. She carefully tried to back out of his embrace without appearing totally offensive. He moved his face next to hers, then began nuzzling her ear. Funny, when Max did this, it turned her on. Now she felt nauseous. She laid her head on his shoulder to keep out of his mouth’s reach, but he interpreted that as an invitation for more. As his hand moved slowly down her back, she saw the waiter bringing their salads. She caught a break there! "Don, our salads just arrived."
"I’m not sure I’m ready to let you go, Baby."
There he goes with that ‘Baby’ crap again! "Well, I’m SURE I’m ready to eat. I’m famished!" She pulled back enough for him to know she was serious.
"Fine, let’s eat then. We’ve got all night to hold each other."
The hell we do! When they got back to the table, Don moved her purse across from them before they sat down. Fran took small bites and chewed slowly. She was mentally kicking herself for forgetting to wear her watch, and she couldn’t very well look at Don’s watch.
Don was sucking down the oysters in front of him, stopping periodically to throw her a wink. Once the oysters were gone, he began shoveling his salad into his mouth as fast as he could. Not only was he slimy, his manners were non-existent! What happened to the nice man she’d met at the studio? She was just going to have to try to let this man know she needed to keep their relationship strictly business…like Mr. Sheffield and Miss Babcock. Oy, why hasn’t Niles called? He was probably at her house, and they were probably fighting, and he lost track of the time.
The waiter brought the rest of their meal out, and Fran sped up her eating. She wanted to get this lobster finished before Niles finally DID call. Don kept talking throughout the meal, though she was doing pretty good at tuning him out. She’d had four years of practice with Mr. Sheffield. Whenever he’d start yelling at her for something, she’d just tune him out until he was done.
"Frannie, have you heard a word I said?" Well, she could always anticipate when Mr. Sheffield was almost done, she didn’t know this jerk well enough yet. Think fast, Fran!
"I’m sorry, Don, it must be the wine. I don’t do too well with alcohol." Good cover!
He picked up the bottle of wine and refilled her glass. "Well, it would be a shame to waste such a good vintage, don’t you think?" He picked up the glass and handed it to her, then touched her glass with his own, encouraging her to drink. No, even Danny wasn’t THIS low, may he rest in peace. Fran continued pretending to sip her wine, all the while getting the plant behind her very intoxicated. The waiter glared at her a couple of times, but she figured, what the hell, if she killed the plant, she’d just buy them a new one. It sure beat the alternative.
"If you’re done, how about another turn on that dance floor?" Once again, he was on his feet reaching for her. Mercifully, she heard her cell phone ringing in her purse. Thank goodness!
"Just one second, Don, I need to get that." She reached into her purse and pulled out the phone. "Hello?"
"Miss Fine?"
"Oh, hi, Sweetie, what’s wrong?"
"Sweetie? Oh, I’m Miss Grace now, aren’t I?"
"Of course, Baby. You go upstairs to bed, and I’ll be right home."
"Is he buying this?"
"I love you too, Angel." She clicked off the phone and put it back in her purse. She was going to owe Niles big time for this. "Don, I’m really sorry, but I need to cut this evening short. Gracie’s running a slight fever and is sick to her stomach, so I need to go home and take care of her."
Don’s face reddened. "Fran, where’s the kid’s father? Can’t he go home and take care of his own daughter? I mean, it’s not like you’re her mother for anything, you’re JUST her nanny."
Fran took a step forward until she was right in Don’s face. "JUST the nanny?" She hissed at him. "Just the nanny? Do you how sick I am of hearing that year after year? I am NOT JUST their nanny. I’ve been taking care of this family for over FOUR years now, and I’m like a mother to all the kids. I’m the only mother Gracie knows. I love that family, and I love those kids like they were my own!"
"My GOD, Fran, just listen to yourself. It’s JUST a job! Just how long do you think you can ride that gravy train? The kids are grown, they don’t NEED a nanny. I can think of only one reason that Sheffield keeps you around!"
Fran froze and blinked several times. What did he just say? Fran knew he was insinuating that Mr. Sheffield kept her around for sex, but Fran knew different. It was at that moment she knew without a shadow of a doubt that Max loved her; THAT was the real reason he kept her on as the nanny, even though the children were now old enough to look after themselves. Easy, Fran, salvage your job at the studio.
"Maybe you’re right, the kids AREN’T going to need me for much longer. That’s why I started looking for another job. I really DO need to get home, though, Don. Thanks so much for a lovely dinner."
"Well, it doesn’t have to end, you know. Why don’t I drive you home, you can check on the little girl, and we can continue our evening at your place?"
Great. Just great. She hadn’t thought of that one, and she’d told Niles to get rid of Mr. Sheffield. "Great!" She forced a smile.
Don paid the check and escorted her back to the limo. Several times on the way home, he attempted to snuggle or kiss her, but she was able to hold him off, saying she was too worried about Gracie. Please let Mr. Sheffield be home. She no longer cared if he found out she was only trying to make him jealous, she was now more concerned about being alone with this lecherous creep.
The limo rolled to a stop in front of the Sheffield mansion, and Fran hurried to the front door. It was still locked, not a good sign. That meant that no one had come home, usually. "Make yourself at home in the living room, Don. I’m going upstairs to check on Grace, I’ll be down in a few minutes."
She hurried up the stairs to the haven of Grace’s room and held the child close. "Honey, I had Niles call me and say you were sick, so whatever you do, please don’t come downstairs, no matter what you hear down there, understand?"
"Is everything OK, Fran? You look upset." She gave her nanny another hug.
"I’m fine, Baby. I love you so much."
"I love you too, Fran." Fran smiled and closed the child’s door, then took a deep breath and headed down the stairs. She could offer him coffee and dessert. That was safe enough, then she could go check on Grace and tell him she needed to stay with her. She took another breath as she reached the bottom of the stairs, then put on a brave smile as she returned to her date.
Don had made himself comfortable on the couch. God, he even looked like a schmuck just sitting there, his feet propped on the table, idly thumbing through a Broadway review magazine. Not only was he inconsiderate to people, now he'd moved on to furniture. How in the hell had things gone this far? Fran mentally kicked herself all the way over to the couch.
"How about I make us some coffee, Don?" She faked a cheerful expression and a warm tone of voice.
"Coffee? Don't you have any liquor around this place?"
This idiot actually has the gall to sound miffed. "Yes, we do. But, since tomorrow is a workday and since I have young children in the house, I'd prefer if we keep things a bit more responsible. I'm sure you understand." She didn't give him a chance to respond but headed for the kitchen.
It took less time than she would have liked to prepare a tray of coffee and cookies. She headed back out to the living room, all the while praying Mr. Sheffield would appear to put an end to all this mess. Come on, Fran. Snap out of it. You're a smart woman who has dealt with jerks before. It's time to fight your own battles, girl. You can do this!
And, in an instant, Fran realized the voice in her head was absolutely right. It wasn't like she needed to save her new job. She already had a job. One she loved very much. A job that fulfilled her and gave her life meaning. Who cared if the kids were almost grown and out of the house? She would always be a part of their lives, regardless of what happened between her and Mr. Sheffield. And, deep down, she trusted Mr. Sheffield enough to know he was serious about not leaving her out in the cold when the kids didn't need her as much anymore. Besides, even if she had needed the weather girl job, NO job was worth putting up with the troll sitting in front of her.
As she sat the tray down, she noticed a few things in the room had changed since she had left. The lights were dimmed and light jazz music was playing. Oh, for God's sake, he's trying to set the mood. Without even asking, he's touching stuff in my house! She sat on the couch, as far away from Don as possible and handed him a cup of coffee.
"Hey Frannie, why so formal? I've got plenty of room over here." He patted the sofa and gave her what, in his sick world, was a sexy look, but in reality just looked pathetic.
"Oh, but Don, I just got comfortable."
"No problem, Babe. I'll come to you." He slid across the couch until he was thigh to thigh with her, his arm draping across her shoulders. Fran had to work hard to hide the shudder of revulsion that hit her body. "Ooh, are you cold? I'm sure I could warm you up if you needed me to," Don whispered in her ear. Apparently she hadn't worked hard enough to hide the shudder.
Fran sat her coffee cup firmly on the table and took a deep breath. It was now or never. "Listen, Don. I think you may have gotten the wrong idea. I'm very excited about my new job with The Daily News, but I'm really not looking to date right now. I'm sorry if you misinterpreted my eagerness about the job as something else, as something more personal."
The look on his face sent a cold chill through her heart. He did not look happy. He recovered quickly, though, with a sickly sweet smile and an even sicker tone of voice. "Fran, honey, who's talking about dating? Come on. You feel it too, I know you do." He placed a strong hand on her arm and drew her up against him, his breath hot on her cheek. "No one needs to know about this. I can be discreet at the office. Trust me, it'll be great." He began to kiss her jawline and headed for her neck.
Alarm bells went off in Fran's head. The age-old "fight or flight" response took hold and she pushed against him. "Don, I don't want this. I don't want you. I'm sorry if that's upsetting to you, but you need to understand, I want you to stop, right now!" Her voice had risen at this point.
Her words had absolutely no effect on him. "Shhh, Baby. If you don't quiet down, the kids will hear you and I'm sure you don't want them walking in on us." He was leaning her back against the couch arm, attempting to straddle her legs as he did so. Fran did the only thing she could think of, and kneed him in the groin, hard. He let out a loud cry and pulled back from her. "You little...."
She stood up quickly and he followed, although due to her well-placed knee, he didn't stand as straight as he normally did. In short order, Fran placed a good two or three feet of space in-between her and Don.
"Now, Don, you need to calm down. I'm sure, if you stop for a moment to think about this, you'll realize you don't want do anything rash. Consider the legal hot water you could get yourself into. I'm your employee."
"Listen, Fran, I think you misunderstood. I thought you wanted this, wanted me. I mean, come on, you've been giving me signals all week."
"Well, Don, you thought wrong."
"Excuse me, but just what in the bloody hell is going on here?"
Fran whipped around and found herself face to face with Maxwell. Where had he come from? She didn't think he was home, but it looked like he had just stormed out of his office. "Mr. Sheffield, I didn't realize you were here."
"I think that's pretty obvious, Miss Fine." Fran watched as Maxwell's eyes roamed over the condition of the living room, Don's wrinkled clothing and then finally over her own outfit, which Fran was pretty sure looked as bad as Don's. She realized what Mr. Sheffield was probably thinking and knew she had to put a stop to it, and fast.
"Now listen, Mr. Sheffield. This isn't what it looks like."
I cannot believe I walked in on them. That she would actually go for this creep. That she brought him into my home and was rolling around with him on my couch. Maxwell had been working in his office when he'd heard the commotion coming from the living room. It had surprised him, as he didn't think anyone else was in the house, except for the children. When he'd walked in on them, he at first didn't know what was going on until he saw the state of their clothes and Fran's rumpled hair. It had hit him in the gut like a brick.
Maxwell gave a disgusted look at Don and then returned his gaze to her. Fran stepped back from his gaze. He looked livid. His eyes, even in the dim light, were flashing and his jaw was clenched so tight Fran could see the strain it was putting on his neck. She didn't think she'd ever seen him look this mad.
When he spoke, it was so quietly and calmly, it took her by surprise. "And just, pray tell, what do you think this looks like, Miss Fine? I mean, I'm fairly certain of what I think it looks like, but I'm having a hard time believing it, considering the children are at home and I didn't think you would do something like this under the same roof as them."
"Oh lighten up, Sheffield, Fran's a grown girl. So what if she brings a guy home?"
As soon as Don said the words, Fran knew he was in trouble. She fixed him with a direct stare and firmly said, "Shut up, Don. You have no idea what you're talking about. Mr. Sheffield is under the impression that I welcomed your advances this evening."
She gave Mr. Sheffield a cold look and went on, directing her comments to Don. "He is sadly mistaken, I'm afraid. Your advances were most certainly NOT welcome as I tried telling you more than once."
"Do you mean to tell me, Miss Fine, that Mr. Boswell, was trying to force himself on you?" Fran had thought Maxwell looked angry before, but that held nothing to the look on his face at that moment.
"That's exactly what I'm trying to tell you, Mr. Sheffield. And you know what, I'm not sure what hurts more, the bruises he left on my arm or the fact you would actually believe I could be interested in someone like him and then do something like that in this house in front of the children."
Maxwell looked as if she'd slapped him. She didn’t care. How dare he? How dare he think her capable of that? Of all the idiotic, stupid things he’d done, this one had to be right up at the top of the list.
"Well, what did you expect me to think? You kept accepting his dinner invitations and led me to believe the other night in the studio that things had happened." Maxwell was faltering for words and Fran was tired of hearing his excuses.
"You know, Mr. Sheffield, had I known what an incredible ASS this man was, I never would have taken the job or put up with his wandering hands for this long."
"Excuse me, people, but I AM still in the room, you know."
"Shut up, Don," they spat at him, in unison. He just stood there, his mouth hanging open, with a dumbfounded look on his face.
"I just don’t know how you didn’t spot it a mile away when you met him, Miss Fine. I mean, for God’s sake, he was checking you out during the interview! He didn’t wait five seconds for you to leave his office before he was on the phone with his buddies, bragging about how fast he could get you into bed!"
Fran cut him off, "What the hell are you talking about?"
He went on, walking over to her. "I mean, why else would I have followed you that first night? Why the hell have I done everything I could think of to keep an eye on you, knowing this pathetic excuse for a human being was waiting for his chance to take advantage of you?" As soon as he said the words, Maxwell knew he was in trouble.
"Wait I minute! I knew I recognized your voice! You’re the bastard who called me on my cell phone that night, pretending to be the night watchman at my apartment building!"
"Shut up, Don," they said in unison, again.
"You followed me?" she asked him quietly, walking up to him and laying a hand on his chest.
"I did. I’m sorry, Miss Fine. It was the only way I could think of to keep you safe without telling you what a reprehensible man he was."
She reached out to take his arms and wrap them around her waist. "And why didn’t you just tell me? What stopped you?"
He sighed. "I knew if I told you he’d only hired you to get you into bed, it would hurt you. You were so happy when you got the job, I just didn’t think I could do that to you. I know now, though, that I should have just made you angry with me and told you the truth. I could have let you think I’d made it up because I was jealous and put my foot down and told you not to take the job. But I didn’t. I’m sorry, Miss Fine. I let you down."
She took his face in her hands. "Were you jealous?" He tried to look away, but she held his gaze, not letting him. She saw the truth in his eyes before he spoke the words. "Yes."
"Why were you jealous, Mr. Sheffield?"
"I think you know why, Miss Fine."
"Do I? I think I’d like to hear you say it."
"Because I…I…." He faltered, old fears holding him back.
"It’s okay. I know why. Me too."
He pulled her more fully into his arms, all restraint forgotten in the overwhelming desire he felt for her at that very moment. He saw her smile at him before his mouth claimed hers in a passionate kiss. For several long moments, the world around them disappeared and they were lost in each other’s embrace.
Breathless, they pulled apart, foreheads resting together. Fran was the first to speak. "Don, if you’re still here, I quit."
"Yes, Mr. Boswell. If you’re thick enough to have stayed to witness this, she quits." They kissed again, as if to emphasize the point.
Don was already grabbing his coat and storming toward the front door.
"Oh, and Mr. Boswell?"
Don turned around, a look of hatred on his face. "What, Sheffield?"
"A very dear friend of mine is on the board of directors for The Daily News. I’ll be warning him about your ‘orientation techniques’ with new hires. You may have some explaining to do in the very near future."
Looking worried, Don spun around on his heels and left, without saying another word.
Maxwell and Fran walked over to the stairs, arm in arm. Welcome Home, Miss Fine."
"Thank you Mr. Sheffield, it’s good to be back."
"I’m sorry your dream job didn’t work out. I know how important it was to you."
"One thing I figured out in all this mess is that my dream is right here in this house. I don’t need to go anywhere else looking for it."
"I’m glad to hear that, Miss Fine."
She put her small hand in his, a perfect fit. "Shall we go check on the children?"
"You lead, Miss Fine. I’ll follow. By the way, do you have any idea where Niles ran off to this evening?"
"He was in a hurry when he left, if I had to make a guess, I’d say he was with Miss Babcock somewhere." She smiled as they continued up the stairs to check on their children.
Part Nine (Finale) by Madison
After being manipulated into another one of Miss Fine’s schemes, Niles drove back to CC’s apartment to prepare the food that otherwise would’ve gone to waste. After letting himself back in to her apartment, he looked in on C.C., who was still passed out on her bed. Unbeknownst to him, she, in her alcoholic induced sleep, was reliving some old times. Things between the Socialite and the Butler were much different then.
*******
They flopped on the couch together exhausted, waiting for the next task to be seen. The last few weeks had been hectic and very stressful. What with Sarah’s funeral, family and friends coming and going, deliveries and telegrams, it was nice to find some peace and quiet, and it was a bonus to find it together.
CC: Wow, I forgot what it was like to sit down. My feet are killing me.
N: YOUR feet? Do you have any idea how many casseroles have been brought over by all the well-wishers and sympathizers? I’ve been in and out of that kitchen all week, not to mention getting the children ready for every visitor and family function this week. There’s nothing like a funeral to bring family out of the woodwork.
CC: Well, the important thing is that we got through this first week. I know that they’re still in shock, but the first few days are behind us. You think we can pull them through when the realization sets in?
N: Judging by the way you’ve handled all the people and passers by, and how I’ve handled the arrangements, we can do anything. You were really something with Mr. Sheffield’s fellow businessmen, I thought they’d never leave him alone.
CC: Yeah, well, I picked up a few tips from you when you directed his cousins on how to approach him and the children. We make a pretty good team, don’t we?
N: Hey, we both know what we’re good at. We see a need or task, and have the resources from which to draw our strength to tend to those needs. But to be honest with you, you’ve helped ME through this week.
CC: Really? How so?
N: Well, it was your get-up-and-go from the moment we heard about the accident that fired my engines. I was very close to letting the tragedy get me down, and it has, but you made me understand the seriousness of stability and dependability that they need right now. Thank you.
He took his hand in his and kissed her palm. Then sat with their fingers entwined and eyes locked, as if they were making a silent pact.
CC: You’re quite a man, Niles. You’re like no one I’ve ever known. I should be thanking you for realizing the need of the children as I did the need of the company. I never could’ve done it without you.
She cast her eyes downward to the coffee table.
CC: This week has been so hard. Why did this have to happen, Niles? She wasn’t an awful person, she didn’t do anything wrong, did she? Why her?
N: I wish I knew. It’s seems useless to say that it was just her time to go, but that’s the only thing I can come up with. I know she was your best friend. You’ve looked so strong this week, but I know you’re hurting on the inside.
She nodded as tears streamed down her face. He noticed them, drew her to him and held her. She rested her head on his shoulder as the tears flowed and emotions poured out. He rubbed her back gently, slightly rocked her, and tried his best to comfort her. What was broken on the inside by the loss of her closest friend was finally being revealed, and now she turned to the only person who was there for her now.
N: It’s ok, you let it out. I’m here, it’s ok.
He kissed her head tenderly. It broke his heart to know that she was holding this all in that past week. But somehow it felt so right to be the one to hold her. A few tears ran down his cheeks as well. Recognizing the sounds coming from Niles, as he was sniffing, she lifted her head to look at him. It was then that she wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed him softly, and they simply held each other close for what seemed to be hours. Both were crying at the loss of their friend, but were comforted by the strength and kinship they found in one another.
After a while, Max called to CC from the office, and Grace called to Niles from upstairs. He smoothed back the Blonde’s hair, and dabbed a few tears from her cheeks with his handkerchief. She straightened his tie, and wiped away a few tears from his cheeks with her thumbs. They stood up and eyed each other.
N: Well, back to work, I guess. Are you ok?
CC: I’ve been better, but somehow, I feel all right now. Will YOU be ok?
N: Me? Oh yeah. I’ll get the children ready for bed, then turn in myself shortly afterward.
CC: So, is this goodnight for now?
N: No, I’ll wait and see you out after you’re done in the office. You know, just incase either you or Mr. Sheffield needs something.
She looked at their hands that were still entangled, then pulled him in for a quick embrace.
CC: I think I’ve found all I need right here, Niles.
She kissed his cheek and pulled away before he could respond when she heard Max’s voice again. He called out to her as she was exiting.
N: I’ll see you in a few?
CC: Sounds like a plan.
They parted and went to fulfill their respective duties. An hour later, Niles was pulling her coat out of the closet as she looked for her car keys.
CC: Niles, I don’t know how busy we’ll both be in the weeks to come, but do you think you can find time to have dinner with me sometime?
N: I’m sure I can get away for a little while some night.
He helped her on with her coat and tried to find the words to thank her for comforting him that evening. He found the only words that were slightly adequate (thank you) were stuck in his throat. She looked expectantly into his eyes and knew what he was attempting to convey. She hugged him tightly and wished she didn’t have to say goodnight AND goodbye.
CC: I know, that was what I needed, too.
They said their goodbyes and with the ever-present "see you tomorrow". He watched her drive off and suddenly felt what had been missing in his life. He couldn’t help but wonder, however, if this was just the present emotions talking, and not really her heart. Their personalities had always worked together in a companionable manner, now it looked as if their hearts were following. He would tease her, and they had their squabbles as any others who saw each other every day would, but now, things seemed different. He only knew he liked the way it felt to hold her and to be the only one to whom she had conveyed her emotions and hurt. Now he was wondering if she was just using him because he was, simply, there. He had seen her use her charms with investors and businessmen just to get what the company needed, then drop them like a dirty shirt. Decidedly so, he wouldn’t be merely a convenience.
As chance would have it, both were too busy to follow through with that dinner date. Routine soon set in as the family conformed to a shell of it’s former self. Nannies arrived and Nannies departed. It wasn’t until a flashy girl from Flushing came their way that the family began to be a whole. Niles took to her right away, and that was unsettling to CC. She knew Niles didn’t care for Nanny Fine as a love interest. At least she convinced herself as much because he never even taunted her! But now Niles had become distant with her. That was enough to drive her back into her self-reliant mode, in which she had learned to trust only herself. In doing so, they both unknowingly pushed each other away with their remarks and cut-downs.
*******
Niles looked up from his book and checked the clock. I was supposed to call Miss Fine twenty minutes ago! He picked up the telephone and quickly dialed her cell phone number.
F: Hello?
Fran sounded stressed.
N: Miss Fine?
F: Oh, hi, Sweetie, what’s wrong?
Sweetie?
N: Sweetie? Oh, I’m Miss Grace now, aren’t ?
Niles, you imbecile!
F: Of course, Baby. You go upstairs to bed, and I’ll be right home.
N: Is he buying this?
Was that fear he heard in her voice?
F: I love you too, Angel.
The line went dead. Niles hoped she’d simply hung up the phone and started making her excuses. He couldn’t call Mr. Sheffield, he’d promised not to blab, and he couldn’t leave his sleeping angel. He replaced the phone and picked up his book, hoping that Miss Fine would be able to get herself extricated from that terrible man.
CC jolted herself awake and found that the tears she was crying in her dream had also been cried in reality. It had seemed THAT real to her. She thought to herself that she should be used to that dream by now, for she had it whenever she was trying to drink a certain Butler off her mind. No matter how fuzzy the world would become to her, his face would still be as clear as a new pane of glass.
Surprised at finding herself in her pajamas, she grasped for her last memory of consciousness. Niles...of course..it was always Niles. He had come over, wanted to talk or something, and then...great, she passed out right in front of him. This would give him enough ammo for a month! Sounds and smells coming from outside her bedroom door drove her to get out of bed and satisfy her curiosity. Then she heard a male voice coming from the living room.
N: Is he buying this?
Is WHO buying WHAT? She reached for her robe and pulled it around her, then stepped into her slippers. She waited for the room to stop spinning, and then slowly made her way to the living room.
There he was, sitting on her big overstuffed chair near the fireplace, a book in his hand and a pleased grin on his face once he realized he was no longer alone.
N: Well, Sleeping Beast awakens!
CC: And your looks first thing in the morning would get you a sash and crown?
N: Morning? It’s well into the evening. Of course I shouldn’t be surprised, your kind only comes out at night. That’s why the roasted chicken was made with a whole head of garlic.
CC: Don’t flatter yourself, Methuselah, my mouth would never go anywhere near your neck. Were you just talking with someone before I came in here?
N: Yes, I was just talking to Miss Fine. It seems as though she needed help getting rid of another date. That boss of hers has turned out to be a real cad.
CC: Oh, like that's a big surprise.
Just as she was finishing that sentence, what most people would find as delicious smells from the kitchen only reminded her stomach of how it had only been fed alcohol in the last few hours. Niles was about to answer her retort when she put her hand over her mouth and ran from the room. Soon, the sounds of a retching CC could be heard throughout the apartment. After brushing her teeth, a now pale CC reentered the living room and lay on her stomach on the couch. Niles raised an eyebrow to her condition.
N: Feel better?
CC: Actually yes, not that you would care.
He arose from the chair and, putting a hand on her back, sat at her feet on the couch.
N: I think I counted about 3 shades of green.
CC: What?
N: Your face, it wasn’t the usual Wicked Witch green, it was worse, actually. Have you been crying? Your eyes are a bit red, too. Are you sure you’re ok?
His hand was moving gently over her back in small circular motions now, and a tone of concern could be detected in his voice. She was slightly puzzled, didn’t this just happen in her dream? Only that was then, that was the old Niles, or younger Niles, or whatever. Her mind was too drained to put the right caption with the moment. Maybe in the transition from drunk to sober this was another dream? The dream was still fresh in her memory, so she decided to see if the old Niles was back with her. She was still on her stomach with her head turned to the side, facing the fireplace.
CC: Do you ever think about Sarah, Niles?
N: Mrs. Sheffield? Of course I do. Every time I see the children. Miss Margaret looks just like her.
CC: Does she? She’s the big one, right?
N: You know which one she is. Don’t you think I’ve caught onto your little game by now?
CC: What game?
N: Well, obviously since Margaret looks just like her mother, and because her mother was your best friend, you ignore her to avoid the memory of Sarah. That’s it isn’t it?
She started to tear up and sniff again.
CC: Why do you always have to be right, Niles?
N: I’m sorry, I didn’t mean it to sound so rude. Were you thinking about Sarah earlier? Is that why you were crying?
She only nodded. Then she sat up and scooted close to him. He had hestitatingly kept his hand on her back but now moved it so he was practically holding her.
CC: I dream about her all the time, Niles.
N: Well, that could be a good thing. You’ll never forget her, at least.
CC: Not the way I dream about her. I always dream about the week she died, and...I dream..I dream about you, too.
N: (chuckling) Me? Oh you poor girl, no wonder you’re crying! But that can’t be the only reason. Why did you drink so much tonight?
CC: You don’t want to know about my dream? Whenever Nanny Fine has a problem you have all the answers. You’ve always been there to help her. Why can’t you help me, just this once? Am I that repulsive to you?
N: Up until recently, I didn’t think you’d want "help". You seemingly have it all together, always knew how to handle yourself and your problems.-albeit most of your problems are solved at the bottom of a liquor bottle.
CC: Hasn’t that been enough of a clue to you that I’m human and I need someone to complete me just like anyone else? I have nothing but a dog to keep me company. I’ve never had anyone stable in my life.
N: That hurts me, somewhat; I’ve always been here.
CC: No, Niles, you haven’t. You’ve been there in body, yes. But you’ve only ever led me on with false pretenses. Your head might have been there, but not your heart. When you said that you’ve never been any help to me, you were right. Why is your friendship with Nanny Fine so strong? Is she the one on whom you seem to have your heart set? You’ve known her only a little over 4 years, and you’d go to the ends of the earth for her; but you’ve known me for over 20 years, and yet still, I have to pay you or let you humiliate me just to do a favor. So what does she have that I don’t? What am I doing wrong?
N: True, my relationship with Miss Fine is quite, special..-
CC: -CLOSE!
N: -Special!-and no, I have neither intentions nor designs on her. But she has such an interesting personality, and is so open and honest that I’d find it difficult for anyone NOT to be close to her. She’s always tried to be your friend, you know. That’s always puzzled me too, I know you’re threatened by her when it comes to you and Mr. Sheffield, but there’s more to that, isn’t there?
CC: Well, as long as we’re being honest with each other, yes, there is more to it. It’s the same old song, Niles. Don’t you remember how it was before she came? Besides the fact that Maxwell was miserable and the kids were distant. You never used to insult me, we never fought. You made it your mission to keep the family together, and I made it my mission to keep the business going. We were a team, Niles, you and I. I came to see you, THEN, in a different light. Your caring and thoughtful spirit was so uplifting. You were the only sign of life in this whole house. I was drawn to you the first day we met, but even more so then. I saw you as a fighter, as someone with a heart that could be as strong as steel, or as soft as a pillow depending on the situation. We complemented each other so well. We got along. We worked together, side by side, pulling on the same rope and fighting for a similar cause. You can’t tell me that you don’t remember! The day she walked into our lives, I not only lost Maxwell, I lost you, too.
She quickly relayed the details of her dream to him. Niles was astonished at not only how much of it he remembered too, but also how many details she could recall. By the time she was done, tears were visible in both her eyes as well as his. Unmindful of the present situation, he pulled her closer.
N: No, I can’t tell you that I don’t remember that. You came to mean so much to me that week. I dream a lot about that, too.
CC: But then after that week, you changed. The old-Niles was gone, where did he go?
N: I never went anywhere. I’m sorry for causing you so much pain. I guess it was a mixture of wondering if you were truly interested in me, along with the realization that I was a mere butler with nothing to offer you. Then I sensed that you might’ve been interested in Mr. Sheffield, so there went any hope of winning your heart. Can you ever forgive me? I know I don’t have much to offer, but what I have is yours.
CC: Niles, this may come as a surprise to you, but you never had to win my heart. It was always yours. My words were, "I think I’ve found all I need right here", and I was right.
She put her hand on his cheek and got nose to nose with him.
CC: Lucky for you, all you are, is all I want.
It was then that she, once again, wrapped her arms around his neck, kissed him softly, and they simply held each other close for what seemed to be hours. Both were emotional about the feelings they had shared, but were comforted by the strength, kinship and love that they found in one another.
The End
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