Back to Part One of Close Your Eyes and See

Close Your Eyes And See...

Part Two

by

Malu Reis
(goodandplenty2002@hotmail.com)

Niles walked down the stairs looking more casual than ever: an old faded navy sweatshirt with the sleeves cut around his upper arms, workout shorts, and running sneakers.

Margaret was coming up. -"There you are. Oo, nice hairy legs."

-"D’you think?" He jested in a girl’s voice. -"I like them better smooth, but I ran out of Nair."

-"You’re crazy." She chortled. -"I was gonna check your room."

For a moment he felt glad that C.C. had talked him into finishing their business later on.

-"Were you in the shower?"

-"No, I was training apnea in Master Brighton’s aquarium."

-"Ap-what?"

-"Never mind, Miss Margaret. Did you have your lunch? May I fix you anything?"

-"No, I just had a nosh." She mimicked one of her mother’s favorite expressions. -"Listen, I was gonna ask you if I can sleep at Michael’s tonight?"

-"Ask me?" He chuckled. -"If I say "no" what will you say?"

-"I will try to talk you into letting me." She smiled. -"You know, when daddy is not home you are my spare…I mean-…"

-"I know what you mean. And it flatters me that even after you turned 21 you still consider my will."

-"Er..let’s just say that when daddy gets upset, well, him I can handle."

-"Somehow that flatters me too." He chuckled again.

-"Can I?"

He raised his eyebrow. -"You may."

-"Thanks." She kissed the Butler’s cheek and ran upstairs. -"I’ll catch my stuff, Michael!" She advised loudly.

-"..‘K." Michael’s voice soared as he walked in the room munching the remains of a peanut-butter sandwich.

Before making all the way to the bottom, Niles checked for the brassiere and with some concern he noticed that it was gone.

-"Hi, Niles." Michael addressed him.

The Butler disguised. -"Hello. Uh, may I offer you anything besides that? Perhaps something to wash that down?"

Michael smiled, took the last bite and chewed on it for a few seconds before he could answer. -"Sorry." He said embarrassed. -"No…But thanks anyways. We just ate."

-"Very well. If you’ll excuse me."

-"Hey Niles?"

-"Yes?"

-"Perhaps I could get you something." He reached for a pocket in his jacket and pulled out the Blonde’s lingerie.

Not moving a muscle on his face but boiling inside Niles extended his arm. -"Oh, where did you find that?"

-"I found it hanging on those flowers over there. Is she still here?"

Niles shot him a glare. -"I beg your pardon?"

-"Oh, come on. You can trust me."

-"Master Michael, I was dealing with a basket full of dirty laundry very close to that edge this morning." He pointed at the banister upstairs.

-"Yes, and unless you are doing some extra job…" The boy darted. -"I mean, this is not Fran’s, certainly it’s not Grace’s, and although I’m crazy about Maggie’s curves, I will just wish this was hers. What’s gonna be?"

With little patience Niles finally snatched the piece of fabric out of Michael’s hand. -"MYOB, kid." And walked away from him.

Michael felt the anger in Niles’ voice and changed his approach. -"Listen.." He followed him and entered the kitchen. -"Listen, I’m sorry, okay? You’re right. This is none of my business."

-"You’re damn right, it’s not." The Butler answered deadpan.

-"It’s just…It’s just that you hate me so much and I don’t even know why. I just thought I could catch you on something. But this ain’t gonna make you like me any better, so forget about it, okay?" Michael was about to leave the kitchen.

-"Wait, lad."

-"Yes?"

-"You caught me, alright. I do have company, and this is hers. She’s in my room."

-"Oh.." He had a peek at the piece of fabric in his hand and smiled.

-"Yes, she is very voluptuous." Niles made the whole bra disappear wrapping his hand around it. -"But this shall remain a secret. It’s not because you got caught sleeping with Miss Margaret here, that this house should become a regular passion pit. If not for Master Brighton, at least for Miss Grace’s sake. Do you hear me?" He said in a stern tone.

-"Yes, sir."

-"Now, where did you get the idea that I hate you?"

-"Well, you’re always putting me down. Nothing that I do seems to be good enough."

-"Hey-hey-hey…I never said that."

-"Well…"

-"Sit down, young man." Niles did the same. -"Listen, I had a very hard childhood. I could live like a prince if I wanted to but I chose to work my butt off to go to school and pay for my studies. I got a scholarship that sent me to the best law school in England and for some twists and turns - when my life seemed to be taking off - I had to leave my homeland to build my life in this country. For emotional and legal reasons that I won’t discuss with you right now, I remained working in this house as a butler for over 20 years when I could have built a successful career as a Barrister. I somehow like what I do today, but I’m in love with a woman that deserves a lot more than I’m being able to provide and that is not making me happy."

-"What does this have to do with the fact that you hate me?"

Niles breathed loudly. -"When I hear that there is this guy who dropped college to pursue a modeling career and he’s making more money in a week than I can expect in a year. That he has an 800,000-dollar apartment when I can’t even afford rent - because if I could I would certainly not get caught with my girlfriend’s underwear hanging on a vase. And to top everything, when this young man is sleeping with a girl whom I helped to raise like if she was my own daughter and he gets caught fooling around with her under her real father’s own roof. Anyroad, after tabulating all these things, that doesn’t make him the most lovable person in the world."

-"Niles, I can’t-.."

Interrupting him. -"But that doesn’t mean I hate you, kid. It’s not your fault. Values differ from person to person. Look, if I dropped college I would be embarrassed to go out with a girl like Miss Margaret who’s attending college. But that’s just me. At the same time I went to college, and yet, I can’t offer the woman I love the same things you can offer Miss Margaret." Niles sighed again. -"I don’t hate you…It doesn’t sound fair…It just makes me wonder if I made the right decisions in my life, that’s all."

-"Isn’t it funny?"

Niles shot him a feigned smile. -"Very."

-"No, I mean, the fact that you would love to have more money and I would give great part of mine to have your brains."

-"What?" Niles narrowed his eyes.

-"Yes. You have something that you don’t learn in school, you know."

-"What do you mean?"

-"Wit."

-"Well…" Niles pouted.

-"Remember that day you showed up for that shooting session?"

-"Mmhm?"

-"The girls were all over me and I was kind of stepping on egg-shells because of Maggie. She is so jealous, oy."

-"So I’ve heard." Niles said ironically.

-"Anyhow, I remember when you got there and Jackie - the photographer - started with you. By the way, just for the record, he’s more hated than supermarket-brand sneakers. He, on the sucks-scale, is sucks plus two."

-"He seemed to know his trade, though."

-"Right you are. He’s pretty good."

-"But where do I fit in?"

-"Oh, he started pestering you, remember?"

Niles chuckled.

-"Saying stuff like: "Hey, this is aimed at twenty-somethings. What the heck are you doing here?" Remember what you said?"

-"I honestly don’t."

-"You said: "I’m here to warn the twenty-somethings that time may be a great healer, but it's also a lousy beautician"."

Niles chuckled again.

-"He said: "What are you talking about"? You said: "Isn’t this the session for the anti-tobacco commercial?" You pointed at me, "he’s the before" and then pointed at yourself, "and I am the after"." Michael laughed.

Niles shook his head. -"I had completely forgotten that."

-"Well, I didn’t. Then he finally threatened you: "Look, you don’t know me. This is New York and people can be tough here." And you said, "oh, indeed. You folks sure are tough. You people eat hot dogs out in the streets! Yuck.." Man, the more he attacked you the more you crushed the guy. All I know is that after you finished with him and actually convinced him to make those shots, the girls were all over you. I was like, invisible. I tell you, if I didn’t love Maggs so much I would be probably pissed in my pants."

The Butler was lost in his thoughts.

-"Are you moving to California with the family?" Michael changed the subject.

-"Excuse me?"

-"Are you relocating to LA with the family?"

-"Yes.."

-"Since you went to law school, why don’t you try the bar there?"

-"I must be honest, I have thought of that."

-"You don’t have to go to law school to become an attorney in California; you just have to pass the bar."

-"I’m aware of that."

-"My father has a cousin who’s a Patents and Copyrights lawyer in San Francisco. He never went to law school. What’s your field?"

-"Criminal."

-"Ooo, tough field."

-"Indeed. I like a bit of family law too."

-"Maggie told me you speak other languages."

-"True."

-"You could represent immigrant clients or even become an immigration lawyer. I’m sure your cultural background would give you an edge, I mean, the laws are not the same but you still…"

-"Well, thank you. I sure appreciate your support."

-"I mean it. Boy, I wish I had your quickness in handling words."

Niles smiled.

Maggie came down the kitchen stairs carrying a small suitcase.

-"All that long to fill this small suitcase?" Niles darted.

-"We’re going to a friend’s birthday party tonight. I was choosing my dress."

Michael hopped up from his chair and approached her with his hand extended. She handed her baggage to him. -"Niles, can we take the Land Rover?"

-"It’s not a Land Rover, it’s a Jeep."

-"That’s the same."

-"Keep dreaming." He retorted in a snob British tone. -"What happened to your car?"

-"If I put one more mile on I’ll miss a free oil-change."

-"It works for me. The keys are in the closet."

-"Thanks. See you."

-"You be good, Missy." Niles said daddy-like.

-"You too." She said sardonically. -"Take care."

-"Toodle-oo."

Niles waited till Margaret was gone and pulled Michael by his jacket before he followed his girlfriend out.

-"You too, Mister. You better behave. If that girl gets in trouble while her father is gone, I’ll bite you in the rear so hard that you won’t sit for a year, do you hear me?"

-"Yes, sir."

-"As I said, she’s like a daughter to me. If you thought I hated you before, try to mess up with her."

-"I won’t, cross my heart."

Niles pretended a punch then winked warmly. -"You are a good lad."

Michael smiled. -"You know, after our chat…I, don’t know, I might consider going back to college in a year or two. My father would be happy, and Maggie would sure like that too."

-"And I wouldn’t be just envious but proud of you." Niles jested patting his shoulder.

Michael grinned. -"Gee, thank you."

-"But don’t do it for them. Do it for you." He smiled. -"Now get your Broadway-marquise-Jewish-tuchy out of here before I kick you."

-"See you tomorrow."

-"Yeah, like I had a choice…" Niles carried the milk carton back to the refrigerator.

Michael chuckled on his way out.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Later the Butler was immersed in his kitchen affairs, preparing the filling for a blueberry pie. He had promised to take C.C. on a horseback riding picnic weeks before but they never seemed to make it. Every now and then some priority would surge in the middle and they would have to postpone their plans. If all the planets were aligned, though, he expected to accomplish that the next morning.

When he had walked out of his bathroom about two hours earlier, C.C. had fallen asleep. He had a peek at the microwave clock - a quarter to five. ‘As soon as the game is over I’ll awake her,’ he thought.

The portable TV was loud. He was actually just listening to a soccer game while stirring the dark purple filling frantically as C.C. walked in. He didn’t hear when she nearly tripped over a coaxial cable lying carelessly on the ground. She viciously narrowed her eyes at him.

-"Come on - come on - come on, you stone-legs!" He cheered facing the stove and having no clue that he was being observed.

She smiled, walked quietly and wrapped her arms around him.

He tensed for a split second as she nibbled at his ear sensuously.

-"Mm, that’s good."

She repeated the operation more enticingly.

-"That is veeery good." He said hoarsely. -"Who is it?"

She slapped his back playfully. -"Rat."

-"Hi, Rat."

She chortled.

He lowered the fire, turned around and gave her a peck on the lips holding the kiss for just a little longer than the usual pecks. -"Hello, sunshine. Did you rest well?"

-"Yes." She returned the smack. -"Thanks for the blanket by the way."

-"You’re entirely welcome. I thought you might need it." He smirked implying her nudity then. -"By the way, you might still need it."

-"Oh this? No, I’m perfectly comfortable. I hope you don’t mind."

-"Not at all." His heart fastened at the humble but sexy view.

She was dressing one of Niles’ old white T-shirts - which made her look like a poor girl using one of her older brother’s clothes – and no shoes on.

-"Niles, what the heck is this cable doing here? I could have stumbled."

-"That usually happens to people who drink."

-"Grr, at least admit when you are wrong."

-"Yes Miss Landers." He said in a child-like voice mimicking Beaver’s classmates.

She snarled at him.

-"All right, all right. I admit I should be more careful." His eyes riveted to the TV screen. -"Come on kick that darn ball!"

-"What is this all about, anyway?"

-"If I were in England I wouldn’t need this mess. They’re probably showing this game all over the place there."

-"But you’re not in England. What’s your point?"

-"My team is in the finals and I’m watching it through cable. Break him in two and steal that thing!!"

-"Ugh, I never understood soccer."

-"And I never understood football." His attention returned to her. -"For starters, they call "football" a game that is usually played with the hands. Okay, they kick the ball every now and then, but to call it football? He-llo. In the rest of the world that sport is known as American football. Football to us, is soccer."

-"I know that, but you are not in the rest of the world."

-"Besides, that’s a sissies’ game."

-"Football? American football, I mean. Is that a sissies’ game?" She frowned.

-"Yes."

-"And I am the one who drinks?"

-"You like football, bully for you. But when the next NFL season rolls around, tell the players to take off the helmets and padding and play like real men, like rugby players."

-"You’ve been overusing your testosterone patches for too long, Mister." She walked to the refrigerator.

-"I never heard a complaint about my testosterone."

-"Niles, do you know why the penis has a hole in the head?"

-"I do. Don’t you?"

-"Yes, so men can be open minded." She picked up a jar of maraschino cherries, some cottage cheese and closed the door with her butt. -"Boy, what’s with you?" She started fighting to open the cherries jar. -"Besides, what is so great about being a man?"

-"Well, let’s see…" He watched her for a moment. -"We can open our own jars."

She shot him a glare. His sexist comment immediately renewed her strength as the cap popped open.

-"Ooo.." Feigned arousal.

C.C. throaty laughed. -"The fact that my internal arrangement differs from yours, doctor, pleases me no end."

Niles recognized those lines. -"Everybody has a drop of trekkie blood in their veins." He smirked. -"But I tell you Mr. Spock, the fact that your external arrangement differs from mine, that pleases me even more."

-"Now you are talking."

He winked at her.

She grinned then walked to the breadbox nearly tripping over the cable again. -"Are you pulling this wire all the way from Maxwell’s den?" She put two slices of wheat bread inside the toaster.

-"From the living-room. Hey, don’t spoil your appetite."

-"That will never happen." She said lustily.

He arched his eyebrow.

-"Will you knock it off?"

-"You started." He looked at the TV again. -"MOVE IT, YOU MORON!!!" He burst.

C.C. jumped startled.

-"I’m sorry. Soccer has this effect on me…I become a beast."

-"Niles, you are a beast."

-"You know what I say-.."

-"Yeah, yeah: "It takes one to know the other"."

-"There you go." He went back to the stove again and resumed the stirring; slowly this time.

She smiled and Niles quietly did the same.

C.C. filled a mug with water and set it inside the microwave watching his every move all the while. He sure had a regal behind she thought. Always wearing his head high, broad shoulders, a sexy flat back, and a rear end that would make any Greek god jealous. And what about that pair of legs? She fanned herself. The beep brought her back from her thoughts.

-"How hungry are you?" He asked turning off the stove.

-"Starved." She grabbed a tea bag from a jar and dumped it in the mug. -"It’s Friday, what should I have?"

-"I suggest dinner with friends." Niles quipped.

-"Nah, none of my friends are available."

-"You don’t have any." He jested.

-"Well, then I guess I’ll have to go out with you." She sighed. -"Although I rather stay at home, if you don’t mind."

-"Whatever your heart desires, milady. But what about your dog?"

-"Oh, I had to have him groomed and his nails cut. He’s at the vet. They have a great pet-hotel there. Besides, I knew the family would be out for the weekend and I wanted to be all alone with you."

-"So you did have plans for us, didn’t you?" He scooped a bit of the blueberry filling and blew on it to cool it off.

-"No big deal. You know, our picnic tomorrow-…"

-"Mm..Hm.." He sounded suspicious.

She chuckled evilly. -"For now, what do you say if I cleaned up this counter and-.."

-"..I’d say, I think we better be ordering out tonight."

-"Oh, come on. I need someone really bad." She held him. -"Are you really bad?" She whispered in his ear.

He groaned lowly. -"Just wink and I'll do the rest." Then carefully slid the spoonful of jam in her mouth.

-"Hm, delicious." She praised with her mouth full. -"My favorite."

-"I know." He tossed the spoon in the sink, held her tight, and then licked the mischievous syrup from her lips slowly.

Her turn to react with a tormented sound.

-"…What a petard coming from the mid-field! Goal! Goooooooal!"

Niles broke the kiss yelling. -"Yes-yesss! Hee-haaaa!"

C.C. let him free as her eyes flew open.

-"Woo-hooo!" He shook his hips in a funny little dance. -"Manchester, England-England!"

C.C. watched him in delighted shock.

He kissed her quickly. -"Good God, you sure are my lucky charm!" Then clasped her arm as his eyes riveted to the screen again. -"Let’s catch the replay, love." He squeezed her hand. -"Holy mackerel, what a beauty! That’s the way to kick that darn ball, you son of a gun!"

-"Are they the red ones?" She asked legitimately interested.

-"You betcha, baby. Manchester United – the reds rule!"

She giggled. -"My favorite color."

He insisted in the same tone as before. -"I know…"

She giggled and sat at the table to eat. -"How come, aren’t you from London?"

-"I am. But I’m not from New York either and I elected the Yankees as my favorite."

-"Ugh, another sport I will never understand. This morning I felt like if they were all speaking Swahili in that charity game. I don’t get the rules. And remember when Maxwell made me play in that team?"

He choked at a laugh.

-"Very funny. I never felt so embarrassed in my life."

-"You never felt so embarras-.."

-"Will you cut that out."

-"To be honest, I never cared about baseball either. I watch it, but I’m not crazy about. I’m more of a soccer, rugby, cricket kind of guy."

-"Cricket? What’s so funny about playing golf with overgrown wooden balls?"

-"That’s croquet. Cricket we play with a bat and a ball on a field. There are two wickets each defended by a batsman."

-"Oh, I’ve seen that. All the guys dressed in white. I think it’s very classy."

He gave a little smile as his eyes went back to the TV set to witness the last seconds of the game. -"Didn’t you have some document to send over the Internet to Mr. Sheffield?"

-"Job done…" She said in between munches. -"..a few minutes ago, just before I came in."

-"Good girl." He jested then waved his arms victoriously. -"Yeesss! Game over, you suckers!"

C.C. shook her head.

He turned the TV off. -"I’m all yours, Miss Babcock."

-"Why don’t you join me?" She offered a slice of the bread she was eating.

He took a bite and slid into the opposite side of the table.

They looked at each other for a few seconds. Her smile was breath taking and he could feel the electricity between them.

-"What about the kids, Niles? Did they suspect anything?"

-"The boy saw your brassiere. I had to tell him that I had company. But he won’t tell Miss Margaret, I’m sure."

-"Does he know about me?"

-"No. He just knows I had my girlfriend in the house."

-"Oh." She smiled at the thought. -"Your girlfriend, huh?"

-"Yes. Any trouble with that?" He raised his eyebrow again, this time defiantly.

-"No." She pouted.

-"Good." He smiled and went back to the stove.

-"Is that for our picnic tomorrow?"

-"Yep." Dropping the blueberry filling on the pie’s dough.

-"I bet something is going to happen."

-"Again?"

-"Yes. It’s like a curse. We never get to go to that place."

-"We will." In seconds he had the pie ready. -"Tomorrow, we will. I don’t care if it rains cow manure-..."

-"Niles, pu-lease." She swallowed hard. -"I’m trying to eat here."

He chuckled. -"Sorry." Then put the pie in the oven.

C.C. finished eating and then drank up her tea while browsing through an old Variety paper that was lying around.

Niles unhooked the cable from the portable TV and carried everything out of the kitchen. A few minutes went by till he came back down the stairs carrying a basket with their dirty clothes.

-"Listen to this.." C.C. complained about an article. -"They say here about some technology gizmo, "new and improved"."

-"Oh yes, I hate that expression."

-"Don’t you? Me too. I mean, which is it? If it's new, then there has never been anything before it. You can’t improve it. If it's an improvement, then there must have been something before it. It can’t be new. I tell you, ugh."

-"Today I’ve heard another one of these idiotic expressions on TV."

-"Which one?"

-"It's always the last place you look."

-"Why is it so idiotic?"

-"Of course it is the last place you look. Why the heck would you keep looking after you've found it?"

She laughed. -"That’s true. Never thought of that."

He grabbed a towel and tossed it in the basket. -"You better clean that up, woman. I have the weekend off and I won’t pamper you."

-"What are the magic words?"

-"Baseball bat."

-"Niles, why don’t you have your thyroid checked from time to time?"

-"Says who?"

-"I was just going to put things away, okay?"

-"Okay."

Under her breath. -"Pain in the butt-ler."

-"I’ve heard that, tosser."

She followed him with her eyes.

He opened a drawer in the counter and pulled her bra from inside and gave her a silent, mischievous "shame on you" look before he walked out to the laundry-room.

Giggling, she stood up, put the maraschino cherries on the counter and the cheese back in the refrigerator.

When Niles returned, everything was spotless. She was wiping the table with a paper towel and had a bottle of Fantastik in her hand. He was surprised that she could find her way around so easily. If it were Mr. Sheffield, he would have asked at least 25 questions before he would reach that towel and bottle.

She turned around, he was standing behind her with his arms crossed and a crooked smile.

-"What?" She asked in a spoiled-girl tone.

He came closer to her and whispered "thank you" then kissed her lips lightly.

She smiled. -"You’re welcome."

-"Are you sure you want to stay instead of going out for dinner?"

-"Yes. I don’t want to have to get in those stiletto boots again today. Besides, you just put the only underwear I had in the washing machine."

-"That never stopped you."

-"Niles, I’m C.C. Babcock, remember? Not Fran Fine."

-"Sheffield."

-"Yes."

-"Say it."

-"Sheffield."

-"Say it." He insisted playfully.

-"Fran Fine Sheffield." She smiled.

He looked at her barefoot, got a firm grip of her waist and sat her on the counter.

She giggled. -"Oo, he’s so impetuous."

He started massaging them for the second time. -"You have beautiful feet."

-"They are big."

-"I know they are big. I joke about them all the time."

She shot him a glare.

-"I’m kidding, Goofy. Your feet are proportional to your height…and they are beautiful." He kneaded them sensuously.

She groaned and lay down on the counter propping herself up on her elbows.

The pie started smelling and Niles stopped what he was doing. -"I’m sorry, but this is an emergency."

She protested with a moan.

-"Hang in there." He quickly washed his hands then took the pie out of the oven making it rest on the stove.

C.C. hopped off the counter and wrapped her arms around him.

He cut a couple of pieces of aluminum foil and wrapped them around the crust. -"When you want it, you really want it. Don’t you?"

-"Mmhm." C.C.’s hands slid down.

Niles’ body jolted. -"C.C., go easy, will you."

She giggled and walked away from him before he could get burnt.

He carefully put the pie back in the oven.

She picked up the jar of cherries and popped one in her mouth.

Inadvertently, Niles made a lunge and pulled her back against him. She accidentally dropped the jar making it shatter on the floor, behind the counter.

-"Darn it!" Niles said upset.

C.C. looked up at him guiltily.

-"It’s not your fault. I didn’t see you had that thing in your hand."

-"I’ll help you-.."

-"Don’t!" He scooped her in his arms one more time. -"Are you crazy or something? You have no shoes on." He sat her on the edge of the table. -"Besides.." He wrapped her legs around him.

-"Niles, not here."

-"Don’t torture me again, Babcock."

-"It’s not my intention. But I had enough adventures this morning. Margaret and the boy might return and-..."

-"Miss Margaret is sleeping out tonight. The family is in Europe, and Val knows that Fran won’t be back till Monday."

-"But-.."

-"I locked up the gate, and I have to keep an eye on that pie. It’s either here or later upstairs."

-"How much later?"

-"After dinner."

-"I say let’s postpone dinner and have the dessert first." She gripped his sweatshirt and pulled it off him madly. -"But one of these days I’ll make you pay for all this kinkyness."

-"I hope I can reach your expectations by then."

She noticed that his workout shorts were in full salute. -"Niles, with that thing you can reach anything. Did your mother put Miracle-Gro in your milk bottle when you were a baby?"

He lustily laughed. -"No, but I thought you knew already, what matters is not the length of the wand, but the magic in the stick."

-"Okay, but I’m just glad that you’ve got both." She tossed his sweatshirt on the back of a chair. -"And what about this thing printed on your shorts? I bet it’s a well earned nickname."

-"Miss Babcock, Everlast is a sports brand." He undressed.

She smiled and jested in a cute Indian accent. -"Niles like young warrior, always eager."

He laughed; that was exactly the way he felt when he was around her. -"I’m nuts about you, Babcock." He helped her to get rid of her T-shirt and then lean back onto the kitchen table.

The Blonde gladly realized that with a man like him there was always some sexual tension in the air.

He stared directly into her eyes. He knew how much she loved to be teased and how much he loved to give her body a desire. Stepping back he watched her with fascination. The long, slender legs and thighs, the firmly rounded hips, the full breasts, and those beautiful blue eyes.

Her lips lay together in a smugly confident line as she watched him with the same hungry look. She propped herself up on her elbows and whispered. -"Touch me."

When he heard that, a rush of adrenaline shot through him. He leaned towards her and dropped his gaze to her mouth. Involuntarily, she licked her lips just a second before his claimed hers. At first, their kiss was tentative. They explored the texture of each other's lips with brushes and nibbles and flickering tongues.

-"Mm, maraschino cherries. You know how to drive a man wild, don’t you?"

She smiled.

The kiss resumed, and deepened. Their mouths hungrily locked together, tongues performing an erotic dance that never failed to get both incredibly hot.

He gently ran his fingers all over her body barely touching her skin. She arched to have her bare breasts against his hairy chest but he suddenly broke apart from her. -"Not so fast, Babs. Let’s enjoy this one as long as we can get it, shall we?"

They both struggled a little to catch their breaths.

She narrowed her eyes. -"Niles, it’s my turn to say, don’t torture me again."

-"That’s exactly what I have in mind." He said hoarsely.

-"What now? You’re not gonna stop what you’re doing and leave me here all worked up, are you?"

-"That wouldn’t be a bad idea." He towered before her again.

She quickly wrapped her legs around him. -"Don’t you dare."

He lusty laughed then circled her breasts with the palms of his hands.

The Blonde moaned at his touch. She came up quickly as her lips started tracing from his neck to the top of his chest tasting every inch.

Niles’ turn to moan at her touch.

They were both giving as good as they were getting.

He gently pushed her back onto the table again. -"Do you want to learn some baseball basics?" He jested looking for some control.

-"What?" She whispered in frustration.

-"Baseball."

-"Niles, did you drink slurpee too fast and got yourself a brain-freeze?"

-"Come on, this can be fun. I’ll teach you some baseball here."

She frowned. -"The only thing that I’m learning from you right now, is that not all psychotics have to be violent. We-have-something-else-going-on-in-case-you-haven’t-noticed." She darted the second sentence like a machine-gun.

He jested in a funny voice. -"I’m serious, I know how to please a woman."

-"Then please, leave me alone." She rested one foot against his chest and pushed him playfully.

-"Okay." He disentangled from her other leg and walked back to the stove.

-"Niles, if I get you by the balls, will your heart and mind follow?"

He smiled but ignored her remark.

-"Come on, I don’t give a flying fig about baseball." She whimpered playfully.

He turned the light of the oven on and had a peek through the glass. -"Ooo, looking good. I’d say 40 more minutes."

-"The hell with that pie too!" She watched him prance around solely in his sneakers and socks. That vision was more than enough to drive her out of her mind. -"All right, damn it! I’ve waited 20 years, haven’t I? What is another 15 minutes." She grinned.

-"I ensure you, madam, that you won’t regret."

-"We’ll see that." She smiled with excitement as he laid her on her back again.

He wrapped her legs around him again and thought for a second. -"Baseball is a game played - with a bat and ball - by two teams of nine players each."

-"Oh God, this is gonna take forever." She mumbled.

-"I wish I were that good." He smirked.

-"When you want to, you are way beyond good, Niles. But now you’re being bad."

-"Quiet or I’ll have you ejected from the game."

Her excitement was overpowering. -"Let’s skip the warm-up and let’s jump to the batting practice. Pleaaase!"

His purpose was to create a want and he was fully accomplishing the mission. -"You sound more aware of baseball than you want me to believe, Miss Babcock." He muttered, then leaned forward and kissed around one of her breasts, touching below and above her nipple but never on it. He was in total control and she was loving it. Her hands flew to the back of his head forcing him down but he refused the touch and freed himself. -"Let’s see, where was I?"

-"About to hit a Homer." She gasped.

-"I don’t think so. Not until the bases are loaded."

-"So load the bases and score already!" She felt another chill go through her as she could feel his eyes looking right through her soul.

-"The objective of each team is to score more runs than the opponent. Now please, close your eyes."

She smiled. -"Oooo…Dr. Bort is gonna have a kick out of this one." She let out under her breath then gracefully obeyed. -"Niles, you are dirty."

-"C.C., sex is dirty only if it's done right."

-"And I just do it with the best." She smiled.

-"Ditto." His hands and mouth dove in for the kill. Now out of his mind with lust, his hands and mouth seemed to be everywhere.

They "played" the entire game, as C.C. learned where the bases were and how to load them. She also learned about innings, squeeze plays, offence and defense, balls, bats and strikes, runs batted in, how to hit a dinger, not to mention expressions such as "meatball," "moon shot," and how to ultimately "score."

When the game was over they were both shuddering violently, laughing hard, while trying to regain their breaths.

For about two minutes they just remained there; slow hands and kisses…

She was vaguely conscious of the pounding of her heart, and the labored shallowness of her breathing. A sheen of perspiration coated her upper lip. Her half-closed eyes studied him with a satisfied look. -"I love you, Niles."

-"You do?" The Butler asked coyly as he brushed away some tendrils of hair from her face.

-"I do."

-"Why do you love me, Miss Babcock?"

-"I’m after your money." She said completely out of breath.

-"Ohh.." He chuckled. -"Do you think I have enough?"

She grinned. -"More than enough."

He arched his brow. -"You’re not talking about my money, are you?"

-"No."

-"I love you too, Babcock." He kissed the tip of her nose. -"More than you will ever be able to imagine."

-"High fives, Lover. I swear I could hear 40,000 people cheering in my ears when you scored."

-"Now you know how the game works. Hum…kind of. Next time you face the baseball community, you’ll never have to feel embarrassed again."

-"Are you kidding me? I’ll never face baseball with a straight face again. Ever."

He chuckled.

-"The sad thing is, I lost the count of how many times I asked some guys to really teach me a little of baseball." Her eyes vague. -"You know how I love to learn all kinds of things. But they never did."

He kissed her stomach tenderly. -"If you want I can teach you more."

She had a bitter smile.

-"I mean seriously."

-"That’s my point, Niles. I know that you know a lot about it, but you’re not crazy about it. If I don’t ever follow baseball it will never be a problem to you. But it was to some guys that I dated and I don’t know how many times I was left out of the conversation because each of them, and their friends, they knew I didn’t follow baseball. The truth is, they never cared to teach me." She sighed sadly.

-"Wouldn’t it be because you were always chasing them with a bat?" He arched his brow again.

She smiled at his remark. -"Men like you don't grow on trees, Niles. Thanks. You took some time and taught me more with a joke than-…"

-"This wasn’t a joke to me."

-"No, it’s not what I meant. No…This was wonderful." She brushed his hair with her fingers and stared at him tenderly. -"But try to understand what I mean."

-"Knowing you, I know exactly what you mean, Miss Babcock." He smiled and towered before her again. -"I need to take a drink." He walked to the refrigerator. -"Do you know what is the difference between Yankee fans and dentists?" He jested.

She chortled knowing that something stupid would come out of that. -"No."

-"One roots for the yanks, and the other yanks for the roots."

-"You’re funny." She saw him getting a bottle of water. -"Get one for me."

-"What are the magic words?" He mimicked her.

-"Chainsaw."

-"Ugh, no respect." He grabbed another bottle and handed it to her. -"Okay, we’re even."

-"Thank you."

They "clinked" bottles.

-"You’re welcome." He had a long gulp of water and stared at his bottle for a second.

-"What?"

-"I wonder if people who spend two dollars apiece on these little bottles of Evian know that spelling this name backwards it reads naïve."

She laughed almost choking on the water.

He breathed loudly. -"You know, a good thing about baseball is that after seven innings, you get to stretch."

-"There he goes with baseball again. I tell you another one, with sex you don’t have an inning if you don’t get to stretch."

-"Another one; in baseball I can play three, maybe four games a day, not with s-…"

-"Niles, use your memory, will you?" She cut him.

He guffawed shortly knowing exactly what she meant.

She gave him her empty bottle. -"But I guess you are right." She smiled at herself. -"For the same matter, between sex and baseball, at least as a baseball player you would be legal; professionally speaking, I mean."

A smile of pride spread across his face as he tossed both bottles in the garbage can under the sink then had another look at his pie. -"I don’t know Babcock, I may be good, but I guess you wore me out for today." Not sounding very convincing.

She laughed in her throaty way. -"That’s another good thing about baseball. I’m sure after an unusually long and difficult baseball game you can still ride your bike home."

-"You got it." He laughed loudly. -"That’s a good one."

-"Isn’t it?"

He reached up and brushed her tousled hair away from her brows again.

-"I like all the things you're teaching me." She played, doing the same with his hair.

-"It's easy when you have a first class student. But there is plenty more to learn and experience. Just make sure you won't share those experiences with somebody else."

She half-smiled. -"As long as you are satisfied to remain my private tutor, I'll stay your devoted student."

Niles looked at her adoringly. -"Who are you, C.C. Babcock?"

She thought for a second. -"I'm one of those bad things that happen to good people."

-"But listen, a man without a woman is like a neck without a pain."

She feigned smiled. -"Niles, never miss a good chance to shut up."

-"All right." He pulled her mouth to his.

-"Mm, I love when you do that." She said out of breath.

-"Is that the reason why you tell me to shut up so often?"

She grasped his head. -"Yes."

A grin spread across his face and she kissed him again.

~~~~~~~~

They both fixed the mess downstairs in no time, and between their prolonged lovemaking and the cleanup there wasn’t much energy left when they ran together for a shower. Tender kisses under the hot water spray, but that was it.

C.C. had a change of heart about having dinner out, but while Niles was getting ready she fell asleep for the second time in the day. The Butler had a light meal waiting on the table around seven and the Blonde was once again happy to stay at home, claiming she was a lot more tired than she imagined. After the nice dinner, Niles went upstairs and tuck up in bed with a good book while C.C. had still some quick work to be done.

Around eight o’clock she went up to his room; he was asleep. She felt her heart skip at the sexy picture. His tanned bare chest contrasting with the immaculate white sheets down to his waist. She also loved those new metallic frame-glasses that he was wearing now; they showed more of his face. And how great it was to have all that "body quality" with a brain inside his skull, she thought when she peered at the title of the book he was reading; "Cases and Materials on Criminal Law - American Casebook Series," by Joshua Dressler. He was wired for reading and she always admired that quality in a man. She saw Niles’ camera on top of his desk. He had just bought a new film so they could use it at their picnic the next day. For the first time in her life she felt compelled to take a picture, just like Nanny Fine. Niles looked so peaceful, so relaxed; yet he always displayed such a strong presence. He looked like a model for some expensive male’s jewelry ad. She saw him wearing a watch and recalled that they were getting ready to go out for dinner. What watch was that, though? She had never seen him wearing it. It looked like a Breitling from where she was standing. She knew it couldn’t be but who cared? An ad from Breitling at Robb Report, that’s "what" her Niles was, not one of those perfect cute faces from popular ads such as Target. She got his camera, set the flash on, held her breath, and clicked it. He didn’t move. She would never tell him how turned on she became with that scenario or he would never let her get away with it. Almost as turned on as when he had the nerve to walk in that shooting session dressed in a hard-hat costume. Just as back then, she would display no emotion. She would never show how disturbed she was or how jealous she became with those models floating around him, especially after she had compared him to Hume Cronyn. She smiled at the remembrance, then put the camera back on the desk hoping he wouldn’t find out or ask any questions before she had that photo developed; she wanted it badly but she wanted it secretly.

Seconds later C.C. caught herself staring at his hand and she realized what kind of thoughts were running inside her head. That disturbed her profoundly. She ran to the bathroom, closed the door quietly and opened one of Niles’ drawers. That became "her" drawer, where she secretly hid some personal stuff in a carryall bag. The thoughts came back to her mind again. She looked at her own hand and shook her head as if she could brush those feelings away. -"What do we need a wedding ring for?" She whispered to herself. She picked up her spare regular toothbrush and missed her Sonicare for a second. That, somehow, came to her as an answer to her previous question. C.C. looked at Niles’ electronic brush-set standing on his sink and realized that no matter how intimate they were living, she was there still as a guest, and perhaps that’s how Niles felt about her place. She carried his favorite after-shave, foam, shampoo, razors, but those were his spare things. She shook her head again. No, no, and no. Not yet. No way…I don’t care what Bort says, she thought. Just for starters, what if she told the family that they were having an affair and the whole thing hit the skids? What if it was only sex after all and he dumped her in a few months? Months? Weeks!! She resumed brushing her teeth when Niles’ phone rang bringing her back from her inner conflict.

-"Hello?" Seconds later she heard Niles groggily answer the call. -"Oh, hello, sir?" She heard him clearing his throat. -"Yes, I fell asleep reading a book - not the best chapter, I must say. How’s everything? Wait a minute, it has to be… a quarter past two in the morning there. What happened? Oh, wonderful. Did Mrs. Sheffield enjoy the party? Good. What about you…? Well, sir, we are at a mellow age, you know. Wherever between get up and go and sit down and whoa… No, sir. I don’t mean in that field exactly. Speak for yourself." He chuckled. -"Miss Margaret? No sir, she is not home. And sir, she’s staying at Michael’s tonight. No, she asked me and although a little reluctantly - I must admit it - I said "yes." Sir, sir, keep your shirt on, will you. I told the boy I would hang him by the balls if he did anything wrong. I somehow trust him, sir. He seems to be a good lad. And you know very well that simply saying "no" won’t stop them from...hum…you know, sir. I’m glad you understand. Welcome to the 21^st century, sir. Yes, sir, just technically speaking. You want me to tell what, to Miss Babcock? No, sir. She’s gone. But she told me that she had that e-mail sent to you in the afternoon. Oh, you haven’t checked it yet. So you better, sir. You know how the uppity witch is. She came here especially for that… When are you coming back, again? Monday at what time? All right, you call me around an hour and a half before landing, and I’ll send Sean with the limo. Very well, sir. My regards to all mishpachah…Have a good night, sir."

C.C. came out of the bathroom with a body lotion bottle in her hands and a wide smile on her lips. -"Yeah, right. I came here specially for that."

-"Oh, hi, cutie. I didn’t know you were in there." He looked at her beautiful figure wearing his pajama shirt. -"Anyway, I said that according to what you told me this afternoon."

-"What was that?" She rubbed some cream on her elbows.

-"That you wouldn’t be here if it weren’t for your brainless boss."

-"Ours." She giggled recalling it. -"Okay, I lied." She throaty laughed. -"Arrest me."

-"I’m sorry. I can’t do that. I left my handcuffs at my girlfriend’s."

She hopped on the bed landing next to him and took another peek at his book. -"Cases and Materials on Criminal Law, hum? It fits the scene." Then pulled the book out of his hand and dropped it carelessly on his nightstand. -"Because I’m about to kill you for calling me "uppity witch"."

-"C.C., I knew you were in there, you fool. I was just pulling your leg. I heard the water running in the sink."

-"So you are at a mellow age, hum." She looked up at him and kissed each of his left ribs slowly. -"I don’t agree."

He moaned lowly then took off his glasses making them rest on top of the book. -"Go easy with that mouth, rectangular grooves."

-"Say what?" She frowned.

-"Your lip print pattern; you have "rectangular grooves"."

-"Niles, have you lost your marbles? What the hell are you talking about?"

He chuckled. -"About lip print patterns. Police use more than fingerprints to solve crimes, you know. Lip prints are also unique and won’t change over a person’s lifetime."

-"Are you serious?"

-"Yes."

-"How many patterns are there?" She asked like a curious child.

He thought for a second. -"Eight."

-"And what did you say is mine again?"

-"You have rectangular grooves."

-"That’s curious."

-"Indeed."

-"What’s yours?" She looked at his lips attentively.

-"Hum…short vertical grooves, I guess."

-"I don’t see them." She approached; her breath smelled of fresh mint.

He half-smiled. -"Come closer."

-"Oh yes, I can see them. Very itsy-bitsy lines that-…"

Before she could end the sentence he pulled her to a long, pervading kiss.

She gasped when their lips broke. -"The prints may not change but one more of these and you’ll erase mine for good."

He chuckled.

-"What is this criminal stuff all about? The book and now this entire lip trivia. Are you planning to write another suspense play?" She wiggled half atop him again.

-"No."

-"Then what?"

-"What would you say if I tried to pass the bar when we move to California?"

She looked up at him with surprised eyes.

-"What? Don’t you think I can?"

-"Niles, I haven’t found a thing in this world that you weren’t able to accomplish when you wanted to."

-"Why, thank you, Miss Babcock."

-"But do you think you’d be happy?"

-"I won’t know if I don’t try."

-"You are not doing this just to please me, are you? You would be wasting your time, Niles. I told you and I’ll tell you for the rest of my life, the fact that you work as a butler was an issue to me in the past; not anymore."

-"I’m glad to hear that, Babcock. But no, I’m doing it for me."

-"Good." She lay on his abdomen. -"As long as you are happy, I’ll be happy."

-"We’ll see." He stroked her hair a few times.

They were silent for a few seconds.

-"Just to make sure we’re in sync." She sensually kissed around his navel this time. -"This is the pitcher’s mound, right?"

He smirked. -"In your case, yes, not in mine, though. In mine… let me show you where the mound is..." He pulled down the covers. "...That way you can play with the pitcher’s balls."

-"Niles!" She burst into laughter and hit his arm with the bottle of cream.

-"Ouch." He chuckled. -"Oh, who am I kidding? You wouldn’t get any extra physical reaction from this body tonight, not even..." He thought and laughed loudly. -"…not even if you were Louis Armstrong." He jested hopping out of bed in his navy pajama pants. -"Here is the remote in case you want to catch something. I’ll brush my teeth and get ready to sleep. I want to leave early tomorrow, if you don’t mind."

-"Waking up early again?"

-"I want to get there in time to rent their two best horses."

-"Oh, I see. Fine with me, then."

-"Are you sure you don’t want to go to the country club and use your own horse? I don’t mind."

She "measured" him from head to toe. -"And share my number one stallion with those desperate barracudas? No way."

-"Don’t be silly." He shook his head.

-"Okay, but I’m not far from the truth. If I went to the country club I would have to socialize and I would be miserable. I want to have fun with you." She turned the television on.

He smiled. -"Okey-dokey."

C.C. was watching a Scooby Doo cartoon and rubbing some body-lotion on her legs when Niles walked out of the bathroom again. He leaned a shoulder against the doorframe and watched her, quietly. -‘My fiery spitfire watching cartoons. How do you like that?’ He thought happily.

She knew he was there but pretended not to. She repeated the operation down to her feet, up to her thighs teasingly.

He remained there, like hypnotized.

After two minutes and no inch left in her lower body to cover, she mumbled. -"Niles, I've been trying to pick my nose for minutes. Would you give me a chance?"

He chuckled surprised that she knew he was there, then hopped on the bed and leaned his head on his elbow looking at her enticingly.

-"What?" She asked.

-"What? I could spend forever watching you do that."

-"Really?" She rubbed her arms.

-"You bet. Oomph, what a view."

-"Well, I could spend forever watching you exercise."

-"Really?" He mimicked her, then caressed her face with the tip of his fingers.

-"You bet. Oomph, what a view." She mimicked him rubbing a drop of cream on his nose.

-"When did you ever catch me exercising? You’re lying."

-"Oh, I never actually saw you using weights, but in your off-days, I saw you many times running up or skating down the street in shorts." She smiled at the thought. -"Or-or like a few weeks ago, when I woke up very early to go to the bathroom and I caught you doing your "push and sit" ups in that place. You didn’t hear me but I was behind that door for a least 15 minutes." She made him turn around and straddled him.

-"You were stalking me?" He smiled knowing what she had in mind.

-"You bet." She dropped some cream in her hands, rubbed them, and then started massaging his back and shoulders.

-"What a stinker."

She kneaded his muscles slowly, loving that feeling just as much as he was.

He moaned. -"Careful, Babcock. If you start the turbines, you’re gonna have to fly it."

-"Ooo..That’s my favorite exercising." She teased him with her hands one more time.

-"Oh, yeah?"

-"Oh, yeah."

-"Okay." He propped himself up on both arms making her almost fall off his back.

She laughed. -"I’m kidding. I’m kidding!" She reached around his chest as if keeping herself on a saddle. -"Whoa-whoa, easy boy!"

He imitated the sound of a horse.

She laughed again. -"Who needs good horses when I have the best. Lemme down, Silver!"

He carefully dropped her on the bed. -"A horse is a horse, of course, of course. And no one can talk to a horse, of course…"

-"…that is of course, unless the horse is the famous Mister Ed." She giggled. -"You are crazy."

-"I begin to believe that. You’re the second person that tells me that today." He lay down.

-"Who was the first." She put the lotion bottle on his nightstand and turned the TV off.

-"Miss Margaret."

She smiled. -"Smart kid." Then lay beside him, and leaned her face on his chest one more time. -"Niles, you just gave me an idea."

-"Oh my.."

-"I’m serious." She smeared some cream that was left on his chest when they played horse and jockey. -"Let’s play, ‘what I like about you’."

-"Oh, that sounds nice." He held her. -"You first."

She thought for a second. -"I like… I like the way you hold me tight."

He held her tighter.

-"Mm, that way."

-"What else?"

-"The way you lead a dance." She added thoughtfully. -"Whatever is the rhythm, you find yourself on a dance floor just like that."

-"What can I say, I’m a regular Travolta. What else?"

-"The way you are piercing somebody with the coldest stare and suddenly you open up that smile that can melt the polar caps."

-"Oh, please."

-"You know it’s true and you use it. Your smile is contagious."

-"Well, for your information, you have the power to light up the darkest place with the same artifice."

She grinned.

-"Just like now, Dimples." He played with her cheeks. -"Like the first time I saw you coming towards me in Mr. Sheffield’s old house. I looked at you, you smiled at me, and I thought to myself, oh dear, I’m doomed!"

-"You know why I smiled at you?"

-"Because it was love at first sight?"

-"No, because I was drunk."

-"True. But if it hadn’t been for me you would have had to hold onto the lawn to keep from falling off the earth."

-"My hero."

-"Hmmm.." He shook her body playfully.

She giggled. -"What else?"

-"What else, what?"

-"Do you like?"

-"About what?"

-"Niles."

He smiled. -"Oh, there are plenty."

-"Shoot."

-"Mm, your almost infantile curiosity towards life."

-"What do you mean?"

-"You never cease to ask questions, almost as inquisitive as a child. You cultivate curiosity and you always want to be in the loop. Like you told me you were disappointed because none of your boyfriends or dates – I honestly don’t want to know – ever taught you the baseball principals. You legitimately wanted to learn, I’m sure."

-"I did." She sighed loudly.

-"Well, you can learn it with me."

-"I did already." She cackled evilly.

-"I’m serious, one of these days I’m taking you to a ball game."

-"You’re kidding!"

-"No!"

-"Would you buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jacks?"

-"I’m sorry, I thought you would like to go. I take the invitation back."

She jumped. -"Why?"

-"You don’t need to be sarcastic."

-"Ugh, make it idiot-proof and someone will make a better idiot. I’m not being sarcastic, you twit!"

-"Would you like to go?"

-"Would I? I’ll pester you till you take me there. I’d love to!!"

-"Deal." He offered his hand.

-"Yuppie." She shook it and lay on him again. -"Now tell me, what else do you like about me?"

-"Hmm.." His hands floated feather-like over her body. -"The shape of your neck, the grace of your arms, the way your waist narrows…" He moaned. -"…and the way you cross your legs."

-"The way I cross my legs?"

-"Yes. You know those cartoon reactions? Hanna Barbera, Tiny Toons? Fran is expert in those. But you want to see my heart pounding throughout my thorax - just to name one - cross your legs when I’m around. Especially if you are wearing those skirts a bit over your knees. I can really go out of my mind."

-"Niles, you disguise that pretty well. I never realized that."

-"Now you know."

-"What else?"

-"The way you tuck your hair behind your ears."

-"Like this?"

-"Yep."

-"You like this?"

-"I’m enchanted. What can I say, I don’t like it, I love it."

-"Silly."

-"I know. Want to hear another silly?"

-"You bet."

-"The way your eyes get heavy when you’re high on booze. You blink very slowly, heavily. Like a sleepy puppy. It’s very cute."

-"Are you serious?"

-"Of course, I am serious. Or the way you use your tongue on your incisors when you are desperately trying to find a perfect comeback or you get all riled up."

She snarled.

-"That too."

She giggled.

-"That too."

-"Stop it."

-"What can I say, I’m addicted to you, woman! I love when you snarl, or giggle or give that throaty laugh of yours."

She did it naturally.

-"Exactly."

-"I can’t believe."

-"Believe it."

-"Listening..."

-"Mmm, you pretend to be afraid of intimacy but the way you touch people is very special."

-"What are you talking about? Except for Maxwell - and you know very well why - I don’t touch people in public, I beat them."

-"That too." He smirked. -"But I’m talking about the warm displays."

-"Maxwell you mean?"

-"No, I don’t mean Maxwell." He shot her a glare. -"I mean other people."

-"Since when?"

-"Since always."

-"Like when?"

-"Like always?"

-"With whom?"

-"With…with…"

-"See?"

-"Wait a minute…" He thought for a second. -"Like leaning your head on my shoulder, or holding Fran and telling how you missed her."

-"I never did that."

-"What about when Miss Biblow-..."

-"Oh, I remember that. I could have gone to LA on my knees and begged Fran to return if it had taken one more week for that apple worm to leave this house for good."

-"Why?"

-"I told you that already." She gave him a light peck on the mouth. -"Is this another way you like me to touch you?"

-"One of…"

She gave him a mischievous smile. -"Tell me another."

-"You really want the truth?"

-"Yes."

-"The way you despicably clean your hands in my suit after doing something nasty, like eating a sandwich or a doughnut."

-"I don’t believe you caught me doing that."

-"Duh?"

-"What do you have, eyes on your back?"

-"C.C., spare me. Call me stupid, it’s less offensive."

-"I do that as a provocation but as you never returned."

-"I never returned?"

-"Well, you never told me you didn’t like it!"

-"It’s because I like it."

-"You are a weirdo."

-"And you so naïve. A gorgeous brilliant student and professional but so ingenuous sometimes."

-"Well, near you Eartha Kitt would be naïve. And why are you saying that?"

-"For instance, remember the times you called me to fix things at your place."

-"I do, but that has to do with my total incapacity to handle a tool, not with naïveté."

-"I tell you, when it comes to managing a tool, you are not naïve."

-"NI-les!"

He chuckled. -"Now seriously. Remember that time when I was putting that TV center together in your room?"

-"I remember, what about it?"

-"I found under your bed five issues of Magazines with Pomeranians plus a VHS."

-"What were you doing under my bed?"

-"Passing a wire under the carpeting. Don’t change the subject."

-"So what?"

-"You pretend to be a witch but you don’t know how to cover up the evidence that you are not."

-"So, I love my dog. I admit it. But please, don’t tell anybody. A witch has to keep her image. Anyway, is that all you like about me?"

-"What are you expecting, streamers and confetti?"

-"No. But certainly not hearing that I am naïve."

He gently took her chin in his hand and made her raise her eyes to him again. -"I know that I mentioned you are the most beautiful and the sexiest woman I ever met."

-"Oo…that’s better."

-"But did I ever mention that your gait drives me crazy?"

-"My what?"

-"Your gait. You are very regal."

-"No, you certainly never mentioned that."

-"The way you pace is just gorgeous. You walk like a princess…like a queen…a goddess."

-"You make me blush."

-"It’s not my intention. Seriously, you’re a very elegant woman, C.C. Babcock."

-"And you are very athletic, educated, outgoing, good looking, passionate, witty, funny, and gallant – when you want to."

-"What about adventurer, sensitive, huggable, open-minded, and sexy?"

-"Ugh, why don’t you go find yourself a dictionary and look up the word "humble" for a change?"

-"That coming from the president of Sam Malone’s World Wide Fan Club?"

-"Niles, what are we doing here, exchanging likes or writing personal ads?"

He chuckled and tickled her.

She laughed. -"Stop it. Anyway, there is an infinity of things I like about you."

-"Really?" He asked sensuously.

-"Yes, but besides the fact that you are a sexual poltergeist…"

He frowned.

-"…I like the small qualities too."

He frowned again. -"Small?"

-"Yes. The little things."

-"Little things?"

-"Yes. Like…like the way sometimes you pretend not to give a damn for anybody in this world, but you so carefully know everyone’s likes and dislikes. You’re always there for them."

-"Oh.." He smirked.

-"There goes that rascal smile again. It is very sexy, you know."

-"I just remembered that I like the way you play with your nails."

-"What?"

-"The way you play with your nails, like this." He showed.

-"I do that, don’t I?"

-"Yes. It’s lovely."

-"I find that cute on you too."

-"Me?"

-"Yes. The way you pinch the tip of your fingers like this."

-"Do I?"

-"You sure do." She laughed. -"You’re also, so unpredictable. Sometimes I’m expecting you to walk in dressed in a suit, tie and carrying a feather duster and you suddenly burst in wearing inline roller-blades, wrist-guards, and telling me: "carrot cake, want a bite?" and then disappearing before I can say yes or no." She shook her head.

He smiled recalling the scene. -"It’s just that I don’t know how to stop those things."

-"Yeah, right. You’re good with skates, Niles. You’re also good with horses, and swimming, and dancing, and playing Frisbee with the kids, and playing pool. What else? Mmm, did I mention the way you sing?"

-"My fans did, but it’s good to hear from my enemies too."

She ignored his remark. -"Oo-oo! I remembered something else!"

-"What is that?"

-"The way you treat seniors."

-"What about it? I just respect them."

-"I know. But you don’t treat them as old people. Yetta, for instance, she’s crazy about you. And what about my grandfather? Remember that night you drove me to the airport to pick him up. He is the most unbearable man. Well, not exactly, he’s just a little, hum..."

-"A lot…"

-"What do you mean?"

-"Never mind."

-"People say I inherited part of his personality."

-"A lot..." He hit again.

She narrowed her eyes at him. -"His only problem is that he thinks everyone has a price."

-"So does his granddaughter."

-"Niles, a closed mouth gathers no foot."

-"And your point is?"

-"Would you let me finish my thought or will I be rudely interrupted again and again?"

He chuckled. -"Move ahead."

-"I remember how he mistreated you, demanding things from you as if you were his employee when actually you were there as a favor. I remember your reaction by the minute he started with you. You grabbed my hand, pushed me inside the limo and left the man all alone out there at the LaGuardia’s arrival area. I was in shock!"

He moaned at the remembrance.

-"You drove around North Queens for about ten minutes and then returned. "Mr. Babcock", you said, "thank your granddaughter for us coming back here. I wouldn’t be here if weren’t for her". But I didn’t say a word. I was like catatonic with your attitude. You did all that to teach the old geezer a lesson. And it worked. He treated you with respect afterwards. And the nicest thing was, you forgot everything and you became as patient as a son. About his impairment, I mean. He loved you Niles. He told me days later."

-"How is he by the way, C.C.?"

-"In the same wheelchair but as strong as always."

-"I’m glad to hear."

-"That’s what I mean. Deep inside you respect them and you don’t treat them as disabled people."

-"I really don’t. I don’t see them as such."

She leaned on his chest again.

-"What else?"

-"The way you conduct a limo. I have no idea how you can do that."

-"You get used to it."

-"How can you do turns with that thing stretched?"

-"You are still talking about the limo, I hope."

She burst into laughter. -"And how the heck you always have the perfect comeback, damn it?"

-"Well.."

-"Here comes another one. The way you pull your shirt sleeves out of your suit. I started mimicking you every morning before my mirror and that became sort of a twist later."

-"I noticed that."

-"Yep. I got it from you."

-"You know, I like this game. Tell me more. Tell me more."

-"The way you pretend to be grumpy, or moody. The way you pout like a spoiled boy but I don’t know anybody in this world more determinate than you. The moment the doctor told you to get back in shape you did as easy as that." She rushed her hand on his chest. -"And the way you know how to use these muscles to drive a woman to insanity."

He stroked her arms. -"Well, that’s easy with you."

-"Thank you."

-"You’re always so close to the boarder."

-"You dirty-…"

He grabbed her hands before she could slap his chest again; a short fistfight followed.

-"Niles, this is a new watch. Let me see it."

He let her hands go and showed it to her.

-"Gosh, it is a Breitling!! How did you get that?"

-"About three days ago."

-"I didn’t say when, I said how."

-"I bought it."

-"Baloney, you can’t afford that. Who gave it to you?"

His smile faded.

-"Niles, I may be naïve, like you said it, but I’m not stupid. This watch is a Wind Rider – Cross Wind. This watch is sold over 4.000 dollars, retail price. Who gave this watch to you? It was a woman, wasn’t it?"

-"No. It’s a counterfeit, C.C.."

-"Let me see it."

He offered his arm.

She turned his hand around checking the bracelet. -"Here, here. Breitling, 1884. Counterfeit my ass. They don’t carry that. This is the real McCoy!"

-"Ugh, it is a good replica, woman. Would you cut that out?!"

-"Niles, don’t push your luck."

-"What’s the matter with you? I also have a Shadow Flyback, don’t I?"

-"That James Sheffield left you in his will. That you already told me. I understand you helped to take care of Max when he was a teen and that justifies the fact that his father left you an expensive piece of jewelry like that. But what is going to be the excuse this time?"

-"Mrs. Sheffield gave it to me."

-"That lousy floozy?" She thought of the stepmother.

-"Fran."

-"Oh please, Niles, I know how much she carries in her joint account with Maxwell and she would never be able to buy-…"

The phone rang again interrupting them. Niles gently signaled for her to remain quiet.

-"Hello?" Niles said and turned the speaker on.

-"Hello, is this Maxwell Sheffield’s residence?" A low male’s voice sounded over the speaker.

-"The house is correct but I’m afraid you dialed the wrong number. May I ask what is this regarding?"

-"This is he."

-"I’m confused. I know two ladies by that same name."

C.C. pinched him.

-"Ow.." He whispered.

C.C. remembered Eric and Bianca. She was Niles’ date on their wedding a couple of years before. She recalled having quite a good time there.

-"Oh, my." Niles chuckled. -"Absolutely. Eric is perhaps my best male friend." He looked at C.C. and winked at her.

She smiled.

-"So, how can I help you?"

-"Wha-what happened? Is your sister all right? Eric, anything wrong with Eric?"

-"Wha-..?" Niles’ voice faltered.

C.C. covered her mouth in disbelief.

-"He told me. Oh my, so he went for that deal?"

A tear came down Niles’ face; C.C. hugged him.

-"What was it, John, heart?"

The Butler silently broke into tears and C.C. cuddled his head.

-"Are you okay, Niles?" John asked after a few seconds of silence.

-"I er…I’ll be all right." The Butler dried his tears with his hands. -"I’ll help you guys. It’s just the time for me to get changed. I’ll be there. Does your sister need any money?"

Niles’ jaws tightened. It was as if he suddenly hated his friend for causing all that pain to his family. -"I assume the funeral will be tomorrow."

-"Thank you, John."

-"I understand."

-"Good night, Niles."

-"Good night."

-"Are you okay?" C.C. broke her silence after making sure John had hung up.

-"You were right, our picnic is cursed." Niles said deadpan showing no emotion for his friend anymore.

-"Oh, forget that. You just lost a friend. We are alive, remember? Life is too short."

-"What are you talking about, C.C.? Life is not short!" He jumped out of bed. -"Life is the longest damn thing anyone ever does! What can you do that is longer, hum?!"

-"Niles, calm down, please! Let’s try to get some sleep."

-"No, I don’t want to get any sleep now. I’m mad, Babcock. I’m very mad! And I never go to bed mad, I stay up and fight!"

-"You’re not sounding reasonable. I mean, you just lost a friend and you act like you don’t care."

-"Oh yeah? Why should I care? Tell me!" He raised his voice. -"After all it was his choice, wasn’t it? Oh, "life is not fun anymore"…Bang! Perhaps this tingling sensation will make me feel better! It tickles me!!" He let out in deep sarcasm. Then whined. -"It’s just not fun anymore! It is not fun? Who told him life was supposed to be fun, damn it?! I tell you, we are born naked, wet, and hungry. Then things get worse. A lot worse!"

-"Niles, this is not you."

-"And who the hell am I? Can you tell me?"

-"Ugh…" C.C. jumped out of bed ignoring him. She walked to his bathroom looking for some pills that she carried with her, while listening to Niles mumble to himself.

-"I don’t know how many times I warned him, don’t buy those stocks! The deal is like squatting with your spurs on." He looked up at Heaven. -"But you had to test the depth of the water with both feet, didn’t you, Eric?" He breathed loudly then added under his breath. -"No wonder the man who invests all your money is called a broker. Damn, I could kill the S.O.B. with my bare hands now."

C.C. came out of the room carrying a glass of water and two pills. -"Here Niles, take these."

-"What the.." He shook his head. -"No, I don’t take pills."

-"You usually don’t take pills Niles and I actually admire you for that, but this is out of the ordinary. You took a nap after dinner and you just heard that your best friend blew his brains - or whatever - with a gun. You won’t be able to sleep tonight unless you take some strong medication, and you’ll need the rest. Would you listen to me once in your life?!" Her voice as loud as his.

He shot her a glare. -"Why people commit suicide, can you explain that?"

-"Niles, please." She offered the medication again.

-"I don’t want these pills! I’m just out of my mind! Let me be, darn it! I’ll be back in five minutes, okay!"

-"You better get back faster than that because you are scaring me!" She carelessly left the glass on his desk and started crying.

Niles realized how badly he was affecting her. -"Listen I-..."

She turned away and ran out of the room sobbing.

-"C.C., come-…" He strode rapidly after her. -"…come back here, please." He caught her before she could run down the stairs and pulled her into his arms. -"Please, please, I’m sorry. You are right." She fought him but he held her tightly. He felt protective and tender towards her, but at the same time warmhearted that she would be there for him. -"I’m sorry, okay? You are absolutely right, and I’ll take those pills. Tomorrow is going to be a long day for me and I’ll need the rest. You just want my wellbeing and I’m acting like an insensitive brute."

-"You are."

-"Shh…Don’t cry anymore. I never meant to frighten you. Come on..." He pulled her back to his room. -"Give me the pills, I’ll take them right away."

-"Here."

-"Thank you." He whispered grasping the glass of water and taking both pills with a gulp.

-"They will make you feel better."

-"I know." He said miserably as he dropped on the bed and ran a hand through his already tousled hair. -"Listen C.C., another thing you’ll learn about me is that I don’t cope very well with people that I care for killing themselves, okay."

-"Niles, you can’t expect all people in this world to have the same lust for life that you have."

-"I just don’t think it’s fair."

-"Why?"

-"Why? For the simple fact that in my book death affects the people that stay in this world and have to deal with that loss a lot more than actually affects the person who commits suicide. For them it’s an easy way out. But look at Bianca’s case for instance. She was crazy about him. Now she not only lost the man she loved but she’s also at the risk of losing their child. Whose fault is that?"

-"I’m sure when he killed himself he thought he was doing the family a favor."

-"A fav-...? Oh, sure. I can picture him writing the note, "and as a fellow traveler in this journey we call life, I come by this note to let you guys know that I quit. I feel I can be a better human being if I blow my brains off my head!" Wake up and smell the coffee, C.C., the people that remained on the ship were never given the chance to say if they preferred him dead or alive! This man denied his own kid the chance to ever meet his or her father!"

-"Niles, easier said than done. Stick to what you know, okay."

-"Trust me, Babcock, I know a lot more about this subject than you can possibly imagine. That’s why I don’t like it. Don’t push the envelope."

-"What do you mean?"

-"I just mean that you don’t know what you are talking about."

-"That’s what you think." She sat next to him with her back against the headboard.

-"Now that’s my turn…" He laid back. -"What do you mean?"

-"Forget it."

-"C.C….Honestly…I’m trying to find a reason. If you think you can help me, do it."

-"I rather not…Not after what I witnessed here."

He sighed loudly. -"Listen, when I was in my twenties, I lost a person that I loved very much. She took her own life and now more than 23 years later, I still suffer from it."

She looked up at him; her vision still blurred by her moistened eyes. -"Was it Katherine?"

He looked at her with sad eyes. -"No, my love, it wasn’t Katherine. But if you don’t mind, I don’t want to talk about it. Not tonight…not after Eric-..."

She stopped his lips from saying it. -"I understand."

-"What goes wrong, for Heaven’s? What?"

-"Niles, promise me I won’t be judged by what I’m going to tell you here."

He gave her a confused look.

-"Please."

-"All I can promise is that I will try."

-"I don’t want to hide anything from you."

-"So don’t."

-"Okay." She hesitated for a second. -"Niles, you have to understand that what to some people might be a minor challenge to others it might become a major problem. To some people the slightest things in life can produce enormous stress. These people usually tend to have serious bouts of depression. What to some is a silly matter to others is a reason for an exaggerated response of stress and anxiety. You have an inner strength that I rarely saw in other people in this world. That was not Eric’s case. I also don’t know whomever you lost in the past that hurts you so much, but I’m sure this person also lacked that inner strength."

-"You were about to tell me a story, I presume." He changed the route of the conversation.

-"Yes."

-"I’m all ears."

She sighed loudly. -"Look, if you think I’m naïve now, you should have met me in my teens." She bitter smiled. -"Remember, I was raised in and out of boarding schools. They were so narrow minded there that I recall once when one of my best friends was evicted just for asking - at the Geography class - "if people from Poland are called Poles, why aren’t people from Holland called Holes?"

He laughed loud.

-"It’s funny but sad at the same time. This girl was just 13, extremely intelligent, but had all her scholar future messed up just because she tried to be fun. I grew up in this environment, completely apart from the real world. While you grew up probably experiencing all kinds of things, I was locked up in a parallel universe, I barely knew run in from rain. The thing is, when I was just 17, I was accepted in college and I had to move to a dorm. I never felt so free, but at the same time so helpless. I didn’t know how to connect with people, real people I mean. I wanted desperately to be accepted. I was a brilliant student, as you mentioned, but I had no street smarts and I found myself alone in the wildest environment a girl like me could fall into, a college campus. I had very little contact with my family...as if it would change anything. But, the truth is, instead of feeling surrounded by people I was feeling more alone than ever. So, one day, I met this cute guy. He wasn’t into sports but he was very popular for his money. He became my first boyfriend. I never loved him, I found out a few years later…" She stared deeply into Niles’ eyes. -"…when I really fell in love."

He winked at her.

-"But for the first time somebody liked me back and I was crazy about him." She sighed. -"I would do anything for him…except one thing…"

Niles nodded getting it.

-"…I felt it was too early for me. I had just learned how to kiss, and that seemed way beyond anything I could expect for a while. Kyle didn’t seem to care and that made me like him even more. However, one night I was at his dorm and he started giving me all kinds of booze. I bet he had no idea I could juggle all that stuff inside me. At some point in time, he was already losing arguments with inanimate objects while I was just getting a little high. When I realized what he was up to, I broke up with him and I ran away from his place. I was in shock, crushed, and crying like a baby. When I was in the elevator I met a girl, she took me into her place, made me calm down, tell her my problem, and then she made me sleep there. She told me that Kyle probably let the challenge of being my first one, obliterate all the good feelings that he could have for me. That it was a strong sign of immaturity and that I was better off alone. Unfortunately, his immaturity didn’t stop there. Two days later, there was a rumor all over the place that Kyle had dumped me because I had slept with him and two other friends that night and they all found me lousy in bed. I was a virgin, Niles. Can you imagine what a slap in the face like that can do to a girl who’s romantic, naïve, and desperately seeking for acceptance?"

He caressed her face.

She reached for his hand and kissed his palm.

-"What happened then?" He asked feeling her hesitation.

She closed her eyes for a second then resumed. -"After my classes that day I decided that I would kill myself."

He stared at her, his eyes unreadable.

-"Please, Niles, don’t judge me."

-"I’m just trying to understand. Go ahead."

-"You see, I had no friends, my family barely knew that I existed, and the guy that I thought was my prince became a poisonous frog. I didn’t know how I was going to accomplish it, but I was determined to make it work. I was going to leave a message behind, and wander without destiny till I found a way. That night, when I was about to start my note, there was a knock at the door. That girl, she came for a visit. She heard of the rumors and came to my aid. She told me that she wanted to help me to bust the liars, after all I had spent the night at her place not in the "company" of those vindictive morons. I didn’t care much for that. I had decided to give up already. I just wanted to dig a hole big enough and disappear from the face of the earth. Before she left my place, though, she handed me a poem. I know that poem by heart and till this very day I have that sheet of paper in a frame. The title of the poem is, "After a While" and the author is Veronica A. Shoffstall. From what I understand, Veronica was only 19 when she wrote this beautiful piece and published it in her college yearbook. Did you ever read it? It became popular."

-"Never. Say it for me."

-"Oh...let’s see…" She thought for a moment. -"After a while you learn the subtle difference between holding a hand and chaining a soul. And you learn that love doesn't mean leaning, and company doesn't mean security. And you begin to learn that kisses aren't contracts, and presents aren't promises, and you begin to accept your defeats.

With your head up and your eyes open, with the grace of a woman, not the grief of a child. And you learn to build all your roads on today, because tomorrow's ground is too uncertain for plans. And futures have a way of falling down in mid flight. After a while, you learn that even sunshine burns if you get too much. So you plant your own garden and decorate your own soul, instead of waiting for someone to bring you flowers. And you learn that you really can endure. That you really are strong, and you really do have worth. And you learn and learn. With every goodbye you learn."

-"I must say I don’t agree a hundred percent, but it’s very poignant."

-"For me - at that time - it meant everything. I closed my notebook, put my pencil down, and never thought of taking my own life ever again. I realized that it may take some time but the sun will shine again. What I want you to understand is that not all people have the patience to wait for it or are fortunate enough to find a friendly ear to help them out."

He was confused and the pills had begun to do their job.

-"I remember reading a report that Bort showed me last year that shocked me. Did you know that 20% of American high school students declared that they have seriously considered or attempted suicide at least once? And that more teenagers and young adults died from suicide than from over seven major illnesses combined? It is more common than you think, Niles."

He was silent for a few seconds. -"So, what happened to them?"

-"My friend found a way for Kyle to hang his neck with his own rope. People found out that those three were lying through their teeth and they became the joke of the campus." She swallowed hard. -"After that I met Jerry. He was a nice guy and a year later he became my first…"

Niles fidgeted on the bed uncomfortably.

She smiled at his display of jealousy. -"…and with whom I had a two-year relationship."

-"Did you keep in contact with them? Kyle and Jerry, I mean."

-"Well, those were the 70’s. Kyle wasn’t too bright and quit Uni after a year. He went in and out of drugs and burned up his share of the family’s fortune. From what I heard about, ten years ago, he had married a pastor’s daughter and also became a minister."

-"And Jerry?"

-"Jerry died in a motorcycle accident about five years after we graduated. I read it in the college paper that they used to send me."

-"So, this young lady became your guardian angel."

-"And my best friend for years. I learned so much with her. She was just two years older, but so much wiser. She used to say, C.C., before any thoughtless act ask yourself, will this even matter ten years from now?"

The Butler sighed sadly.

-"I know it is hurting now, Niles. I know it seems the end of the world. But it is not. It just feels like it."

-"Thank you." He whispered; his eyes were very sleepy.

-"The pills are kicking in, I’m glad."

-"I say…" He yawned. -"Say, whatever happened to that wonderful woman?"

-"That wonderful woman died a few years ago."

-"Oh, I’m sorry..."

-"That day became the saddest day of my life."

-"Did you keep contact after you graduated?"

She smiled at him.

-"What?"

-"Yes, we remained in contact. She married a wonderful man, a man that almost went nuts the day she died, but years later he recovered and found himself a nice woman and remarried."

His face seemed troubled for a while but suddenly his expression changed to total surprise.

She smiled again. -"Even under two sleeping pills my Butler is so bright."

-"You mean Mrs. Sheffield?"

She nodded.

-"Sarah Sheffield?"

-"Mmhm.."

-"Oh my Lord in Heaven! No wonder you were so close. No wonder you-…" He looked at Heaven again, only this time his eyes were filled with gratitude. -"How can I ever thank you, Mrs. Sheffield." Then held the Blonde tightly.

-"And you know something? I think up there, she was also a little responsible for pushing us together. She always respected you a lot, Niles. I remember-…" She started crying again.

-"What? What is it?" He dried her eyes with his thumbs. -"Shhh..Don’t…don’t." He said gently.

-"She was very sick at the hospital…" She swallowed the tears and controlled herself. -"Two days before she died, I visited her and I told her about us."

-"You did?"

-"Yes. That I felt I loved you since day one, that I thought you loved me too, that our life was one misunderstanding after the other, and that I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t know if we would ever make it."

-"And what did she say?"

-"She was so weak. So different from the Sarah I knew. But she asked, "why did it take so long for you to tell me that"? She told me that she always suspected that there was something else going on between us beyond "hatred," but that we disguised pretty well, so she was never certain. She also told me that if I could overcome the fact that you earned your living as a butler, you would be the one for me. She said that it would be too late on this earth for her, but she promised me that wherever she would be, she would give us a push."

Niles reached for her face and kissed her tenderly to which she responded with the same warmness. He then flopped on the bed exhausted. -"Oh, darn pills."

-"Niles, now you know why I hated Nanny Fine so much. It wasn’t only you, or-or…how much she reminded me of my own nanny…But I didn’t want anybody replacing Sarah. I realize today that Fran is perfect for Max and the kids and that Sarah is probably very happy wherever she may be. But it took me a long time to accept it."

-"Does Mr. Sheffield know how yo-…"

-"No, and don’t you ever. The fact that I once was very close to taking my own life is something that I rather not brag about. I told Sarah on her death bed, but I made her promise she would never tell Max either about the suicide or about us."

-"Miss Babcock, although very disturbing, and I’ll need all my faculties back to understand it better…Well, this is a beautiful story."

-"I know, just sold the rights over to Reader’s Digest. Now close your eyes and try to get some sleep."

-"I adore you."

-"Oh brother, he’s drowsy." She played with his lashes. -"… and he’s groggy..."

He closed his eyes.

She reached out and turned the nightstand lamp off. -"…and he’s very sleepy."

-"…and he loves you like crazy." He said tenderly.

She again kissed his lips lightly. -"She loves you too…" Then lay against him. -"…even when she’s sleeping. Good night, Lover."

-"Night…" He hardly managed to say.

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