This story would not have been possible without my muse Delia - thanks Del!
I would also like to thank Cin for all her 'prodigious' help! And CD for always being there for me when I needed her.

A Dance for Life

by

IvanaBgood
(IvanaBgood@aol.com)

The clouds finally decide to part and the sun’s strong rays break through. A promise of a lovely spring day whisper from the slight breezes wafting about.

Gracie practically skips to the closet, grabs a windbreaker, and calls out, “Fran, let’s go I don’t want to be late!”

Walking down the staircase in a tight white outfit decorated with red bulls-eyes,  Fran replies, “Sweetie, how can we be late, we’re heading off to the park?”

Overhearing their conversation as he enters the foyer from the office, Maxwell says with a grin, “To the park? In that?”

Looking down at herself, “Yes. What’s wrong with this?”

“Well, nothing really…you do realize there are pigeons at the park?”

“Yeah, so?”

“Don’t you think you’re giving them a target to shoot for?” Maxwell smiles teasingly.

“Oh you!” Fran slaps his shoulder lightly. “Why don’t you come with us, it’s a beautiful day for a picnic?”

“That would be great Dad, can you?” Gracie looks up at him hopefully.

“I’m sorry darling, but I’m due at the theater in twenty minutes.” He peers at his watch and calls over his shoulder, “CC, we’ll be late!”

Tossing her purse strap over her shoulder and juggling a briefcase and a bag of chips in her hands, CC hurries over to Maxwell, all the while brushing potato chip crumbs off her blazer.

“Oh sir, wait!” Niles calls out. Quickly walking over to them, he hands CC a pillowcase from the laundry basket he was carrying.

Looking at the pillowcase in confusion, CC asks, “What’s this for?”

Grinning, “It’s a feedbag. See I sewed straps on the sides so you can attach it over your ears. Call it an early birthday present.”

CC glares at him and throws it back in his face. She storms out of the mansion.

Maxwell just shakes his head and follows her out.

“Oy, Niles, never tease a woman about her weight problem, especially near her birthday. We can get very mean.” Fran warns. “Meanwhile…would you like to join us at the park? Your doctor did say to exercise more.”

“I did sit-ups just this morning,” Niles replies with a pout.

“What do you mean sit-ups?! You did one and then you wanted to break for lunch!” Brighton exclaims as he walks around the piano. “And next time I hold your legs down for you, could you wear sweat pants?” Scrunching his face at the memory of Niles in his baggy shorts.

“How many did I do? Hmm…and do you know whose picture this is? I found it in your hamper. It appears to be a scantily clad young lady by the name of Bambi who likes whip cream, bubble baths, and ….”

Brighton snatches it out of Niles’ hand, his face red. “A hundred…yeah,…yeah, that’s right, you did a hundred sit-ups.” He stuffs the picture under his shirt and runs up the stairs.

“C’mon Fran!” Gracie whines pulling her by the arm towards the door.
She was eager to get to the park, knowing that her friends would be there hanging out.

“Would you like me to pack you a picnic basket, Miss Fine?”

“No thanks Niles. I’m planning on power walking and then visiting Vic.”

“Vic? Who’s Vic?”

“He’s this great guy who sells the best hotdogs at the park. Mmmm…my mouth is watering just at the thought of them.” Waving good-bye she finally walks out the door and hails a cab.

“I thought we were going to power walk to the park?” Gracie asks.

“Who said to the park? I meant to a cab.”

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

“Here you go Fran, catch this one!” Gracie tosses a bright red frisbee.

“I’ve got it! I’ve got it! Ooph!” Fran bumps into a jogger who was stretching against a tree. “Sorry!” Spotting a bench nearby, she sits down in exhaustion.

“Don’t you want to play anymore Fran?”

Slowly opening her eyes, “Play? Oy, with all that running back and forth, it feels more like exercise. I think I’ll take a break, sweetie.” Removing her feet from her 4 inch heels and rubbing them.

“Okay. I see my friends over by the big boulder, I’m going to say Hi.”

Nodding tiredly and giving a vague wave, Fran leans back, closing her eyes once again.

“Fran?”

Her eyelids flutter open and Fran looks up at a familiar face. “Yeah….?”

“It’s me Crystal Carmichael! Remember, I use to sit behind you in Mr. Moore’s English class?”

“Crystal?! Wow, what happened? You look great! I mean…you always looked great, it’s just that now…you…uh…”

Laughing, “It’s okay you can say it. Now, I don’t cause an eclipse when I go outside!”

Fran smiles, wondering at the complete transformation of her old classmate. “How did you lose the weight?”

“I’ve been eating healthier, but the main reason is that I caught the fitness bug. Got my license as a Fitness Trainer and right now I’m working at this great place as an aerobics instructor.”

“That’s great Crystal! You look amazing!”

“Would you like to check out one of my classes?”

“Umm…me..… nope! Don’t you remember how I use to waste time in gym looking for a nonexistent lost contact lens?”

Chuckling, “Oh yeah, that’s right! You were so funny, walking around pretending to bump into things!”

“Hey, don’t knock it! That’s how my ex-boyfriend Danny Imperiali and I started to see each other. I accidentally tripped and fell on his lap as he was stretching on the floor.”

Crystal laughs. “Well, if you change your mind let me know. In fact, here. This is my business card, for every person you can get to join the club, I’ll give you a commission!”

“Oh, you are such a doll!”

“Forget it Fran! Out of all those people in high school, you never teased me about my weight. AND you use to give me your oatmeal raisin cookies from the cafeteria.”

Fran smiles, remembering it was because she hates oatmeal raisin cookies. But why mess up a happy memory for her friend.

That evening….

“Niles. Niles! Where are you?!” Maxwell bellows as he waits at the dining room table for his dinner.

“I’ll go see what’s keeping him,” Fran places her napkin next to her plate and walks to the kitchen. And there was Niles, eating at the counter. “Okay mister, step away from the pork chop!”

Dropping it on his plate, Niles looks guiltily at Fran. His cheeks shiny with grease.

“How could you? The doctor gave strict orders for you to cut fried foods from your diet!”

“It’s not fried. It was cooked delicately in an exotic blend of spices and seasoning.”

Fran spies a small box that was jammed haphazardly in the trash can.
“You used Shake N Bake! Pork Chops are bad for you. Do you want to suffer another heart attack?!”

Indignant, “Of course not! But it’s so bloody hard to stop eating all my favorite foods and then to exercise on top of that.”

“Oh sweetie, I know it’s hard, but you need to change your habits. Why don’t you join a gym?”

“Oh, I don’t know….”

“Picture it Niles. You alone with a roomful of  sexy, sweaty women in skimpy outfits bouncing to the rhythm of a disco beat.”

“Can I go?” a voice squeaks pleadingly.

Niles and Fran turn and see Brighton, his eyes wide open at the picture Fran just painted in his mind.

“Umm…Dad wanted to know what the hold up was.”

Niles and Fran roll their eyes at each other, while they each grab a tray of food to set on the buffet table.

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

Yawning at the sounds of  the chirping birds, Niles sits up on the side of his bed, scratching at the stubble on his chin. His internal clock always preventing him from sleeping past 6:30am. Looking forward to a good hot cup of tea with a teaspoon of honey and the Sunday paper, Niles stretches lazily as he gets up. As he makes his way to his closet, he catches a glance of himself in the mirror. Looking at his sleep tousled dark blond hair, Niles smiles to himself. Still a full head of hair at his age. He gives a silent thank you to his family genes as his eyes wander down to his body. His smile quickly vanishing. ‘Getting a paunch there Niles. Here you are making jibes about Babcock’s figure and yours is even worst.’ He then stares at his exercise bike with hatred. ‘I know I should hop on up there, do 45 minutes of fatigue driven pedaling, but the desire is just not there. How am I suppose to lose weight if I don’t have the motivation? I need to find something to do besides bike in my room, but what?’ Niles’ eyes land on the comb laying on his dresser that Fran gave him for his birthday. The sight of it reminding him at once of her advice the night before to join a fitness place that she knows of. Quickly showering and hopping into a pair of shorts and a T-shirt, Niles stares at his reflection once again and frowns.

Hearing a knock at her bedroom door, Fran peers at her alarm clock. 7am! On a Sunday! Yawning, “Come in.”

“Oh Miss Fine. I’m sorry to disturb you, but what is the name of that gym you mentioned last night to me?”

“Hmmm?” Smacking her lips and rubbing her eyes, Fran’s mind was still in a sleepy fog.

“The gym? Remember? I thought I would check it out this morning.”

“Oh yeah. Umm…it’s on Lexington and Fifth. The ‘Pump-N-Jump’. Ask for Crystal and…umm…make sure you tell her that I sent you.”

“Okay. Thank you. Sweet dreams.” Niles softly closes the door as he sees Fran’s eyes droop close and already softly snoring.

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

With much trepidation, Niles opens the doors to the Pump-N-Jump.
The clanging of the weights and soft rock music reaching his ears as his eyes behold the sight of many different types of people on the throes of exercising.

‘Wow, not bad.’ A cute redhead eyes the handsome butler as he glances around at the unfamiliar surroundings. “Hi! May I help you?”

Niles smiles, “Hello. I’m interested in joining your facility and I was told to ask for Crystal.”

“Crystal? Sure, wait a sec.” Pushing a button and talking into an intercom. “Crystal, you’re needed at the front desk.”

Within seconds, a smiling brunette stood before him. “Yes?” She smiles at Niles.

“Hello, my name is Niles. A mutual friend of ours, Fran Fine recommended this gym to me.”

“Club.”

“Huh?”

Crystal grins, as she shakes Niles’ hand. “It’s a fitness club. Gyms are places where you play basketball at. Come on, I’ll show you around!”

Chuckling, “Well, as you can see, I don’t know the fitness jargon. I’m under doctor’s orders to exercise and I’m having a hard time doing it by myself at home.”

“You’ve come to the right place Niles.” Crystal’s eyes sparkle as she admires the man’s crooked smile. “We have all sorts of exercise classes so you’ll never be bored. The latest weight machines, a sauna, a jacuzzi, and even a lap pool.”

“Sounds great!”

“I’m about to teach a salsa class.”

“Salsa? No more disco - great!”

“Disco?! Oh…don’t listen to Fran! I don’t think she has worked out since the 80’s. Come on, you’ll like it!” Crystal says pointing her head towards the work-out room.

“Okay,” Niles replies hesitantly and follows Crystal to the room.
 

Two weeks later….

“Hi Niles!”

“Hi Niles!”

“Hello Niles!”

“Hello ladies, ready to work out?” Niles smiles easily at the pretty women surrounding him.

A chorus of  yes’ fill the room.

“Oww!”

“What’s wrong Mindy?”

“Oh Niles could you rub my calf, I think I pulled a muscle?”

“Sure!” He winks, and gets down on his knees, rubbing the offending area.

“Mindy, another pulled calf muscle? Niles you better start charging her a massaging fee, isn’t that the fourth time in two weeks?” Crystal questions dryly.

Niles chuckles as he gets up, ready to begin the class. While Mindy just glares at the instructor.
 
 

Later that same afternoon, Niles comes walking into the kitchen, gym bag slung over his shoulder.

CC’s eyes widen in surprise at the sight of Niles in shorts and a very blue shirt. Trying to keep the admiration from showing in her eyes and voice, she mocks him. “Niles, next time you decide to walk in here after exercising give us a warning.”

“Why?”

“You smell so bad you need to use Right and Left Guard.” She laughs loudly.

Niles squints his eyes at her as he thinks up a zinger, a slow Cheshire cat smile suddenly appears as he notices her clothes. “Nice outfit Babcock, who are the designers - Poly and Ester?”

“I’ll have you know this is very expensive, top of the line ensemble from a well respected designer,” she answers imperiously.

“Well, with the way you’ve been eating if I were you I wouldn’t walk around outside wearing a blazer with a big X on the back. Helicopters will try to hover and land on you.”

“Listen you troll…”

“CC, I need to talk to you about something!” Maxwell bellows from the office.

Niles just grins as CC leaves glaring at him, angry at being prevented from cutting him down.

Fran laughs at the whole exchange. “Niles, you better leave Miss Babcock alone if you know what’s good for you. She hasn’t gained that much weight.”

“Oh I know, but I don’t have cable so I need to entertain myself somehow.”

“Meanwhile, you are looking really good Niles. That fitness place is doing wonders for you.” Fran smiles as she eyes his form.

“I owe it all to you,” he winks, “and your friend Crystal.” He flexes his biceps at Fran, showing off. Val’s eyes bug out, eyeing his very delectable backside as he saunters to the  backstairs to take a shower before going back to work.

Fran flabbergasted about the whole thing, just shakes her head in amazement.
“Looks like that gym is doing wonders for Niles.”

“Oh, Niles is working out?” Val asks as she picks up her coffee.

“Yeah. Remember Crystal Carmichael? Well, she’s a fitness instructor at Niles’ gym. He seems to like it. Do you want to join?” Fran asks, picturing a beautiful red gown that she saw in Macy’s window the other day, that she would love to buy…and keep for a change.

“Me…nah. I don’t have a weight problem.”

Fran just looks at her.

“What? My measurements are the same as they were in high school.
36-24-36.”

“Yeah, Val…,” sips her coffee, “and what are the measurements for your other arm?”

Val looks at her pouting.

“I’m sorry sweetie. I don’t know what’s wrong with me. Mr. Sheffield has been so busy with his new play, he hasn’t noticed me for weeks now. While Niles, that animal, has been getting phone call after phone call from all these women.”

“What?!” CC exclaims as she reenters the kitchen to get another bottle of water and a slice of cake.

“Oh, hi Miss Babcock.”

“Niles is getting a lot of phone calls? Is he trying to sell his velvet painting of Elvis Presley again?” CC laughs.

“Nope, if these women want a paint-by-number, I have a feeling they want to do it on Niles’ body.”

Feeling a slight dip in her stomach at that comment, CC finds herself asking, “Who are these women Nanny Fine?”

“The ones from his gym. Umm…the most persistant one is Mindy. She sounds real cute! You’re not going to eat that are you?” Fran asks as she eyes the huge chunk of devils food cake that CC was holding.

“Well, what do you suggest I do with it?” CC asks sarcastically.

“Oh, I don’t know. You might as well just rub it on your hips, it’ll get there faster.”

“Are you saying that I’m getting fat?”

As Niles was walking down from the stairs, he couldn’t stop himself from replying. “Didn’t you say that when you were laying on the beach the other day, some guy named Raoul came up, stuck a flag between your cheeks and claimed you for Spain?”

CC whirls around and smashes the cake over Niles’ head. Still glaring at him, she shoves the kitchen door open and strides out.

“Ohhhh….I wanted to eat that!” Fran complains as she walks over to Niles, frosting dripping on his nose. Taking a swipe of it with her finger, “Mmmm, not bad.”

Grimacing, Niles turns around and heads back for another shower.

CC sits fuming in the office after Maxwell leaves for the theater. It’s not that she was angry that Niles got the last word again, no she was use to that. For some off the wall reason, she enjoys their little taunts to each other. No, she was angry at herself. As soon as she heard Nanny Fine talking about all these women calling Niles, she felt like she was bitten by the green-eyed monster. She resented the fact that he of all people, would be getting attention from some air-headed exercise bunnies. But most of all she felt angry at herself for feeling proprietary about Niles. I mean it’s just Niles! As she reaches into her purse for a Snickers candy bar, she remembers all of Niles’ comments about her weight. Feeling her stomach with her hand and the tightness of her slacks, she drops the candy bar into the small trash can next to the desk with a sigh. CC then peeks into the kitchen a second later.
“Oh good, he’s gone.”

“Hey Miss Babcock, we have an old fruitcake in the pantry if you really want to maim Niles!” Fran cracks.

“I’ll keep that in mind.” CC remarks, trying to figure out a way to formulate a question without prodding Nanny Fine’s Yenta curiosity. “Nanny Fine, I was wondering…I have a friend who needs the regiment of going to a fitness club. She has gained a few unsightly pounds and I was wondering if you could recommend a place? Maybe she’ll like the one that Niles is going to?” CC’s eyes widen with innocence.

Leaning to one side, elbow at her hip, Fran looks at her with lifted brow. “Eh heh…right. Your friend wants to go to Niles’ gym?” She smiles suddenly as a gorgeous red gown comes to mind. “Well, your friend would probably like the ‘Pump-N-Jump’. It’s a great place to meet men, lose a few pounds, and you’ll like it a lot Miss Babcock. Ask for Crystal and make sure you tell her that I sent you.”

CC nods at the information, totally missing the fact that Fran knew what she was doing all along, her mind on Niles and the clawing hooks of some pea-brained Barbie.
 

It was a Saturday morning and instead of sitting in her living room, laptop on her…well, on her lap, phone tucked under her neck, and piles of paperwork strewn next to her, CC Babcock finds herself stretching in a work-out room of the newest, most popular fitness club - the Pump N Jump. Reaching for her toes, she looks around, trying to gauge all the women’s ages in the room with her. Wondering if ‘Mindy’ was here. ‘Well, at least Niles isn’t here.’ CC thought to herself as she touches her forehead to her knee. She picked Saturday on purpose because she knew that Niles worked Saturdays. CC did not want that man to see her until she got this body of hers in tip top condition. Then let’s see him make those fat jokes at her!

The class starts and CC finds herself having a bit of trouble keeping up in the beginning, but she perseveres. She wasn’t about to let a bunch of skinny bits of fluff out-do her. Every other day, she comes in. Sometimes CC takes a tai chi class, which helps stretch her supple limbs. Sometimes she takes a kickboxing class, which she loves. That sweet adrenaline rush when she thrusts out powerfully with her fists and her feet. Balancing with great agility as she whips her leg out for a frontal kick. Working-out was turning out to be a lot of fun.

The month went by fast and CC had no trouble avoiding Niles the whole time. In fact she avoided everyone. Unless she happened upon a business contact, CC kept to herself.

“Hi!”

Hearing a friendly tenor greeting over her shoulder, CC turns around.

A dark blond, green eyed, impish smile on a very well packaged body greets her.

“Hello!” CC smiles showing interest.

“My name is Lance,” reaches out for a handshake.

“CC.” Takes his hand and glances at him suggestively.

“CC,” the very attractive man says her name as if he were tasting a sip of fine wine. “I like it. It’s unusual, intriguing, and very beautiful - just like the lady attached to it.” He smiles back engagingly.

“And what about you, why were you named Lance?” CC flirts back.

His head falls back, as he laughs at her question. “Oh CC, now I know why I skipped out on my weekend ritual of sailing my yacht this Saturday morning. You and I were destined to meet.” He kisses her hand. “There’s a new class starting in a few minutes that Crystal is in dire need of students for. Would you like to be my partner?”

“Partner? What kind of class is it?”

“The tango.”

“That’s an exercise?”

Smiling, “Yes. It’s a very good work-out and much more interesting than being like a hamster on a treadmill.”

The look on Lance’s face makes CC feel very good about herself. It has only been a month, but her body was getting back to its original weight. She feels better, and if his suggestive glances hold merit, CC was feeling sexier.

“Okay, I think I’ll give it a whirl.” And allows Lance to escort her into the room.

There were only 4 couples inside and five single women. One of them was Crystal.

“Good morning class! I’m glad you are all here. And for you ladies without a partner right now, don’t worry about it. Just dance with each other, switch from time to time so that not one person is always leading. We’ll start in just a minute.”

Lance leads CC to the front of the class. “This will be great CC. You’ll love it!” He says trying to reassure her.

CC just smiles.

Crystal leads them all in a warm-up routine of stretching, relaxing music in the background. After ten minutes of this, Crystal smiles as the door opens once more.
“Okay, now that my dance partner is here, we can begin.”

CC freezes as she hears a chorus of  titters accompanied by greetings of
“Hi Niles!” She looks up to a surprised blue gaze as he slowly walks by, not looking where he was going.

“Niles, watch out!” Crystal giggles as he bumps into her.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” Niles tears his eyes away from CC. “Forgive me for my tardiness Crystal, I almost didn’t make it.”

“That’s alright Niles, no harm. I did spring the idea on you quite late. And you are a treasure, a hidden treasure that I will keep to myself! Do you realize that there are not many men out there who know how to tango, especially as well as you do!” She walks over and turns on the music. For the next ten minutes, Crystal goes through the steps very slowly, making sure everyone understands.

CC eyes Crystal as she moves gracefully around the dance floor. A very vivacious woman who probably beats men away with a stick. CC eyes her from her luxurious chestnut hair, to her sparkling green eyes, and a drop dead body - she became an enemy at once.

All the while this was going on, Niles couldn’t keep his eyes off of CC. ‘Wow, she looks great! Who the heck is that moron standing next to her? And what is she doing here?!’ Niles was puzzled, but staring very appreciatively at her while her attention was on learning the dance steps.

“Okay. Now watch Niles and I so you can see what it will look like.”

Crystal’s statement snaps CC from her reverie. She watches as Niles rests his hand on the instructor’s lower back. Crystal leans towards him clasping his left hand with her right, her other hand resting lightly on his shoulder. They stand there gazing at each other, waiting for the music to start.

CC watches as Niles leads Crystal around the room. With intricate steps and their body moving as one, the couple dance with such timing and grace. She didn’t realize that the tango was such an erotic dance as she watches Niles move his shoulders with a slight undulation in them. It was like an imperceptible suggestion of sexual energy simmering underneath.

“Whew, okay that is the tango. As you can see it’s lots of fun and a great work-out.”

“Well, of course it’s a great work-out, the woman is dancing with Niles.” CC overhears a whispered conversation between two women.

“What I wouldn’t give for private lessons from that man.”

CC turns around and eyes the young women giggling at their suggestive remarks.

“We have two instructors for this class, that way you will not get bored. Let’s switch partners so that you all will get the hang of it much quicker.” Crystal instructs walking towards another man.

“Hello Miss Babcock.”

In the midst of eavesdropping on the conversation happening from behind, CC didn’t even hear what Crystal suggests. “Oh Niles. What do you want?” CC remarks waiting for another snide remark.

“I believe we are suppose to dance.”

“CC already has a partner,” Lance states reaching for her hand.

“Well, since I’m the teacher and you are the student, it looks like you’re right. She does have a partner, come here Miss Babcock.” Niles takes her hand and leads her away.

Although she was amused with the exchange between the two men, CC walks with Niles in agitation. “There’s a snack bar nearby Niles with a bran muffin that has your name on it, if just one remark about my weight passes through those lips of yours.” CC threatens.

Niles chuckles. “I’ll keep that in mind. Now come here.”

CC feels herself pulled closer until she could feel his warm breath against her face. She follows Niles instructions, placing her hands in the correct places, trying not to pay attention to the messages her body was sending to her mind.

“How did you learn how to dance the tango so well?”

Moving her slowly around, turning one way and then the other, Niles answers softly, “I taught it. That’s how I earned money when I was going to college. It helped me lose weight and I learned I had a certain aptitude for it.”

The couple moves around the room, in perfect harmony, CC doing the tango as if she was born to it.

“Very good CC. You must have taken lessons before?” Crystal remarks interrupting them.

“No, I’ve never danced the tango until now.” She answers, all the while her eyes on Niles’ throat, watching his Adam’s apple move slightly as he swallows.

“Have you two danced together before? The reason I’m asking is that you dance with such perfect fluidity.”

“Umm…yes, we have danced before, some time ago, but it wasn’t the tango,” Niles answers as his eyes sweep across CC’s face.

“Well, you two might want to consider entering a contest. You dance with such feeling and sensitivity with one another. It’s very hard to find one’s perfect partner on the dance floor.” Crystal remarks once again as she walks away to help someone.

‘And in life,’ Niles thinks to himself as he starts to glide CC around again.

Only to be interrupted by Lance. “CC, you look great out there! And here I thought you never did the tango before. How about giving a sailor a chance?”

CC takes his hand and walks away from Niles without a second glance.

Annoyed, Niles calls after the retreating couple, “Ask her to sing the Popeye song, she’s really good at it.”

With one quick glare, her mouth turned down, CC spins away in Lance’s arms.

Niles dances with student after student, trying to give each one his time and attention. The time was no problem, but his mind was on something, rather, someone else.

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

That night as Niles prepares the sauce for the brisket that he was about to place in the oven, he listens to Miss Margaret as she converses with her father.

“Dad, don’t forget this Friday is the Father/Daughter dance for my school.”

“I circled that day on my calendar last month sweetheart. I’ll be there.”

“Oh and Dad, don’t wear that, it makes you look tubby.”

Maxwell looks down at his brown tweed suit. He hears Niles softly chuckling as he opens the oven door. “Not one word.”

Niles looks at him, “Yes sir…but I did mention that to you if you remember.”

“Yes, yes. But I thought you were just trying to get out of sewing the brown patches on the elbows.”

“Oh, well…that too.” Niles remarks quietly to himself as Margaret and Mr. Sheffield go up the backstairs. Then he looks up as he sees the youngest Sheffield enter the kitchen. “Hello Miss Grace! Would you like some strawberry shortcake, I just made it?”

Sighing as she sat down at the counter, “No, thanks Niles. But can I have a large glass of milk to drown my sorrows in?”

“Certainly.” Niles quickly pours her a glass and slides it to her, saloon style.

Grace deftly catches it one handedly and takes a long swig, wiping her mouth with the back of her hand. “Ahh, thanks Niles. That hit the spot.”

Drying a glass with a towel, Niles watches Grace from the corner of his eye. She looks sad. Like the world was on her shoulders. As he takes the silverware out of the dishwasher, Niles notices the pensive look upon her face. He grew even more concerned. Miss Grace always held a special place in his heart. After her mother died and before Miss Fine arrived, it was Niles who took care of the children. Especially Grace, since she was practically a baby. Although he wasn’t quite adept at it, he remembers with fondness her squeals of joy when he made her cookies and her solemn pouts when she was downhearted. It was his fault that they grew apart. Feeling that since he was the butler, he should let Miss Fine and only Miss Fine take care of the children. Hearing her sigh once again, Niles’ heart practically breaks.

“Miss Grace, what’s wrong?”

“Ohhh…nothing. Is Fran around?”

“She just left to take Chester for a walk.”

“Oh.”

Awkwardly Niles continues. “Could I help?”

CC, just about to enter the kitchen for a cup of coffee, hears Niles and stops herself from opening the door. Instead, she eavesdrops.

Grace looks at him with surprise. Niles never wants to talk about personal things. But she was so mixed up, maybe he could help her. “Lately, my best friends Trisha and Allison have been leaving me out of things. They whisper to only each other and it’s like they don’t want to be my friends anymore.”

Overhearing this, CC feels sad for the little girl. Grace’s confession brings back unhappy childhood memories. Certain remembrances that are best forgotten. Children can be so cruel and adults just never understood that.

Grace continues. “We use to be like the three musketeers you know.”

“All for one and one for all?”

She smiles sadly, “Yeah. I don’t know what I did wrong Niles. One day they like me and then the next, they treat me like I’m a cootie.”

Niles stares at her. Poor Gracie. She always seems so much older than the other children. Sometimes it was hard for him to remember that she was just eleven. Especially when she spouts all those long technical psychoanalytical terms. “Miss Grace.”

“Yes?” She stares at her empty glass, her shoulders drooping.

“Miss Grace,” Niles takes his hand and gently puts it under her chin, directing her attention to him. “You are going to encounter a lot of people who want to be your friend and then the next treat you harshly. I don’t know why people do that, but they do. And then you are also going to encounter people who you will trust and become life-long friends with, hold dearly to them, they are one in a million. The others you can’t do anything about. Just know this Miss Grace. You are a very loving, sweet girl who cares about others and the world we live in. Always be true to yourself and the rest will just fall into place, okay?”

Grace sits there for a few seconds, taking in all that Niles has just said to her. Then her face breaks open into a big smile. “Okay. Thanks Niles!”

Smiling back at her, happy that she wasn’t so sad anymore. “Your welcome!” He turns back to the stove, to check on dinner.

Opening the kitchen door quietly, CC is touched as she spies the little girl coming around to Niles and giving him a big hug.

A look of surprise and a warm feeling of love fills Niles’ heart as he feels Grace giving him a squeeze. He watches her fondly as she skips upstairs, not noticing CC in the room with him.

At a loss at what to say to Niles, CC just picks up the coffee pot and pours herself some more java.

Hearing the slight noise, Niles turns to CC. “Oh. I thought you went home already.”

“Obviously not,” CC mutters as she takes a sip of her coffee.

“That trembling I felt earlier must have been you stomping around the office. I wonder what it would have measured on the Richter scale.” He replies, still angry at the way she left him on the dance floor.

“Watch it Casanova, Miss Fine told me about the fruit cake in the pantry.”

“Casanova? What are you talking about?”

“Nothing. Forget I even mentioned it. Tell Maxwell I’m going home.”

Niles glares at her retreating back and announces, “Pelvis has left the building!” Then he goes back to stirring his sauce.

“Oh Niles.”

He turns around. “What?”

Niles blinks as he sees his newly baked strawberry shortcake hurling through space towards him.

~SPLAT~

“I warned you!” She laughs evilly as she watches Niles pull strawberries out of his hair. Wiping her hands on his sleeves, she walks away. “Just thank your lucky stars that I’m in a good mood or you would have a fruitcaked concussion by now!”

Niles still hears her laughing as he wipes whip cream out of his ear. Turning off the stove, he sighs. “I have to stop making desserts.” He then makes his way up to take a quick shower.

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

“Hi Daddy!”

“Hello sweetheart! How was school?” He smiles fondly at his youngest child.

“It was okay. Daddy?”

“Ummm?” Maxwell replies off-handedly as he combs his hair.

“I was just talking to Maggie about the Father/Daughter dance this Friday.”

“I know what you’re worried about and don’t give it another thought sweetheart. I will be able to spend time equally with you and your sister.”

“Umm…no Daddy, that’s not it. I was wondering if you would mind, if I asked Niles to take me?” Grace looks at her Dad hopefully.

Maxwell stops in mid-comb. “Niles?”

“Uh huh. You don’t mind do you Dad? I won’t if you don’t want me to.”

“Oh sweetheart, of course I don’t mind. Niles is family and I think he would love to go with you!” He turns and gives his tenderhearted daughter a big hug.

Grace gives him an even bigger hug back. “Thanks Dad!” A big relieved smile on her face breaks open as she skips back to her room.
 
 
 

“Ahh…Niles old man, you outdid yourself with dinner tonight.” Maxwell pats his very satisfied stomach. “Don’t we have any cake for dessert?”

“Not anymore sir. And besides I think someone in this room would be wise to drop a pound or two.”

Fran looks up at Niles, “Me?”

Giving her an incredulous look. “Of course not you, Miss Fine. I don’t know where you put all that food you tuck away, but you’re so light, one burp from Roseanne and you would blow away.”

Fran laughs. “EH-HEHHH!!”

Although he’s heard it a thousand times, nevertheless, Brighton starts to crack up at the sound of Fran’s distinctive laugh. Which sets off Maggie and Grace and then Maxwell and Niles join in. All the while Fran is still laughing.

Finally calming down, Brighton wipes the tears from his face. “Fran, how long have you been laughing like that?”

“Like what?”

Maxwell wipes the tears from his face and shakes his head. “Oh Miss Fine, you are a treasure.” He gives her hand a warm squeeze.

Loving the feel of his hand on hers, Fran remarks suggestively. “Oh Mr. Sheffield, I have hidden charms you have yet to find. Want to go exploring?”

Clearing his throat uncomfortably, “Uh…yes, well, not now Miss Fine.”

“Okay. I’ll draw the X’s all over later.” She winks. “That way you won’t need a map.”

Brighton and Maggie exchange smiles. They were use to Fran making their Dad embarrassed and uneasy with her quick remarks.

“Niles was referring to Dad, Fran.” Maggie tells her.

“Mr. Sheffield? Why?”

“Because of this suit, it makes me look a bit…tubby.” Maxwell scrunches his nose in annoyance.

“Oy, I told you about that suit a long time ago. Why don’t you take it off already.”

Max gets up and hangs it on the back of his chair.

“You know…it’s not the suit.”

“Miss Fine!”

“Sorry! But I think you’ve been eating too many of Vic’s chili dogs.”

Maxwell looks down at his stomach and sucks it in. “You told me that they were healthy. Light and airy you said!”

“So I fibbed a little. But the buns are nice and light. And the chili…oh yeah, definitely airy!”

“Miss Fine!!”

“I’ve got a Gas-X somewhere here,” Fran looks up and sees Mr. Sheffield glaring at her. “Never mind.”

Chuckling at Fran’s predicament, Niles bends down to take Grace’s plate to the kitchen. Grace smiles at him. “Niles, can I ask you something?”

“Of course Miss Grace. Would you like ice cream or pudding?”

She laughs. “No, that’s not it! Daddy is taking Maggie to the Father/Daughter dance at our school this Friday. He wants to take me too, but I was wondering…would you take me instead?” She asks with a hopeful smile.

Niles looks at her in surprised shock. “Me, Miss Grace?”

“Uh huh. Please Niles?”

Smiling down at the precious girl, “Of course Miss Grace, I would be honored!”

Grace jumps out of her chair and gives Niles another hug. “Oh thank you Niles, I can’t wait! Fran can we go shopping tomorrow?”

“Silly question. Of course, we can go shopping tomorrow! Just as soon as your Dad gives me his…”

Maxwell places his Mastercard on her palm.

“…Goldcard, because you know he’ll want you, your sister, AND me to look our best.”

Maxwell sighs and replaces his Mastercard with his Goldcard. “You? Why are you going to the dance?”

“Well, you know it’s not just a Father/Daughter Dance, it’s also a Mother/Son dance and Brighton asked me last week to go with him.”

“Yeah, and Fran the book report you did for me got a B, thanks!” Brighton gives her a thumbs up.

“What?!” Maxwell bellows.

Fran’s eyes widen as her mind scrambles for an answer and her body tries to catapult out of the room. Except he clamps his hand down on her wrist and so she blurts, “Uhh…it got a B because…because he forgot to put his name on it and so the teacher wrote down B Careful…yeah, that’s it! Meanwhile, wasn’t that so sweet of Grace?”

Fran reaches over to Niles as he plops himself down on Grace’s seat.

“Yes, it was,” Maxwell smiles warmly at his old friend.

Fran breathes a sigh of relief, her ruse worked.

Niles smiles. He was very touched that Grace wanted him to escort her to the dance.

“You know Mr. Sheffield if you want to lose some weight you can always join Niles’ fitness club. He loves it there, don’t you Niles? So does Miss Babcock.”

“CC has been going to a fitness club? She didn’t say anything about it to me.
Have you seen her there Niles?”

“Uh… yes sir, we ran into each other just a couple of days ago. You should try it sir, you’ll like it.”

“Hmm…” Maxwell sits considering the idea. “Why not. I’ve been working so hard lately and if CC has the time to take care of herself than I should also. What’s the name of the facility Niles?”

Fran interrupts Niles’ answer. “Funny you should ask Mr. Sheffield. I so happen to know the exact location. When you go ask for Crystal and mention that I told you about the place.”

“Miss Fine, are you trying to make a commission out of me?” He smirks.

“Maybe…well, okay…yes. But only because I was saving up to buy this dress for the dance this Friday, but now that you’re paying for it, I can use the money for new shoes.”

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

The next morning Maxwell checks out the facility and takes to it quickly. There were even tennis courts that he enjoyed tremendously. He began having visions of getting really good again and challenging Miss Fine to a game, where he will thoroughly beat the pants off of her. ‘Hmmm…nice choice of words there old boy,’ Maxwell chuckles to himself.

After a short game, he decides to try a step-class, causing a major whirlwind of glances from the many women. Even the instructor had a hard time concentrating on the routine, as her eyes gaze at the slightly gray-streaked brunette with chiseled features.

Tuesday night…

“Okay Mister,” Fran exclaims her hand on her hips as she slams the phone down. “Why are you all of a sudden getting phone calls right and left from women? Who are Debbie, Juliana, and Racquel?!”

“Oh,” Maxwell replies uncomfortably, “those are just some new friends I’ve met at the Pump-N-Jump. I think Racquel was calling because she needs a ride to our 8:30 samba class.”

“Samba? A ride? Well, you just tell her to dial 555- Take a Hike,” Fran says as she glares at Max. She watches Max walk away and decides that she better go check out this ‘samba’ class and Racquel, not to mention Debbie and Juliana!”
 
 

Sneaking around in dark glasses, a pastel blue leotard, pastel pink leg warmers, and a matching headband, Fran pulls Val, who was dressed similarly, into the Pump-N-Jump. The girl at the front desk smiles. “You must be the new teacher for the new ‘80s retro aerobics class we’re having tonight?”

Fran looks to the side thinking for a second, “Eh heh, that’s me. And this is my assistant Val.”

“Cool, she looks just like Olivia Newton-John in that ‘Let’s Get Physical’ music video.”

“Uh, yeah she is, like totally.” Fran replies, trying to sound hip.

“Oh yeah, fer sure, like gag me with a spoon,” Val adds, then shrugs when Fran gives her a look.

“Come on Val, we’ve got some serious business here,” Fran tugs Val across the room. “There he is!” Fran points, spotting Maxwell through a big picture window. “Look at all those women! Did you see that! That lady pretended to bump into his tuchus!! Well, that’s it, this calls for drastic measures. Follow my lead Val!”

Poking her head in, hiding her face from Maxwell, Fran motions to the instructor.

“Umm…excuse me class, there seems to be a problem, I’ll be right back.” She turns off the music. “Keep walking around, so that your heart rate doesn’t drop too quick.” Walking through the door, she again sees the long haired brunette motioning for her. “Yes? May I help you?”

“Yeah, the new boom box you requested is in there,” Fran points inside the broom closet.

“Boom box?” She walks in, wondering what she meant when all of a sudden she feels a soft material wrapped around her mouth, gagging her.

“Okay Fran, shut the door!” Val says.

Fran and Val lean against the broom closet, smiling at each other conspiratorially, shaking hands at a job well done.

“Okay come on, we’re teaching the class!” Fran smiles at Val.

“I can’t go in there. I’m missing a leg warmer.”

“So what?”

“So they’ll like think, I’m like totally, not cool, ya know?”

“Val, will you stop with the ‘Valley-Girl’ lingo already. Okay, I’m going in there, you guard Miss Samba for me.” Walking inside, Fran slips in a cassette tape and strikes a pose, waiting for the music to start.

“Miss Fine?” Maxwell looks at her in puzzlement.

“Hi, I’m your new teacher. Exit Samba and let’s…” The music starts and the class looks around at each other as an old 70’s tune fills the room. “…do the hustle!”

The song starts. “Oooooooooo Oooooooooooo-do the hustle.”

“Okay, this is a no-touchy, line dance class, move it along, move it along.
Hey, you, over there! Take 5 big bunny hops away from the Englishman, that’s right honey.” Fran proceeds to teach them the hustle, “One foot out, then in, clap-clap, alright, loookin’ good!”
 

Meanwhile in another part of the Pump-N-Jump…

CC groans as a gaggle of young women enter the sauna. She was enjoying her solitude and did not like the idea of having to listen to their silly prattle.

“So Mindy, did you ask him?”

Her ears perk up at the name ‘Mindy’. Could this be the same ‘Mindy’ that has been calling Niles. CC sits up a little straighter, ready to eavesdrop.

“Yeah, this morning. You know how he likes to get here around 5am to lift weights. And by the way, he was looking goood!”

“He always looks good - so what happened?!”

Mindy giggles. CC wanted to reach over and smack her in the back of the head.

“I handed him his towel because he was sweating and then I said, ‘Niles, would you like to catch a movie this Friday night?’ and he smiled at me and told me that unfortunately he already has a date with a beautiful brunette.”

CC’s eyes widen at the chorus of groans. ‘Niles has a date! Who with?!’ She decides to give it another ten minutes, but no other information was forthcoming. Before leaving she takes a quick glance at this Mindy. She looked to be in her late 20’s, dark blonde and brown eyes. Ugly squinty eyes.

CC glares and leaves.

Who could Niles be going out on a date with? Probably one of these young things, well if that’s what he wants. CC stomps furiously to the locker room.

‘I bet it’s Crystal. They were looking awfully chummy on that dance floor.’

The next day, CC calls in sick, not wanting to see Niles. Afraid that he would notice how jealous she was. But now it was Thursday, tango night. CC sits in the office, contemplating on whether to go or not. ‘I could skip it…and give him the satisfaction of chasing me off, no way! And besides Lance will be there waiting for me. Why am I spending so much time thinking about Niles when I have an attractive, wealthy man like Lance interested in me?!’ CC sits there, thinking about his green eyes and dark blond looks.

“Miss Babcock?”

Opening her eyes, the picture in her head of Lance quickly dismissed as brilliant blue ones look into her own. “Yes?” she replies, icily.

“Could you pass on a message to Crystal for me? I tried to reach her, but she must have left her house already and she won’t be at the club until 5pm. Unfortunately I need to leave right now.”

CC’s eyes darken as if she wanted to strike him down.

Niles backs away at the deathly stare. “That’s okay…um…let me see if I can get a hold of Mindy and see if she can pass on my message.”

Her eyes squint in anger. ‘And now Mindy! When does this man have the time to clean?!’ Curiosity getting the best of her. “What’s the message?” She asks brusquely.

“Umm…please tell her that I am on my way and she can count on me. Everything is taken care of and the pleasure is all mine. And that I’ll meet her at her place around 7pm with dinner waiting.”

“I’m not a damn message machine Niles, ten words or less!” CC spats.

His eyes widening at her anger, he replies, “Just tell her, mission accomplished.” Just as he was turning to leave, CC’s retort stops him in his tracks.

“Looks like you’ve been spending a lot of time with the instructor. Tell me…is she as good a teacher at her home as she is at the P-n-J?” She asks sarcastically.

“What are you talking about Miss Babcock?” Shrugging his shoulders as she just turns her attention back to her paperwork on her lap. “Are you going to give her my message because I need to go?”

“Yeah, yeah. Leave her number.” CC waves him away annoyingly.
 
 

That night at the tango lesson, CC avoids Niles like the plague. She spies Crystal approaching and gives an inward groan.

“CC, thank you very much for passing on Niles’ message.”

She nods vaguely and turns back to Lance, trying not to think about the dinner the two just had before coming to the club. Looking up, she sees Niles making his way towards her and approaches her for a dance.

“No.”

That’s all, just the one word retort. She didn’t even look at him, like the very sight of him was sickening. Niles’ stomach hurts and it wasn’t because of his spaghetti dinner. The very sight of that stupid man holding Miss Babcock in his arms enraged him. And she seemed to revel in his embrace. Niles’ eyes glower as Lance grins at him in triumph. ‘Why do I always feel this need to be with that infuriating woman.’ Giving her one last glance, Niles turns his attention back to the other students.

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

The whole house was in a panic and CC had no clue why. ‘Geez, call in sick one day and the place goes wacky. Why should I care?’ Her heart was heavy because no one remembered her birthday again. She was hoping to get a birthday greeting from Maxwell, but the man was barely around. Dismissing the daily goings-on of the household, she turns her attention back to her work only to be interrupted by Nanny Fine.

“Miss Babcock, I need your help.”

CC grins evilly. This birthday was looking up. “Oh really Nanny Fine? What do you need? Someone to tie you up on a railroad track, a guillotine blade sharpened over your neck, or maybe someone to pull the noose on you perhaps?” She laughs heartily at her jokes.

Fran frowns waiting impatiently for her cackling to stop. “No. My dad is in the hospital. He was watching the big bowling championship game on TV and reached for the phone, only it was the iron that Ma was just using. So, I need to go over there. I need you to escort Brighton to the Mother/Son dinner dance tonight.”

“I don’t think so. Why would I want to waste my Friday night with a bunch of losers!”

“Mr. Sheffield will be there.”

“Okay.”

“Eh-heh.” Fran smiles knowingly. “You have to leave in an hour.”

“I can’t leave that soon, I don’t have anything to wear!”

Sighing. “Oy, the sacrifices I make for this family. You can wear my new red gown, Miss Babcock and my new shoes. It must be fate that our shoe sizes match.”

“So that’s what’s been going on here. What’s Brillo Man doing, chauffeuring
everyone around?” CC laughs again.

“No, he’s busy. He has a hot date…again!”

CC then remembers that sauna scene. ‘He has a date with a beautiful brunette.’ Her heart dips a little, knowing that while she’s out there dancing with…the boy, Crystal will be with Niles. ‘Oh yeah, great birthday.’
 
 

“Come on Miss Babcock!” Brighton says annoyingly. “Everyone already left, what’s the hold up?!”

“Hey, I’m only doing this as a favor to you and Nanny Fine! Just because you’ve gotten a little taller doesn’t mean I still can’t take the likes of you,” Her eyes snap as she holds her heel up threateningly.

Meekly, “Okay.” Brighton sits on the chair, folding his hands on his lap.

“This damn dress of Nanny Fine’s is a bit…tight. We may have the same shoe size, but that woman must have Slim Fast in her veins. Okay, let’s go.”
 
 

Brighton opens the door and reveals the splendor of the room to CC’s eyes.
“Wow,” she exclaims, amazed at the decor. “I was expecting a gym floor and crepe paper.”

“CC! You look very handsome.”

Her eyes cock at Maxwell.

“I mean, pretty, very pretty. Yes, that dress looks smashing on you!”

“Why thank you Maxwell. Can I leave now?”

“Oh, come on give it a chance. They have a marvelous orchestra here.”

CC looks around, admiring the many couples. A myriad of children and their parents, and adults with adults, enjoying the music as they twirl around the dance floor. Suddenly her eyes widen. “Maxwell…is that Niles dancing with…”

“Gracie? Yes. She asked him to escort her, isn’t that sweet?”

Automatically nodding, she watches the couple walking towards them as the music stops.

“Hi Miss Babcock! You look very nice in Fran’s dress.” Gracie smiles, enjoying her very first grown-up dance.

“Thank you, ummm…”

“Gracie,” Niles finishes for her as his eyes appraise her svelte figure encased in a very tight red gown. The neckline plunging exposing the tops of her globular breasts as his eyes linger at the shadow in between.

Closing her eyes as she tries to stop her heart from beating so quickly, CC uses her last resolve to appear unaffected at the gorgeous sight of Niles in a tuxedo. Her eyes snapping open as the initial strains of the tango begins.

It was as if God was bored and decided to have a little fun with them. Or was it just fate stepping in?

“Shall we?” Niles asks, but doesn’t give her a chance to refuse as he leads her to the dance floor.

“I don’t want to dance with you,” she hisses trying not to make a scene as Niles steers her grimly away.

“Too bad.” He replies, feeling her stiffen in his arms. “Just follow my lead, Miss Babcock, or I promise I wil drag you around this floor. And smile. Show everyone those pearly whites of yours.”

He spins her neatly, thrusting his thigh hard between hers as he reverses their direction and CC gasps.

“Like that?” He asks wolfishly. Niles knew he was playing with fire, more like an inferno. But seeing CC in that dress made him lose control of his senses and he was in no mood for a refusal.

“Niles if you’re fond of that leg of yours you better pull it away,” CC hisses in his ear. And then feeling oddly weak and wobbly as his leg withdraws.

“What’s wrong Miss Babcock, missing Lance? You can’t be seriously interested in that man? He’s probably dating you for your money.”

“He has his own money, which is more than I can say about you!” CC flushes angrily. “For your information we understand each other completely. We have the same background and we happen to delight in each other’s company.”

“Sounds to me like you’re trying to make me jealous?” Niles whispers, inhaling her fragrance.

“Jealous! Why would I want to make you jealous?!”

“I don’t know. Something Crystal said to me. I am jealous, does that surprise you?”

Not believing his sincerity, CC mutters, “Are you ready to slide in another fat joke at me?”

“CC, why can’t you admit you were jealous yesterday. I was mulling the whole thing in my mind last night. You were jealous of Crystal.”

“I’m jealous of that…that Richard Simmons look-alike, I don’t th…”

“CC, don’t try to play dumb, it doesn’t suit you.” His chuckle sends a shivery trickle down her spine as his body blocks hers, advancing, retreating, the dance steps becoming a teasing ritual, guiding her every move. “Now why would you start calling Crystal names I wonder.”

“I…am…not…jealous Niles,” CC replies vehemently.

It was bizarre, the counterpoint of bodily intimacy and verbal war. Bizarre…and arousing. To her horror CC felt a tingling in her breasts as they absorb the heat from his body. Her dress was long and red, a strapless top with a long slit on the side. Leave it to Nanny Fine to pick out something so decadent.

“So tell me then, what makes this Lance so special.”

“I don’t want to talk about it Niles.” She tries to stop dancing, but his strength supports them both easily, manipulating her like a marionette.

“We’re going to keep dancing until you satisfy my curiousity,” Niles says, smiling. But his eyes had gone a steely shade of grey-blue, a sign that he was at his most stubborn, most determined frame of mind.

Not wanting to look like a fool in front of everyone, CC starts to move her feet again, although with dragging steps to reveal her resentment. “He’s intelligent, we like the same things, we’re both workaholics, it’s a perfect match.”

“Are you in love with him?”

“He…I…he’s perfect for me.”

“Perfect? You know Miss Babcock, perfection is seldom what it first seems.”

“Oh how would you know? Niles I don’t want to dance anymore.” CC was getting very uneasy with his questioning and with the fact that her body kept yearning to be pressed harder against his. It took all of her strength to resist. All at once she notices where he was leading her unwary steps. They had tangoed out of the grand dance floor and into a wide, carpeted hallway. “What are we doing here?”

“I didn’t think you would want everyone to speculate on the intimate nature of our conversation,” he answers with a wink. He didn’t know why he was suddenly feeling courageous around this woman. Taking such a leap of chance, knowing with one snap she could throw him to the wolves.

“It wasn’t very intimate Niles.”

“No, but it’s going to be.” And with a swift move, he flings open a door and twists inside, pulling her in with him and shutting the door.

“What are you doing?!” CC asks angrily, as he reaches for the light switch.

A dim yellow light bulb flickers on.

“This is a pantry, for goodness sake Niles!”

“Linen closet,” he corrects as he lets her go and leans against the door. “And goodness has nothing to do with it. Any small enclosed space with you indicates a number of sinful possibilities. Tell me you don’t want me to kiss you…CC.”

His low throated drawl made CC shudder and she wavers in her firm determination. “Niles, are you drunk?”

“Don’t try to blame this on alcohol because I haven’t touched a drop and neither have you. Do you remember our last kiss Babcock?”

CC’s eyes fasten to his mouth and remembers the times their lips have touched. Once was an accident, but the other one was definitely no accident. He had kissed her, touched her and it felt so good. CC stares up at him and her resolve weakens even more.

His eyes were hot and dark, hot as his kisses, dark as the desires he aroused. Her own mouth was dry and it was a struggle to breath. The closet was quite big, lined with shelves packed with table linen. No sound in the little room could be heard except their ragged breathing. CC felt powerless and could not even protest when he reaches out and trails a finger across her shoulders.

“I like your dress.”

“It…,” her voice momentarily falters. His feather-light touch was igniting little fires under her skin. She forgot about the dance and the world outside the closet.

“I don’t often see you in dresses. You usually wear blazers and long skirts. And you’re so pale…,” his finger dips and glides tracing a pattern down to the upper swell of her breasts.

“I…I don’t get out in the sun very often. I…I’m too busy.”

“Wait, did you hear…” Niles opens the door.

“Niles! There you are! We’ve been looking all over for you! It’s Crystal, she needs you, there’s been a horrible accident! The limo is waiting right outside and…” Fran stops and catches her breath.

In a panic Niles turns back quickly and looks at CC, giving her an apologetic smile, before he dashes out of the building and into the waiting car.

CC stands there, feeling so ashamed of her actions. It was all a big game. That infuriating troll set her up…again. He wasn’t interested in her, the second Crystal needed him, he’s off like a shot. So who cares if she was in an accident!

“Miss Babcock, are you okay?”

“Nanny Fine! What are you doing here?”

“Oh, my Dad is better. He’s at the hospital for observation, remote in hand, and my Ma banned from visiting him for the night. She raided the hospital’s refrigerator and now they’re all out of custard.”

CC nods her head vaguely, barely listening. She makes a decision quickly. Striding out of the closet, she searches for Maxwell. Finding him near the punch bowl, she strengthens her resolve and knew it was the best thing to do. “Maxwell, my father called while I was getting dressed for this dance. He’s in Venice right now and wants to produce a play for a close friend of his. And since he has no clue about producing he wants me to go over there for a month and help him out. I’ll be leaving tonight.” She says quickly in one breath.

“What? A whole month CC?”

“You know Maxwell I am due a vacation and now that our play is up and running, you could handle that until my return.”

“Yes, of course, you’re right CC. You are due for a holiday. Aren’t you going to wait until Niles comes back to tell him?”

“Why would I do that Maxwell, that servant doesn’t need to know my agenda?”

“Oh…well, I rather thought…that dance between you two was very…um,” Maxwell tries to grasp for the proper words as he sees CC’s eyes narrow with anger. “Never mind CC, you go and have fun Please extend my greetings to your father for me.”

Nodding a good-bye, CC hails a cab to her penthouse. She wanted to be as far away from New York as possible. Fitness clubs, dance floors, and a certain Brit with too much charm for his own good.

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