A Fine Mispucha

Chapter Seven

Suddenly C.C. was at Fran's side. "Slumming, Frannie?" Oh, thank GOD for C.C.. "Wouldn't you prefer a blond, big boy?"

Richard slowed his assault on Fran and eyed her friend. "Maybe when I'm done here, this one's had this comin' for quite a while."

Fran's eyes grew wide with fear. This wasn't going to be like the last time. He wasn't just going to stop and walk away. She looked at C.C. and mouthed the words "GET MAX".

C.C. didn't want to tip the creep off that she was going for help, she wasn't sure what he'd do to Fran while she was gone. She rubbed her hand across his backside. "Just let me know when you're ready."

Richard watched her walk away. "Looks like I'm gettin' two for one tonight." He began to move his mouth over her neck and shoulders, while his hand was attempting to snake its way into the top of her dress. Fran struggled to free her hands, and tried to kick at him, but it was no use, he was too strong. She leaned her head forward, closed her eyes, and sank her teeth into his shoulder.

"You BITCH! I ought to knock you into next week!" Suddenly Richard felt himself flying backwards. He landed across the hall on his backside.

"Fran, Darling, it's all right now." She opened her eyes and found herself staring into the soft olive green eyes of the man she loved. She flung herself at him, throwing her arms around his neck.

"Max!" She couldn't get any more words out. The tears began to flow freely. Richard stood up and took a step towards them, but was immediately cut off by Niles, who stepped in between them.

"What the hell's THIS?" He tried to push his way past Niles, but C.C. moved in and helped Niles create a wall. "You think this changes anything, rich boy? You think you can just flash your money around and steal women and hire bodyguards? What do ya want with her, anyway? Look at her; she's nothing but a slut."

Max had heard just about all he was going to hear from this man "Richard, I'd go home and sober up if I were you. Come on, Darling." He started to lead her back to the party.

"Where the hell do you think you're going? This isn't over." He tried to push past Niles and C.C..

"Oh, yes it is." C.C. put her hand on his chest to hold him back, and Richard raised his hand, as if to strike her. This was all Niles could take. He connected his right fist to Richard's jaw and sent him flying. As he lay on the floor, C.C. stepped up to him and planted her Lucite Manolo Blahnik heel into his crotch.

"NOW see if you feel like attacking a woman." She hissed at him and withdrew her shoe. "Go home, and it you still want a job tomorrow, you'd better show up ON time and with a good attitude. If you weren't in that damned union, you'd be out on your ass right now. Now GET OUT of here!"

Richard got up and held himself in pain. He knew C.C. meant business. He started for the front door, when she grabbed him by the collar. "You use the back door; you are NOT going to ruin this party for Maxwell." She pushed him towards the back door and watched him leave before locking the exit.

"Ms. Babcock, you amaze me."

"What?"

"The way you handled that man, standing up for Fran, as if she was actually your friend."

"Well, she's gonna be Maxwell's wife, I guess I'd..." She put her hand to her mouth. "That was supposed to be a secret, Niles. You can't breathe a word!"

"Mr. Sheffield is going to propose to Miss Fine?"

"He told me this afternoon. I don't know when, he just told me he was going to marry her."

"Oh, this is wonderful news. They really make a wonderful family. Oh, don't look at me like that, I won't say a word to anyone. It'll be our little secret. Come on, dance with me Xena!"

She laughed and melted into his arms. She was actually having a good time with this…this...butler. She looked across the dance floor at Max and Fran. He was still holding her tightly, and she was clinging to him for her life.

"That was the big secret, wasn't it, Fran. He's tried that before?"

She nodded. He said I led him on, that I wanted him. Max, I didn't, I swear."

"It doesn't matter. You have the right to say no. I could just kill him."

"Is he gone?"

"I think so. Niles and C.C. are on the dance floor, and I don't see him anywhere. Darling, you can always tell me anything. This must have been so hard for you to keep to yourself."

"It was. But it was harder thinking about what you'd think of me when you found out."

"Fran, that...this was not your fault. We need to call the police."

"Max, no, I can't."

"Darling, he needs to pay for what he's done to you. If you let him get away with it, he'll just get braver; he'll try it again on some other woman, maybe a woman not as fortunate as you."

"Oh, Max." She buried her face in his neck.

"Sweetheart, we'll talk about this later. Our special guest is here to sing."

"Oh, the guy that's going to be in your next show?"

"Right, Marco Borsato."

They watched as the Dutch singer took the stage. He sang several beautiful ballads in Dutch. Then introduced a song that he said was very special to him. He explained that he was going to sing it in Dutch first, then translate it into English. Max held Fran tightly and swayed to the haunting melody as he sang.

Afscheid nemen bestaat niet
Ik ga wel weg maar verlaat je niet
Mijn lief, je moet me geloven
Al doet het pijn

Ik wil dat je me los laat
En dat je morgen weer verder gaat
Maar als je eenzaam of bang bent
Zal ik er zijn

They smiled at each other as he sang the song. It sounded so like a love song. Even though they didn't understand a word of Dutch, they seemed to sense this song had a deep meaning for them. The singer took a deep breath and smiled at the crowd. "Now, in English"

There is no good bye
I'll be leaving, but I'm not leaving you
My love, you have to believe me
even though it hurts

I wanted you to let me go
And that you'll move on tomorrow
But if you're lonely or frightened
I'll be there

They stopped dancing and stared into each other's eyes. Max suddenly knew, it WAS a love song. A love song from Sarah to him. She was telling him to let her go, to move on with Fran.

"Oh, Max...it's Sarah!" She held him close as their eyes filled with tears.

"I know, Darling. Let's go home."

He danced her over to Niles and C.C. "Niles, I hate to interrupt, but I think I need to get Fran home."

Niles and C.C. had both heard the translation of the song, and saw the pain in their friend's eyes. "Of course, Sir, just let me bring the car up front for you."

C.C. watched him leave, and then turned to Max and Fran. "Some night, huh? Fran, I'm so sorry. I thought you were right behind me, then when I realized you weren't talking I hurried right out."

"I was only about two steps behind you. He came out of nowhere; it's not your fault."

"Well, it's not yours either, Fran, I hope Max told you that."

"I did. I also told her we needed to report this to the police."

"He's right. I think I'm going to hire extra security for tomorrow night. Some plain clothes and uniformed officers might make him think twice about trying something."

"Good idea, C.C.. I just hope he tries to confront ME tomorrow night, and then I can get him off my show. I'll make sure he doesn't work on Broadway again!"

"How about you, buddy? That song was something. It reminded me of..."

"Yes, C.C.. It reminded me that it's time to move on with my life." He slipped his arm around Fran's waist. "And that starts tonight."

Niles returned to let them know the limo was out front. C.C. rode up in front with Niles, to give Fran and Max privacy in the back. They kissed and cuddled all the way home. The limo stopped in front of the townhouse, and Niles helped them out of the car and into the house. "Everything should be in place upstairs, sir. I'll be back as soon as I take Ms. Babcock home."

"Take your time, old man. Things look quiet here." He patted his friend on the shoulder before joining Fran inside. He took her by the hand and led her upstairs, where Niles had arranged for Sylvia to lay out the prepared feast for them.

"Ok, Niles was with us. How did you manage THIS?"

"I'm afraid your mother was a co conspirator this time."

"Oh, good, my mother knows I'm going to be alone with a man in his bedroom."

Max laughed and handed her a glass sparkling cider. She shivered slightly as she took a sip, then smiled and looked at the glass.

"Sparkling cider?"

"Well, I know your tolerance for alcohol, and I wanted tonight to be perfect." He picked up a chocolate dipped strawberry and moved it to her mouth. "Try this, Niles made these especially for you." She took a bite and sighed loudly. "He whipped Chambord into the cream before he filled the berries."

"Oh, Max, this is to die for!" She took another bite, catching the dripping raspberry cream with her tongue. This sent a hot jolt down Max's arm clear down to his toes. Sarah was right. It was time to move on. It was almost as if Sarah had pushed them together. He smiled...maybe she did, it would be so like her to want him to be happy. He fed her the last bite of berry and licked the chocolate off his finger before wiping it on a napkin. He looked back at her, and the look in her eyes said it all. She wanted him.

He reached out and pulled her to him, his eyes never leaving hers. He studied her face, running his fingers through her soft curls, before claiming her mouth with his. She let out a soft whimper and ran her fingers through his hair, pressing herself closer to him. His hands moved down to her shoulders and down her back, stopping at her zipper.

"Max, I..." She looked at him with her brown eyes filled with emotion. She couldn't get it out, she wanted to tell him before they went any further.

"What is it, Darling?" She pulled back when he tried to kiss her. He took her face in his hand. "Tell me."

She took a deep breath and whispered the words to him. "I love you." She didn't give him a chance to answer. She kissed him with all the love she felt for him, and she felt it returned in his kiss.

He reached behind her and found her zipper once again. "I love you, too." He slowly lowered the zipper with one hand, while caressing the soft skin of her back with the other. Her hands moved to his tie, then began working the buttons on his shirt. Once his shirt was open, she moved her hands over his muscular chest, before tugging off his jacket. She tossed the jacket on the chair and pulled his shirt out of his pants. He began to slip the straps of her dress off her shoulders, following them with kisses. He slowly slid the silky dress down her body and let it drop onto the floor, then stepped back to admire her beauty. Fran was so glad she'd chosen the lacy black underwear. From the look in his eyes, she could tell he approved.

"My God, you're beautiful, Fran." He pulled her forward, allowing her to step out of her dress, then bent down and picked it up for her, laying it gently over the chair. He ran his hands down her back and around her waist, causing her to shiver. "Cold?"

She ran her fingernails down his side, sending a shiver through his body, and then smiled at him seductively. "No."

He began to move her backwards, toward the bed, stepping out of his shoes along the way. Once at the bed, he carefully lowered her down and leaned over to remove her shoes, then removed her thigh high stockings one by one. He pulled back the covers of the bed and moved her beneath them, before removing his pants and socks to join her. They slowly began undressing each other and exploring each other's bodies, before making love until early in the morning. Daylight found them still wrapped in each other's arms.

They woke to the sound of the children running up and down the hall, and Sylvia trying to corral them and get them downstairs. Max opened his eyes and looked down at the mass of brown curls on his chest. He kissed the top of her head, and she stirred in his arms and sighed.

"Just five more minutes, Max? Ma's got the kids."

"Then we could take ten minutes." He moved the hair out of her eyes.

"Or fifteen?" She ran her fingernails down his chest.

He rolled her over and kissed her softly. "At least." They made love one more time before heading to the shower, where Max surprised her by making love to her again. They finished with the shower and wrapped themselves in thick bathrobes. They had just emerged from the bathroom when Niles knocked on the door, bearing a tray with coffee and bagels.

"Mmmm, fresh bagels, Niles? How sweet!" Fran patted his arm as she reached for a bagel.

"Your mother sent me out to the store first thing this morning. She's making lox and eggs and blintzes as we speak, and she asked me to tell you to get your touchas downstairs and help her with the darling children so she can make your breakfast." Niles saw the look on his employers face, and Max's hand go to his temple. "Her words, sir. She made me promise."

"Tell her I'll be right down. Are the kids ok?"

"They are just fine, but I've been having to keep them from running upstairs and seeing the two of you."

"We'll be down in a few minutes, Niles. Just let us have our coffee and get dressed."

"Yes, Sir." He left the room, closing the door behind him. He stopped outside the door and smiled at how natural the couple looked together, like they'd been together for years. There were no uncomfortable morning-after looks, just complete happiness. The complete opposite of the way his night went. He'd dropped the couple off at the door and driven C.C. home. She sat in the front seat, they laughed, they talked. He thought they were getting along so well. When they arrived at her apartment, he walked her to her door. Then something came over him, came over both of them. He kissed her goodnight...and she responded. The next thing he knew, they were on her sofa, hands roaming each other's bodies, smothering each other with deep, passionate kisses. When they pulled apart for air, he looked into her eyes...and he wasn't sure what he saw. Passion? Confusion? Caring? Disgust? Loathing? Here he was, on the sofa with a beautiful, sexy woman, who would certainly allow him into her bedroom for a night of unbridled passion...so he did what any man in his position would do. He ran. He got up and left her apartment quickly, got into the limo and came home for a cold shower.

He shook his head to clear the memory, and then headed down the back stairs towards the enticing smell coming from the kitchen.

Fran and Max finished dressing, then Fran went to her room to apply her makeup, while Max headed downstairs to check on the children. Fran was just applying her liquid eyeliner when she felt a small hand on her leg. "Mommie, what doin'?"

"Hi, Angel! I'm puttin' on my make up, so I can look pretty."

"Me, pretty, too." She pointed to the makeup.

"You sure are, my darling." She picked up the makeup brush and swiped it across the child's cheeks. The toddler erupted in giggles and climbed up on the bed.

"Bounce?"

"No, Grace, you can't bounce. We need to go downstairs and eat."

"Bubby here."

"I know." She put the finishing touches on her face. "Let's go down and see if she's done making breakfast, ok?" The child nodded, her curls bouncing all over. She jumped into Fran's arms and kissed her several times.

"Miss you, Mommie. Love you."

"Oh, Sweetie, I missed you, too. And I love you more!"

"Love YOU more!" Fran kissed the child's nose and put her down, watching her run to the stairs. "Mon, Mommie, mon! Wanna watch toons!"

Fran took her hand and helped her down the stairs, where she found Max sitting with the older children, watching television. "Did you lose someone?"

"No, she told me she wanted to see you, I told her to go find you."

"Thanks. She caught me in the middle of my liquid liner. I looked like I had a black eye."

He smiled and caressed her cheek. "Well, you look lovely, now."

Niles stood in the doorway smiling at his family. They really DID look like a family. Max and Fran on the sofa, the baby on Fran's lap, Maggie with her head on her father's shoulder, and Brighton snuggled up next to Fran. He hated to disturb them. "Breakfast is on the table, sir."

"Thank you, Niles." The family headed into the dining room, where they discussed plans for the day, and the opening of the new play that night. It would be a big night out for everyone. Max's first night out with the children since Sarah's death. Fran's first night as part of the family, and Max had included her family in the invitation. The whole Fine family would be there. Morty, Sylvia, Yetta, Nadine, Barry and the twins, even Uncle Stanley and Aunt Cookie were coming.

"Hello, hello!" C.C. breezed into the dining room to join the family. She couldn't make eye contact with Niles. Fran made a mental note to talk to her later; she sensed something big was up. "I just got off the phone with the security company." She looked at Fran, then at the children. She didn't want to alarm them. "Everything is in place for tonight."

"That's wonderful, C.C.. I knew I could count on you to handle it. So, did you decide who you were bringing tonight?"

She looked down at her plate, then over at Niles. She smiled slightly at the memory of dancing with him, how he expertly moved her around the dance floor. "Well, I was hoping that maybe..."

Niles backed through the swinging door into the kitchen and laid the platter on the island. She wanted HIM to ask her to the opening? After last night? He picked up a fresh platter of blintzes and returned to the dining room. "Miss Babcock, I'd be honored if you would accompany me this evening to the opening." She sat there and stared at him. He was waiting for the "Hell, no, butler boy" when she smiled.

"I'd love to, Niles."

Max stared at his business partner, then looked over at Fran. He leaned over and whispered to her, "Did she just blush?"

"Uh-huh!"

Max just shook his head. He'd known C.C. a long time, and he couldn't remember ever seeing her blush. After breakfast, she helped Niles clean the kitchen. She really didn't have any work to do today, she just needed to give Maxwell the message about the security, but she needed to know why Niles left her last night. She needed to understand just why she cared that he left her last night. The more she talked to him, the more she realized he wasn't just Maxwell's hired help. He was a sweet, caring, sexy, educated man, who put loyalty above all else.

By lunchtime, the family was in the living room playing games and watching an I Love Lucy marathon on television. Brighton and Maggie were acting out the scenes, and Gracie was imitating Lucy's crying. C.C. had never paid attention to how sweet and creative Maxwell's children were. They'd been so withdrawn since their mother died, now they were back. She hated to admit it, but Fran had completely changed this family, she'd changed HER.

That night, Maxwell's play was a big hit. The reviewers loved him, and the reporters were all over the story of Max's new love and her family. Fran and Nadine also took the opportunity to get Fine Catering some free publicity. All the while, just beyond everyone's field of vision, Richard Levine watched and waited. He now hated his boss. Maxwell Sheffield was the reason that Fran was rejecting him. Screw his job, Monday he would confront the man who stood in his way, and clear the path back to his Fran.

Niles again drove C.C. home after dropping the family off at their house. This time, C.C. wouldn't allow him to run away. Sunday morning found Niles waking up in her bed, hearing the sound of her singing in the kitchen. He smelled something wonderful, was she actually cooking him breakfast? He picked up the phone and called the Sheffield house, so they would know he wasn't there to cook or help with the children, then headed into the kitchen to C.C..

Max hung up the phone with a shocked expression.

"What's the matter, honey?"

"Niles. He didn't come home last night; he wanted us to know he's all right."

"Well, he took C.C. home...Max, you don't think they..." She giggled. Her instincts were always right when it came to her matchmaking. Too bad her own life wasn't that perfect...until now.

"It sure looks like it, Darling. Why don't I take you and the children to brunch? We can fix bagels for a light nosh, and then head over to the Park Avenue Cafe."

"Are you sure? I can fix breakfast."

"Let me spoil you." He took her in his arms. "That's something I never tire of."

"Whatever makes ya happy, Honey. Let me get a shower, you listen for the kids, they should be up any minute."

He kissed her softly. "I'd rather shower with you."

She laughed. "That's a sure way to make sure the kids are up." She pulled from his arms and headed for the shower.

After brunch, they decided to head to the mall and do some shopping. Fran picked out some new clothes for the kids, and some new videos for them to watch together. While Fran was busy with the kids in the toy store, Max popped across the corridor to the jewelry store and picked out a diamond necklace for Fran. Max called C.C. and let her know that he'd be staying home on Monday, to spend the day with Fran. C.C. was in a surprising good mood, and didn't argue with him at all. Max wondered what got into her, but wasn't going to complain. He liked this softer side of his friend.

The family spent the rest of the day enjoying each other's company, playing games, watching new movies, and even cooking dinner. Fran convinced Maxwell to help cook the meal, and she found a task for each child. Niles showed up about the time dinner was ready, and seemed pleased he didn't have to cook.

The next morning Fran got the older kids off to school and spent the morning watching educational television on PBS with Grace. Max was in his office taking care of paperwork that he'd neglected all weekend. Each time there was a commercial break, Grace would race into the office and climb into her father's lap.

"Daddy, what doin'? Come watch Big Bird, Daddy. Daddy, Mommie want you." THAT got his attention. He got up from his desk and walked into the living room, where Fran was folding laundry.

"Did you need me, Sweetheart?"

"Always, Darling." She looked up and smiled at the man she loved carrying his daughter.

He sat Grace on the sofa. "Grace said you wanted me."

She ran her hand down his chest and stopped at his waistband. "Smart little girl."

He looked at his watch. "What time's nap time?"

"Right after I get Gracie to sleep." Fran loved making that man blush. "Lunch is in about 30 minutes, and then she naps."

"I can't wait."

She looked into his eyes. "Hungry?"

"Starving." He couldn't wait for her to be back in his arms. He looked up as the phone rang in his office. "But for now...duty calls, that's my business line." She watched him walk through the door to his office. God, she loved that man. Her ears caught the sound of Max's voice raising. Now what? Damn, he was in such a good mood, too. His voice got louder. It sounded like someone on the set had messed up big time. She heard a crash in his office and knew she'd better go check on him.

"Sweetie, sit here and watch Sesame Street, I'll be right back."

"Kay, Mommie."

She walked into the office and found Max staring out onto the terrace. "Max?" He spun around and was in her arms in no time. "What happened?"

He held her tightly and took a deep breath. "Well, Richard showed up at the theater angry this morning, apparently he'd been drinking all weekend. He was angry that I wasn't there, angry that we've made it public that we're a couple. He pretty much trashed the sets, and then started on the house chairs, trying to get to C.C."

"Oh, God, no. Is she all right?"

"She's mad as hell, but she's fine. He didn't touch her. She called the police, when she told him they were on their way; he got more angry and more violent. He threatened to come here, that's when C.C knocked him out with one of the broken chairs."

Fran giggled. "She didn't!"

Max nodded. "And that's where the police found him. Face down on the floor. She told the police about you, and they'd like us to come down and fill out a report tomorrow. You think you're up to that?"

She smiled. "Yeah. He needs to be stopped...for everyone's safety."

"It's over, Sweetheart. You'll be safe now."

She snuggled closer to him. "I knew you'd keep me safe."

"Always, Darling."

Niles knocked on the office door. "Lunch is ready, sir. Miss Grace requested to have her lunch in front of the television."

"She did WHAT?"

"She was quite clear, Sir. EAT, HERE. Wanna watch Big Bird. She's getting quite a vocabulary."

He kissed Fran's forehead. "Yes, she certainly is." The three of them ate lunch in the living room, so Grace could watch Sesame Street. Fran made a list of groceries she'd need for dinner and snacks, getting Niles out of the house. She knew he'd want to find an excuse to leave to check on C.C.. After lunch, she read Grace a story and put her to bed, then headed for Max's room, where he was waiting for her. She kicked off her shoes and slipped under the blanket with him, and into his embrace. She was glad they had opted for sweats and t-shirts today. They were caressing and kissing, continuing to explore each other, and find each other's sensitive spots. Max rolled over on top of her, and slid his hand under the elastic waistband of her sweat pants. He moved his hand lower until it found its target. She sighed loudly as he began massaging her, moaning softly as she became more and more aroused. His tongue darted in and out of her mouth, as his fingers moved faster, working their magic.

"Oh, God, MAX!"

"Daddy, what doin'? Why Mommie cry?"

Max removed his hand quickly and rolled over to face his daughter. "Mommie's not crying, honey. We were playing, like this." He reached down, picked the child up, and put her in the bed between them. Fran's breathing had returned to normal and she laughed and tickled the child.

"YOU are supposed to be taking a nap, young lady."

"Miss you, wanna nap YOU, Mommie."

"Welcome to motherhood, Darling." Max was obviously disappointed.

"Sorry, honey. We usually lie down together." She drew the toddler close to her. "Can Daddy take a nap with us, too?"

Grace nodded. "Daddy, Mommie, Baby." She smiled and snuggled in between them.

Max laid back down and wrapped his arms around his girls. His family. He knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that they would be together forever. He could see down the long road they were starting out on. Marriage, maybe more children, a long and happy life with Fran by his side.

Fran filed a police report on both assaults on her by Richard Levine. He was convicted of two counts of sexual battery and attempted rape, and is currently serving two back-to-back sentences of ten years each. Niles and C.C. continued to bicker, but also continued exploring their feelings for one another. They are still dating, and though only a trained eye can tell it, they are very much in love. Maxwell Sheffield and Fran Fine were married shortly after the Levine trial. They are currently expecting their first child, and Fran is in the process of adopting the Sheffield children. Fine Catering has become one of the largest and most successful catering companies in the tri state area, still making it a practice to hire culinary academy students. There is currently a one-year waiting list to work for Nadine, and Fran now only works as a consultant for her sister.

AUTHORS NOTES:

The character of Richard Levine is a fictional one, but his actions are not. Many women are assaulted every day by their dates, boyfriends and husbands who feel they "have the right" to put their hands on them. Many times the women feel trapped, guilty, like it was their fault. Many never tell anyone, just accept what happened to them, leaving their attacker to repeat his actions, if not on them, on someone else. If you, or someone you know is in need of help, here are a couple of places you can go or call for assistance:

.org/ This is the National Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network. (Fran D. works with this organization)

1-800-656-HOPE The National Sexual Abuse Hotline. This is available 24/7

.org/resources/sexual_abuse_ A GREAT source for information

http://www. MORE great information

If you can't tell the police...tell someone. Remember, you are not alone.

FJS