Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

It had been a month since Mr. Sheffield told her he loved her and took it back. Every single day was an agony - Fran didn’t even feel motivated to put on her lipstick, which had to speak volumes. After the kids went to school, she lazed about the mansion, eating snacks and watching romance dramas that had her in tears in record time. The kids noticed a shift in her personality and, at first, they teased her about it, but now they left it alone. They just stared at her with sympathetic eyes, a pity that made her feel embarrassed. How much of an idiot had she been to think Maxwell Sheffield wanted her ? Sure, she was good looking, she was always right, she had a loving relationship with his children, she was…

Well, she was a catch. Fine, she could admit it - the self pity thing didn’t work well for her. She knew she was worth those three little words.

“Alright Miss Fine, CC and I are headed to the theater,” Mr. Sheffield hesitated, standing in the foyer near the front door, “I wanted to let you know in case you came to find me.”

Fran waved him off from her position on the couch, not bothering to look back at him.

“What’s her deal?” CC snorted, “Cat got your tongue, Nanny Fine?”

“Oh, go pick on someone your own size, Miss Babcock. You know, like a big, burly man. Might not find one at the theater though - you might be the only one there with such a wide build,” Niles said. Fran didn’t turn around. There was no part of her that wanted to be a part of their nonsense. She could feel eyes on her, but Miss Babcock and Mr. Sheffield simply made their exit without another word.

Fran turned the volume up on the TV, trying to tune out her thoughts. Mr. Sheffield had begged her not to tell anyone about what happened, and while she had held it close to her chest, she felt her resolve slipping. She wasn’t the one in the wrong - why couldn’t she confide in someone? Was he embarrassed he had told her that he loved her? What was so wrong with her?

“Miss Fine, may I sit with you?” 

Niles was standing in front of her now, looking down with concerned eyes. Fran shrugged, patting the seat next to her. He sat and immediately got comfortable, propping his feet up on the coffee table. She stared at his shoes.

“What? I’m the one who cleans it,” Niles shrugged, gesturing to the glass table, “I can certainly dirty it up.”

“Never said you couldn’t,” Fran said, trying to turn her attention to the drama unfolding on screen. She clutched a family sized bag of peanut M&Ms to her chest, tempted just to dip her head in the package like an ostrich and grab a bunch at a time in her mouth.

“Now, what in the world is bothering you?”

“I’m trying to watch my show, Niles.”

“And I’m trying to get a moment alone to speak with you. Mr. Sheffield is by your side almost constantly these days. It’s almost like he doesn’t want you alone.”

“Yeah, don’t remind me,” Fran sighed, pressing the mute button on the TV remote, letting the room fall silent, “Do you think I like having someone up my ass 24/7 who wants me but won’t commit to me? No.”

“Wants you but won’t commit to you? Ludicrous. That man is so head over heels that everyone can see it.”

“Well, tell that to him,” Fran snorted, inhaling a few pieces of candy, “M&M?”

“Has your mouth been in the bag?” Niles asked, brow raised.

“Noooo, never,” Fran shook her head, holding the package out to him. He simply stared at her. She dropped her arms, bringing the candy back to her chest, “My mouth hasn’t been in the bag, but the color on them is a little runny because some stray tears may have, you know, gotten into the bag. Or, a lot of stray tears. Doesn’t mean they’re not edible - just a little salty.”

“How putrid. What’s made you stoop so low?”

“Heartbreak, Niles,” Fran sighed, dropping her head onto his shoulder, “I’ve been sworn to secrecy by your pal Mr. Sheffield. I guess he doesn’t trust I’ll keep my mouth shut, so he’s kept a pretty tight reign on me.”

“I certainly don’t see him around right now. Do you?”

Fran paused, suddenly looking around just to make sure - he really had been up her ass recently, always at least a room over, his ear practically glued to the wall so he could hear what she was saying. It was nerve wracking. She was sure he had found some way to be at the theater and at home at the same time.

“Oh, I don’t know, Niles,” Fran shook her head, “I don’t even know if it’s worth it. Obviously, it’s embarrassing for him.”

“All the more reason to tell,” Niles shrugged, “Where’s the Fran I know? The Fran I know wouldn’t let a man walk all over her and tell her what to do. What’s going on?”

Fran considered this. She had certainly let herself go, just a little bit - not wearing makeup, not wanting to dress up - hell, she spent half her days in her bathrobe, not even willing to change into something simple. She had stopped eating breakfast with the family and had started having all of her meals in the kitchen, where all the old nannies sat. It was certainly impacting the kids - but she felt impacted herself. Right now, she just didn’t have it in her to be everything for the kids, and that had to be okay.

“On the way home from Paris, the plane experienced some bad turbulence. Like, life ending bad. Mr. Sheffield freaked out and told me he was in love with me.”

Niles’ eyes were as wide as saucers. He was completely stiff on the couch, holding in his breath as if breathing would cause her to change her mind on giving the gossip. She wanted to roll her eyes.

“When we got back to the mansion, he stopped me on the porch - he took it back. Said he was panicking, said it wouldn’t be good for the kids if we pursued anything. Told me he didn’t mean it, didn’t love me. He just thought he was gonna die and wanted to have someone to cozy up to in his final moments.”

Niles’ eyes were as wide as saucers. While he was initially stiff as a board, he started to breathe again, his face turning red as his eyebrows shot up to his hairline.

“He took it back ?!” Niles thundered, jumping up from the couch and suddenly pacing the room, stomping his feet on the ground, “Who in their right mind tells someone they’re in love with them and takes it back?”

“Don’t ask me, ask your employer,” Fran raised her hands as she shrugged, “I’m just glad to finally have it off my chest.”

“And he asked you not to tell anyone makes the matter so much worse - how dare he?” 

Niles looked like he was physically in pain, causing Fran to laugh for the first time in a month. She’d been feeling lethargic and mostly put out. Mr. Sheffield wanted her for traditional wifely duties, but he didn’t want her as a wife romantically. It was so confusing. So frustrating. 

Telling Niles was so liberating .

“Just telling you has made me want to take my life back, Niles!”

“I’m glad,” Niles smiled at her, but he still looked pained, conflicted, “But Miss Fine, I know that Maxwell doesn’t mean it. I know he loves you.”

“Who cares if he loves me? He had his chance,” Fran waved Niles off, “I think I’m gonna be a new woman now. I’m gonna see the world, meet new people, find the one. I don’t need him anyway!”

They sat in silence for a moment, letting Fran’s words wash over them.

“Yeah, right, I’m miserable. I’m pissed,” Fran sight, slumping back onto the couch, “I’m not ready to let it go, Niles.”

“Who said you had to let it go?” Niles hurried back over to her, excitement washing his face, “I have an idea.”

“You’re always so full of ideas. What is it?”

“Make him regret it. Take care of yourself, show him that you’re not affected by his stupidity. Make him see what he missed out on.”

“So, keep dressing the way I’ve been, keep sitting on the edge of his desk, keep acting the same as usual?” Fran asked, tilting her head, “I’ve always been trying to show him what he’s missing out on. It hasn’t worked.”

“No, no, you don’t understand me. Dress the way you dress, but don’t sit on the edge of the desk. Don’t interact with him. Call him names. Give other people more attention than him. He’ll absolutely hate it.”

“Who the hell do I give attention to if not him? Also, where am I supposed to sit in the office if I don’t sit on the edge of the desk? The couch really isn’t big enough for both me and Miss Babcock.”

Niles raised a brow.

“Wait…Miss Babcock!” Fran sat up straighter on the couch, “We can become friends! I can start sitting on the couch, hanging out with her, giving her all the attention I would normally give him. He’ll hate that.”

“And so will Miss Babcock,” Niles practically squealed, clapping his hands together.

“Perfect! We’ll start tomorrow,” Fran jumped up from the couch, already feeling revitalized. “I can’t wait to become Miss Babcock’s best friend!”

The next morning, Fran came down for breakfast. The kids were so excited to see her - Maggie commented on how beautiful Fran’s makeup looked and Gracie commented on her new bathrobe. Even Brighton gave her a smile. Mr. Sheffield looked up from his newspaper in surprise and CC managed a terse smile. Fran immediately locked her sights on the blonde, ignoring the giddy look Niles was giving her from the breakfast buffet.

“Well, good morning kids! And an especially exciting good morning to you, Miss Babcock - I hear the production on the play is going well!”

CC stopped mid-bite, a small forkful of scrambled eggs floating halfway between the plate and her mouth. The abrupt halting motion caused some of the eggs to drop back down onto her plate, the fork losing hold of the food. CC placed her fork back onto the porcelain plate, the sound echoing against the silence of the room.

Oh, Fran was living for this.

“Whoops, didn’t mean to make ya drop your eggs,” Fran chuckled, giving CC a wide smile, “Are scrambled eggs your favorite?”

“Nanny Fine,” CC looked entirely too uncomfortable, a tint of red coming across her face in blotches, “Why are you asking me about my preference in eggs?”

“Just be glad someone’s finally taking interest in them,” Niles interjected, moving over to the table to top off CC’s coffee, “Your eggs are so ancient I’d be afraid they’d already dried out.”

Fran wanted to laugh, but stopped herself - she was trying to be friends with CC, not scorn the woman further. As CC opened her mouth to retort, her face turning redder and redder, Fran cleared her throat.

“Knock it off, Niles. Can’t I get to know the woman without your jabs? We’ve seen each other every day for years and yet I don’t know a thing about her. Plus, if her eggs are ancient, then mine are too.”

Niles raised his hands in mock defense, moving back toward the breakfast table. Fran sworn she could have heard Niles hiss, ‘ good one ’ as he breezed by her, but she wasn’t certain. Also, she was sort of being serious - in this moment, it dawned on her that she knew virtually nothing about Mr. Sheffield’s business partner.

Every day for years, Fran saw how much CC put into Mr. Sheffield’s business. She was constantly working, moving from room to room with a hard set focus to sell an award winning play. She schmoozed like no other, raised thousands of dollars from backers, and allowed herself to be demeaned by the two men in her life, one of which was meant to be her business partner. Her equal. When did Mr. Sheffield really treat CC like his equal? Fran was suddenly wondering why she hadn’t thought to try and befriend CC sooner. Fran had met many bitches in her lifetime, and CC was by no means the worst of them, so she had no idea what had stopped her from pursuing a friendship in the first place.

“Well said, Miss Fine,” Mr. Sheffield said, looking straight at her, “While I do think you befriending CC is a bit of a twilight zone situation, I also agree - you should have a gal pal around the house that isn't your mother.”

Fran ignored him, instead turning her attention back to CC.

“Anyway, like I was saying Miss Babcock, I heard the development of your recent play is doing very well. I’d love to hear more about it.”

“My play is about -” Mr. Sheffield started, his morning paper already closed and folded onto the table, almost as if he thought he was in this conversation.

“I asked Miss Babcock what the play is about, Mr. Sheffield,” Fran said, once again turning back to CC, “Again, Miss Babcock , I’d love to hear more about the play!”

At this point, CC was back to normal, the red patches of blush on her face gone, but she looked quizzical - and almost a little amused.

“Well, Miss Fine , I guess I’ll just have to tell you about it if you’re that interested,” There was a small smile playing at CC’s lips, one that Fran had never seen before - it was cute.

“This is the weirdest morning ever. I’m going to school,” Brighton said, pushing away his bowl of cereal, looking at Fran with disgust.

“Yeah, me too. My appetite’s gone,” Maggie agreed.

“Agreed,” Gracie followed them out of the room.

These are the things Fran learned about CC during breakfast: CC liked her eggs scrambled but not fried, preferred croissants over toast, and had a tendency to get a bit of a sweet tooth for breakfast, so she normally had to squash the urge to eat nothing but chocolate chip pancakes every time she woke up. Her preferred drink was coffee, but she wasn’t opposed to orange juice. She absolutely hated the kind of tea that Mr. Sheffield used in his drinks, and found that if her tea wasn’t iced, she usually wouldn’t touch it, let alone finish it. The play was a modern retelling of Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing with a bit of a twist - Fran couldn’t tell you what the twist was, however, because she heard Shakespeare and immediately zoned out. Instead, she watched the excitement on CC’s face, watched as the woman spoke about the play like it was her child, her passion. Fran didn’t need to know what the play was about to know that she would be there on opening night, just to support the woman in front of her.

Here is what Fran knew about CC before breakfast: CC had a dog named Chester that was gifted to her by a man who didn’t know how a damn thing about giving gifts. Chester preferred Fran and everyone made jokes about it. Fran would sometimes see the deep downwards twitch in CC’s lips as she watched the little dog lick at Fran’s hand yet bite at her own. She knew CC was a bitch who considered herself a bitch but didn’t want others to consider her a bitch - so Fran knew that CC was impossible, just like her standards. She knew the woman had an impeccable fashion taste that no one seemed to appreciate, and she always smelled expensive. CC’s house was decorated with photo frames that were still filled with the stock photos they were bought with, and while the furniture in her penthouse was sleek, it was cold and uninviting. 

Looking back on it, all of the aforementioned knowledge Fran had picked up over the years seemed trivial compared to the fact that CC liked her eggs scrambled and spoke about her plays with stars in her eyes.

Even if Niles’ idea had been to get back at Mr. Sheffield, there might be a silver lining to the whole ordeal. If she could find a friend in CC Babcock, then she could find a friend in anyone.

After breakfast, Fran ran up to her room to change. The children had already headed to school, earlier than normal given the morning’s commotion, and Fran planned to use that to her advantage. It had been a month since she lounged in the Sheffield office, and while she didn’t miss the way it reeked of cigars and musk and old books, she was excited to get back into the swing of things. As she got dressed, she tossed the rest of the tear stained M&M’s in the trash - it was a sign of growth, of independence. It was a sign that Fran was moving on.

She would buy another bag later.

Fran sauntered into the office, ready to show Mr. Sheffield exactly what he was missing, when she realized the only person in the vicinity was CC. She was sitting on the verandah with the glass doors open, the Spring breeze wafting in and hitting Fran in the face as she entered the room. Mr. Sheffield was nowhere in sight.

There was a bit of disappointment, but there was also some intrigue - this could be a good opportunity. Fran made her way out to the verandah, sitting down with CC at the metal patio table. CC was practically hunched over a notepad, chewing on her fingers as she reviewed the items on the page. When Fran sat, she looked up, a strange expression on her face.

“Hey Miss Babcock! Whatcha doin?”

CC simply stared at her, her eyes narrow, skepticism clear on her face. If there was one thing about CC Babcock Fran did know, it was that the woman always made her emotions known. Her face could hide nothing.

“What game are you playing at, Nanny Fine?” CC asked, closing her notepad as she turned her attention to Fran, “First, you stop coming into the office to bother Maxwell, then you stop wearing your ridiculous clothes and heavy handed makeup, then you stop sitting with the family at breakfast. Now you’re back to doing all of those things - but you only want to talk to me ? What gives?”

“Thanks for asking,” Fran smiled, crinkling her nose at CC, “Love how close we’re becoming.”

“This isn’t a joke, Nanny Fine,” CC sighed, “I don’t do friendships. I don’t know how. So if this is some cruel trick you and Niles have devised, you can just knock it off.”

If there was another thing Fran knew about CC Babcock, it was that she was clever. She was brilliant. She had to be if she was going to keep Mr. Sheffield’s business afloat - God knows he couldn’t do it without her. Fran wasn’t surprised CC had seen clear through the act.

“No jokes here, Miss Babcock,” Fran shrugged, “I meant what I said in the dining room. We’ve known each other for years but we don’t know each other. Isn’t that a shame?”

“I don’t know if I’d consider it a shame. I’ve been pretty horrible to you since we met.”

“And vice versa,” Fran nodded, “How about we change that?”
“Just like that? You and I, becoming friends?” CC snorted, “I don’t usually befriend the help.”

“And I don’t usually befriend bitches,” Fran said, keeping a happy, jovial smile on her face, “But here I am, trying it for the first time with you.”

CC stared at her for a moment before she slowly began to nod.

“I deserved that. If we’re to be friends, keep calling me out when I say things that are hurtful. I don’t have anyone in my life doing that for me considering everyone I know is just as mean as I am, so sometimes I don’t think about what comes out of my mouth.”

Huh, that was new. Fran blinked.

“Cat got your tongue?” CC asked, just as she had the day before, though this time, she didn’t ask it to be mean - she was teasing Fran, that little smile back on her face, lighting it up. She was trying to be friendly.

“Okay, I agree to those terms,” Fran said, nodding, “But on my end, if I ever annoy you, just let me know. I can learn to tone myself down.”

“You are always annoying, Fran. No reason to change that for me,” CC rolled her eyes, “While that’s very generous of you, it wouldn’t be a friendship if you had to change for me.”

“Oy,” Fran gasped, “You used my name!”

“Well, we’re friends now, aren’t we?” CC shrugged, blasé about the whole thing, and Fran wanted to melt. Why had she felt a tug in her chest when CC said her name?

“In that case - whatcha doin’, CC?” Fran said, deciding to lean into the name thing - two could play at that game.

Fran pretended not to notice the blush that tinged at CC’s cheeks when Fran said her name. No, she was going to absolutely ignore that. She was absolutely not going to dwell on that.

“I’m going over the list of actors we have for the play - something just isn’t clicking, and I’m trying to figure out what it is. Maxwell chose the lead, and I think he’s dragging the play down.”

“Go figure. Mr. Sheffield couldn’t pick a good actor to save his life,” Fran chuckled, examining her nails.

When she looked up, CC was staring at her with raised brows, a shocked look on her face.

“What?” Fran asked.

“Is that Maxwell slander I just heard come from your mouth?”

“Well, I won’t deny it. But he’s my employer, so keep it on the hush hush would ya?”

“I thought you were madly in love with him? And vice versa, or whatever.”

“What? You’re admitting Mr. Sheffield has feelings for me? Last I checked, you were under the impression that he was head over heels for you .”

CC laughed, clutching at her chest. The sound was freeing. Fran leaned in just to let her ears soak it in a little more - she had never heard CC laugh like that. Like she really meant it.

“Oh, please, Fran. We all know he’s got his eyes set on you - and every other beautiful woman who comes his way.”

“You think I’m beautiful?” Fran cheesed, smiling from ear to ear.

“Knock it off,” CC rolled her eyes, but she blushed harder, “Don’t let it get to your head, but anyone with eyes can see you’re beautiful.”

“I’d say the same about you, Babs,” Fran said, “I mean, you’re breathtaking and Mr. Sheffield just acts like you aren’t there. If I were him, I wouldn’t be able to take my eyes off ya.”

What was coming out of her mouth? Fran almost blushed herself just from watching CC wiggle in her seat, obviously so beyond uncomfortable that Fran couldn’t even imagine what was running through the woman’s head. Were they flirting? Fran tapped her heel on the cement patio, trying to calm her sudden nerves. No, no, they weren’t flirting. They were just two women who were complimenting one another. Nothing strange there.

“Anyway, to answer your previous question, I am so far beyond Mr. Sheffield that he’s on a different planet from me. I’m over him. Girl, if you want him, you can have him,” Fran shrugged, returning her attention back to her nails, trying to give CC a little privacy to calm her embarrassed face.

“Does he know that? He still looks at you like a dog drooling over a bone.”

“What matters, CC, is how I look at him . I’ve decided that I’m never going to look at him again. He’ll get the picture then, I’m sure.”

CC snorted, covering her mouth with her hand as she laughed.

“What’s so funny?” Fran asked, looking up, taking in the rare sight of CC Babcock enjoying herself. 

“You acting like Maxwell could ever get the picture without having to spell it out to him five times in a row is just very amusing,” CC smiled, “One could call it a funny joke.”

“Oh, ha, ha,” Fran said, “I guess it’s low for us to talk about him like that - he can’t help that he’s an idiot.”

CC laughed and laughed and Fran laughed with her. She was sure all of Manhattan could hear them from the verandah, shrieking like hyenas as they badmouthed their employer and business partner. It felt good to be on CC Babcock’s good side for once. To sit across from her, gossiping and chatting like she did with Val - she would have never seen it coming. But, shockingly, it felt incredibly natural.

She was looking forward to getting to know her new friend even more.

“C’mon, Fran. Why are we here? It isn’t like we’re gonna find prince charming at a gay bar.”

Fran sipped at her cocktail, surveying the room with hooded eyes. It had been her idea to come to a gay club. It seemed like such a fantastic idea - it had been two months since she had cut off Mr. Sheffield and befriended CC, and while she was slowly but surely moving on, she wasn’t really ready to go out to a real clubbing scene. Here, surrounded by handsome and beautiful women alike, Fran could sit in peace. If anyone approached her, which they did, she politely declined - and unlike the men at her normal haunts, the women here respected her when she said ‘no’.

“I’m not looking for prince charming, Val,” Fran said.

“What, you’re gay now?” Val asked, brows raised, “I know we had some fun back in high school, but you said that was just an experiment.”

“No, Val, I’m not gay -”

“It’s totally okay if you are, Fran. I support you one hundred percent. In fact, there’s lots of girls in here that you would look great with,” Val nodded, nothing but kindness on her gullible face. 

“Val. I’m not gay.”

“Well, if you’re not gay, what the hell are we doing here?” Val raised her arms in exasperation, looking around, “What’s the point of coming to a club if not to find someone to date?”

“To drink? To get out of the house? To socialize? Come on, Val, there’s more to clubs than dating and fucking.” 

“I dunno, Fran. I really pumped myself up to get laid tonight, but we keep coming here, so it really isn’t possible…” Val stuck out her bottom lip, pouting. “There’s no one here for me.”

“Oh, whatever, Val,” Fran rolled her eyes, “Just a few more minutes and we can go. Just let me finish my drink.”

“Great! I’m gonna run to the bathroom. Be right back!”

Val was gone before Fran could say another word, so excited to hop to another club - what a crock of crap. Fran held her head in her hand, letting out a small sigh. There was another reason she was coming here, of course. It usually didn’t take her long to get over a man, but Mr. Sheffield was different. She’d imagined her life with him and had built everything around her with the idea that he would one day admit his feelings. She wasn’t entirely sure she had completely moved on from Mr. Sheffield, but she was ready to find someone to rebound with. Usually she’d come to a club, find an attractive man, make it to second or third base, and she’d be good to go. However, something about this time was a little different.

She was attracted to CC Babcock - and this terrified her.

It had happened gradually over the course of the past month, but when it hit her, it hit her. Fran had to physically remove herself from the room when she realized that she found CC Babcock attractive. That she wanted to throw herself at the woman and see what it would feel like to have their bodies pressed against one another. More than that, she wanted to open up the woman’s ribcage and study the heart underneath, desperate to melt the ice that encased it. Their friendship hadn’t progressed much beyond their occasional chats on the verandah, or in the kitchen, or in passing. She would sit with CC in the office and let the woman work, but would steal quick glances, trying to memorize the shape of CC’s face. The bridge of her nose, the dip of her chin, the plush softness of her lips - Fran wanted to know it all. And when she realized this, she wanted to scream.

So, she started coming to gay bars, because there was no way in hell that CC Babcock would ever, ever want Fran. Maybe she could find someone else. Just a one night stand with a woman who reminded her of CC might take the curiosity away - but she was too scared to pursue it, and too scared to be honest with Val.  

A woman started to sit beside her at the bar, and just from the corner of her eye, Fran could tell it wasn’t Val. Val had been wearing a simple, black dress. This woman was dressed in wide legged slacks, a maroon sweater that hung tight around her curves, and a black leather jacket - definitely designer. She smelled of Chanel No. 5 and cigarettes and just a whiff of mint. 

Wait.

“Fran?” 

Fran jumped in her chair, turning to face CC Babcock in the seat beside her. She would know that smell anywhere, of course - she had started smelling it in her dreams.

“CC? What are you doing here?” Fran asked, her voice squeaking. Her heart was beating a thousand miles a minute and it took everything she had not to start slapping at her own chest just to beg it to calm down.

“I could ask you the same thing,” CC seemed shocked, but there was a playful lift to the corner of her mouth, and if Fran didn’t know any better, she would assume CC could smell the fear coming straight from Fran’s skin. Could hear her heartbeat ringing through the loud music. “I like to come here. No one bothers me.”

“Why not?” Fran tilted her head, genuinely confused, “You’re sexy. You’re lucky I’m not all over you myself, Babs.”

What the fuck had she just said? CC turned to flag down the bartender, her mouth twitching as her cheeks turned red from the comment, clearly distracting herself with a drink to avoid replying to Fran. Fran turned in her seat, mouth agape, wondering if she could find some nuts or a fucking sock to gag herself with. What was wrong with her?

“Well, thanks, I guess,” CC replied, reaching up to tuck some strands of her hair behind her ear - adorable. Fran bit down her tongue. “Doesn’t answer why you’re here though.”

“Same as you - Val and I come so we won’t be bothered.”

“And same as you - aren’t you Fran Fine, the apple of everyone’s eye?” CC teased, looking down at her with that lilting smile, “I’ve seen about five women glare at me since I started talking to you, and I literally just sat down. There’s absolutely no way you don’t get bothered here.”

“Well, I’m an independent woman now,” Fran shrugged, “If I want to flirt with a woman, I don’t think that’s anyone’s business but mine.”

CC didn’t respond. Fran was shocked to see the bartender passing her some gin without CC saying a word to him - how often did she come here?

“Are you a regular? He knew your order.”

“I come here a lot,” CC shrugged, “Not that it’s any of your business.”

“Friends can ask questions, CC.”

“Still doesn’t make it your business.”

“Whatever,” Fran said, downing the rest of her cocktail, “I’ll just see you later, CC. Sorry for ruining your night with my questions.”

Truthfully, Fran was uncomfortable. Here she was, sitting beside one of the most attractive women she had ever met, a woman who would never be interested in her. A woman who she now knew frequented a gay nightclub often , which could really only mean one thing. But certainly she wasn’t CC’s type. She wasn’t sophisticated enough. Not smart enough. Not affluent enough. Fran could already feel the tears forming in her eyes - she was just so damn embarrassing to be around.

She felt CC grab her arm, so gently, pulling her backwards. Fran spun around, suddenly gathered up in CC’s arms. Their bodies weren’t flush against each other, but this was the closest they had ever been. Fran could feel CC’s heat radiating off her body. The woman wasn’t making eye contact with Fran, her mouth a thin, quivering line, her face a watercolor portrait of reds and pinks.

“You aren’t ruining my night. I just didn’t expect to see you here. I’m sorry,” CC grunted, slowly retracting her hand from Fran’s arm, slowly pulling herself out of Fran’s orbit. Fran wanted her closer. Without thinking, she pulled CC in, their bodies flush against one another.

“It’s okay, CC,” Fran said quietly, looking up at CC through her lashes, “Do you…wanna dance?”

“I…” Fran watched as CC swallowed, the blush crawling down her throat, down her clavicle, into the soft curve of her breast peeking over the neckline of her sweater. CC’s hands skirted to Fran’s hips, hesitantly hovering over them, almost as if she were daring herself to make the move. There were bodies all around them, dancing and singing to the music and hovering so close to them, but Fran couldn’t hear any of them. She could feel the ghost touch of CC’s hands against her waist, the yearning unbearable. 

At this moment, Fran realized that CC wanted her. She wanted Fran as badly as Fran wanted her.

“I don’t dance. Not my thing.”

She wanted Fran just as badly as Fran wanted her, but there was something stopping her from falling into the desire. Maybe because they saw each other every day - if they caved into their desire and something went awry, they’d have to relive it day in and day out. It would ruin their newfound, budding friendship. It was better this way.

Fran stepped back but decided to grab CC’s hand at the last second, so nervous she almost felt too scared to bring her eyes up to CC’s face. It was better for them to leave the attraction alone, it was better to stay friends, but it wasn’t what Fran wanted.

“Are you sure?” Fran asked, her voice so soft against the music of the club, “I’ve never danced with a woman before. Not in a place like this. Not in that way. I wouldn’t want to…unless it was with you.”

“I said no, Fran. Drop it. I mean it.”

There was no hesitation. CC pulled away from her immediately, downing her gin and making a beeline for the exit, not even saying goodbye. Fran watched her go, almost feeling as if she had been slapped across the face.

“What’d I miss?” Val asked, stepping up to Fran carefully, noticing the look on Fran’s face.

“Might as well get comfortable, Val, cause we aren’t leavin’,” Fran said, shrugging off her jacket and tossing it to Val, “I’m gonna find a woman to dance with.”

It had been three months since Mr. Sheffield told her that he loved her and took it back, and Fran was practically over it - she’d danced with so many women at this point, gotten so close to kissing them, that she really couldn’t deny it any longer. She was over Mr. Sheffield and she was ready to move on. The women she danced with were soft to the touch, and they smelled so good , she wanted to wrap herself up in that comfort. They were open with their compliments and open with their intentions - a one night stand, a girlfriend, a lover, an additional partner to their polyamorous relationship - Fran had been invited to be all of those things, but she never caved. There had been a few women she almost kissed, but as soon as she felt them move in, all she could see was CC staring at her from the bar.

CC had started tagging along with them at the request of Val, who didn’t want to sit at the bar all alone while Fran danced with women. It was infuriating, borderline criminal, but CC was supposed to be her friend, so Fran didn’t put a stop to it. It didn’t hurt to feel as if she had a personal bodyguard by her side. While CC was always dressed like a movie star - a slight curl to the end of her blonde hair, leather jackets on top of tight fitting blouses, the smell of expensive perfume, a plum colored lipstick that brought out the depth of those dark, blue eyes - her appearance never mattered, because all she did was sit on the barstool and watch Fran with a deep scowl on her face.

“Looks like someone’s jealous.”

Fran was currently dancing with a woman who, compared to CC, was subpar. Not compared to CC, she was definitely a catch. She had blonde hair cut very short, the cut itself almost resembling Mr. Sheffield’s. Her hair was a bit curly on top, a little like a mop, a little like a poodle. Fran wanted to run her fingers through it. She was wearing well fitted clothes, more on the masculine side, and smelled like expensive cologne and fresh linen. More importantly, she knew just where to place her hands - and knew just how to make Fran shudder, leaning down to whisper those words right into Fran’s ear. The woman’s breath caught on Fran’s ear lobe, almost like a kiss.

“Jealous of you or me?” Fran winked.

“Definitely me,” The woman chuckled, swaying her hips, “If I were smart, I’d leave you alone. If looks could kill, I’d be dead.”

“Oh, please,” Fran rolled her eyes, “CC’s harmless. Don’t mind her.”

“Harmless and hungry,” The woman stepped away from Fran, all warmth gone, giving Fran a small kiss on the cheek in parting, “Good thing I’m smart and alive. Despite my interest in you, I’ve got to go. I’m not one for love triangles or drama.”

“Who said anything about love triangles or drama? CC doesn’t want me. She’s just my friend.”

“I don’t think you’re a liar, but you should really take another look. I’ve never looked at another woman the way she stares at you. Must feel special to have someone who looks at you like you’re the only star in the sky.”

Who did this woman think she was?

“What are you, a professor of literature?” Fran deadpanned, hands on her hips. 

“I dabble here and there,” The woman shrugged, showing off a snaggle tooth of a smile, “Anyway, see ya later. Hope you find what you’re looking for.”

Fran didn’t say anything as the woman swaggered off, waving across the dance floor to signal to her friends that it was time to leave. Instead, she crossed her arms over her chest, giving CC her nastiest glare - only to watch as CC looked away, pretending she hadn’t been watching Fran the entire time.

“Miss Babcock,” It had been three and a half months since Mr. Sheffield had told her he loved her and took it back, “Why do you go to the club if you aren’t looking to dance? There are some really beautiful women there, and they’re all lookin’ at you.”

Fran chewed on some crushed ice, trying to satiate her erratic craving for a family size bag of M&M’s while she watched CC practically tear her hair out over this new play. They were sitting at the kitchen table, piles of papers strewn around several empty cups of CC’s coffee. Apparently, the lead that Mr. Sheffield had hired was genuinely awful and needed to be replaced as soon as possible before they lost all of their backers and the world came to an end - CC’s words, not Fran’s. The mediocrity of the lead was causing the more impressive, more seasoned actors to look just as flimsy as he did. If there was one thing Fran did know about theater, it was that the star actually needed to shine.

“We’ve been over this, Fran,” CC muttered, not looking up from her papers, “I don’t dance, and it’s none of your business.”

“Yet, you keep coming with us. Isn’t it just a waste of your night?”

“And here I thought we were friends,” CC made a noise, clicking her tongue in disapproval, “Can’t I just go to the club and have a few drinks with my friend ?”

“Sure, yeah, sounds normal,” Fran hummed, nodding in agreement, “Until you take in consideration that you are literally scaring away all the women who dance with me.”

CC froze.

“What do you mean?” She asked, her voice terse. 

“You heard me. Every weekend, it’s like clockwork. I find a beautiful woman, we dance, things get a little exciting, and then they see you glaring at them over my big head and get cold feet.”

“Well, I’m sorry I want to ensure your safety,” CC bristled, “Clubs can be…dangerous.”

“Whatever,” Fran crunched into a piece of ice, “Next time we go, just stop starin’ at me so I can find someone who actually wants me.”

“I certainly don’t think you’re going to find anyone there who wants you,” CC said.

“And why not?” Fran asked, throwing the piece of ice back into her cup, “Do you think no one wants me?”

“That’s not what I said,” CC looked up at Fran, those blue eyes desperate to reveal something those lips refused to say, “I just mean, you know, there are better ways to find a partner. Like going to the park, or…picking up Chinese takeout?”

“I swear, CC, you owe me a bag of family sized M&M’s,” Fran groaned, placing her cup of ice back onto the table, “What do the women at Fung Lum’s have that the women at the club don’t other than a potentially smaller paycheck and a mother like mine?”

“I just don’t want to see you hurt, that’s all,” CC said, taking a sip of her coffee.

“Please. You just don’t want to see me with another woman on my arm when it could be you,” Fran rolled her eyes.

CC slammed her coffee mug down onto the table, almost choking on its contents. Fran would have laughed had she not realized what just came out of her mouth. She had not meant to say that.

“Oh, don’t flatter yourself, Nanny Fine. I am not interested in women!” CC thundered, the wooden legs of her chair scraping on the tile as she shot up from the table, “If you must know, I go to that specific club on my night off just to reset. It’s so damn hard being the only person experienced enough to run this company. I just go, have a drink, and no one bothers me. It’s perfect - at least, it was until you showed up and started shaking your ass for all the ladies on the dancefloor. I stare at you because…because I’m embarrassed by you!”

Fran could see regret paint itself across CC’s face as she screamed those words, but it didn’t matter - CC just confirmed it. Who could love someone like her? Embarrassing, loud, annoying. Fran never knew just when to stop. 

“Fran, I didn’t mean that.”

Shaking her head, Fran gave CC a sad smile. 

“No, it’s okay. I’ve always figured Mr. Sheffield never commits because he’s just so embarrassed by me. Makes sense you would feel the same way. Cut from the same cloth and all that.”

“No, no, I really didn’t mean it,” CC looked like she was panicking, but Fran knew the truth now. CC wasn’t panicking because she didn’t mean it, she was probably just panicking because she had insulted her only friend. “Fran, you aren’t embarrassing. I just… I don’t like talking about this.”

“And you don’t have to, CC,” Fran spoke softly, reaching out to grab CC’s hand, to try and calm her. “It’s okay , really. We’re friends, right? I told you to let me know when I’m being annoying. Obviously, I’ve pushed too hard. I’m sorry.”

“You have nothing to apologize for,” CC sighed, plopping back down into her chair. Though, she didn’t let go of Fran’s hand, instead twining their fingers together with a soft squeeze,“I told you that I don’t want you to change for me - and I don’t, truly. What I said wasn’t nice, and I’m so sorry for hurting you. I don’t think you’re embarrassing. I think you’re brave and, honestly, I’m a little jealous.”

“Jealous of who? Me?” Fran guffawed, mouth open in shock. “Just a second ago, you thought I was embarrassing, but now you’re jealous? ”

“Oh, shut up. Yes, you. I’m jealous of how open you are. You just get out there and you let loose and you shine. You aren’t afraid at all. I…might have lied when I said I wasn’t interested in women,” CC shuffled in her seat, obviously uncomfortable, “I am interested in women. But I don’t feel comfortable enough to be so damn open about it.”

“So then you aren’t jealous of the women I dance with? You’re just jealous of me because you wish you were able to dance with other women. Openly and proudly and whatever,” Fran clarified, feeling dejected. CC didn’t have feelings for her. CC was jealous of her.

“Hm,” CC’s face turned red and she avoided Fran’s gaze, “I wouldn’t say I’m not jealous of them. I’m jealous of any woman who can openly show affection to another woman.”

“I see,” Fran sighed, “Well, I’m just glad you were honest with me. I’ll stop giving you such a hard time about it.”

“And I’ll stop glaring at the women you dance with,” CC chuckled, giving Fran’s hand one final squeeze before she pulled away. “I really meant it when I said I was worried about you, as a friend. Those women are willing to take no for an answer, but they’ll also break your heart. I’ve never had a friend like you before. I don’t want you to end up hurt.”

“I’m a big girl, Cee,” Fran smirked, “But your sentiment is adorable all the same. You don’t want me hurt! Look at us, how far we’ve come.”

“Whatever,” CC groaned.

It had been four months since Mr. Sheffield told her that he loved her and took it back. Those four months had felt like they were the longest of Fran’s entire life, so she was making sure it felt even longer for Mr. Sheffield. Fran was still going out of her way to ignore him, though she felt less and less heartbroken over the events in Paris. Despite their budding friendship, she hadn’t told CC about what Mr. Sheffield had done on the plane, about the words he had said and taken away. There was still something in her that wanted to keep it close to her chest.

On the subject of their budding friendship, it seemed her sudden closeness to CC was something that was really troubling Mr. Sheffield - and it delighted her to see it. He would give her a nasty look any time she took CC’s side in an argument, or spoke to CC instead of speaking to him, or gave literally anyone else the attention he so desperately wanted. She felt like she could have a conversation with Niles’ feather duster and Mr. Sheffield would probably drift through the house like a brooding raincloud. This was starting to matter less and less, however. Sitting on the small, green couch beside CC every day, both of them dressed to the nines, just two lovely women that Mr. Sheffield could never have (and apparently didn’t want - which was debatable) made Fran feel a little bit better. She still refused to sit at his desk, though the spot beckoned to her like a beloved friend she hadn’t seen in years. To be ogled at, to be desired, to be fantasized about - this was the reason she was alive.

It was helpful that when Fran sat down beside CC on the couch, the blonde would practically throw herself as close to the edge as possible, almost as if she were repelled by the slight touch of Fran’s leg pressed against her own. It was also helpful that any time she found a reason to touch CC (which was often, and always), whether it be a gentle touch on the arm, caressing her cheek to wipe off some schmutz, or gently touching her back when pretending to yawn, the woman would turn beet red. Fran could practically feel CC’s heart stammering from the fibers of the leather couch. It felt good to know that someone else in the house had noticed her - not that it mattered. CC Babcock was the gayest straight woman Fran had ever met in her life, and while Fran herself thought the woman was a catch, she wasn’t necessarily interested in “courting” the blonde. What an effort that would be - breaking down walls, melting a cold heart, forgiving all of the insults CC had spewed over the years - they were a recipe for disaster. Plus, if CC felt anything for her, it had to be so deeply repressed that it would never see the light of day, hidden behind cobwebs and bats and all those icky things Niles always teased CC about.

Niles was another factor to consider in any possible scenario where CC might have a crush on her. He thought it was hilarious that she was being friendly with CC to “get back” at Mr. Sheffield, but no matter what she said, she couldn’t get him to see that she was genuine in her desire to be friends with CC. It was only a bonus if Mr. Sheffield actually got jealous, but it wasn’t the main intent. Really, Fran just needed a friend - a friend who happened to be a woman and could actually empathize with her over Mr. Sheffield being a dumbass.

Damn him.

Anyway, Fran was convinced that Niles had the hots for CC, but given CC’s recent confession regarding her attraction to women, did Niles even stand a chance? CC was more likely to date Fran than she was Niles, but how could Fran ever hurt Niles like that? Sure, Niles was hateful and devious and would probably make a worse partner for CC than Fran ever would, but -

“Nanny Fine, did you hear me? I said scoot over.”

Fran had wondered why it was so warm - snapping back to herself, she realized that she was practically sitting on top of CC, so lost in her thoughts that she hadn’t realized she had just kept scooching over. Niles and Mr. Sheffield were looking at her with hard eyes and CC - oh, God - CC’s face was ablaze. She was blushing from her forehead down to her chest, and Fran let her gaze drop for just a moment, unable to help herself.

“Nanny Fine! Move the fuck over!” CC shoved her to the other side of the couch, almost causing Fran to topple onto the floor.

“Oh, sorry, Miss Babcock,” Fran laughed, collecting herself as she repositioned herself on the couch, “Ya know, maybe we should put a larger couch in here. There’s just so little room - it’s hard not to be on top of ya!”

“Well, we never intended for the nanny to frequent the office so much,” Mr. Sheffield said. Blah. Fran wanted to stuff her ears with her fingers, “You could always just sit elsewhere. There’s a couch in the living room with plenty of space for you to sit.”

“You’re asking me to leave?” Fran gasped, “First, you tell me that you lo-”

“Okay, okay, now let’s not go that far,” Mr. Sheffield interrupted her, raising his voice to drown her out. Hook, line, sinker. Only Niles knew that Mr. Sheffield had told her he loved her and had taken it back. Mr. Sheffield had worked very hard to keep that fact close to the chest - which meant she could get whatever she wanted out of him simply by opening her mouth and dropping a few words. “I’m just saying that maybe Miss Babcock might feel more comfortable if you weren’t so close to her all the time.”

“Yes, there’s a fine seat on the edge of the desk. Why not try that out, for old time’s sake?” Niles offered, staring at her with pursed lips.

“Oh, I never said I wanted Nanny Fine to get off the couch. I just wanted some space,” CC was already back to her papers, but Fran spotted a small smile grazing her lips, “Leave the woman alone. As insufferable as she is, she’s welcome to sit next to me so long as she keeps her mouth shut and gives me room to breathe.”

“You heard the woman!” Fran said, crossing her legs as she got comfortable on the couch. She may have scooted just a little closer to CC, their hips so close to touching that Fran could swear she could feel the static coming off of CC’s pantsuit. Fran swallowed down the thought and instead picked up the romance novel she had been working on, trying desperately to focus on the written page.

“You must have excelled in school to be able to read that way, Miss Fine. Your book is upside down,” Niles commented, raising a brow before he resumed dusting.

“As a matter of fact, I was the best reader in all of first grade. I could read upside down, rightside up, and even backwards, thank you very much,” Fran huffed, turning her book around so she could actually read the letters. 

“And I was under the impression you couldn’t read at all. A miracle from God,” CC chuckled, barely glancing up from her papers as she snuck Fran a teasing smile.

“Keep getting to know me and I’m sure you’ll see just what a miracle I am, Miss Babcock,” Fran gave CC a wink before she turned back to her book. 

Fran knew that Niles was going to wring her neck later, but she didn’t care. While this was originally his idea of a prank, Fran was loving it. She had always been curious as to what a friendship with the socialite would look like. Would they drink cocktails into the late hour of the night and gossip about their lives? Would they make fun of each other and end up hating each other so much that only a good fuck every once in a while would fix the issue? Or -

Or would they fall in love?

Nah .

The doorbell rang suddenly, all of them looking towards the office door at the same time.

“I wonder who that is? I’m not expecting anyone,” Mr. Sheffield huffed, taking off his glasses.

“Oh, I bet it’s Ma. I’ll get it,” Fran shrugged, standing from the couch. She smoothed her skirt out, taking her time to bring it back to the correct length after it had hiked up on the couch. She could feel CC’s eyes on her. “The rest of you are hard at work, so let me contribute something for once,”

“You just want to know who’s at the door, you sneak,” Niles narrowed his eyes as she skipped from the room, sticking her tongue out at him in response.

“I’m coming!” Fran called as she hurried to the door, fully expecting to see her mother on the other side. It was about this time of day that her Ma and Yetta or Val usually made an appearance, ready to eat the Sheffields out of house and home for dinner. If anything, she was very grateful that Mr. Sheffield allowed her Ma to visit without too much complaint - he easily could have fired her for having her family and friends over so often. 

Whoever was at the door kept ringing the doorbell, over and over and over again, which made Fran roll her eyes. It was definitely her mother.

“Oh, quit it, Ma! Mr. Sheffield’s gonna ban you from the house if you don’t stop being so obnoxious.”

Fran froze as she opened the door - it was not her mother.

“Hello, hello!” The figure called, breezing past Fran as she entered the house, “DD has arrived!”

The woman was a dead ringer look alike to CC, but she was younger and much more…what was the word? Fran didn’t want to say beautiful, because it wasn’t true. CC was gorgeous and Fran would give her left lung just to get to kiss her once. But this woman, this DD, she was like a more youthful, more poised, more elastic CC Babcock. She was glowing. She was…familiar?

“Have I seen you before?” Fran asked, brows furrowed. She shut the door, locking it to ensure that no other strangers tried to enter. 

“Oh! Sorry, didn’t see you there,” The woman laughed, unbuttoning her coat, “Hopefully you’ve seen me everywhere, or I’m not doing a very good job at being a model.”

“You’re a model?!” Fran gaped, “Well, I guess that makes sense. You certainly look like one.”

“Thanks, darling,” The woman smiled, slipping off her sunglasses, exposing a pair of beautiful blue eyes. “You’re quite a stunner yourself. What’s your name?”

“Fran Fine,” Fran stuck out her hand, inviting the woman to shake it. Instead, DD grabbed Fran’s hand and brought it up to her lips, leaving a tender kiss on Fran’s soft skin.

“DD Babcock,” DD replied, holding Fran’s hand tenderly, “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Fran. You’re the loveliest woman I’ve ever laid my eyes on.”

What?

“Wait, did you say Babcock ?” Fran gaped. The name suddenly hit her - DD. CC. BB. All the damn Babcock women had initials for names - no wonder why DD had seemed so familiar! She was the spitting image of CC, though there was a strange warmth in her that CC didn’t have. A sort of playfulness she’d never seen in the other woman. It was kind of spooky.

“Oh! You must know my sister, CC,” DD sighed, “On that note, might you know where she is?”

“She’s right here,” CC said, stepping through the hallway into the foyer, her arms crossed over her chest, “DD, I could hear your voice from across the house. What are you doing here?”

“No love for your little sister?” DD asked, pouting her lips. She held her arms open, trying to pull CC into a hug, but CC pushed her off. “Why must you always be so damn cold, Chas?”

“Because Des , you have shown up to my business partner’s house unannounced, and you’re flirting with his nanny.”

“Des, Des, Des… wait, I’ve got it! You’re Destiny Deidre, the model for Calvin Klein and Marc Jacobs!” Fran gasped, squealing, “You’re in all my magazines! I’ve gotta get you to sign them for me!”

“I’ll sign anything you want if you let me take you out on a date,” DD smiled, batting those long eyelashes. Well, there was an invitation Fran was willing to take any day.

“DD!” CC slapped DD’s arm. Fran didn’t miss the look of panic washing over CC’s face. “You can’t…you can’t take Nanny Fine out on a date!”

“And why the hell not?” DD asked, tilting her head.

“None of your damn business,” CC hissed, “Now, why are you here?”

“Oh, you haven’t heard? Noel’s getting married. I went by your apartment, but you weren’t there. I needed somewhere to stay for the wedding. I figured you’d be here, you little workaholic.”

“ Married?! Why wouldn’t he call and tell me that? Or at least send me an RSVP?”

“Well, he says you’re dreadful to speak to on the phone. You’re such a bore,” DD shrugged, “Why do you think I never call you? Anyway, really, this has all been such short notice. I don’t even have a plus one! Miss Fine, I’d love to get to know you a little better - how about we make my brother’s wedding a date?”

“Are you kidding me?” CC asked. If Fran didn’t know any better, she could have sworn she saw CC’s bottom lip quiver, almost like she was about to cry. “My own brother couldn’t give me a call to let me know he’s getting married? I haven’t even met the bride-to-be. And I won’t say it again DD - you will not be ‘getting to know’ Nanny Fine under any circumstance.”

“Oh, don’t get emotional. Always such a crybaby,” DD rolled her eyes, “Listen, Chas, honey, don’t worry about not being given a heads up - Noel only told me a week ago. He didn’t want to make a big deal over the ceremony given the nature of their jobs. He wants it to be very small and very quick so they can get back to their research. It’s only fitting his new wife would be an academic such as himself. He could never marry anyone uneducated or below his class. They’re very busy people, you know. Of course, mommy is making sure the wedding is suited for a Babcock of Noel’s standing.”

“I’m not sure that makes me feel any better,” CC frowned.

“Well, it’s really not my job to make you feel better,” DD shrugged, “Now, since I’m here, I’d like to meet the illustrious Maxwell you’re always mentioning in your voicemails. Afterwards, you can give me the key to your penthouse. I’ll be staying there for the next few weeks until the ceremony.”

“You couldn’t get a hotel? And wait - you’ve been listening to my voicemails but haven’t called me back?” CC’s eyes were shining and she was biting her lip, clenching her fists, barely holding it together. 

“Like I said, you’re a bore, Chas. But I do listen to your voicemails on the off chance at least one interesting word comes out of your mouth,” DD shrugged, “You know I do love gossip. And no, I can’t stay at any hotels right now. I just had the most hectic fright at my last hotel - one of my fans tried to get into the room. I want to stay somewhere safe.”

“I only have one bed.”

“Then I guess you’ll be on the couch, darling. And I heard you had a dog? You know I’m allergic. The animal will just have to go. To the kennel or the pound, I don’t care.”

Fran had heard enough. Without thinking, she stepped forward and grabbed CC’s hand, squeezing it tightly in her own. CC shot her a pointed look, but didn’t pull away. DD on the other hand was looking at their clasped hands with interest.

“Oh, CC, honey, you can just stay here. This house is so big and you work so hard - I’ll make sure you and little Chester are taken care of,” Fran couldn’t believe what she was doing, but she rolled with it. “I’m very sorry to decline the plus one invitation, DD, but…CC has already invited me as her plus one.”

“How interesting. Just a second ago, she was about to have a meltdown because she didn’t even know there was a wedding, but now I’m being told she must have somehow known in advance to ask you to be her plus one first? I must say, Miss Fine, it’s not often I’m rejected. I think you’re lying.”

Ah, fuck. She’d gone and put her foot in her mouth without thinking. How could she walk this back?

“Don’t call Fran a liar,” CC snapped. Fran raised her brows, watching as CC took a second to calm down, “Like I was saying, Fran isn’t a liar - I did only just find out about the wedding. But considering…considering Fran and I have been an exclusive item for several months now, it’s only natural she’d assume she will be attending with me as my plus one. Which she will.”

“Oh, goodness!” DD stared at CC in shock, glancing from CC to Fran and back again. “You have a girlfriend? Our little crybaby CC has a girlfriend! I can’t believe you finally found someone who would be so willing to put up with you. And a few months? Your longest relationship to date has been three weeks, so this is a new record, Chas. I’m so proud.”

“Yes, well, Fran is special,” CC wouldn’t look Fran’s way, but Fran couldn’t take her eyes off the woman. “The Yin to my Yang, I would say. Fran is a… miracle .  And I will be taking her as my plus one, so back off.”

“Ah, the claws are out. Classic CC,” DD snorted, “Whatever. I don’t entirely believe you, but we’ll see. When this all blows up in your face, please know that I’d still love to take you out for a drink, Miss Fine.”

“Again, I have to politely decline,” Fran batted her eyes, unable to look away from CC, “CC is all the woman I will ever need.”

Finally, CC looked at her. Those blue eyes were so wide, so inquisitive, and it felt like they were looking at Fran for the very first time. Finally seeing her.

To be fair, it also looked like CC was about to stroke out. 

“CC, honey, why don’t you introduce DD to Mr. Sheffield? I’ll get the guest room set up for ya,” Fran leaned in, leaving a kiss on CC’s cheek, unable to help herself.

If Fran hadn’t been holding CC’s arm, she was certain that CC would have taken flight as soon as Fran’s lips left her cheek. Her face was lit up in a brilliant shade of red and her eyes were practically popping out of her skull - Fran wanted to see if she could find that shade in a lipstick.
“Y-yes, you’re right, Fran. Come this way, DD. I’ll have Niles drive us to the penthouse afterwards. I’ll grab a few things and Chester and head back so you can have your privacy.”

“Fantastic,” DD said, shooting Fran a wink as she followed CC down the hall, “Au revoir, Miss Fine! Looking forward to getting to know you better when you come to your senses.”

Fran stood in the foyer, feeling rooted in place as she watched them head deeper into the house. She wasn’t sure what she had just gotten herself into, but she hadn’t liked the way DD was speaking to CC. Sure, the Babcock family matters weren’t her business to butt into, but hearing DD’s uncaring tone in person was jarring. Fran had already met Noel, who was just as cold and bitter as DD. If everyone in CC’s life treated her that way, it was no wonder she was a cold snob - that’s all the woman knew.

Though, she had finally placed the strange warmth that DD was radiating - it was like permafrost. An ice so cold it burns. Fran had recently been to an environmental museum with Gracie where they’d had a box you could put your hand in that replicated the feeling of permafrost. There, she’d learned that when permafrost thawed, it could cause wildfires. Whereas CC’s cold demeanor reminded her of ice out of the freezer, DD seemed to be much more malicious. Much more dangerous. And Fran could see wildfires in their future.

Fran held this thought as she made a beeline for the guest bedroom. Maggie stepped out into the hall to ask a question, but Fran waved her off, her head so fuzzy that she didn’t have time to stop and think. What had she done ? It was one thing to tease CC, it was one thing to be her friend, but it was another thing to pretend to be her girlfriend . 

Closing the guest bedroom door behind her, Fran took a deep breath, looking around. As with most of the unoccupied rooms in the mansion, Niles always kept them up to date with fresh linens and air fresheners, just in case there was an impromptu guest in the house. This room was no different. Fran clutched her chest - should she hide? Should she swallow her fear and approach CC head on? Certainly the woman was going to eat her alive. 

Instead, Fran focused on plumping up the pillows. She let out a nervous laugh, ignoring the twitch in her brow. Week after week, the universe reminded her why she needed to keep her nose out of other people’s business, but week after week, she ignored the warnings. Fran was a helper. Fran didn’t like how DD was speaking to CC, so Fran decided to help. Now, Fran was probably going to be stabbed in the middle of the night by a frustrated CC Babcock who was, conveniently, just a few doors down from Fran herself. Oy vey.

Well, if this was her cause of death, at least it was at the hands of a beautiful, successful woman - which was at least two fourths of what her Ma wanted for her out of life.

Suddenly, CC burst into the room, slamming the door behind her. Fran jumped on the bed out of instinct, clutching the pillow she had been fluffing against her chest.

“Don’t hurt me - I have a weapon!” Fran shrieked, waving the pillow in the air.

CC jerked another pillow off the bed and started slapping Fran with it, feathers flying everywhere, strewn across the room. Fran started hitting CC back, their pillows colliding with one another, their hair flying in several different directions - the battle had commenced.

“Nanny Fine! How dare you tell my sister we’re dating!” CC thundered, her pillow almost knocking Fran off balance.

“I was doing you a favor! She was treating you like a schmuck, Miss Babcock. I had to step in!” Fran hit her back, CC’s lipstick leaving marks on the pillowcase as it smeared across her face with a whack.

“What? A schmuck ? Stop using words I don’t know!” CC looked wild - if she had been an animal, Fran would have been dead.

“I’ve been here four years and you don’t know what schmuck means?” Fran gaped, “Do you ever actually listen to me?”

“What’s there to listen to? You only recently started talking to me!” CC smacked her with the pillow again, this time causing Fran to fall. She tried to angle her body to land on the bed, but instead, she went tumbling forward - crashing right into a very tall, very angry CC Babcock.

Together, they fell to the floor, CC taking the brunt of Fran’s fall. Fran would normally feel bad, except for the fact that CC deserved it, probably. Maybe. Sorta?

“Well, when I talk, you don’t make an effort to listen because you don’t like me. Why would I talk to you?” Fran huffed, pushing herself up off of CC’s body into a sitting position, “Here I am, doing something nice, and you attack me like a rabid bear!”

“Oh, please,” CC grunted, pulling a pillow feather from her mouth, “I hear every word that comes out of your mouth - it’s not like I have a choice. You never shut it!”

“I see you’re not denying that you don’t like me. I thought we had really become friends,” Fran said, almost able to ignore that she was practically straddling CC Babcock. Almost . “I guess I’ll just go to the wedding with your sister instead, since she seems to like me. In fact, she may get off on taking your ex- girlfriend on a date!”

Fran started climbing off CC, already thinking of a thousand different ways she would seduce DD Babcock just to get back at the woman beneath her, when she realized CC was clutching onto her waist for dear life.

“Nanny Fine. Fran. Please,” CC started, loosening her grip as soon as she noticed Fran had stopped pulling away. Fran sat atop her in the middle of the guest bedroom, staring down at her face in a way she never had before, “I don’t dislike you. You are…tolerable. But for heaven’s sake, even you have to agree that anyone with common sense can see we’re lying. We don’t fit! You’re like the curdled cheese to my otherwise perfect charcuterie board.”

“Yeah, but aren’t you, like, you know, the closest thing adjacent to an actress?” Fran chuckled, “How hard can it be to pretend?”

“I judge actresses. I’m not an actress myself. Do you actually know what I do?” CC looked almost a little incredulous, her brows furrowed together, lips pursed, “Maybe it’s you who doesn’t listen to me.”

“I know you keep Mr. Sheffield’s business afloat. If you can do that, I figured you could do anything. Working with him causes a woman many migraines if ya know what I mean.”

“Well, I can’t pretend to love you, Nanny Fine. DD would see right through me - she’s no idiot. It’s not going to work.”

Fran tilted her head, raising a brow. She stared at CC for just a second before she lowered herself down, their bodies flush against one another from the waist up. Placing her hands on either side of CC’s head for balance, Fran leaned down and brushed the tips of their noses together, just so. She could feel CC’s heartbeat under her chest, could hear the woman’s labored as it brushed against Fran’s parted lips. The feeling caused tiny sparks to ignite on her lips, electricity running up her back, and before she could lean in -

CC shoved her off, causing Fran to tumble to the hard floor.

“Nanny Fine! ” CC sputtered as she sat up, scooting as far away from Fran as possible, “What the hell was that?!”

Fran pressed a trembling hand against her chest, trying to calm her own ragged heartbeat. 

“A damn good performance, that’s what that was!” Fran shook away her nerves, shooting CC a look of defiance, “I’d say you could pretend to love me any day of the week, Miss Babcock. You certainly look like you’re feeling somethin’ for me. Maybe not love, but….”

And boy, did CC certainly look like she was feeling something. Maybe disgust, maybe lust, but there was an emotion in those eyes that Fran couldn’t help but hone in on - fear.

CC Babcock looked downright terrified.

Of course, Fran knew why. To carry out this lie, they were going to have to date - publicly. Fake or not, CC spent a lot of time curating a certain image for herself. Being a homosexual was not part of that image. For whatever reason, just the idea of being open with her sexuality was obviously terrifying to her. Fran wanted to reach out, to tell her that it was okay, to tell her that if anyone rejected her for who she loved, they could go fuck themselves. But Fran herself had only just realized that she liked girls - what right did she have to say that to CC?

“Oh, you’ve heard Niles - I’m just touch starved. I could feel anything for anyone,” CC immediately looked away, sucking on her teeth, “Fine. Whatever. We can pretend, at least until DD goes home. And then I’ll break up with you.”

“What do I get from this?” Fran asked.

“Oh, come on! You’re the one forcing me into this, and it’s bound to fail anyways. I won’t reward a liar, Nanny Fine.”

“You definitely owe me. What would it look like to walk this back now? ‘Oh, DD, so sorry - the nanny isn’t actually my girlfriend. I was just too jealous to let you take her out on a date’.”

“Too jealous?! Is that what you think?” CC thundered, her face flushing against Fran’s words, “I’m not jealous of DD, Nanny Fine. Why would I ever be jealous of DD? To be jealous implies I have…feelings for you. I most certainly do not. I’m not capable of feeling - you know this. We talked about this the other week in the kitchen.”

“Why else would you not let me go on a date with your model sister?” Fran raised a brow, “Say what you want about me, but you know I’m a looker. I was born to look good on your sister’s arm.”

CC was suddenly angry again, that same ferocious rage in her eyes. Fran scooted backwards on instinct, until her back hit the wall. They glared at each other from opposite sides of the room.

“Well, while I don’t have feelings for you, I’d prefer you on my arm. So you’re going to the wedding with me.”

“Then we’re dating?”

“ Fake dating, Nanny Fine.”

“It’s Fran.”

“What?”

“I know we’ve already sort of entered first name territory, what with becoming the best of friends, but if we’re dating, you can’t call me Nanny Fine. It has to be Fran twenty-four-seven. What kind of girlfriend calls me Nanny Fine outside of the bedroom? Not good decorum.”

“Okay, so you’re Fran and I’m CC.”

“Nah. I’ll call you baby. Babs baby. Maybe sugar. Or I could call you Chas like DD did - is that your nickname?”

“Don’t you dare,” CC growled, “For your information, it’s part of my real name, and no, I’m not telling you what it stands for.”

“Awh, shucks. So close to solving the greatest mystery of my lifetime,” Fran snapped her finger, shaking her head, “Whatever will I do without that information?”

“Stop being such a sarcastic bitch.”

“Well, how about you stop acting like I didn’t just save your ass from major embarrassment? I mean, why do you let her speak to you that way? I’ve heard you speak to your grandma on the phone - it’s not pleasant.”

“DD and I have a very unique relationship. Really, it’s none of your business.”

“Oh, I think it is. I’m your girlfriend, remember?” Fran smirked, crossing her arms over her chest, “And as your girlfriend, here’s what I want out of this little agreement - you get a date for the wedding and don’t look like you have something shoved so far up your tuchas you can’t keep a romantic partner, and I get to make Mr. Sheffield as jealous as I want.”

CC tilted her head, looking confused.

“What does Maxwell have to do with anything?”

“Oh, sister, lemme tell ya,” Fran shrugged - they were technically dating now, albeit fake, and their friendship was slowly plodding along, so she supposed CC could know, “Your best friend Maxwell told me he loved me and then took it back the moment we got back from Paris. Why do you think I’ve been distant?”

“Yes, I have noticed that you are no longer sitting on the corner of his desk like a common pigeon and are now preening beside me on the couch,” CC said, “So that’s why I’ve been seeing more of you. That’s why you wanted to become friends.”

“I thought it was time to be a little friendlier,” Fran winked, “Helps that you’re really nice to look at.”

“So he rejected you, and your first thought was me?” CC pursed her lips, “I’m more than a rebound, Miss Fine.” 

“You’re the whole world, Babs,” Fran tilted her head, unable to help herself from smiling. Unable to help herself from meaning it .

“Whatever,” CC rolled her eyes, but Fran noticed the smile she was forcing down, “We should talk logistics. When we started liking each other, when we started dating, whatever. There’s a lot to consider.”

“Well, it’s been four months since Mr. Sheffield took back the thing , so…I think that would be our story,” Fran nodded slowly, the pieces coming together in her head, “When I got back from Paris, I was devastated. You found it annoying, like usual, and called me out on it - but instead of an argument, I started crying. You took pity on me. From there on, we started chatting as friends, and a month down the road, you admitted your feelings for me -”

“Why would I be the one admitting feelings for you? DD would never believe that,” CC let out a loud laugh, slapping her knee, “I can imagine her reaction now! No, no, you’re the one who confessed, Nanny Fine.”

“It’s Fran ,” Fran huffed, shaking her head, “If you don’t get that down now, we’ll never stand a chance. Anyway, like I was saying, I confessed my feelings to you, and you felt the same.”

“ Begrudgingly . I begrudgingly felt the same. In fact, lets just say you practically threw yourself at me and I felt bound by obligation to Maxwell not to break your heart as you’re his nanny -”

“I will leave this room right now and make out with DD. Your call.”

CC stopped laughing and Fran crossed her arms over her chest. CC narrowed her eyes and Fran started to get up, keeping her eyes locked onto CC’s. CC folded.

“Okay, okay, fine. We’ll say the feelings were mutual. So we’ve been dating for three months?”

“How about two months and a few days? We can say we kept it casual at first.”

“That’s a good idea,” CC nodded, “So we were casual and then decided that we would date. Because…”

“Because we love each other.”

“But we’re keeping it a secret from the house because you don’t want to hurt Maxwell’s feelings?”

“Hm,” Fran tilted her head, “Who gives a hell about his feelings, but I guess we can go with that. We wanted to keep it hidden so no prying yentas could get involved and Maxwell’s feelings could be spared.”

“And now we’ve been ousted by the devil herself,” CC sighed, “What a tragic end to a very hideous love story.”

“I swear if you turn this into a play and don’t give me my royalties, I’ll beat your ass,” Fran stood up, plucking loose feathers off her clothes. She surveyed the room, grimacing to herself as she looked at the mess they had made. Feathers were everywhere, and the two pillows were practically ruined. There were makeup stains all over them where the women had hit each other across the face. The previously tidy bedding was disheveled and falling out of place from Fran’s pillow dance. Glancing at CC, who was now standing and wiping her own pantsuit, Fran noticed her lipstick was smeared right across her face.

Without thinking, Fran closed the distance between them and licked her finger, wiping off the stray lipstick from CC’s soft cheek.

“Sorry - you’ve got some schmutz on ya,” Fran said, chuckling, “Niles is gonna have a field day cleaning this room.”

“Get your fingers off me,” CC grunted, trying to swat Fran’s hand away.

“As your girlfriend, it’s only natural I’d touch you. You can’t be swatting me away in front of your sister,” Fran put her hands on her hips, “We have our work cut out for us.”

“You’re telling me.”

As Fran started to reach out once again, her hand gently touching CC’s cheek, the bedroom door swung open, revealing a very excited DD and a very confused Niles. Fran felt CC freeze underneath her touch, her eyes going wild, so Fran used her hand to guide CC’s eyes back down to her own. A look of understanding passed between them and, with a twitch of her brow, CC let out a ragged breath.

“Oh my God! We totally caught you in the act. Look at this room!” DD shouted, almost bending in laughter as she pointed to the feathers on the floor, “I guess their romance is just more work for you, Niles.”

“What?” Niles furrowed his brows, looking between the women. Fran had removed her hand from CC’s cheek and placed it on her arm as she dragged the woman over to the door. CC looked as uptight as usual, Fran supposed, but there was a natural blush across her face from the unusual physical contact that definitely made them look suspicious. “What do you mean, their romance ? What do you mean, caught them in the act ?!”

Fran took a breath to speak, but was shocked to find that CC beat her to the punch.

“You heard my sister, butler boy. Fran and I are dating.”

“ What !?” Niles’ baritone voice could practically be heard shaking the walls - Fran had never heard him so loud.

“Oh, you didn’t know?” DD raised a brow at Niles, “And I thought you said you had eyes everywhere in this house?”

“I do . There’s no way…what?” Niles was at a loss for words, and Fran couldn’t blame him. She wanted to reach out and let him know that she, too, was at a loss, but that would give them away. “There’s no way Miss Fine and Miss Babcock are dating. I’d know about this, what with the way Fran is always talking. Can’t keep a secret to save her life.”

“It’s true!” Fran chuckled, “My ma always says telling her Franny a secret is like digging your own grave. Anyways Niles, it is true. My darling Cee asked me to keep it a secret and, for the first time in my life, I had the right motivation to keep my mouth shut, if ya know what I mean.”

Fran was sure CC would have choked her out right then and there given the way the woman tensed beneath her fingers, but Fran merely laughed.

“It was only a matter of time before we got together. Couldn’t stop running from fate, right, Babs?” Fran looked up at her, batting her eyelashes, just absolutely unable to stop herself.

“That’s right,” CC nodded, “And then DD had the bright idea to ask Fran on a date and ruined our perfect secret.”

“To be fair, it wasn’t DD’s fault so much as my own,” Fran pouted, “It’s an honor to be asked out by such a beautiful woman, but CC is enough woman for me. I’m proud to have her by my side.”

They had overdone it. Niles was clutching his chest, almost as if he were about to have a heart attack, and DD was staring at them with eyes that saw right through to the truth. Honestly, it was strange to have the woman in front of her - this was a woman she saw in all her magazines and had always dreamed of meeting. To find out she was a Babcock of all people was a shock to Fran’s system - but maybe not as much of a shock as what Niles was currently experiencing.

“I won’t believe it until I see proof,” Niles announced.

“What proof do you need? Immaculate conception?” CC chuckled. Fran felt something touching her waist - it took a second to realize that CC was holding her, pulling her closer, their hips bumping into one another. “The cat’s out of the bag, rat. Fran and I are in love, we’re dating, and that’s that.”

“Well, it’s good you’re in love and dating or whatever, because this guest room’s a mess,” DD shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes, “Looks like CC will just have to shack up with you until the wedding, Fran.”

“What?” CC asked, the fingers around Fran’s waist twitching.

Niles seemed to catch on to what DD was suggesting, as he was now suddenly nodding, gesturing to the mess behind them.

“The room is ruined and I’m very tired, especially once I get back from dropping off DD in Miss Babcock’s lair. If you’re so in love, you’ll just have to share a room. At least for tonight.”

“Well, that’s…that’s not a problem for us, is it?” CC stared down at her, those eyes so captivating and so vulnerable that Fran found herself nodding her head.

“Not a problem. I was plannin’ on sneakin’ over to your room tonight anyways, so this saves me the trouble,” Fran said, winking at CC.

“Ew!” Niles groaned, “I can’t handle another second of this. Let’s go, Miss Babcock. Your belongings and your mutt are waiting.”

Niles immediately stepped from the room, rushing back into the hallway. Fran felt a little sad for her friend - it would be hard to keep this secret from him.

“Chop chop, CC,” DD yawned, covering her mouth with her hand, “I’ve had a long flight in from Italy. Let’s get a move on, shall we?”

“Yes, of course,” CC nodded, leaning down and pressing a quick kiss to Fran’s cheek, “See you later, Franny.”

Fran could have blinked and missed it, but her cheek was suddenly burning.

“See ya soon, Babs,” Fran sighed, pressing her hand to her cheek. As soon as they were out of the room, she let herself fall to the bed, curling up into a tight ball.

Fran knew she wouldn’t get another wink of sleep until after the wedding - not with CC Babcock in her bedroom.