1978

by

Mary Ann

maryanncleveland@prodigy.net 

Turn back the clock. It's time to pull out that Saturday Night Fever Album!  

 

"Oh my god!" Fran Fines sits straight up in bed. She is in Maxwell Sheffield's mansion. It has been six months since Fran and Max had returned from Paris and that fateful flight when he told her he loved her but took it back the next day after the plane had landed safely. She is trembling and holding the covers close to her. "It can't be, can it?" She whispers grasping a big fist full of her hair. Her heart is pounding madly. 

The incomprehensible dream that has just awakened her this morning has triggered something in Fran's mind. A long forgotten memory is slowly making its way back to her consciousness.  

***************** 

 

"Oh, Val! I'm so excited! Graduating from Beauty College is so great! Now I can get a cool job and have my own money!" Fran and Val are standing outside Studio 54, the hottest disco in New York City. They are clutching their false ID's and praying that this time they get chosen from the line outside the very exclusive club. It was rare a regular person could even get in. The club catered to the Beautiful People, as the media of the day referred to the rich and famous who frequented the decadent discos of the late 1970's in New York. 

"I'm glad the line isn't long tonight! Probably 'cause it's so cold." Val says shivering a little 

"I guess all the beautiful people are already inside. I'm freezing!" Fran says wishing she hadn't worn her shortest danskin disco dress. Her clogs didn't do much to keep her feet warm either. Fortunately for her, she did wear the dress. The Studio 54 line manager spots her in that short dress and he opens the stanchion motioning them in. He has instructions to let attractive people into the club even if they weren't part of the rich and famous. 

Fran and Val are overjoyed and giggling as they flash their phony ID's at the doorman. At nineteen they are a couple years too young to legally drink in New York. 

"I can't believe it Val! We finally made it in! Wow! It's amazing." Fran cries looking around the huge room. The new hit record I Will Survive is blaring from the speakers and the dance floor is full of polyester clad patrons. "Val take a picture with the mirrored disco ball over me!" She gushes handing her the camera. "Oh god, Val!" She says pointing at the bar. "It's Danny Terrio from Dance Fever! Wow, I told you we'd see celebrities! He's so cool! I almost got on his show once." She confides. "I just missed the cut. Let's dance!" She cries excitedly grabbing Val's hand and leading her to the dance floor.  

After several dances, they decide to get a drink at the bar. As they are figuring out what to get, a young man approaches them from behind. "May I buy you lovely ladies a cocktail?" He says smiling. 

Fran turns around. At the sight of him her mouth drops open and her eyes go wide. "Oh god! You're that guy! Val, it's that guy we saw on The Virginia Graham Show yesterday!" She cries. "You know, the babe!" She whispers. "Take our picture!" She says giving Val the camera again. She puts her arm around him and her face close to his. They smile as Val takes the photo. 

"So, you saw me on television yesterday." He is flattered that she would remember him. "My name is Max." He says extending his hand.  

"I'm Fran and this is Val." She says giving him her most beautiful smile. She is surprised to feel her heart fluttering. 

Their eyes lock and both of their hearts skip a beat. I've never met anyone like her. Max thinks very confused by the surge that is rushing through his body. I've never been so inexplicably attracted to anyone I've just met in my life. He thinks incredulously. Stop it, old boy. You'll come on too strong and scare her away. "So, ladies! How about that drink?" Max says finally letting go of Fran's hand. Before the three of them could sit, Val is asked to dance by a man she has been smiling at across the bar. She happily accepts. 

Fran and Max are secretly thrilled to be alone. Fran's heart is doing flip-flops. What's wrong with you? She thinks very confused. It's not like you've never sat with a handsome man before! Fran has always adored Cary Grant and she absolutely loves Max's British accent. She is also admiring his green eyes and black mustache. But it is his thick head of hair that really blows her away. 

Meanwhile, Max can't take his gaze away from her beautiful brown eyes. He adores the way the tilt up slightly. It gives her an air of mystery. She looks so adorable with that Farah Fawcett hairdo. He thinks. And what a figure! I don't think I've ever seen a tinier waistline! Easy boy! He admonishes himself. 

"So, Fran. You don't look old enough to have gotten in here." He says sipping his scotch. His smile makes her heart race. 

"Well." She whispers. "Actually I'm nineteen, but I used my sister's ID." She confides leaning into him. 

Max grins at her naughtiness. "Don't worry, I'll never tell." He whispers conspiratorially leaning closer to her. Suddenly he gets up and takes her hand. "Come with me." He leads her over to his VIP table. 

"Wow! You have your own table?" Fran says very impressed. "Um, what is it you do again? Something with plays, right?" She says trying to remember why he was being interviewed on TV yesterday. She hadn't really been listening. She had just known that she thought he was a babe. 

"Yes, I'm in New York trying to produce a play here for the first time. I've been pretty successful in London, but I'm thinking of moving here permanently. The real money and prestige is on Broadway." He says not taking his eyes off her even for a second. What is wrong with you? It's not like beautiful women don't surround you every day at the theatre! Why is this young lady absolutely taking your breath away? Max's heart is racing. He is just incredibly drawn to her. He desperately wants to take her hand, and more. He looks at her and says. "Unfortunately, I have to return to London in two days. But I hope to return permanently sooner rather than later." He says quickly. 

Max smiles at her. Fran could see very tiny lines just starting to form around his eyes when he did. This causes her heart to pound a little harder. I've never felt this way before! Especially with someone I've just met. She thinks, now very confused by her strong feelings. I can't believe how attracted I am to him. "Max, your career sounds so exciting! But how does a young man just getting started in New York rate a table like this at Studio 54? I thought only the very rich and/or famous got them." She looks around at the other VIP's and starts to feel a little out of her element. 

Max blushes slightly and clears his throat. He doesn't really want to tell her how wealthy he is. That would be so tacky. "Oh, I just got lucky." He says changing the subject. "So, Fran...nineteen, huh? Are you in college?" I bet she has to beat the boys off with a stick! God, I just want to take her in my arms!  

"As a matter of fact, I just graduated from a two-year college!" She declines to mention that it was a beauty college. By his uncomfortable _expression earlier, she has deduced that he must be from a very wealthy family. He is so classy and cultured sounding that she is just a little intimidated about her own background. I wonder what it would be like to kiss him. What's wrong with you? She thinks. I really think I have gone off the deep end! 

The record changes to Don't Throw It All Away, which for some reason is Fran's favorite song. Max sees her _expression. "Would you care to dance?" He says smiling offering her his arm. He leads her to the dance floor and takes her in his arms. He can't resist pulling her in close to him. He is afraid she can feel his pounding heart. Oh my god does this feel good! She drives me bloody mad with desire. He thinks desperately.  

Fran smiles up at him. "Max you are a marvelous dancer. It's so nice to be with a man who actually knows the moves!" She is thrilled to finally be in his arms. I can't believe how good this feels, he drives me crazy! She thinks resting his head on his shoulder and moving rhythmically with him. Suddenly, 1978's monster hit More Than a Woman starts playing. Max twirls her into his arms and holds her close. Fran is delighted that he is such a terrific dancer. 

The song ends as Funky Town begins. Max and Fran smile at each other, silently agreeing that it is a ridiculous song. Max leads her back to his table. Though he knows he shouldn't, he just can't help himself. He takes her hand and leans closer to her. "Fran, it's so blasted loud in here. I just would love to get to know you better. I have a beautiful suite at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel." He says hesitantly. "I promise to be a perfect gentleman. I just want to talk and learn more about you." He looks hopefully into her eyes and smiles that incredible smile that almost stops her heart. 

She is stunned as she hears herself agree to go. Max can't believe it either. His heart soars. He jumps up and offers her his arm again. He is afraid that she'll change her mind. Fran is astonished that she is having absolutely no second thoughts about her impulsive decision. She's only known this man for an hour and she's going to his hotel room? Ma would have a heart attack if she ever found out! Which reminds her. "Excuse me, Max." She says. He looks worried that she might have changed her mind. He sees her walking over to her girlfriend and is relieved that she just has to go tell her friend she was leaving. 

"Val! You are not going to believe this!" Fran says excitedly dragging Val away from her dance partner. The same guy Val had hooked up with an hour ago. "Max has asked me to go to his hotel room!"  

Val's mouth drops open. "Fran! You can't do that! You don't even know him!" She says shocked. She looks over at Max and is suddenly a little jealous of her friend. She definitely can't blame Fran for wanting to go to his room. "Are you going to sleep with him? Tell me everything!" Val cries. She says suddenly very excited. 

"Oh, Val! You know I can't do that. But, god! I'm so drawn to him! I can't explain it." She says shaking her head a little. "Val, ma thinks I'm sleeping over your house. When you get home, take the phone off the hook so if she calls, she'll get a busy signal." 

"Sure, Fran. Have fun!" Val says going back to her dance partner. I hope she knows what she's doing. 

 

***************** 

 

Max opens the huge double door to the fabulous Waldorf-Astoria penthouse suite. Fran gasps as they enter. She has never seen a more beautiful room. A huge living room with a large crackling fire in he fireplace. The bedroom was just off the dining room. The view of the Manhattan skyline was breathtaking. The sight of the fairly newly built World Trade Center Twin Towers that lights up the night is astounding. 

"Oh, Max! I figured earlier that you must be wealthy, but this!" Fran exclaims a little self-consciously. "I come from Queens. I don't think I belong here." She says shyly looking down. She is rooted in the doorway. 

"Nonsense!" He says nonchalantly leading her in. He is touched at her trepidation. "You deserve a palace!" He takes her hand and leads her to the large sofa in front of the fireplace. Max slips a Moody Blues eight track tape into the tape player. The Moody Blues are my favorite group." He says as he turns the volume low. "They are from the same part of England as I." He walks over to the bar and pours them both a glass of white wine. "I shouldn't really be contributing to your wickedness." He jokes as he hands her the wine. "Perhaps you better show me that ID again." His eyes twinkle. In this light she looks like an angel. He thinks happily. 

Fran gives him a beautiful smile as she takes the glass of wine. "Max, I have to tell you. I can't believe I came to your room. I've never done anything like this in my life. But, there's something about you. I feel like I've known you all my life. It's so confusing." She admits to him.  

He is delighted with her confession. "Fran you won't believe it, but I feel exactly the same way. From the moment I saw you I knew I had to be with you. I feel like we've met before. Have you ever been to England?" He says, knowing that they have never met. He couldn't possibly have forgotten her. 

Fran laughs. "I've only been to New Jersey and Miami Beach. I would love to visit London someday. It seems like such a romantic city." She says wistfully. 

Max moves closer to her. He dares to take her hand in his. "Then you will. I am sure of it." He whispers. His heart is starting to pound harder at being this close to her and touching her. He remembers his promise to be a perfect gentleman. How can I control myself? Look at her. She's so lovely! I just want to take her in my arms. Suddenly, without thinking that's exactly what he does. "Oh excuse me, Fran. I shouldn't have done that." He says quickly releasing his embrace. He looks sheepishly at her. Max is appalled with himself for his sudden familiarity towards this beautiful stranger. I hope she's not angry. He thinks worriedly. 

Fran smiles at him. "I didn't mind." She says a little shyly. She moves closer to him and he gratefully puts his arm around her. They sit for hours talking about their lives. He was fascinated by her stories from Queens and her crazy relatives. He was surprised that she makes him laugh out loud numerous times. He has never been with a woman like this. Max regales Fran with stories of England and his days at Eaton. His theatre background impresses her. He had started as a dresser for the famous actors and moved quickly up to producer.  

Max can finally stand it no longer. "Fran, may I kiss you. I know I promised to be a gentleman, but I've wanted to kiss you all evening." He says a little nervously looking imploringly into her eyes. 

It's about time. She thinks happily. I thought he'd never get around to it. It's practically all I've thought about since I met him! She looks softly in his eyes and tilts her lips up to him. 

"Oh, Fran." Max whispers. He takes her in his arms and kisses her softly. He leans her back on the couch applying soft kisses to her lips. He is happy for this innocent intimacy. When she instinctively slides her tongue in his mouth he lets out an involuntary groan. "Fran, Fran." He whispers. "This feels so good." He nuzzles her ears and kisses down her throat slowly. His hands tenderly caress her. He is careful not to become too intimate. He had promised her, after all. 

His actions are driving Fran into a slight frenzy. Her body is tingling. She can't resist pulling his body into hers. The feeling of his arousal against her thin dress is having a drastic effect on her. He longs to press his erection into the cleft of her legs, but curbs the impulse. With an eagerness that was instinctive, Fran arches her body into it, in effect accomplishing what he wouldn't do for himself. Her groin is throbbing and she presses herself more fiercely into him. "Oh, Max!" She murmurs. Oh my god! This feels so good! I can't believe I'm doing this! She thinks happily. 

"Fran. If you continue with that, I'm not going to be able to keep my promise" Max moans desperately. His breathing is becoming very heavy. His hand tentatively finds her breast. When she doesn't push him away, he becomes braver. He caresses it. Her low cut dress slides easily aside and he lowers his head to her other breast and gently nips it with his tongue. He is delighted as he feels it harden at his touch. 

She slows down and looks tenderly up at him. "Whatever you want Fran." He whispers looking up at her, his eyes at half-mast. "We can continue this on the bed, it will be so much more comfortable." Max is thrilled as she nods trustingly at him. They stand up and he leads her to his bed. Before they get in he kisses her. Max lets his hand find the zipper of her dress. He unzips it as she lifts the thin straps off her shoulders. The dress falls in a puddle around her ankles. 

Max gasps as she is standing before him in just her pink lace panties. "Oh, Fran. You are beautiful." He whispers taking in her perfect body. He rips his shirt off quickly and unbuckles and unzips his trousers. They fall in a heap next to her dress. Max steps out of them and lifts her up. He takes her into his arms and sets her on the bed, getting in quickly. He applies soft kisses to her lips, neck, breasts and stomach. 

"Fran, you're so soft." He murmurs. "I want you so badly." He looks hopefully in her eyes. 

"Max, I feel the same. I've never felt like this before." She looks tenderly up at him. 

"Let me please you, darling." He pleads rubbing his cheek softly to hers. I've never wanted to please a woman so desperately. He thinks, astounded at his true feelings. 

"Yes." She sighs kissing him softly. Fran is nervous, but so excited that she can't say no. 

He kisses her a little more passionately. His heart is starting to pound and he is getting more than a little excited. Max slowly lets his hand slide down her body to her panties. He lets his hand cup between her legs causing her to cry out softly. Emboldened by her reaction Max gently reaches into them. Fran lets out an involuntary moan as his fingers find her heat. He softly slides her apart to find the spot he must attend. He has to make her very ready for him. He slowly slides his finger back and forth very lightly. "Oh, god, you're wet." He moans. He's overjoyed that his is obviously pleasing her so much. He lets his finger enter her and is slightly surprised at how tight she is. He is overjoyed that her muscles grip him tightly. 

"Oh, Max!" She cries as she feels him deliciously inside of her. "Please make love to me. I need you now!" She whispers looking desperately into his eyes. 

"Fran." His heart is pounding through his chest and is very grateful that she wants him so badly. He couldn't stand it if he couldn't be in her soon. He positions himself over her to finally enter. As Max tries to go into her he is having trouble. "Relax darling." He whispers. "I won't hurt you." She's so tense and tight. He thinks. It's almost like she's... Suddenly it comes to him. Oh, NO! He looks down at her. Oh, Fran!" He whispers. His heart is pounding even more madly. 

Oh, no! He knows! I have to do something before he backs out! She thinks. Seeing the panicked look on his face she quickly grabs his bottom thrusts him into her. "OH!" She cries out in pain and ecstasy. 

"NO!" Max cries out in surprise. "Oh, NO! Oh, Fran!" He cries guiltily. Oh, god! Why did she do that? He lays still for a second in shock. His forehead is resting on her shoulder. Fran is holding him very tightly. Now that it was too late to stop, Max couldn't resist her. He gently slides himself in deeper. He doesn't want to cause her anymore pain. He softly, rhythmically presses himself in. Hearing the little noises of pleasure she was making, makes him start to feel better. He knows his is pleasing her. She is so tight! This is unbelievable. I don't know how long I can hold out! 

Wow! Fran thinks. That kind of hurt, but this feels so good at the same time. The feeling of him inside her is causing her heart to pound. She is breathing very hard. She is starting to feel unfamiliar waves of pleasure taking over her thoughts and grinds herself up into Max urgently. She suddenly grips him tightly. He can feel the inner walls of her massaging him like a fist. The feeling is making it very hard to control himself. "OH, Max, Max!" She cries writhing into him one last time. She melts into the sheets as the last waves of ecstasy envelope her. 

A grateful Max witnesses her obvious orgasm. He can hold out no longer and explodes into her. "Fran!" He cries out. "Oh, god...Fran!" He collapses on top of her. He is trying to catch his breath. His chest is heaving. "My god, that was absolutely incredible!" All of a sudden he remembers. Oh my god! She is...was a virgin! What have I done? He thinks starting to feel very guilty again. Did I hurt her? Well, of course you did. But, she doesn't seem to be in pain. Max slowly gets off of her and tenderly props himself over her. He looks lovingly down at her. 

Fran opens her eyes for the first time since her climax. She sees him smiling down at her. She smiles somewhat shyly back. "Max." Was all she could say looking lovingly up at him. 

His heart races at her sweet _expression, and at the realization of what he has done to her. He gathers her in his arms. "Fran, why didn't you tell me you were a virgin?" He whispers holding her protectively to him. He is trembling slightly at the thought that he is her first. Oh, I'm not the right man for a virgin! Max knows from experience that he is much too well endowed for a woman's first time. He also knows that he must have caused her much discomfort. He is slightly terrified that he may have really hurt her. 

"I was afraid that if I did, that you wouldn't make love to me." She says a little bashfully. 

"You would have been right." He says looking tenderly down at her. Suddenly he feels very proud that she wanted him to be her first. "Did I hurt you badly?" He asks sympathetically. He knows that she must be in some pain, and he hugs her tightly.  

"No." He looks at her skeptically. 

"Well...it kind of hurt good." 

Max smiles at that. It will get better, trust me. Next time it won't hurt." He says kissing her softly. 

"Next time?" She says looking at him. 

"Of course. What kind of a man do you think I am? I took your virginity, do you think I take that lightly?" He rubs his cheek gently to hers and tightens his grip. Suddenly he realizes the truth. "Fran, you're not going to believe this, but I think I'm falling in love with you." He whispers, his body starting to tremble again as he realizes that it is true. 

Fran looks at him in shock. It's exactly what she had just been thinking. "Max, you won't believe it, but I think I'm feeling the same." She says looking at him wide-eyed. This is not happening. A handsome millionaire and me! It's just unbelievable. She thinks awestruck. 

He smiles and kisses her. He is relieved by her confession "I would love to make love to you again tonight." Seeing the apprehensive look she gives him, he quickly whispers. "I know we can't. Trust me, it won't hurt again after tonight." He says again. He is charmed by her innocence. Max no longer feels guilty. He knows he wants to be with her. 

She kisses him. "I have to be going, Max. Val can't cover for me forever." She says, not wanting to leave. 

Max is disappointed. "I wish you could stay all night! Tomorrow is my last night in New York. Please let me take you out. Anywhere you want!" He says hugging her again. 

"Can we go back to Studio 54?" She says excitedly. 

"Of course! Meet me here at eight o'clock! I'll take you there." They get dressed and he escorts her downstairs. She gets into a taxi. "How much to Flushing?" He asks the driver. Max pays him. He kisses Fran goodbye. "I can't wait for tomorrow night." He says smiling. She waves as the cab drives out of sight.  

Maxwell walks to the elevator. When he gets to his bed, he falls into the most peaceful sleep of his life. 

 

 

"Oh Fran! You didn't!" Val exclaims excitedly. They are in Val's bedroom, where a few minutes ago Fran had crawled in through the window. "Tell me everything! Did it hurt? How did it feel?" Val is still a virgin also, and is a little jealous of Fran. 

"Oh Val! It did hurt at first, but the feeling I got later made it well worth it!" She confides. "Val, he told me that he thinks he's in love with me. I think I feel the same way! Isn't that crazy! I mean I've only know him six hours!" She says shaking her head. She suddenly remembers her orgasm and shudders with pleasure.

"Val, it was so wonderful!" She says looking at her seriously. "I highly recommend it."  

"When are you going to see him again?" Val asks. 

"Tonight! We're going back to Studio 54! I can't wait!" She cries excitedly. "I'd better get some sleep." She says lying down next to Val. 

 

***************** 

 

The ringing telephone awakens Max. "Niles! What's the matter?" He says looking at his watch. He's slept nine hours. 

"It's your brother, sir. He's been in an accident." His butler Niles informs him. 

"Nigel? OH, God!" Max cries. He runs his hand through his hair and jumps out of bed. 

"Don't worry, sir. He's going to be fine. He was calling for you though. Your parents are out of the country, and he doesn't want to see them anyway." Nigel is fifteen, ten years younger than Maxwell. Their parents are pretty horrible people and Max had taken Nigel under his wing years ago. 

"I've booked you on the next flight to London on British Airways. It leaves in an hour." Niles says. 

Max rushes to dress and pack. He gets to the airport just in time. He settles into his first class seat. Only after the plane takes off and his mind has relaxed does he remember. He sits straight up in his seat. Oh god! Fran! Suddenly he realizes that he doesn't even know her last name. Why didn't I get her bloody phone number? Oh god, she's going to think I ran out on her! He thinks really starting to panic. I have no idea how to find her! "What do I do now?" He whispers sadly falling back in his seat.  

***************** 

 

"Hello, young man." Max says looking affectionately at Nigel. They are in the palatial Sheffield Mansion in London. "How are you feeling?"  

"Max." You came!" Nigel says happily. "I feel much better. The doctor said my leg is broken, but it's a clean break. I'll be good as new soon. It was a pretty wild football game. I ran into the goalie and got caught in the net. A freak accident." Nigel says sheepishly.  

Max smiles down at him. He is thrilled that his brother won't suffer any permanent damage. He feels responsible for Nigel and is glad that he can be here for him. Now that he doesn't have to worry about Nigel, his thoughts go back to Fran. The entire trip from New York he had tried to figure out a way to find Fran. He knew that he would have to hire a private investigator. Of course, with no last name how the bloody hell could she be found? He thinks very worried that he will never see her again. 

 

Fran walks through the doors of the fabulous Waldorf-Astoria Hotel. The doorman gives her an appreciative look. She takes the elevator to the penthouse. She rings the doorbell and waits. "May I help you?" The elegant lady asks smiling at Fran. 

"Um, is Max here?" She asks starting to get a little apprehensive. 

"Max? I'm sorry young lady. You must have the wrong room." She says kindly as she closes the door. 

Fran's blood turns to ice. She's slowly realizing the horrifying truth. "Oh, god! He wouldn't have...would he?" She whispers. She thinks back to last night. He had seemed so honorable. He just wasn't the type to run out on a woman. He didn't even want to go all the way when he figured out I was a virgin! 

Fran walks slowly out of the hotel. Maybe he said to meet him at Studio 54. She brightens a little at the thought. Fran rushes to the disco. She gets in line and gives the line manager her most dazzling smile. He remembers her from last night and motions her in. Fran looks desperately around the club. Max's VIP table is empty. He is nowhere to be seen. Defeated, she walks sadly outside. Tears are forming in her eyes. I never would have believed it of him. How could my instincts have been so wrong? Sadly she realizes how this has permanently scarred her. I'll never trust a man again. She sobs getting into her car and driving to Val's. 

************** 

 

A week has passed since Max returned to England. He has finished his business in London and knows he has to get back to New York. He has to do everything in his power to try to find her. He books the same suite at the Waldorf-Astoria hoping against hope that she will try to find him. Max frequents Studio 54 every night and stays until closing for weeks. He periodically goes outside to check the line to see if she's there. The private investigator, of course, had come up empty handed. With no last name, the investigator had no chance to locate a nineteen-year old woman.  

Max has no choice but to resume his life without Fran. He returns to London and is very successful. He meets a beautiful young American woman and decides to move to New York and tackle Broadway. As the weeks turn into months and the months turn into years he almost completely forgets about the beautiful woman he met at Studio 54. Falling in love with Sara had filled the horrible void that was in his heart for a year. He was happy with her and their new baby daughter. 

He meets a very ambitious woman at a society party. She is a bored socialite and her passion is Broadway. Max impulsively hires her as his personal assistant. C.C. Babcock's drive and natural head for business progresses Sheffield Productions. Her chutzpa and aggressive manner compliments Max's creativeness and charm. In a short time, the two of them turn Broadway on its ear. They actually own it until a young Englishman breaks through with a hit Max had turned down...Cats. But even that little mistake didn't hinder their successful business. 

Max and C.C. were quite successful in their own right. They produced the best revivals on Broadway. He honed his niche in the theatre community. Andrew Lloyd Webber was more original and creative, but Maxwell Sheffield, with the help of his talented assistant brought New York many plays that brought patrons back into the New York theatre fold. 

Max's butler Niles at first was reviled by the snobbish C.C. He despised her haughty manner and her holier-than-thou attitude. But after years of secretly analyzing her, Niles realized that she is a scared puppy. Her imperious manner was her only defense. She was actually insecure and unhappy. This brought out Nile's instinctively protective feelings towards her. She was beautiful, no denying that. Even though her harsh personality would make it nearly impossible for most men to see it. Niles though wasn't most men.  

Of course, through no fault of their own, they were born into different stations in life. He knew that it was unlikely they could ever end up together. Years of sexual desire towards her had morphed into mutual insults and bantering. It was their only release, for C.C. had also unknowingly felt attracted to Niles. Though she would never admit it, and constantly went after Maxwell. She knew deep down that Max would never be hers, and was secretly tortured to have feelings for a servant. 

 

**************** 

 

"It can't be! It would be a billion shot to one for it to have been him." Fran whispers. She realizes that she is shivering. She hasn't thought of that incredible night that took place almost twenty years ago in more than eighteen years. She had been a young woman then and had bounced back from her heartache, but it had taken two full years before the memory had all but completely faded from her consciousness. After all, it was only six hours out of her life. Albeit an astounding six hours. As the years had gone by, she had all but forgotten him. Now twenty years later, the memories are flowing back. 

It can't be, he would never have done that to a person. He is so honorable. He would never take a girl's virginity, declare his love, and then sneak away without a word. Suddenly she remembers the box. That box that contains the mementos from her youth. She had put it in her closet last year after retrieving it from Sylvia's apartment a couple days before her camp reunion. That reunion where Mr. Sheffield had simply taken her breath away by showing up at the last minute to rescue her from an embarrassing situation. 

Fran jumps out of bed and runs to her closet. She drags the box out and kneels on the floor rummaging through it. Her heart skips a beat as she sees it...the green envelope with the Fotomat logo. With trembling fingers she takes the photos out of the envelope. The first one makes her smile. It is her posing under the mirrored disco ball at Studio 54.  

Her heart starts pounding rapidly as she looks at the next picture. "Oh my god!" She cries tears suddenly stinging her eyes. The mustache hides much of his face, but there is no mistaking that hair and those eyes. Fran starts trembling as she stares at his face. She can't take her eyes off of it. Her breath is coming in short spurts and her pounding heart feels as if it's going to burst through her chest. 

"Max." She whispers touching the photo. A single tear trickles down her cheek. 

 

**************** 

 

Fran skips breakfast and has the Sheffield limo take her to Flushing. She runs down the stairs to Val's basement apartment. "Fran! What are you doing here? It's so early, do you want some coffee?" Val says pouring her a cup. She is a little taken back at the _expression on her best friend's face. What's going on? She wonders. 

"Val!" Was all Fran could say. Her face is ashen as she pulls the photograph out of her purse. Fran hands it to her. She can't wait to see Val's reaction. 

Confused, Val looks at it. Her mouth drops open as 1978 stares her straight in the face. "Fran! Oh my god, Fran!" She cries, instantly recognizing the enormity of the photo she is now clutching. Val looks at her in disbelief. Her heart starts beating faster. "I don't believe it! That was almost twenty years ago! It was him?" Val's mind takes her back to that fateful night. The night Fran crawled though her bedroom window and confessed her loss of innocence. She also remembers the next night when she had to comfort her devastated friend. Fran had felt so betrayed when she discovered that Max had left without telling her. 

 

Fran had driven to Val's apartment after she left the disco. When Val let her in, she had nearly collapsed into her arms. Val led her to the bedroom. Fran had cried for hours, not just for her loss of innocence to a man who was so obviously a cad. But, for the fact that she would never completely trust a man again. Val could do little but rock Fran in her arms and let her cry it out. 

 

"Fran, Mr. Sheffield would never do something like that! It can't be him." Val says studying the picture more closely. She shakes her head in complete astonishment. There was no doubt...It was him. 

"Val, how can I ever trust him? Any man who could do that to a young girl is inherently rotten! Has his kind and gentle manner all been an act? When he told me he loved me on that plane from Paris and took it back was he just acting about being guilty? I'm so confused! What am I going to do?" Fran's heart is now racing. "Oh, Val. No wonder I was so attracted to him! This is just too huge! It's absolutely astounding! I mean, what are the odds that I would have knocked on his door almost two decades later?" Fran is starting to babble slightly as the shock of her discovery is wearing off. 

"Val, how could I have not recognized him? How could he have not recognized me?" She says shaking her head in wonderment. I still can't believe this is really happening! She thinks. 

"Fran, you guys were together, what five or six hours? It was pretty dark in the disco, and I'm sure you didn't have bright lights on in his hotel suite. His hair was permed and a he had mustache. You were nineteen and he was twenty-five years old. I would be amazed if you did recognize each other!" Val says wisely. 

Fran is surprised that Val is absolutely right. It doesn't happen very often. "Val, I've made a decision. I can't hold this in any longer. I'm going to confront him tonight." She says determinedly. "And, no more Mr. Sheffield. From now on it's Max. After what we've done, he's no longer just my boss." She takes a deep breath, puts the photo carefully in her purse and leaves. 

*************** 

 

Fran finds ways to avoid seeing Max throughout the day. When they finally sit down to dinner, it was all she could do to keep from thrusting the photograph into his face and demanding an explanation. She is a little surprised that he is in such a fine mood this evening. He is so gracious and charming that she just can't believe he could have been such a cad so many years ago. 

Unknown to Fran, Max was lately starting to think he made a mistake taking back The Thing several months ago. As day after day goes by, he is finding it harder to control his feelings for her. He is starting to finally admit to himself what everyone has known for years...that he is crazy about her. Admit it Maxwell, you were mad about her the second she walked in the door almost four years ago. He remembers the day she walked through his door. He had been almost mesmerized by her beauty and sense of humor. The resume written in lipstick had completely charmed him. He had felt inexplicably drawn to her. If he hadn't hired her that day, he would have asked her on a date. After he hired her though, he had to push those thoughts to the back of his mind that very day. He knew he couldn't explore those feelings if she was going to work for him. He would have to keep their relationship strictly professional. 

 

"Miss Fine, you're awfully quiet this evening. Is something wrong?" Max gives her a charming smile. They are having dinner alone this Friday evening. The kids had gone to their school's football game and then they were spending the evening at their friend's homes. She's so lovely, I can't believe I took back telling her I love her. He thinks. He gets a little worried when she doesn't answer him immediately. I wonder what's bothering her? She's never this quiet. 

"Um, no. Everything's fine." She says as his question breaks her reverie. She doesn't address him as 'Mr. Sheffield' as she normally would. But she wasn't quite ready to call him 'Max.' Not just yet. Fran forces a smile at him. His current charming manner is just confusing her even more. 

After dinner Fran retreats to her room. She draws a hot bath. She very much needs to relax and do some serious thinking. After a half hour she make a decision. After getting out of the tub and drying off, she puts on her white silk pajamas and matching slippers. She puts the photograph in the breast pocket. Fran takes a deep breath and opens the door. She walks down the hall to his room. 

Fran gathers all her courage. She is nervous, but strangely excited at what Max's reaction is going to be. Her heart is racing. She softly knocks on his door. 

Maxwell opens his bedroom door and is surprised, but not displeased, to see Miss Fine standing there. "Hello, Miss Fine." He says holding the door open. "Did you want to talk to me about something?" He knew she had something on her mind at dinner. He is relieved that she seems ready to discuss it with him. 

"Um, Max. I need to talk to you. It's important." She says her heart now pounding. 

"Of course." He says taking her hand and leading her to the couch in front of the fireplace. Did she just call me Max? She's never called me that before. Why does it sound so pleasantly familiar? He is extremely curious as to what she has to say. "Please sit. Can I offer you a drink?" He says already pouring the white wine into a crystal glass. 

The memory of another bedroom scene long ago similar to this suddenly flashes in her mind. The recollection causes her to shiver slightly. 

"Are you cold Miss Fine?" Max says as he notices her shiver. He sits next to her and hands her the glass. 

"No, I'm all right." She says deciding she really needs this drink. She downs it in one gulp causing Max to raise his eyebrows in surprise. She's not a drinker. I wonder why she so obviously needed that one so badly? He thinks now starting to get a little worried about the reason she is here. 

"So, Miss Fine. Did you want to tell me what you wanted to talk to me about?" He says tenderly taking her hand. The smile he gives her almost takes her breath away. It does nothing to calm her pounding heart. God she's so adorable in her little white pajamas! He thinks. She looks so innocent, so sweet. A little shiver of déja vu shoots though him, but for the life of him he can't fathom it. It's almost like I've been here before, but of course I haven't. Well, I guess that's what déja vu is. He thinks a little confused. He knows that this is all too familiar, but can't for the life of him figure out why. He turns his attention back to Miss Fine. 

"Um, Max." Fran begins slowly. She looks down at her hands. He registers a slightly surprised look at the unfamiliarity of her using his first name again, but he doesn't comment. "What would you think of a man who would...uh, take a young girls innocence, declare his love, than run out on her the very next day, never to be seen again?" She looks up at him nervously. 

Maxwell is thoroughly confused. Why is she asking me that? "Oh, god! Margaret!" He looks at her in horror. "Oh, dear god!" He cries. 

"No, no! Not Maggie." She says quickly. 

"Thank god!" Max cries. He settles down comforted that she's not talking about his daughter. "I don't understand, Miss Fine. The man is obviously a cad. Who are we talking about? She should come with a bloody owners manual. I don't understand what she's talking about half the time.  

Fran swallows. Her pounding heart is threatening to burst through her chest. Her _expression is starting to frighten him. "Please tell me who this bounder is, Miss Fine." Max says taking her hands. 

"You." She says softly, looking deeply into his eyes.  

"WHAT? What are you talking about? I've never taken an innocent girl...!" Suddenly a twenty-year-old memory screams at him. He remembers a hotel room and a beautiful young brunette. The memory of him holding her protectively after taking her innocence floods his mind. Oh, my god! OH MY GOD! His brain shouts at him. It can't be! Suddenly a plethora of twenty-year old memories flood his mind. "IT CAN'T BE!" He cries out loud. Max takes Fran's arms and looks desperately into her face. She takes the photo out of her pocket and holds it up to him. His mouth drops open and his face turns white as 1978's Max and Fran smile back at him. 

"IT''S BLOODY IMPOSSIBLE! Oh my god! Fran! FRAN! He takes her in his arms. "This can't be happening!" He cries stunned. 

"Oh, Max...how could you? How could you have deserted me?" Suddenly she bursts into tears. The incredible emotions she has experienced the last twelve hours have finally taken their toll on her. She buries her head in his chest.  

"Fran, Fran!" He cries, his whole body trembling in disbelief, and sheer elation. "I tried to find you! I didn't know your last name! I hired a private investigator! Nigel had an accident and I had to fly to London that morning!" Suddenly he is remembering everything as if it were yesterday. 

Max tries to catch his breath. His mind is reeling. Is this a dream? This is impossible! A billion to one shot that we have found each other! He holds her at arms length. He stares at her then down at the photo that is now lying on the couch. No wonder I was so bloody attracted to her when she knocked on my door almost four years ago! He suddenly realizes. 

Fran is so relieved at his explanation, and by the fact that he remembers that astounding night. "Oh, Mr. Sheffield! You remember!" She says unconsciously using his last name. "I mean, Max. I can't very well call you Mr. Sheffield anymore. Not after, well..." She says looking down now a little embarrassed. 

"Fran, my beautiful Fran!" He takes her back into his arms. I thought of you for years! Right up until I met Sara. Fran, I had to push that night out of my mind. I remember now. Oh, god! I took you virginity!" His heart starts beating madly as he realizes how enormous this all is. Suddenly he kisses her. 

"Oh, Max. I've loved you for so long now." Fran whispers as they lay back on the couch holding each other, afraid to let go.  

"Fran, I always felt so guilty for my feelings for you. That's why I took back saying I loved you. I thought a man could only have one true love, and that I lost mine when Sara died." He says as tears form in his eyes. Max looks deeply into her eyes. "Now I realize that I loved you first." As the realization suddenly hit him, his emotions crash down on his brain. Maxwell starts sobbing. He's crying for the years wasted without her. He had loved Sara, no doubt about it, but he now knows that Fran Fine is his true soul mate.  

Max would have married her that night he took her innocence if she had asked him, and he would have had absolutely no trepidations. "Oh my darling, my darling." He cries holding her again, afraid to let go. He is terrified that he is dreaming. All of a sudden Max remembers that night almost two decades ago vividly. He had pushed the memory of his mind because it had been so painful. He had forced himself to forget her, and that astounding evening. He had never taken a girl's innocence before or since. That alone had affected him deeply. The fact that she had chosen him, a nineteen-year old girl/woman had waited for him, had shaken him to his core. He now remembers distinctly every single second of that night so long ago. The memories flood back like a tidal wave. 

"Fran, I took your virginity." He says softly. She looks up at him She is on the verge of tears again as she witnesses the look of pure love in his eyes. "I don't take that lightly. That makes you mine." He lifts her and carries her to his bed. "I love you Fran." His body is still trembling. The utter shock of this incredible night hasn't worn off, but Max knows only one thing. He has to have her, here and now. 

"I was always yours, Max." She whispers holding her arms around his neck as he carries her to his bed. 

He lays her down and gets next to her. He takes her in his arms again and looks her in the eyes. "You know what this means, don't you?" He says with a twinkle in his eyes. "You were nineteen, I was twenty five. Now I know your real age." Max kisses her triumphantly. 

 

The End 

 

 

Many of you have emailed me asking which story of mine is my favorite. Well, you've just read it! I hope you enjoyed it. Mary Ann