Road Trip

Road Trip


Max takes Fran on a drive from New Orleans to Pensacola Beach, to keep her from finding out about the secret he has planned for her.

Max woke up just as light started to filter in through the curtains. He co't 't wait to get Fran over to Pensacola Beach to get her mind off calling home. He grabbed the coffee pot and started to make coffee, then thought better of it. He'd take her to Waffle House. That would get them underway faster. He'd made reservations at the Portofino Inn, right on the beach. He couldn't wait to get there and show Fran some more fun times. Now, just to get the sleepyhead out of the bunk. He walked to the v berth and shook Fran gently.

"Fran, sweetheart, time to wake up!"

One eye opened slowly. "Oh, it's barely light! What time is it?"

"Just past six" He backed away, anticipating being slapped.

"Oh, honey, come back to bed! It's too early for anything." She smiled at him."Almost".

Ok, she was awake. "Come on, darling, time to get up, we're driving to Florida, remember?"

"Ma-ax!"

"I'll buy you pecan waffles...." that should work!

"And bacon and eggs?" She batted her eyes at him

"Eoranorange juice, now get up." She was absolutely adorable when she was waking up. It reminded him of Maggie and Grace when they were little.

She stretched and slowly emerged from the bed. "What, you're not showered yet?" She rubbed her eyes. She couldn't believe he'd gotten her up this early.

"No, darling, I knew the shower would wake you." Well, since he woke her anyway, that was the wrong thing to say.

She shot him a look filled with daggers. "How nice of you to shake me instead of letting the soothing sound of water falling wake me up!" She watched Max packing them an overnight bag for the trip. "I'm sorry, sweetie, I'll shower first, maybe I'll be less cranky when I'm more awake." She kissed him before entering the shower.

Max listened to the water running, and inhaled the delicious smell of her soap and shampoo, fighting the urge to join her. He finished packing their bag as Fran emerged from the shower.

"I feel much, betta!" "You didn't pack my blow dryer did you?" She looked into the bag.

"No, I didn't pack it, the hotel has one already, so I thought we'd just leave yours here." "Check what clothes I packed for you, see if you want anything else. And, darling, we're only taking ONE bag of clothes, so pack accordingly, would you?" He ran his hands through her wet hair. "You are so beautiful". He kissed her gently and disappeared into the shower.

Fran looked through the overnight bag. He'd packed her two dresses, two short sets, her bikini and cover up, and some long pants in case of cold weather coming through. She grabbed her white negligee and packed it along with the matching robe. The boat may be too small for such things, but the hotel sure won't! Fran breathed deeply, taking in the musky scent of Max's soap. Never had a man driven her so wild just by showering.

Max turned off the water and emerged in a towel. Fran had to turn away to fight the urge to push him right back into the bed. "Do we have a bag for the shampoos and soaps?"

Max handed her a small bag. "Here, this one's lined, in case anything leaks."

"Niles has me so spoiled, I'm not used to packing for myself!" She took the bag and filled it with their bath items. "I think I'll leave my curlers here" She looked at Max's shocked expression. "I know, I surprised myself! But if we're stayin' on the beach and gonna be in and out of the water and wind, leaving it straight will be easiest, don't you think?"

He'd seen how long she took to curl her hair and apply products to hold the curls. "Yes, sweetheart, I think that's a good idea. We'll have more time for other activities."

"Mr. Sheffield!"

"I was talking about bike riding, wind surfing, swimming. What activities were YOU thinking of?" he asked her innocently.

"Oh, I was thinking about renting a wave runner or finding some good shopping spots!" She grinned at him. "Didn't you promise me I could burn up one of your credit cards?"

Max just shook his head. No one could shop like Fran Fine. Fran finished drying her hair and pulled it back with a head band. "Ready? I'm hungry!"

After a quick stop at Waffle House, they were on their way. As they drove through Gulfport, Mississippi, Max had to calm Fran down as they passed the large outlet mall.

"Max, Max! Look! Old Navy! Tommy Hilfigar! MAX! Turn off here!"

"Fran, darling, we'll have plenty of time for shopping in Florida. There are shops all along the beach."

"But, Ma-ax!" Too late, they'd missed the offramp, and Max looked over to see Fran begin to pout.

"Sweetheart, if you want to get settled in our hotel in time for lunch, we need to keep driving."

Fran nodded and laid her head on his shoulder. Oh, how she hated it when he was right! She closed her eyes and promptly fell asleep. She awoke when the car glided to a stop.

"Are we there already?" She looked around. There was a fighter jet on a pedestal in the parking lot.

"We're at the Florida state line. I"m going to pick up some brochures for us. Need anything?"

She stretched. "Yes! I need to move!" She got out of the car and headed inside. Max gathered brochures, and Fran spotted the free juice at the counter. She brought a cup to him.

"Look, honey, free Florida orange juice!"

He took the cup from her and laughed. "My darling, only you would find something free to put in your stomach. Now, look at these brochures and see if anything sounds interesting to you."

She took the stack from him. It all looked wonderful. She really didn't care WHAT they did, as long as she was with him. "How long till we get to the hotel?" She was getting hungry again.

"About thirty minutes, depending on traffic. Getting hungry?"

He knew her too well. "A little..."

"Ready to go?"

She was more than ready, bring on the beach! She grabbed his hand. "You bet!"

Thirty five minutes later, tpullpulled up in front of the Portofino Resort. It was beautiful, their room overlooked the Gulf of Mexico. Max had booked a room on the 20th floor, so she could have a spectacular view.

"OH, Max! This is absolutely beautiful!" She ran through the condo. "But why do we have two bedrooms?"

"Because they don't have any one bedrooms. All 2 and 3 bedrooms."

"Three? Maybe we can come backin win with the children?"

"That would be nice, wouldn't it. They have a great program for children in the summer, surfing and sailing classes, I think they would love it!"

Fran grabbed the bag and started unpacking. "So, where are ya takin' me for lunch? I'm kinda in the mood for a burger."

"How about Tiffany's on the Beach?" "It's supposed to have the best burgers around. Then tonight, I'll take you to Flounders for dinner and pie."

"Sounds wonderful!

They had a nice lunch on the patio of the restaurant, overlooking the water. Afterwards, their first stop was the Blue Moon Antique Mall. They found an armoire for the guest room, and antique dolls for the girls. They picked up antique sports equipment for Brighton's room, and some antique glassware for Niles. The next stop was the row of shops on the beachfront. Fran dragged Max into Alvin's Island, where they picked up new swim suits and cover ups for Fran and the girls, and some new Tommy Bahama trunks for Max and Brighton. They wandered in and out of the shops, buying gifts for everyone at home. Fran found a beautiful sarong for C.C. and some local spices for Niles. She also grabbed a handful of postcards and bought some stamps. "We have to say hello to everyone! They'll think we fell off the planet, since we haven't even called!!"

Oh, no, not the phone calls again! "You're right, the postcards will be nice. I'll help you fill them out after dinner."

She looked at her watch. "Do we have time for a swim on the beach before dinner?"

"Yes, if we hurry." They gathered their purchases and headed back to the hotel and changed into their suits. When they hit the beach, Fran raced into the water. Max laid out their towels and followed her. The water was surprisingly warm. They dove and splashed around for about 30 minutes, then they fell exhausted on the towels.

"Max, I'm having so much fun, but I do miss the kids. I almost wish they were here with us."

"We'll bring them down here later this summer, I promise, darling."

She smiled and laid on her back, letting the sun dry her body. She was almost asleep when Max nudged her gently.

"It's about time to go up and get ready for dinner."

"Mmmmm, I'm ready. This sun feels so good!" She started to help Max gather their things and pulled on her cover up.

A couple of hours later, they were seated at Flounder's Chowder House. Fran was drooling over the menu. "Oh, Max, everything looks so good, I'm not sure what to order!"

About that time a waiter walked by with a food order. Max looked at it in disbelief. "Well, the portions are huge. Maybe we can each get something different and share?" "What do you feel like?"

"I can't decide between the grouper or the shrimp platter."

"How about I get the grouper, you get the shrimp, and I'll order us some oysters"

Fran nodded. The waiter appeared to take their drink orders. He suggested the Bushwacker, a local favorite. When the drinks arrived, Fran was delighted. "It tastes like a chocolate shake!"

"Well, slow down, there's a lot of alcohol in that!"

Fran put her drink down and stuck her tongue out at him. "I'm only havin' ONE!"

Max smiled. She was just adorable. She was even more adorable when the food came. She picked from one plathenthen another, devouring all the seafood put in front of her. How did she stay so bloody thin? Then came dessert. The Key Lime Pie was all that was promised, and more.

"Oh, Max, it's like three pieces!"

"Darling, it IS three pieces, stacked on top of one another."

"You wanna try?" She took a forkful and held it to his lips. She was right, it was delicious.

He watched her as she sat and ate her pie, making slight moans and groans every other bite. She attracted the attention of the avation officer cadets from the Pensacola Naval Air Station that were seated close to them. They couldn't take their eyes off her. Her eyes were fixed only on him.

After dinner, they walked into the shops around the restaurant. They bought the kids some local t shirts, then walked along the beach before returning back to the hotel.

They changed their clothes, and decided to take a walk. They took off their shoes and walked along the surf along the Gulf. By the time they arrived back at the hotel, they were totally exhausted.

They helped each other out of their clothes and into the shower. They bathed and caressed each other before making love in the shower. Afterwards, they dried each other off and Max carried her to the king size bed. As tired as they both thought they were, the excitement of making love in a new place gave them new energy. They slowly explored every part of each other's now familiar bodies with their hands and mouths. They made love repeatedly throughout the night, and the morning sun found them wrapped tightly in each other's arms.

As the sun hit her face, Fran opened her eyes and admired the view out the windows. She raised her head to get a better look.

"It's beautiful, isn't it?

"Max! I didn't mean to wake you, I'm sorry, sweetie!"

"You didn't wake me. I've just been lying here listening to you breathe, thinking just how lucky I am"

She turned to face him and snuggled closer against his chest. "How lucky YOU are?"

He kissed her nose and held her tightly. "Ythatthat you didn't get tired of waiting for me to admit I love you, and...leave me."

She kissed his chest, and traced circles on his bare skin with her nails. "I wasn't going anywhere. I was sure you loved me, and I KNEW I loved you, everybody knew that.

"Can you ever forgive me?"

"There's nothing to forgive, you were worth the wait. Anyway, you have the rest of our lives to make it up to me!"

"And I'll start by taking you to breakfast!"

"Oh, can't we just order room service and stay here a while longer?" She stretched out on the large bed.

"As enticing as that sounds, I have today all planned. Breakfast in Perdido Key at Trigger's, the locals swear by it. Then I thought you'd enjoy stopping at a beach party at a place called the Flora-Bama lounge. There's some big yearly event called a mullet toss."

"A mullet? Isn't that a haircut?"

"It's also a fish, they throw them across the state line in some sort of contest."

Fran laughed. "Like the fish markets at home!" "What else ya got planned?"

"Well, I thought we'd take the Mobile Bay Ferry across to Dauphin Island, then drive home the long way, with a stop at the casinos in Biloxi."

Fran hopped out of bed. Where did she get all this energy? "I'll get a shower first, unless you want to join me?"

That was all the encouragement he needed. Max was out of bed and in her arms in a heartbeat. He swept her into the shower and began tenderly bathing her.

"Oh, Max, I'm gonna miss all this when we get home!"

"Miss what, darling?"

"Well, we can't wake up together, or shower together, not with the children around. What kind of example would we be setting. We tell Brighton and Maggie, just say no, and then we don't." She looked at Max's smiling face. "Wha? What's that smile all about?"

Think fast, old boy, you can't very well tell her that her wedding is tomorrow night! "I was just thinking of all the times we'll have together during the day, when the children are in school."

"Oh, you mean with Niles and C.C. around. Uh, huh, those will be great times!"

"And we can still wake up together, it will just have to be earlier"

She snapped her head up and looked at him. Earlier? It was bad enough she had to be awake and at breakfast by 8:00am!

"That also means, we can go to bed earlier, like right after the children fall asleep." He nuzzled her neck. Oh, he had to get her off this topic, or he might slip and tell her she'd be a married lady by the time she got home. He started rinsing the soap from Fran's toned body. "There, all clean, my love. Why don't you go dry your hair, and I'll be out in a minute."

She started to protest, but hunger got the better of her. She ran her hands down his chest. "Don't be too long!" She bounced into the next room to dry her hair. What to wear? A beach party he said. She put on her bikini, then a pair of shorts and a cropped t shirt. She pulled her hair into a pony tail, since they'd be taking the ferry boat. She looked at her face. She was really getting tan. She lightly applied her make up as Max entered the room. He slipped his arms around her waist from behind, and applied soft kisses to her neck.

"You look beautiful, darling."

She held his arms to her and leaned back against him. "I love being here."

He kissed her again. "Then we'll have to make sure to come back".

She laughed softly. "No, not Florida." She squeezed his arms to her. "Here, in your arms. It's so safe." She turned around and put her arms around his neck. "I love you so much, Maxwell Sheffield!" She looked down at the towel around his waist. "Now, you'd betta get dressed, or I might not be able to control myself!" She gave him a gentle kiss and released him.

Thirty minutes later they were checked out of the hotel and on their way. Trigger's was all that the locals promised. The omelets were huge, and stuffed with fish. Max had the trigger fish, and Fran chose the shrimp, with a side of pancakes, which were light and fluffy. They stopped at the desk and bought more t shirts for the children on their way out. They parked at the visitor's center and took the trolley to the Flora Bama Lounge.

Both floors of the lounge were packed. Fran and Max made their way down the ramp to the beach. As they got to the landing, they were greeted by the girl manning the sign up sheet.

"Good morning! Welcome to the Flora Bama! Do you want to sign up for the mullet toss?"

Fran wrinkled her nose. No way was she touching some smelly fish, even if the event WAS for charity!

Max smiled at the girl. "No thank you, we're just here to observe."

"Oh, your from England!!! We've n had had anyone participate from England!" She stood up, revealing the tiniest pair of shorts he'd ever seen and a tiny bikini tops She batted her eyes at him "You've just GOT to enter!" Fran wanted to wretch. Did this girl think that just by wearing skimpy clothes and batting her eyes at Max, she'd get her way? She couldn't believe her eyes. He was filling out the entry form.

"Whatta ya doin', honey?" Fran was less than pleased.

"Well, Fran, they've never had anyone from England before." He smiled at the girl. "I supposed it's the least I can do, after all, it IS for charity."

Fran's answer to him was to pull her t shirt over her head, revealing an even tinier bikini top than the one he'd just been admiring.And she looked MUCH better in it. This was war. If he was gonna flirt with this wanna be Scarlett O'Hara, she was gonna find Rhett Butler on the beach. "Ok, sweetie, you sign up, I'll be waiting for ya down on the beach. I'm gonna, uh, check out the scenery".

Max knew he was in big trouble, but there was no backing down at this point. He's already signed up, and would have to make the best of it, and try to calm Fran down. He finished the sign up sheet and looked for Fran. There she was, sitting on a chaise on the beach, surrounded by men in their mid twenties. Like flies to honey. He walked down and stood back and watched, she was laughing, flirting, like before they were together. He had to fix this, they were getting married tomorrow. He moved into her field of vision. She cut her eyes at him, then looked back at the flock of men surrounding her. She smiled and spoke to them briefly, then got up and joined him. Max was livid.

"Fran.." he didn't know what to say he was so angry.

"Bye, C.C.!" One of the men walked past them on his way to the bar.

"C.C.?" Max looked at her.

"Wha? You think I'm gonna tell those sharks my real name? PLEASE! I'm an engaged woman!" She poked her finger into his chest. "Something YOU might want to remember, mista!" She grinned. How could he stay angry with her. She was just teaching him a lesson for flirting with the hostess.

He took her in his arms. "What if one of them looks up C.C. Babcock?"

"Did you SEE them? She'll owe me big time!" Fran laughed. "Come on, let's take a walk and look around before they call your number. I actually can't wait to see Mr. Big Broadway Producer throw a dead fish!"

They walked arm in arm up and down the beach, laughing each time they crossed the state line between Florida and Alabama.

When Max's turn to toss came up, he picked his fish from the bucket, and took his place in the circle. How did he get himself into these things? He stood in the middle of the circle, gripped the fish by the tail, and flung it into Alabama.

"Great toss! Maxwell Sheffield, from London, England!" "Get ready for your second toss, Max!" Max grabbed a second fish, and took his stance. He looked over at Fran, who blew him a kiss for luck.

"Break a leg, sweetie!"

He smiled back at her, gripped his fish and tossed it with all his might. Well, that was that! He jogged over to give his cheering section a hug.

"Oh, honey, don't even think about touching me with those fishy hands!" "Let's go get you some lemon and some soap!" The waiter at the oyster bar gave her a lemon and she pulled Max over to the bathrooms. "Ok, first, rub this half of the lemon on your hand, then wash with soap, rinse, lemon again, then rinse, got it?"

"What's the lemon for again?"

She rolled her eyes playfully at him. "It cuts the SMELL! Now GO!"

Max emerged from the washroom after a couple of minutes, and held his hands out for inspectio"Be"Better?" She sniffed. Lemon fresh!

"Better!" She put her arms around his neck and gave him a kiss. "Come on, they're reading the results.

They listened to the announcer. "And in the male 26-39, in third place, with a final toss of 158 feet 4 inches, Tommy Luke. Second place, with a final toss of 161 feet 9 inches, Tommy Lane! And, our first place winner in the male division, age 26-39, with a final toss of 168 feet 11 inches" Fran held her breath. "From London, England, Maxwell, Sheffield!"

Fran was jumping up and down. "Max, honey, you did it" She jumped into his arms and kissed him passionately. Max walked up and picked up his trophy and gift certificate. The trophy looked like a mullet. Niles would never let him live this down. OH, no, here comes that hostess again.

"Congatulations, Max! Are all you Englishmen so virile?"

Max saw Fran out of the corner of his eye. He knew he'd better think of something quick, or he was in deep trouble again. Luckily, Fran bailed him out.

"Well, next time you meet another Englishman, you can ask him...as for this one...absolutely YES!" She pressed herself into Max and gave him aother passionate kiss, then smiled sweetly at the hostess. "THIS one's off the market, honey!" She laid her left hand on Max's chest so the girl could see the engagement ring.

Max looked down at her and smiled. "Ready to go, darling?" He put his arm around his fiance and led her out of the bar. "You're something, you know that?"

"Why?"

"I was sure you'd be upset with that girl coming on to me!"

Fran laughed. "I was upset at first, but I think your payback was having to toss those stinky fish!" "And now you have this lovely trophy for your office to remind you! Oooh, and a gift certificate, we can come back with the kids and they can see where Daddy played with the little fishies!"

"You are really enjoying this, aren't you?"

"Yes, because this time, it wasn't ME!!!"

They climbed into the trolley and headed back to their car. He was glas she was amused. It was keeping her mind occupied, and off calling home. Everyone would arrive tomorrow morning. He only had to keep her off the phone today.

As they headed west on 98, Fran started rubbing her stomach. "Sweetie, isn't it close to lunch time?"

He looked at his watch. "You're right, it is. Remember the other day when you wanted to go to Margaritaville?

She remembered, they'd gotten into a fight because some locals were hitting on her in the store. "Um, yes, sorta."

"Well, Jimmy Buffet's sister has a place right up the road in Gulf Shores, it has a lot of the same food. I was told that she serves key lime pie for dessert, and well as a 'chocolate of the day' dessert."

"Yes, let's do that!" She could use a good chocolate of the day!

Max turned of 98 onto 59, and crossed the Intracoastal Waterway. They could see Lulu's from the bridge.

"Oh, it looks like a lot of fun! Real tropical!"

They pulled into the parking lot and heard strains of Jimmy Buffet music coming from the restaurant. They were seated next to a large sandbox, complete with volleyball nets.

"It's like the beach! And look, all the sand toys! The kids would love this!"

Max smiled and nodded. She always thought of the children. That was just one of the reasons he loved her so much. "What are you hungry for, sweetheart?"

Fran's eyes were wide as she read the menu. "How about this seafood platter for two? And I can get a small salad."

"Sounds perfect."

The waitress came by and took their order. They both ordered the Mango tea, to go with the tropical feel of the place.

After lunch, Fran indulged her passion for chocolate, while Max decided to pass, and just nibble off Fran's cake. Afterwards, they headed back on 59 for the Dauphin Island Ferry. This took them from Ft. Morgan, Alabama to Dauphin Island. The 45 minute ride was beautiful, Fran excitedly watched the dolphins jumping around the boat. Once on the island, they took the bridge into Mobile, and headed back west on I-10 for Biloxi. Fran once again quickly fell asleep once they hit the interstate, and awoke just before they pulled into the parking lot of the Beau Rivage Casino.

"Did I fall asleep again?" Fran blinked. What a stupid question, she KNEW she'd been asleep.

"Are you awake enough to do some serious gambling?" Max watched her straightening her hair and make up.

"That depends on what you mean by serious." She grinned at him. He was so cute!

He took her by the hand and led her inside. Tfounfound the high in blackjack tables, and Max purchased a thousand dollars in chips. "Allright, darling, dazzle me!"

"Max! I play the 2 dollar tables! This is a of mof money!"

Max laughed and whispered in her ear. "We can afford it darling"

Fran played the table for about 2 hours, and turned her 1000 dollars into 5000 dollars.

"Oh, honey, this is great, but I'm really ready to quit now!"

Max cashed in the chips and they headed back to the car. "This is probably a dumb question, but..."

"Yes, I'm starving!" She looked at him and laughed. Lunch was hours ago. "Maybe someplace with nice salads?"

Max stopped at Ruby Tuesday for a quick dinner before heading back to the marina.

Fran quickly unpacked the bag before collapsing on the sofa. "What a long day! And it's still fairly early!"

Max heard music dancing across the water from The Dock, a local restaurant. "Why don't you lie down for a, an, and I'll take you dancing at The Dock?"

Fran didn't need to be told twice. She was in the v berth before he finished his sentence.

"I'll wake you in about an hour, darling". He kissed her head as she snuggled under the sheet. Fran was asleep within minutes. Max quickly grabbed the phone and called Violet's, the dress shop where he found Fran's wedding dress. Everything was set, the dress would be delivered to the steamship by 5pm. He looked at his watch. In twenty four hours he would make Fran his wife. He looked at his sleeping love. He didn't know how he'd be able to wait that long. He set the alarm clock in case he fell asleep himself, and crawled into bed next to Fran, drawing her into his arms. She automatically molded to his body, sighing in her sleep. Max smiled. Life couldn't be more perfect.