A/N This is officially my 100th story and I couldn't have done it without the support of my friends and family!
Many thanks to Kristen, Sydney, Leigh Ann, Melinda, Andress, Jenn (Veggie) Frasierfanatic14, frightnightkid, Kalimyre, Anne Oying, my mom and of course my wonderful husband! I'm sure I've left out a lot of people but please know that you are appreciated!
"Well, I think that's about all the time we have for today Mrs. Peterson, so I'll see you next-."
"You shrinks are all the same!" She yelled. "You charge insane amounts of money and you don't do anything!" Can't you see that I'm upset here?"
"Of course, Mrs. Peterson, but that's why we're working through this and I think we're making real progress."
"You would think that!" She snapped. "You're a jerk, Dr. Crane! Now let me get out of here before I say something that I'll regret!"
She grabbed her purse and walked out of the door, slamming it behind her. The sound resonated throughout Niles' office, jarring his already shaken nerves.
Seconds later, the door opened again and Niles looked up from his desk.
"Goodness, Dr. Crane! Are you all right?"
"Yes, Mrs. Woodson. Thank you."
"That woman stormed out of your office so fast that she broke my favorite picture frame!" Mrs. Woodson said. "It fell right off of my desk and crashed to the floor! Thank goodness the picture is still in tact! Unfortunately, I don't see my grandchildren enough as it is, so pictures are a way to fill the emptiness I feel sometimes."
Niles rose from his chair and went to his secretary, laying a gentle hand on her forearm. "I'm so sorry, Mrs. Woodson. I'll buy you a new frame and I'll even pay to have your picture retouched. I know how much your grandchildren mean to you."
"Thank you, Dr. Crane. You know, I don't say it often enough, but I couldn't work for a nicer man. Daphne and David are so lucky to have you."
Niles smiled and hugged her. She always knew the right thing to say. "Thank you, Mrs. Woodson. That means a lot to me."
"You're welcome, Dr. Crane. You've had a rough day, so maybe you should go home and get some rest."
He sighed and rubbed his aching forehead. "You're right, Mrs. Woodson. Could you cancel the rest of my appointments and then you can go."
He was almost home when he arrived at Café Nervosa. A glance at his watch told him that it was still early, so he decided to go inside. Ironically, a steaming hot latte usually did the trick at calming his anxieties.
As he pushed the door open, the heavenly aroma of coffee hung in the air and he was filled with a sense of calmness.
He loved coming here. The familiar warmness he felt whenever he sat down at his favorite table, the soft music that played over the intercom, and the friendly faces who greeted him.
The only thing missing was Frasier.
Niles had to admit that his 10:30 coffees weren't nearly as enjoyable since Frasier moved to San Francisco. Still, he viewed Café Nervosa as a haven; somewhere that he could collect his thoughts before returning to the real world.
Already somewhat relaxed, he smiled as he sat down in the chair that felt as though it was reserved just for him.
And as usual, he was instantly approached by Elizabeth, a petite blond haired barista who had been working at Café Nervosa for just a few short months.
"Good morning, Dr. Crane." She said with a smile. "What can I get for you?"
"I'll have my usual, please." He replied.
Hesitantly, she wrote on her order pad. "Your usual... and that would be..?"
Niles rolled his eyes in annoyance. "A half caf non fat latte! Doesn't anybody pay attention around here?"
"I-I'm sorry, Dr. Crane!" She said in a trembling voice as she furiously scribbled on her order pad. "I'll be right back."
"Wait!" Niles yelled.
Slowly she turned around. "Was there anything else, Dr. Crane?"
"There certainly is!" He snapped. "The faintest hint of cinnamon! Why is that so hard to remember? I order the same thing every time!"
"I-I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane!" Elizabeth said
He watched in exasperation as she walked over to the counter and grabbed a coffee mug, seconds before she burst into tears.