A/N: This is my third story based on "Mixed Doubles" and although I've had this particular story written in my head for a while, I have to thank Jan2StaMuse for writing such a wonderful story based on this same episode. I was almost tempted not to post this since it is so similar to hers, but her story proved to be very inspiring.
Niles sipped his drink, trying not to stare at the beautiful woman seated next to him; her flowery perfume wafting in his direction.
"You know..." She said in that English accent that he never tired of hearing. "If it had been a different time in both our lives, we might actually have met. How do you suppose that would have gone?"
Niles looked at her in surprise and laughed nervously. "What, our conversation?"
"Yeah, come on! Just for fun! We could both use a smile."
He thought for a moment and then grinned to himself.
"Well... Um... first I would have said 'Is this seat taken?' and you would have said 'No.' Then you would have said 'My Name is Daphne.' and I would have said 'My name is Niles'. And then I would have said... 'What are you doing for the rest of your life?'"
Daphne laughed, filling his heart with the beautiful sound of her voice.
"You always know just what to say."
Her hand covered his and for a brief second, both his heart and the world around him seemed to stop. The warmth of her hand on his went straight to his heart.
"Oh, I love you, Dr. Crane."
He swallowed hard. "I love you too, Daphne."
He'd meant the words as a friendly response. After all, she'd said them first. But he was surprised at how much it hurt to say them back; for he knew that she would never for a moment believe that he'd been speaking from the very depths of his soul.
They sat in silence, sipping their drinks, oblivious to the world around them.
Seconds later, the sound of a woman's enthusiastic laughter could be heard from doorway of Granville's, bringing Niles attention back to the present.
"Oh God..."
When he saw Daphne's hand go to her forehead, he turned to see Rodney and Adelle walk through the door.