"You can't just go chasing anyone you fancy just because you're suddenly attracted to them, no matter how tempted you are!"
Frasier watched in confusion as Daphne quickly made her way back to her room. He wasn't sure, but he thought he sensed something was off about her. He'd never heard her react so harshly to his father, at least not in regard to his love-life. He got up. "I think I'll go see if Daphne's all right."
"Do what you want," Martin said, already halfway out the door. "I have to go see Claire." He raised his eyebrows, indicating he had more than conversation on his mind.
Frasier gave his father a dismissive wave before walking towards Daphne's room.
"Daphne?" Frasier knocked on her door. He remembered how angry she got the time he and Niles were in her room. He wouldn't make that mistake again!
The door was opened. "I know I had no business speaking to your father that way. I'll go apologize this minute." She tried to squeeze past him.
Frasier lightly grabbed her arm. "Dad's not here. He went back to Mrs. Wojadubakowski's."
"Oh. Well, then, I'll tell him when he gets back," Daphne said.
"Forget it. That wasn't why I came to see you. Can we talk for a moment?" He pointed inside her room.
For a moment, Daphne was tempted to say no. Conversations with her boss could often be long and pointless. But, she quickly remembered, he allowed her to live her. "All right." She went back into her room, with Frasier following.
"Is something bothering you?" Frasier asked. "You were acting a bit odd out there."
"No. I just think it's terrible that your father would take advantage of a poor widow that way! But I do work for him, sort of." She softened a bit.
"I wasn't talking about Dad," Frasier said gently. He couldn't help treating her as if she were a caller on his radio show.
"Oh. You meant that last bit I said?" Daphne hung her head in embarrassment.
"Yes. I've never heard you say anything like that before. What brought it on?"
"I don't want to talk about it. At least, not with you. It might make things awkward between you and your brother."
"Niles?" Frasier asked. "What does Niles have to do with this?"
Daphne sighed. There was no keeping it a secret anymore. "Remember, a few weeks ago, when you had those back pains? And you took those pills?"
"Oh, yes, and you gave me a massage, didn't you? I'm afraid I don't remember much of it, but I'm sure you did a wonderful job." He smiled at her, knowing how seriously she took her job.
"Thanks. But while I was giving you that massage, you told me something. Something I don't think I was meant to know." She looked at the floor.
"Daphne, you know we're all family here. There's no need for you to feel awkward."
"Yes, but what you said was rather earth-shattering. You told me that your brother was crazy about me. At first I thought it was just the pills talking, but now every time he comes over, I see it. The way he always notices me and smiles. The compliments he gives. I don't know how I didn't see it all before."
"Are you saying that you have feelings for him?"
"I don't know what I feel!" Daphne exclaimed. "I love Donny, I do. And he loves Mel, although God knows what he sees in her. It's no use even thinking about it. I never should've said a word."
"Often, it's the things we say without thinking that reveal what's really on our minds," Frasier said.
"Is that a quote from your radio program?" Daphne asked. The last thing she wanted was to be treated as a patient.
"Well, I have used it on the air before, but I think it also happens to be true. If Niles is on your mind, there has to be a reason."
"But he's with Mel!" Daphne said. "He didn't like it much when we told him we didn't like her."
"I know, and I'm sorry I said what I did. She is like Maris, but it's not my place to tell him who to date. But, Daphne, maybe you should talk to him. I have a feeling Mel was just a distraction, after you and Donny got together."
Daphne looked at her boss, unsure what to say. But the more she thought about what he said, it did seem to make sense. She'd been driving herself crazy, trying not to think about him. That only made her think of Dr. Crane more. Maybe if she got things out in the open with him, it would at least keep her from going insane. "I have to go out. I've got to go see him."
Frasier smiled. "Of course, Daphne. Take all the time you need."
"Thank you," Daphne said, briefly hugging him. She had no idea what she'd say, but she would just have to wing it. I hope this works, she thought.