As they enjoyed their 10:30 coffee at Café Nervosa, Niles couldn't have been prouder of his older brother. In just a short time, Frasier had managed to move past his difficult job loss; a feat that Niles feared might never happen. And now he looked at his brother with admiration.
"Frasier, I just have to say bravo! You're slim, well adjusted, and you've really turned things around!"
Frasier smiled at the compliment. "Thank you, Niles. I couldn't have done it without you."
"Well, I did nothing you wouldn't have done!" Niles said, unable to help smiling himself. "So how's life treating you, Niles?"
"Frasier, life is wonderful! Things are really looking up. I just came from a meeting with Maris and her lawyers and I think this divorce is going to go very smoothly!"
"I'm glad, Niles. I know it wasn't easy admitting that your marriage wasn't working out and I'm proud of you for putting so much effort into it."
"Thank you, Frasier." Niles said with a smile. He finished his half caf nonfat latte with the faintest hint of cinnamon and rose from his chair. "And on that note, I should get going. I have a busy day ahead of me."
"Big patient load, Niles? Well, I'm glad you're not neglecting your work, but don't you think it's a bit much? Working so hard when you have this divorce hanging over your head? You deserve some time off."
"Actually I am taking some time off but I'm busier than ever, Frasier! Why just this week I decided to turn my life around and embrace the world of fine arts!"
"Oh, well that's nothing new, Niles. You've always loved opera and classical music."
"That's true, but I'm talking about the real arts! It turns out that the Shangri-La has presented me with some wonderful opportunities. I've even started going to a place called a recreation center. So far I've signed up for classes in kickboxing and a painting class called Painting with Feeling!"
Frasier's eyes narrowed. "Painting, Niles?"
"Yes, and I love it! It's all thanks to my neighbors, who assured me that once Maris sees how productive I've become, she'll be sorry she decided to divorce me! In fact, this might be rather bold of me to say, but I think this divorce will be the best thing that ever happened to me!"
"That's wonderful Niles, but you haven't painted a day in your life!"
"All the more reason to start, isn't it Frasier? What good is life if you can't learn new things?"
"Well that's true Niles, but-."
"Hello, Dr. Crane!"
Niles looked up to see his angel standing before him, looking more beautiful than humanly possible.
"Hello, Daphne. What brings you here?"
She smiled sweetly, making his heart beat faster.
"Well, your brother actually. I noticed we were getting low on beans so I thought I'd stop in for a bit. But it looks like you're just leaving, so I'll get out of your way."
"You're never in the way, Daphne. In fact, I welcome your presence."
Daphne reached for Niles' hand. "That's sweet of you to say, Dr. Crane. And I'm sorry."
"What could you possibly be sorry for?"
She sighed deeply and looked into his eyes where he saw a compassion that he never realized could exist.
"For what you're going through. You worked so hard to make your marriage last and now look what's happened. I'm so sorry."
Before he could respond, he found himself wrapped in her comforting hug. But he quickly drew out of her arms.
"Thank you, Daphne but I'm perfectly fine. In fact I'm better than I've ever been."
"Niles is taking an art class!" Frasier said a bit too enthusiastically.
Daphne's mouth curved into a smile. "That doesn't sound like you, Dr. Crane. But if it makes you happy than so be it. Well, I'd better get me beans. See you later, Dr. Crane!"
As Niles watched his angel walk past them and head to the counter, he sighed. "I love her so much, Frasier."
"Yes, I know." Frasier said. "And that's exactly what worries me. Aren't you the least bit upset about this whole ordeal? You're getting divorced, Niles! Doesn't that mean anything to you?"
"It will all work out, Frasier. You'll see."
"Classic denial." Frasier muttered causing Niles to turn around.
"Did you say something, Frasier?"
"No, I was just... are you joining us for dinner tonight?"
"I'd love to Frasier, but they're having a hamburger cook off in the lobby of the Shangri-La!" Niles said.
When they said their goodbyes, Niles smiled to himself. He knew Frasier meant well, but he was perfectly fine. This divorce was no more than a trick on Maris' part. She'd done this to him before, just to get his attention.
Things would work out just fine. He was sure of it.