Café Nervosa
"Latte skim milk, please." Dr. Frasier Crane said to the waiter.
"Certainly, Dr. Crane." The waiter replied. He turned to the blond haired man. "And for you, Doctor?"
"Black coffee, please."
The waiter wrote down the order. "I'll be right back."
"Why Niles..." Frasier said. "Just black coffee? I figured you'd go for something more exotic, such as a double tall cappuccino."
"Frasier, you really don't know me at all, do you? I always order my drinks in accordance to my mood." Niles said.
"Ahhh... so you're feeling sophisticated and classy?" Frasier asked with a chuckle.
Niles looked down at his feet. "No... Just dark and... Uninteresting."
Frasier took a sip of his latte. "Do I detect a bit of depression, dear brother?"
"Why Frasier, what would make you ask such a thing? I'm practically dancing on air!" Niles said.
"Yeah, dead air!" Frasier burst out laughing at his own joke.
"That's a little radio humor." He said to Niles' annoyed glare.
"I see." Niles said. "Using your profession as a way of masking your true ability to diagnose a problem. Well, I must say that I find it highly insulting."
"You're right, Niles. I am sorry. It's just that... Well, my job is really getting to me lately."
"Well, why don't you get a new job? I hear the Mariners are looking for a new television sportscaster and since they rarely score, you should have plenty of time to insult them." Niles said, referring to the Seattle baseball team's recent losing streak.
Frasier laughed. "Touché!"
Niles sipped his coffee but said nothing.
"Look, whatever is bothering you... You can tell me." Frasier said.
"I certainly wouldn't expect you to understand." Niles said.
"Of course I will. You've never had reservations about telling me your problems before. Why should now be any different?" Frasier asked.
Niles sighed. "Well, all right. Sometimes I feel like I'll never find true happiness."
"I know exactly what you mean."
Niles looked up with sudden interest. "You do?"
"Well, yes. You see... when Lillith and I began to have problems, I found myself wishing I had taken a different path in life. I mean, I love Frederick dearly, but something was missing."
"And what was that?"
"A soul mate. Someone who was destined to be my one true love. When I was young, I thought that person was Lillith, but it turns out I was so very wrong..." Frasier said.
"Your one true love." Niles sighed. "That seems to be the only thing that keeps me going; the reality of knowing that there's only one woman for me."
"Ah yes. Maris." Frasier nodded.
"Okay... make that two women." Niles said sheepishly.
"Oh Niles, please don't tell me that you're still fixating on Daphne Moon! She's my housekeeper for God's sake!
Niles' cheeks turned pink. "I know... I just... can't help myself."
"How are things between you and Maris?" Frasier asked.
"It's really over this time." Niles moaned. "She wants us to see other people. Sort of a trial separation."
"Well, I am sorry." Frasier said. "But perhaps it's for the best."
"I suppose." Niles replied. "You never really liked Maris, did you Frasier?"
"Oh well, Niles. Liked is a rather strong word, wouldn't you say?"
"I can't say that I blame you. Lately Maris has been simply infuriating."
"Really? I would never have guessed." Frasier quipped.
"Sarcasm. I must say it suits you. I can see why you and Lillith were together for so long." Niles rose from the chair, laid some money on the table and headed for the door.
"Niles wait, please." Frasier said, hurrying to catch up with him. "Look, I'm sorry. Is there anything I can do?"
"Unless you can produce a beautiful woman with the same qualities as Daphne, I have to decline your generous offer." Niles said.
Just as Niles pushed the door open and stepped outside he held up his palm. "Look Frasier. A raindrop. I had no idea that it rains here. What is this world coming to?"
Frasier laughed at his brother's attempt at mockery. As he watched Niles walk down the sidewalk, he couldn't help but feel remorse and sympathy for the brother that he'd worked so hard to reunite with.
It was true that Frasier didn't like Maris at all, but he had the feeling that Niles wasn't happy with her either; even from the very beginning. A separation might do wonders for his brother's self-esteem.
Frasier just wished he knew what he could do to help; Niles was hopelessly in love with Daphne Moon, and frankly, Frasier couldn't blame him. She was a beautiful woman with a kind heart.
But, as he told his callers and patients time and time again...
There are other fish in the sea.