Author's Note:Thanks once again to Leigh Ann (leighann415) for reading drafts. And an even bigger thank you to Andrea (iloveromance) for not only suggesting the idea for this, but also helping me out with some Seattle details. Hope everyone likes this, and don't forget to review! :)
Daphne sat in Cafe Nervosa with Roz as she had so many times over the past decade or so. But it seemed like ages since the last time they'd both been able to sneak away for some "girl time." Between Roz's job at KACL, and Daphne's life as a stay-at-home mom, their schedules rarely allowed it. By some miracle, it had happened today.
"You wouldn't believe how crazy it's been lately at the station," Roz was saying. "It seems like someone always wants a better timeslot, or more advertising, or a better salary. Honestly, sometimes I wonder why Kenny didn't leave sooner!"
Daphne laughed. She knew that no matter how much Roz might complain about her work, she loved finally being able to use her many years of radio experience by doing more than simply screening calls. Though everyone missed Frasier, no one could doubt that Roz deserved to be in this new position.
"Well, looking after Martin isn't exactly a picnic, either," Daphne replied. "If I don't bring David over when I come to do his therapy, he complains that he never gets to see his grandson. But if I do bring David, Martin would rather play with him than do his excercises. Lately, I've had to ask Ronee to watch David just so the excercises will get done!" But today, Martin was getting his wish: a full day with David, to do nothing but spoil the boy. Daphne had dropped her son off early this morning before meeting Roz. While Roz and Daphne spent their day shopping and catching up, Martin and David would be visiting Westlake Center mall, which had recently opened a large toy store. Daphne was sure she and Niles would likely need to find a larger apartment just to fit all the things Martin would be buying for his young grandson.
Roz smiled. She knew that no matter how much Daphne might get frustrated with Martin's stubborn refusals to do his physical therapy, there would always be a bond between him and Daphne that could not be broken. Martin wasn't just Niles' and Frasier's father; he was also a father to Daphne in many ways.
They were in no hurry to leave the cafe. Roz had actually managed to clear her schedule for most of the day, and they were planning to enjoy it as much as possible. Roz motioned for a barista and quickly ordered a second cup of coffee for both herself and Daphne.
As the two sat there with their drinks, Daphne spoke up once again. "David's such a handful these days." He had recently turned two. "His new favorite thing is to run away from me any chance he gets. He thinks it's fun when I have to chase him all over the bloody house when it's time for his bath!"
Roz laughed. "Alice used to do that, too. Don't worry, he'll grow out of it."
For perhaps the millionth time, Daphne was grateful to have Roz as her best friend. She had no idea how she could ever cope with motherhood if she hadn't had someone to go to whenever she had a question about parenting. She knew she should probably ask Niles' advice, since he was David's father, not to mention a psychiatrist. But often, she didn't want to know what Niles had read in some medical journal. She just wanted someone to understand how difficult it was to balance all the things all of the things Daphne had to do.
Suddenly Roz remembered she'd brought a copy of that day's Seattle Times. In the back, she knew there would be coupons and advertisements. If she and Daphne were going to spend the day shopping, they might as well use their time wisely. Roz opened the paper, flipping quickly towards the last pages. As she did, Daphne suddenly let out a gasp, nearly pulling the paper out of Roz's hand at the same moment.
"Geez, Daphne!" Roz said. "You could at least let me find the coupons for you!"
But Daphne wasn't listening. She stared at the headline in disbelief. "Child kidnapped from Westlake Center." The picture that accompanied the article showed a boy who was just about the same age as David. She skimmed the article, feeling goosebumps as she read. Apparently the youngster had been in the toy store with his parents when he'd somehow wandered off. A man had lured the toddler out of the store and into his car. Fortunately, authorities had been able to find the boy and his abductor before any serious harm could be done. During his arrest, the man had seemed unfazed. He claimed to have several accomplices, all of whom were still at large.
When she'd read the entire article, Daphne found that she could barely breathe. This incident had happened about 24 hours earlier in the same store where Martin and David were headed.