Author's Note: Thanks to Anika (BaronessBlixen) for letting me continue her wonderful story, "Baby Talk" here. Hope my story's as good as the original! Thanks to Leigh Ann for reading drafts.
"I hope Alice wasn't too much trouble," Roz said.
"No, not at all," Daphne replied. "You were right, she was tired. She went right to sleep." She and Niles exchanged a glance, both remembering how Niles had gotten the baby to sleep.
"Oh, well, good. I did manage to get those Springsteen tickets, by the way. So, I'm going to need a sitter again next Friday. Are you free?" Roz cringed as she waited, hoping Daphne wouldn't mind the inconvenience.
"Sure," Daphne replied, after barely a moment's hesitation. After all, Roz was her closest girlfriend.
"Great, thanks. You're the best!" Roz leaned in and quickly hugged Daphne. The embrace was a bit awkward, since Roz was holding Alice, but it didn't matter. Without another word, Roz left.
"Well, that was an interesting evening, wasn't it?" Daphne asked, turning back to Niles.
"I'll say," Niles agreed. "It was actually kind of fun. Alice is a great audience."
"Well, she sure did seem to love your voice."
Niles blushed. "Too bad we couldn't have done a duet."
Daphne smiled, knowing he was thinking of the night she'd prepared dinner at his apartment for his date. A simple chore of chopping vegetables had somehow led to a song. Daphne wasn't sure exactly how it had started, but it was one of the most fun evenings she could remember. "Dr. Crane, would you like to help me take care of Alice next Friday?"
Niles could hardly believe his ears. Was Daphne actually asking to see him? "I'd like that," he replied. Lately, he'd been so lonely at the Shangri-La, he would've taken any opportunity to spend an evening elsewhere. But the idea of helping Daphne baby-sit would've been welcomed under any circumstances. As things were, it was an answer to a prayer.