The next night, Niles arrived promptly at eight to pick Daphne up. Once again, Daphne answered the door. She had decided on a simple black dress, and of course she was wearing the earrings and necklace Niles had given her. When he'd bought the jewelery, Niles knew it would only enhance Daphne's natural beauty. Now, seing the jewelery combined with Daphne's dress, the sight nearly made him feel faint. "You look...breathtaking," he stammered.
Daphne blushed. "You look handsome as well."
"Thank you," Niles said, now blushing a bit himself.
"Your son and I are leaving now, Mr. Crane," Daphne said.
Martin sat in his chair, apparently engrossed in a Mariners' game. He barely looked up. "Have fun, kids. Don't do anything I wouldn't do!"
Daphne couldn't help smiling at the confusion on Niles' face. "Your father's just kidding. Come on, let's go." She took him by the hand, leading him out of his brother's apartment.
Niles and Daphne made their way down to Niles' Mercedes. He said little as he drove, focusing instead on getting to his destination safely . The party was to be held at the home of the wine club president. Even the manison that Niles had shared with Maris paled in comparison to this place. Daphne gasped when they approached it.
"It's impressive, isn't it?" Niles asked. Daphne nodded. Niles put the car into park, and turned to get out. He stopped when he felt Daphne's hand on his wrist. "What's the matter?" he asked, turning back to her.
"Are you sure I'll fit in with your wine club friends?" She tried her best not to let on how nervous she was, but didn't entirely succeed.
"Do you trust me, Daphne?" Niles gently took hold of her hand in hopes of comforting her.
"Of course." Daphne's answer came without a hint of hesitation. "You're me best frriend."
Niles leaned over, gently kissing her lips. He was already feeling slightly intoxicated, and he hadn't even had a sip of wine yet. "Thank you, Daphne. That means a lot to me. There's no one I'd rather have here with me than you." With that, he finally exited the vehicle, coming around to open the passenger's door for Daphne.
She smiled as he helped her out of the car. When she looked into his eyes, she suddenly found that her nervousness vanished. With Niles by her side, she could handle anything.
