Since Niles' schedule was light, he accompanied Frasier to Elliot Bay. He wanted to be there, to make sure that Daphne was included in their plans for the basketball game. After all, if he was going to sit and watch a bunch of men run around a fieldn in hopes of scoring a touchdown, he should at least be able to enjoy Daphne's company.
"Hello, Dr. Crane. Dr. Crane," Daphne said in greeting when both boys entered the apartment together.
Niles smiled and waved at her, thrilled as always by the sight of her.
Frasier immediately turned his attention to his father, who sat in his usual chair, watching ESPN. "Dad, do you have plans for this Friday night?" He couldn't resist grinning as he asked the question.
"I already told you, Frase. I'm going down to McGinty's to watch the big Sonics game with a bunch of the guys. I would've asked you to come, but I know it's not your thing."
"Well, would you rather be at the game?" Frasier asked.
"Sure, I would," Martin said. "But those tickets are practically sold out. No way I could get in!"
"Think again!" Frasier handed the tickets to his father, beaming proudly.
"Where did you get these?" Martin asked.
"Well, I just thought maybe we could spend some time together," Frasier answered. When Niles gave him a 'look,' Frasier continued. "OK. I did Bulldog a favor, and he got me these tickets. Are you happy, Niles?"
Niles nodded. But Martin wasn't paying attention. "Who cares how you got them? Oh, boy, Duke is going to be so jealous!" He grinned at the prospect of letting his friends know where he'd be on Friday night. He looked at the tickets once more. "Wait a minute. There's four here."
As if on cue, Niles once again turned his attention to Daphne. "Well? Would you like to come with us?"
Daphne cast a surprised glance at the elder Dr. Crane.
"Yes, Daphne. This is a family outing," Frasier said, glaring for a moment at his younger brother. "And you are a member of this family."
"Oh. Well, all right," Daphne said. Sometimes it seemed to her as if the Cranes considered her to be nothing more than a housekeeper, there to do chores, and nothing else. But on rare occaisions like this one, they let her know that they did care about her. "It sounds like fun." When she saw the way the younger Dr. Crane smiled at her response, she couldn't help feeling a small rush of excitement. She'd never cared much for sports, especially American sports. But she had a feeling she would enjoy this one.