MASSAGES AND NOSEBLEEDS

On Saturday morning, Daphne arrived at Frasier's apartment for Mr. Crane's morning massage therapy. As she began setting up the physio massage table, Niles and Frasier came out of the kitchen.

"She'll be coming over at 6:30 pm. She doesn't suspect a thing," Niles was telling Frasier.

"Oh, Daphne," said Frasier, surprised, "We didn't know you'd arrived!"

"Yes, hello. I just got in. I'm sorry; I didn't think you were here. You're father gave me the key and said to let meself in," she said, wondering whether they had been discussing her in the kitchen. "Hello Dr. Crane," she greeted Niles.

"Hello, Daphne," he smiled and put a handkerchief to his nose when she asked what they were up to this morning.

"Oh just making a few plans for the upcoming weekend," Frasier said as he answered the knock at the door. Daphne knew his response seemed vague and oddly lacking a few boring details that were so characteristic of the Crane brothers but she decided to let them be as she saw Martin at the door.

"Alright, well, if you need anything I'll be here, working. Last few days in your employ, you know. Donny wants me to be his 'little homemaker'," she said staring at the massage table as she waited for Mr. Crane.

"It won't be the same without you here whenever I come over to visit," mused Niles. Daphne smiled.

"Yes and it'll be odd for me too. I've been living here for so long. I thought I'd never leave." she responded while she tied up her hair. Niles watched her intently while Martin greeted them.

"Ugh! Do we have to do the physiotherapy this morning Daph? You should spend your Saturday like a woman engaged should. Treat yourself to a manicure or trip to the hair salon or buy a new outfit for ya honeymoon or somethin'."

"Are you hinting at my appearance? I know I must look a fright. I didn't get much sleep last night."

She noticed Niles looking at her and was suddenly self-conscious. He couldn't possibly know that he was the reason she was up all night, worrying. "Oh that's a shame. You could nap here if you like," said Martin with a hopeful grin.

"Oh no, old man! Now, I know you're just trying to get out of getting on this table! Now hop on!" Martin winced and did as he was told.

"I had better be off," Niles said just as Daphne began her therapy on Martin. "So... Daphne, we're still on for tonight, right? 6:30 pm?"

"Yes, Dr. Crane. 6:30 pm. I'll see you later," she said with a serious face, too nervous that any other expression would give her away.

Niles smiled, nodded and walked backwards toward the door, keeping his eye on her and he nearly tripped. He paused, giggled nervously and greeted his father before leaving.

By the time 4 pm rolled around, Daphne was back at her and Donny's place. Her bed was covered with clothing and the floor was scattered with shoes.

She was sitting on a small open space of bedding in her underwear and dressing gown, feeling a bit hopeless.

What on earth am I going to wear? she thought. She knew what she wanted to wear. She just wasn't sure it would be appropriate. She also knew that of all people, he'd be the one to appreciate it. She extracted the dress from underneath one of the clothing piles and held it against her body once more.

Would it be too much?

If he was planning on telling her tonight, she wanted to look good, even if she knew she would have to decline. It would be nice to feel beautiful, especially knowing that he might be staring at her openly once the secret was out. She wanted to feel confident. If not in her decision to decline, then at least in the way she looked.

"That's it, I've decided." She slipped on the dress, a pair of heels and grabbed her clutch & coat on her way out. She had to rush now because she had spent so much time on getting her hair and makeup just perfect, which was so unlike her.