Now he sat drinking his latte, trying to appear nonchalant. When the baristas regarded him the same way they had in the past, he realized that he'd just given the greatest performance of his life.
He checked his watch and was surprised to find that it was nearly ten-thirty. Frasier should be arriving any minute, providing him yet another opportunity to prefect his performance.
Only this time would be the greatest challenge of all.
He was so deep in thought that he barely noticed the goddess that entered the front door of Café Nervosa. But then her perfume floated around him, sending his senses reeling.
"Daphne..."
"Hello, Dr. Crane."
"W-what are you doing here? I-I mean... I know you come here quite frequently but you don't seem to be here for a shopping trip."
She smiled nervously. "Actually I came to see you."
Niles couldn't believe what he was hearing. "You did?"
"Yes. You see, your brother was called away. Frederick was in an accident and-."
Suddenly Niles forgot all about his depressive state. "Dear God, is he all right? What happened?"
She touched his arm, causing him to shiver. "He'll be fine, Dr. Crane. It's just a broken arm. But according to your brother, Frederick was pretty shaken up and wanted his dad. So I just wanted to tell you that your brother took the first flight to Boston."
Niles covered his eyes with his hand. "Dear God, this is my fault. I'm... a terrible person."
He felt Daphne's embrace almost instantly. "Don't say that, Dr. Crane! You're wonderful! I've never seen an uncle who loves his nephew more. I wish my Uncle Jackie loved me as much."
He smiled at the compliment but his smile faded when he saw the sadness in her eyes. "Well, anyway I just wanted to let you know so that you wouldn't worry. I was going to call but I was already in the neighborhood and... Oh dear... I should probably get some beans for your brother while I'm here. I'll see you later, Dr. Crane."
As he watched her pay for the coffee and rush out of the café, he couldn't help but wonder if something was bothering her. He'd never seen her quite this upset before. But she hid it well.
The thought that they finally had something in common should have made him happier than he ever dreamed. Instead it only added to his heartbreak. For he knew he could never have the woman he longed for above all others.