He swallowed hard, unable to believe what he'd just heard. The idea that Daphne wanted to discuss their relationship both thrilled and terrified him.

"Why don't we go for a walk?" he asked quietly.

Daphne nodded. "That would be lovely, but what about-."

"Mel? Don't worry about her. Just give me a few minutes and I'll meet you out front."

"Thank you, Dr. Crane." Daphne said as she reached out to touch his hand.

Niles opened the door and returned to Frasier's condo, where he was immediately greeted by Mel who flung herself into his arms.

"What took you so long?" She demanded. "I can't believe you just left me sitting here alone!"

Niles couldn't help but notice the annoyed looks on the faces of his father and brother.

"Look, Mel... I'm sorry, but it just couldn't be helped." He said, releasing himself from her grip.

"I spoke with Daphne for a few minutes and then a patient called in quite a state of distress." He lied, praying that his nose wouldn't bleed.

Mel rolled her eyes and placed her hands on her hips.

"Niles Crane, I know for a fact that it doesn't take that long to talk to a patient!" She snapped. "Five minutes is more than enough time."

Niles sighed. He should have known that confronting his wife would be difficult, but he hadn't counted on this scenario. Daringly, he glanced at Frasier

and his father and then back to Mel.

"Well, the woman is in such a state of despondency, that I insisted that we meet for a session." He lied again.

"WHAT?" Mel yelled, startling all three men with her outburst. "Niles, really! We have a party at 7:30 tonight at the Sundance Club! We'll never make it in

time!"

"Mel, it will be fine. This patient has... severe emotional issues and if I don't-."

"I told you about this social function weeks ago!" Mel snapped! "Oh, I can't believe you're putting your patients above your responsibilities as my

husband!"

"Mel, don't you think that you're being unreasonable about this whole thing?"

Martin asked. "Niles is just trying to do the right thing."

"You of all people should understand the importance of helping patients in need!" Frasier added.

"Stay out of this, you two!" Mel screamed.

Niles cast a grateful but sympathetic glance at his father and brother.

Finally Mel sighed loudly and looked at Niles. "All right. Just... go and get it over with! In the meantime, I'll go to the party alone and explain your lateness. But you'd

better show up! And don't make this a habit, you understand?"

"Mel, I thought I made it perfectly clear to you that my patients come first."

Niles said calmly. "I have to oversee their well-being and if you can't understand that-."

Mel rose from the sofa and grabbed her purse. "And you should understand that I simply cannot arrive at such an important social function without a companion!"

"Mel, if you'd just-."

But before he could say another word, she walked out, slamming the door behind her.

The silence in the condo was deafening. Niles glanced at his father and brother, positive that their awkward gazes, mirrored his own.

"Sherry Niles?" Frasier finally said from the bar.

"No... No thank you." Niles answered. "I should probably just-."

"Go talk to Daphne, Son." Martin said with a smile.

He looked at his father in disbelief. "What?"

"Niles, I'm not stupid. I know damn well that you weren't talking to any patient."

Niles smiled and hugged his father. "Thanks, Dad. I feel terrible about leaving Mel the way I did, but Daphne... she's visibly upset and I can't figure out why.

And now she tells me that she wants to talk about us? How am I supposed to just...?"

"Go on, Niles." Frasier said. "Daphne's waiting."