A couple of days later, Niles and Daphne sat next to each other on an airplane in first class. He could hardly believe Daphne was here with him. "I've never been in first class before," Daphne told him. "Usually I'm stuck back there in coach next to some rude, unpleasant person for the whole flight."
Unable to think clearly enough to respond, Niles merely nodded and smiled at her.
"I'm sure you must be looking forward to seeing your friend again," Daphne continued, unfazed by Niles' silence. "And it was awfully nice of you to invite me along."
"It was my pleasure," Niles finally said. Suddenly he remembered something he'd wanted to discuss with her. "About our sleeping arrangements...Maxwell told me he has a guest room in his house. Apparently the place is quite big. But of course, when we get there, I'll explain that we'll be needing separate rooms. I wouldn't dream of infringing on your privacy, or making you uncomfortable." The idea of sharing a room with Daphne conjured up many wonderful scenarios in Niles' mind. But since she had no idea how he felt about her, he tried his best not to dwell on the possibilities.
"Dr. Crane, that's very sweet of you," Daphne said. The smile she gave him made his head spin. He looked down and saw she'd put her forearm on the armrest between them. He could not resist putting his next to it, so that their fingers just barely touched. Daphne blushed immediately. "Oh, I'm sorry, did you want the armrest?" she asked.
"No, that's quite all right, Daphne. We can share."
The flight attendants began the emergency briefing, and soon their plane took off. "Isn't this exciting?" Daphne asked. "It's like we're going on an adventure!"
Just being with you is exciting, Niles thought. But he couldn't make himself say the words out loud. So, instead, he looked out the window. He marveled at how small things seemed from up here. Huge buidings and cars looked like miniatures. The silence between him and Daphne grew longer and longer. Finally, he worked up the courage to turn back to her. "So, Daphne, is there anything in particular you'd like to do in New York?"
"Well, I've been reading a few travel brochures your brother gave me. Of course I'd love to see the Statue of Liberty, and maybe Central Park. But I know I may not have time to see much, if you're going to be busy with your friend. I'd hate to be a bother."
"You could never be a bother," Niles replied immediately. "I'm sure we can work those things into our schedule. I haven't been to New York in years, so I wouldn't mind seeing some of that myself. Who knows when you'll be back here again? So you might as well make the most of it while you're here, right?"
Daphne smiled at him again. "I can't thank you enough for bringing me on this trip. I've always wanted to visit New York, but I think I'd be too scared to do it alone. I'm so glad I have someone with me that I can trust." She took his hand in hers and squeezed it.
Niles had to work to catch his breath. Not only from Daphne's touch, but her words as well. He hadn't expected it at all. None of it. When he had finally recovered from the shock, he held on to her hand and said, "Don't worry, Daphne. I would never let anything happen to you."