Daphne did her best to concentrate on her chores, but didn't quite succeed. She wondered what Dr. Crane had wanted to say. Whatever it was, it must be something awfully personal. She was touched he'd want to confide in her that way, considering how close he and the other Dr. Crane were. But, then, he'd always been so sweet to her, complimenting her almost every day, listening to all her stories about her brothers, and letting her vent about how stubborn Mr. Crane could be.
Somehow, she managed to make it through the day. She noticed Frasier and his father exchanging worried glances, but neither of them asked what was on her mind. As she began setting the table for dinner, Frasier looked up from the psychology book he was reading. "Niles will be joining us, Daphne. Set an extra place for him, will you?"
Daphne smiled. "I already set one. I'm so glad he's feeling better."
"Oh, we Crane boys tend to bounce back rather quickly."
Martin rolled his eyes. "Right, and they're great athletes, too."
Just then, the doorbell rang. Daphne went to answer it. "That must be your brother now." She opened the door, and there he was. He smiled at the sight of her, but he looked more nervous than Daphne had ever seen him.
"Evening, Dr. Crane. I'm so glad you're feeling better!"
"Thank you, Daphne." He fidgeted nervously. He remembered the way she'd taken care of him after the accident, and he felt a rush of love for her.
Daphne looked at Dr. Crane with concern. He seemed to be dazed, staring into space, rather than entering the apartment. "Is something wrong?"
Niles blushed, realizing his mind was a thousand miles away. "No...I was just thinking."
Daphne's heart skipped a beat. Had he been thinking about her? It was possible. But Dr. Crane was also going through a bitter divorce, as well as doing his best to help the many troubled people who came to him for therapy. He certainly had a lot to think about these days. Daphne smiled, realizing she still hadn't invited him in. "Why don't you come in and take off your coat? Dinner's just about ready."
Niles nodded, finally making his way into the apartment.
"Hi, Dad. Hi, Frasier." Martin acknowledged his son with a nod, barely looking up from the Mariners' game.
"Hello, Niles. Sherry?" Frasier asked.
Niles nodded. He hoped the drink would steady his nerves. The idea that in just a few hours, he might end up confessing his deepest feelings for Daphne was almost more than he could bear. Just looking at her made him long to hold her in his arms, whispering the words he'd wanted to say before.