A few hours later, Frasier returned from work. "Hi, Dad, Daphne. How was your day?"
Martin shrugged. "Watched TV, did my exercises, played with Eddie. In other words, just another day."
"I certainly had an eventful day today, Dr. Crane." She pointed to a vase on the dining table that now contained the rose. "I've got a date for coffee tomorrow at Nervosa," she explained. The expression on her face said that she was on cloud nine.
Frasier looked at the flower, confused. "Is this from Joe?" he asked. He found it hard to believe Daphne's contractor boyfriend would do something like that.
"Actually, I'm not sure who it's from," Daphne replied as she showed him the card. "But isn't it exciting?"
Frasier shot Martin a shocked look. "Daphne, would you mind taking Eddie out for a walk?"
"Your father and I already took Eddie for his walk earlier," Daphne replied. She sensed that Dr. Crane wasn't really concerned about Eddie's welfare. "But perhaps an extra walk wouldn't hurt him." She grabbed the leash and called for the dog. A minute later, both she and Eddie were gone.
"You realize who sent this, don't you?" Frasier asked as soon as he and his father were alone.
Martin shrugged. "It could've been anybody. I told her the guy could turn out to be a nutcase, and she shouldn't go."
"Dad, it's no nutcase. This has to be from Niles!"
Martin looked at his son. "I know he's been interested in her, but you really think Niles sent her that?"
"Of course I do. Don't you think it's strange that this rose arrives just after he and Maris filed for divorce?"
Martin thought about it. It certainly seemed possible. "That's good, then, right?" he asked.
"No, Dad, it is not good! What if she goes down to to that café tomorrow and breaks his heart?"
Martin scoffed. "Daphne wouldn't do that. She's been walking on air ever since she got that note."
"He's just had his heart ripped out by Maris. The last thing he needs right now is another rejection!"
Martin got up from his recliner and walked over to where Frasier stood. "If your brother sent her that note – and we still don't know for sure it was even him – then that means he's finally letting go of Maris and taking a step toward happiness. Don't you want your brother to be happy?"
"Of course I do, Dad. But -"
"Then stay the hell out of it!" Martin exclaimed. "Look, I know you think you know what's best for Niles. But this could be a good thing for him and for Daphne. So, for once in your life, keep your mouth shut!" With that, he took his cane and walked off to his room.
As Daphne walked Eddie, she continued to think about the mysterious rose. At first, she'd been convinced it was from Joe. But now, she was starting to have doubts. Why wouldn't he sign his real name, she wondered. She noticed she had inadvertently walked straight to Nervosa. She couldn't resist looking in the window. Was her mystery man in the café now? Had she ever seen him there before? If so, why hadn't he ever come out and told her how felt directly? It seemed the more she thought about it, the more questions she had. The next day couldn't come fast enough.
