Taking a sip of his favorite wine, Niles emerged from the kitchen and walked into the living room. He sat down
on the fainting couch, cringing slightly when his eyes landed on the small statue.
What was Roz thinking, buying him such an atrocious gift?
His first thought was to get rid of it.
Perhaps he could donate it.
His wine club would certainly get a few laughs over having it in their tasting room.
But it would be wrong.
With his luck, Roz would stop by his apartment at the Montana and there was no doubt in his mind that she'd
comment on the statue.
If she realized that it was missing, not only would her feelings be hurt, but she'd be absolutely livid.
It was a gift, after all.
He had to admit it was an awfully kind gesture on Roz's part. All he'd done is pull a few strings.
He was chatting with Roz at Café Nervosa one afternoon when she'd shared her fears about Alice's preschool
education. Her concern for her daughter touched him deeply and he was only too happy to make some phone
calls.
When he came by the KACL studios to tell her that he'd taken care of Alice's preschool situation, she was
overjoyed and threw her arms around him in a hug.
The sentimental gesture surprised even Roz.
He smiled, just thinking about it. Despite their differences, he cared about Roz because she'd done so much for
his brother.
But he never expected her to buy him a present as gratitude.
He picked up the statue and examined it thoroughly. He really should have opened the gift at his office. He
could have put the atrocious statue in an unobtrusive corner, and Roz would have never known the difference.
It was highly unlikely that she would ever come to his office for therapy.
He wasn't even sure she knew where his office was located.
But still, he knew that she'd want him to display her gift in his home. He rose from the fainting couch and looked
around the living room until he found the perfect spot;
Right next to his rare book collection. Rare, meaning books that he hardly ever read, or would ever read.
Ever since his college days, he'd made a habit out of acquiring books that would impress people of a certain
status quo. It was ridiculous, trying to make himself look good, but sometimes it was the only way to fit in.
His thoughts trailed back to the day that Mrs. Woodson brought the gift into his office. He was extremely busy,
and wanted her out of there as soon as possible. He'd simply told her to leave the gift.
Then, another knock on the door.
Irritated, he'd called for her to come in, wishing she would just go home.
But it wasn't Mrs. Woodson.
It was Daphne.
His heart beat faster at the sight of her. As usual she was breathtakingly beautiful. And the realization that she
was standing in his office made his head spin.
To his utter surprise, she'd come to see him about a vision she'd had; one in which she'd seen her soul mate.
And thinking only of how much he loved her, he advised her to break up with him.
That is until his wiser, older brother showed him how selfish he'd been.
Niles did his best to steer her in the right direction regarding Donny.
But instead he steered her straight into Donny's arms.
For Donny had stolen her heart before his eyes.
Now he lay back on the fainting couch, remembering that horrible, painful moment... watching as Donny bent
down on one knee...
And with a simple question and a diamond ring, took away the woman that Niles loved most.
With a sigh, he took his empty wine glass back to the kitchen and then headed up stairs.
He padded into his bedroom where in his dreams, he held Daphne in his arms... knowing full well he would
wake up alone come morning.
But at least for tonight, he knew that she loved him...
If only in his dreams.