Niles had patients the morning of Daphne's interview, but he was barely able to give them the attention they deserved. He kept thinking of how it was going, and what it would be like if she worked for Frasier. Some of the therapists they'd had were live in positions and some weren't, and he wasn't sure if she would live with them or stay at the Shangri-La. He didn't know which he preferred-he liked having her across the hall, but he didn't plan to live there forever and the thought of her being there alone, with all those single men prowling around, made him shudder.

Of course, she hadn't even gotten the job yet, but he couldn't help thinking that she would. He had liked her instantly (well, all right, he'd been attracted to her instantly, but he liked her too) and he was sure Frasier and his father would take to her just as well.

Then again, she was quirky and eccentric and very open, she didn't have the cool reserve that Frasier seemed to look for. But his dad should like that, he liked people who were direct and honest and Daphne certainly was that.

Niles frowned, tapping a finger against his chin. Maybe a little too honest. She did tend toward random odd stories about her family and although he found them frankly adorable he didn't think Frasier would share that opinion. Would she tell them about the whole psychic thing during the interview? Well, Frasier already knew about it anyway, and Niles could just kick himself for blurting that out. That would probably prejudice him against Daphne from the start.

"Doctor Crane?"

Niles lifted his head and met his patient's eyes. "Yes?"

"Are you listening?"

"Of course I am," he replied. "Just making some notes. Please, continue."

Niles made himself focus for the rest of the session, but the moment his patient was out the door, he whipped out his phone. Frasier answered on the third ring.

"Well?" Niles asked. "What did you think?"

Frasier's exasperated sigh carried over the phone with perfect clarity. "Dad loved her. She starts Monday."

"Yes!" Niles shot out of his seat, throwing one fist in the air. "I told you! Isn't she phenomenal?"

"She's a kook! I don't like her."

Niles scowled. "How can you say that? Can't you see how open and compassionate and kind she is? She's an angel."

Frasier's eye roll was nearly audible. "She's very pretty, which appears to be the only part of your description that you got right."

"She is more than 'very pretty' and you know it," Niles retorted. "Thank god at least Dad has the good sense to hire her."

"We'll see how long it lasts," Frasier said.

"Don't be like that," Niles coaxed. "Give her a chance, and trust me, you'll be glad you did."

"At least I won't be seeing much of her. I managed to convince Dad that we should only hire her part time for now, as a trial period, before we have her move in."

"Well," Niles said, smiling, "more good news. Thank you for giving her the chance at an interview, Frasier. It means a lot to me."

Frasier's voice warmed a little. "You're welcome. I just hope…"

"What?"

"Well, you've become infatuated with this woman very quickly, and on the basis of only a chance meeting over laundry and a pool lesson. After what happened with Maris, aren't you concerned about the risks of a rebound relationship?"

"What do you mean?" Niles asked.

"You know as well as I do the responses people have to the end of a marriage, or any significant long term relationship. Starting a new relationship is a quick fix, a salve to the wounds caused by rejection. But the rebound is doomed to fail. You need to take time to grieve and recover before you jump into something new."

"That's ridiculous. My marriage has been over for years."

"Has it?" Frasier asked. "You're not divorced yet."

"That's only because Maris is dragging it through the courts. She wants to make me pay for turning her down."

"So when did your marriage truly end, Niles?"

He thought about it for a moment. "The night I found Schenkman in her bed," he replied. "That was when I knew it was over."

"And that was only a few months ago," Frasier pointed out quietly. "Are you sure Daphne isn't just something to distract you from the pain of your wife having an affair? Maybe even a way to get revenge on Maris by having one of your own?"

"It's not like that," Niles insisted. "This is different. She's different."

"Are you sure?"

"I'm sure," Niles said firmly. "Daphne is special. You'll see."

"You know I'm only trying to think of what's best for you."

"Aren't you always?" Niles muttered. "Whatever would I do without my big brother to look out for me?"

Frasier sighed. "Niles…"

"No, don't." Niles took a deep breath. "Let's not do this. You gave Daphne a chance, and I'm grateful. And I know you think you're helping me. I realize you mean well. But please, just trust that I know what I'm doing, what I'm feeling, and let me handle it."

Niles could picture Frasier throwing his hands in the air. "All right," he said. "You're a grown man, it's your decision."

"Thank you," Niles said. "I mean it."

Frasier chuckled. "You're just glad you have a reason to take her out and celebrate."

"Oh! I didn't think of that! You're right, I should ask her to dinner." He said goodbye and hung up, then leaned back in his chair, grinning up at the ceiling. He couldn't wait.

TBC