I woke earlier than normal, surprisingly rested considering that I'd hardly gotten any sleep at all.
The gorgeous star-filled night had turned into a beautiful morning; with ribbons of pink streaked across the pale blue sky. And as soon as I got out of bed, my eyes landed on the red dress that hung from my door.
It was way out of my price range, but the moment I saw it, I fell in love instantly. I had no idea that such a gorgeous dress existed in Seattle!
It was a backless gown in a beautiful shade of red. All my life I'd dreamt of wearing a dress like that and finally I'd gotten my chance. The memories of being with Niles at the Snow Ball made me sigh.
I was still in my dreamy state when I walked into the kitchen.
"Morning, Daphne."
"Good morning, Dr. Crane." I replied, unable to stop smiling.
"Well, it seems that someone had a good night's sleep last night; or maybe just sweet dreams?"
I could feel my cheeks burning and it was almost as though he could see right into my mind and tell what I'd been dreaming about.
Or rather... Whom...
I hurried to put the breakfast on the table just as the doorbell rang.
"Thank God, I'm starved!" Mr. Crane said, pushing Eddie out of the way as he headed for the table. "Not that this is appetizing in any way, shape or form."
A bit hurt by his remark about my cooking, I decided to ignore him.
"Isn't anyone going to answer the door?" Dr. Crane asked. "I wonder who would be coming over at this hour?"
"Well, there's only one way to find out, isn't there, Einstein?" Mr. Crane replied in that sarcastic tone of his...
The grouchy old man! I couldn't imagine anyone being in a bad mood on such a beautiful day, but Mr. Crane proved me wrong.
I could hear Mr. Crane opening the door. "Niles, what are you doing here at this hour?"
"Well hello to you too, Frasier." Niles replied, obviously irritated at his brother's trite greeting.
But the sound of his voice made my heart skip a beat, causing me to feel a bit flustered. Perhaps I was coming down with the flu.
"Hey, Niles! Good to see you!" Mr. Crane said.
"Hey Dad!" Niles replied.
I couldn't help starin at Niles. He was so handsome. I sensed that our date last night had brought us closer together; something I never thought quite possible.
After all, we were already the best of friends; in my mind anyway. I really should have told him; but I suspected that he already knew.
"Hello, Dr. Crane." I said, giving him a smile.
To my dismay, his smile disappeared the moment he saw me.
"Daphne."
I felt my heart sink at the way he said my name. It wasn't the usual sweet way he said it; as though he was elated to see me. Instead it was harsh, almost angry, as though he was just acknowledging my presence and wasn't in the mood.
And I was surprised at how much it hurt.
"So I hear you two had a pretty good time last night." Mr. Crane said.
"We certainly did, didn't we Dr. Crane?" I asked, hoping he didn't hear the quiverin' in me voice.
"Sure, it was... nice." He said so abruptly that it startled me.
Then he said; "Frasier I've come to beg a favor." As though it was the most natural thing in the world.
I could feel Mr. Crane and Dr. Crane looking at me with puzzled expressions but I didn't dare make eye contact.
Dr. Crane cleared his throat, a sure sign that he was uncomfortable, and he wisely changed the subject.
"So Niles, what's this favor you need?"
"Oh, right! Well, Frasier I need to borrow some CDs."
"Of course Niles. In fact, I'd be happy to make you some copies of my newest Pavarotti and Plácido Domingo."
"Thank you, but I need something more upbeat, so I can practice my dancing; like the samba and the tango!"
My heart swelled with pride. "That's wonderful, Dr. Crane! I'd be happy to help you with-."
"No." he said harshly.
My chest felt tight and I found it nearly impossible to keep my eyes from filling with tears.
"All right." I said, barely able to get the words out.
Daringly I looked at Dr. Crane, who seemed as confused as I was. But he had no idea how much Niles abruptness had hurt me.
