She stared at the vast array of clothing until it blurred into a rainbow of colors before her eyes.
She had no idea what Niles had in store for her but no matter how many times she sorted through her dresses, skirts and blouses, nothing seemed appropriate. How could she possibly choose an outfit that would be presentable?
She'd never been to the opera or the ballet and the men she dated always seemed to prefer hamburgers to filet mignon.
She was on the third round of searching her closet when the doorbell rang. A sudden wave of uneasiness came over her but then quickly disappeared.
When the doorbell rang a second time, she waited for Mr. Crane or Dr. Crane to answer it. Didn't they realize she was getting ready for a date? But then she remembered that both men were out on dates of their own.
A glance in the mirror confirmed just how horrible she looked, and Niles was sure to be appalled. But she couldn't just leave the poor man out in the hallway. He was her friend and he deserved so much more than she could ever give him. The least she could do was let him in. After all, they did have a date.
Cringing at her frightful appearance, she cinched the belt on her terry cloth robe that was adorned with colorful teacups and stepped into the hallway. Her heart raced as she crossed the living room and stood in the foyer, her hand trembling as she reached for the door knob.
She'd think of something as to why she was dressed so inappropriately, but first things first... With as much force as she could, she thrust the door open, her heart melting at the sight of him.
"Hello, Da-."
His smile disappeared and he stopped short at the sight of her, obviously disgusted that she cared so little for him that she didn't even bother to dress properly, or get dressed at all for that matter.
Once more she'd managed to hurt him, and the thought stung her heart. The way he checked his watch indicated just how nervous he was.
"Well... It seems that I'm a bit early, but I could have sworn that I said-."
She forced a smile as she took his hand and led him inside.
"Actually, you're right on time, Dr. Crane. I just... couldn't find anything suitable to wear."
Despite the sympathetic look on his face, the words poured out of her so quickly, she was barely aware that she'd spoken them.
" Is-isn't that silly?" She continued with a nervous laugh. "I looked through me closet I don't know how many times and all I could find were a bunch of silly outfits that are bound to make me look positively dreadful!"
To her surprise, he didn't seem disgusted with her at all. Instead he squeezed her hand and smiled.
"Nonsense, Daphne. You always look beautiful no matter what you wear."
She blushed deeply as she fought back tears, for she wasn't worthy of such praise.
"Thank you, but I'm so ashamed, Dr. Crane. You've gone to all this trouble and if you don't mind my sayin' you look very handsome, and how do I repay you? By not even showing you the courtesy of bein' ready on time! I-."
His fingers went to her lips in an attempt to silence her.
But the touch of his soft skin on her mouth sent her heart racing like a freight train... and her emotions raging at an uncontrollable rate.
She stared at his mouth, suddenly desperate to know what it would be like to kiss him again. Not a sweet, friendly kiss like the few that they had shared before that fateful encounter in his apartment. But a hot, passionate kiss that left little to the imagination.
The thought both thrilled and pained her. Quickly she looked away, afraid to meet his gaze. But she felt his hand on her back, prompting her to turn around.
"Daphne, you have nothing to be ashamed of. You're an absolute angel. I've never met anyone more kind or considerate... or more beautiful."
Her trembling hand stroked his soft cheek, causing her breath to catch in her throat.
"You're so sweet. I know I've ruined your plans but I promise I'll rush into me room and be ready in no time. Can I fix you a drink or some tea?"
He gave her a heart-melting smile.
"Take your time. I'll make a sherry and just relax on the sofa. Perhaps I'll even indulge myself in listening to one of Frasier's classical music CD's. Where is Frasier anyway? And Dad?"
She breathed a small sigh of relief that the conversation had taken a turn toward family matters instead of the matter at hand.
"Oh, well they both had dates if you can believe that. Imagine, the three of us havin' dates on the same-."
His smile turned to a look of compassion and he touched her forearm. "Daphne, is everything all right? Because if you don't want to do this-."
"No!" She said a little too forcefully. "I-I mean... I do. I just... I'll be right back. Just make yourself comfortable, okay? I'm so sorry for ruining your evening."
As she turned to go to her room she heard him sigh deeply.
"Daphne, please don't apologize. You didn't ruin any-."
But she didn't turn around. For if she did, she feared she may start to cry and never stop.
