"I trust that everything is to your liking?"
Daphne smiled at the waiter as he took her plate. "It was perfect. The best meal I've ever had. And this place… it's the loveliest place I've ever seen."
"Well, thank you. That's quite a compliment. It's what we strive for."
"I couldn't agree with Daphne more." Niles said. "Excellent service and impeccable food. You can bet I'llbe returning and I'll be certain to give this restaurant rave reviews."
"Thank you sir. Would you care for anything else?"
Niles looked at Daphne. "Desert? Coffee?"
"That sounds wonderful."
"Excellent." The waiter said with a smile. "I'll be back with something special."
When he was gone Daphne smiled at the handsome man across from her. "Dr. Crane, you've been much too generous tonight. Just being here is… the most incredible things I could have hoped for. I know it sounds silly but I see these places on television… fancy restaurants, cars, faraway places, and I can't help but feel a little envious of you and your brother."
"Daphne-"
Her eyes glistened with tears and she tried with little success to will them away. I'm sorry. I guess I'm just a little emotional. I -."
"You what?"
She sighed deeply, torn between feeling guilty for thinking about how lonely she'd been and wanting to share her feelings with Niles. Because somehow, she knew he'd understand. And it was at that moment that she finally understood as well. What she was feeling now was beyond friendship for him had suddenly gone beyond friendship. Another glace at the table showed that he was still holding her hand. It seemed so natural that she hadn't even noticed before.
"Daphne, is something wrong? If I've done or said anything to upset you-."
She ran her thumb across his hand. "You haven't upset me… far from it. It's my fault. I guess I've just been feeling a bit lonely. The men I've been seeing… Well, it doesn't take them long to lose interest in me, or they turn out to be someone I don't recognize. And sometimes I think that I'll never-." She blinked, horrified when a tear escaped and she quickly brushed it away. "Listen to me carrying on like one of Dr. Crane's radio patients. I shouldn't be talking about this now. I-."
The waiter appeared with the most decedent chocolate desert that Daphne had ever seen. It looked almost too good to eat. "I spoke with the Head Chef and he created this just for you. On the house."
"Oh no…" Niles said. "We couldn't possibly accept… it looks incredible, but I insist that you allow me to pay for it."
"With all due respect Mr.-."
"Crane, Dr. Niles Crane."
"Dr. Crane, the Chef was quite insistent. I told my Restaurant Manager about your highly valued opinion and he in turn asked me to speak to the Head Chef, who created this for you and your lovely dining companion."
"My manners seem to have disappeared tonight." Niles said. "This is Daphne Moon."
She held out her hand in greeting, pleasantly surprised when the waiter kissed it lightly. "Oh my… It's nice to meet you-."
"David."
"David…" She repeated "What a lovely name."
"Thank you, Ms. Moon."
"Please, call me Daphne."
"All right… Daphne. Well, I hope you enjoy."
"David, please send our sincere thanks to the Manager and the Head Waiter."
"I will, Dr. Crane. Thank you."The waiter handed them two forks before leaving.
Carefully Niles cut a piece of the desert for Daphne and one for himself. When Daphne took a bite, she was certain that nothing could be more heavenly.
"Oh my… That's the most incredible thing I've ever tasted!"
Niles indulged as well, having a similar reaction, responding with nothing but praise. And soon their plate was empty, as well as their coffee cups. Before leaving they thanked David profusely and Niles paid the check, adding in a healthy tip and a promise to return.
Soon they were in his car headed home where Daphne knew that their magical evening would soon come to an end. And she couldn't help feeling a bit sad, because she knew she would remember this evening as long as she lived.
