They drove to the restaurant in comfortable silence as the lights of Seattle passed by them. The city was all aglow, almost resembling a Christmas display. She was so caught up in her surroundings that she barely noticed that the car had come to a stop.
"We're here." He announced.
She smiled and squeezed his hand. "So we are."
He climbed out of the care and went around, holding his hand to help her out of the car. Together they walked into the restaurant where they were greeted warmly by the maître d.
"Good evening sir. Good evening miss. And welcome to Mi Bella Italia."
"Thank you." Niles said. "Reservation for Crane, please."
The man smiled and opened his book, flipping through a few pages. "Ah yes, Crane. Here you are. Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Crane."
Daphne opened her mouth to correct the man but when her eyes met Niles, they both laughed. The maître d raised his eyebrows in confusion. "Is something wrong?"
"Actually-." Niles began.
Daphne touched Niles' arm (gently of course) and smiled at the maître d. "Nothing's wrong. We're just… so in love."
It was the silliest thing she'd ever said in her life, but the words could not have been more truthful.
"Right this way, Mr. and Mrs. Crane."
Daphne took hold of Niles' hand and they followed the maître d to a wonderfully secluded table with a beautiful, picture-perfect view of the Space Needle. In fact, it was such a beautiful sight that Daphne actually gasped and squeezed his hand. "Oh Niles…"
The maître d smiled. "I take it this is to your liking."
Niles in turn, smiled at the man. "This is perfect, thank you."
When they were seated and the maître d had disappeared, Daphne reached for Niles' hand across the table. "You look so handsome."
His smile armed her heart. "Thank you, Daphne. I-."
They both noticed the red stain at the same time; on the cuff of Niles' sleeve. And her heart went out to him.
"Niles…"
He rose from his hair, a look of unease on his face. "I-." He left quickly, making a beeline for the men's room and Daphne quickly rose from her chair rushing to catch up with him.
"Niles!" She called to him, attracting glances from the restaurant patrons. But then he turned and ran out of the door.
"Niles, please! Wait!"
She was breathless by the time she reached the sidewalk, the cold air swirling around her. But she didn't notice at all. The only thing she cared about; the only one she cared about was the man standing in front of her.
He turned to face her. "Daphne…"
"Please, Niles…" she begged. "Let me help you."
For the first time she noticed the tears in his eyes, visible under the glow of the street lamp. "You can't, Daphne. No one can. I don't know why I thought…"
"What, Niles? What did you think?"
"This is wrong. I'm sorry."
He let go of her and walked away, his pace slow at first but then increasing with each step.
"Niles!" She cried, starting to run after him. "Niles, wait!"
But he kept right on walking down the sidewalk, leaving her hurt and confused.