Niles offered to take me home, but I declined. I saw Roz and decided that it was best that I sneak off before she could say a word to me. I made my way into Frasier's room and said good night to Frasier's dad. I told him to tell good night for me, and he just lit up. I gathered that Frasier wasn't a big fan of Eddie.

"Daphne, may I have a word with you before you leave?" Roz asked. I knew that I didn't have a choice.

I held Frasier's hand one more time, knowing that this would be the last time I would see him and his family. I couldn't very well say goodbye. Instead, I muttered good night.

"Oh, by the way.." Marty limped over to the other side of the room, and whispered. "Tomorrow night Niles, Eddie, and I are having a Christmas dinner. Would you girls like to come over?"

"I don't know about Daphne, but I'd love to come." Roz smiled. "Come on, it will be nice. I'm sure Niles won't mind."

Boy did my face turn red. "Really, I'd hate to be a bother.."

"Daphne..we'd love to have you. It would mean a lot to me."

I just couldn't let Frasier's dad down. I liked him more by the minute. "Of course I'll be there." I gave him a hug. "But I really do have to go now."

"Save your money. Niles will give you a ride."

This time, I was too tired to argue. I waited a few minutes, and I gladly waited for the valet service to pull up his car.

I was not to tired to bring down the Christmas present that I'd picked out for my \landlord. I'd barely scraped up enough money for my rent; this just seemed like the right thing to do. Just when I was ready to go back upstairs, guess who I ran into? Joe Jr. He followed me upstairs, carrying a rather large and not quite lovely Christmas wreath with him. I accepted, not wanting to hurt his feelings.

"Daphs. How about you and me..Christmas dinner?"

He meant well but was definitely not my type. "I have plans, Joe. What about apartment 3d?"

I thought he was going to cry. "She left me for 4a!"

I felt sorry for him, and gave him a hug. Once he tried to cop a feel I gave him a gentle smack. "Come on now, I'll let you try on a pair of shoes."

"Okay." Joe cheered up. I realized I forgot my purse in Niles' car, and ran down the stairs. Hopefully he had turned around and caught that. Apparently he did, for he knocked on the door before I could set the wreath down.

"I hope you don't mind. Your landlord told me your apartment number and I.."

"Yes, thank you, well, good night."

"Nice wreath. Where did you get it?"

"Oh I had it on my door. It must have fallen off."

"There are no nail marks on your door."

"It was on the inside of the door."

He stopped to consider that. "What's that noise?"

"Cat." I prayed that Joe Jr. would not come out now, especially wearing my heels. Or any of my shoes, for that matter.

"I'm thirsty. Would you mind if I had a glass of water?"

"I'm sorry, I only drink bottled water, and I'm fresh out."

Finally Niles gave up. What was this, the Spanish Inquisition? "Well, good night, Daphne. I will see you tomorrow."

"Good night, Niles."

Finally. I thought he would never leave.

.