Chapter 41: Niles


Niles wanted nothing more than his divorce to be over and done with.

He had made several calls to his lawyers over the next week, and was getting increasingly frustrated. Every time Niles thought they had finally made some progress, Maris' lawyers would come up with something which would send them back to the start. The most recent of these delays was that Maris was pushing for couples counselling.

This infuriated Niles. He had practically begged Maris for the same thing countless times over the last 18 months, and it was her complete refusal that had resulted in their current divorce feud. Having Maris turn around and use counselling as a tool to try and delay their divorce was just insulting at this point. To make matters worse, Niles' lawyers were encouraging him to agree to these sessions.

Niles relented, and agreed to three sessions only – the minimum that Maris' lawyers seemed to accept. He decided that playing along and getting these sessions out of the way as quickly as possible might be the quickest way to getting things finalised, but that didn't make it any easier.

And to top it all off, Niles didn't know how to mention this new counselling requirement to Daphne.

He complained to Frasier about this during lunch.

"...So, I've agreed to three sessions only, but honestly I am done with it all. I just want to finish this divorce and move on."
"Well, Niles, I know I'm not exactly Maris' biggest fan, but the counselling might be good for both of you. It might let you get some closure, if anything." Niles sighed.
"I suppose, but it's too little too late – closure be damned. I'm ready to move on, start the next chapter of my life." He paused, thoughtful. "Start dating again. You know, see if there is someone out there for me."
"You mean Daphne?" Frasier raised an eyebrow in question. Niles knew Frasier would infer that.

Not that he's wrong. That's exactly who I mean.

"Well, perhaps. But I want to wait until my divorce is final, and I can't do that with these delay tactics."

Frasier looked at Niles, as if a little afraid to tell him something.

"Niles, I don't want to upset you, but I don't want you to have false hope either. Daphne... has been seeing someone the last few weeks."

I know, it's me. Me, me, me, me, ME.

"Really? Who?" Niles did his best to keep his face and tone neutral.
"I'm not sure, she hasn't told us much about him yet, but she seems very happy." Frasier looked sympathetic. "I don't want you to get your hopes up too much, Niles."
"I'm not, Frasier. If it works out, it works out. If not..." He shrugged. "But I'm not trying to rush this divorce for any other reason than I believe my relationship with Maris is over."
"I know, but I'm your brother. I want to make sure that you're doing it for the right reasons."


Niles had bought a harness and leash for Baby at a pet store as a way take her for walks in an attempt to keep her from getting too bored in the small apartment. He had already done a couple of trial runs around the hallways of the Shangri-La, much to the amusement of his neighbors. Unfortunately, they had started trying to teach Baby some less-than-polite phrases.

Daphne came over again on the weekend, and they decided to try Baby's harness outside. After a couple of false starts, it ended up working quite well. They walked to a local park and Baby, on her leash, foraged around on the ground or pulled at the bark of a nearby tree, muttering 'Niles sucks' every now and then.

And Daphne seemed to be enjoying herself, even though it wasn't exactly an exciting outing. She found great delight seeing Niles with Baby on his shoulder in her harness as they walked to the park, and with watching the bird hop about and inspect the park. Niles had to admit he probably looked ridiculous walking his bird, but didn't care. Even though they were out somewhere public, it was unlikely anyone that knew them would see the two of them together. Daphne and Niles held hands, and even snuck a couple of discreet kisses. The entire time they were out, Niles felt like he was floating.

I'm with the woman of my dreams and she loves me.

When they returned to his apartment however, Niles knew he finally needed to tell her about the counselling sessions with Maris.

"So, you and Mrs Crane are going to do couples counselling? I thought she didn't want to?"

Daphne was confused and upset at the thought. Niles didn't blame her. He felt the same way.

"She didn't. And I still don't think she does. But I believe Maris is doing this to drag out the divorce. I don't seem to have much of a choice. I can't refuse because it'll look like I'm not trying to reconcile."
"But what about the last year and a half where you did nothing but try to reconcile? You would think that would be enough evidence."
"I know. Which is why I refuse to do more than the three sessions." He sighed, torn on what to do. "I'm hoping that this will get the divorce done as quickly as possible."

Daphne sat there, silent. She shook her head, slowly.

"I feel like the other woman" she said softly.

That hurt Niles. He didn't want Daphne to feel like that. She was the only woman, in his mind. He pulled Daphne into a hug, wishing he could do something to make this better.

"That's the last thing I want you to feel, Daphne."
"I know, Niles. But, it still hurts." She sniffled. "I'm sorry."
"Don't apologise, none of this is your fault. If there is anything I can do to make reassure you or make this easier, please let me know. I love you, and to me, you come first. Always."
"I love you too, Niles. I'll be okay. Whatever helps you get through this as quick as possible."


The day before the first scheduled counselling session, Maris's lawyers cancelled, pushing the appointment back by another month. Frasier and Roz were already at Nervosa when Niles walked in. He joined them, visibly angry and upset.

"Hey, Niles. Are you okay?" Roz flagged down a waiter for him.
"Cappuccino, please." Niles ordered, before answering Roz. "Um, no, I'm not okay. Maris is determined to prolong my suffering. Not only does she want me to jump through hoops and agree to these pointless counselling sessions, she's also continually trying to reschedule them. Like the one we were supposed to have tomorrow."

Frasier was angry on Niles' behalf.

"Oh, Niles. How did your lawyers respond to this postponement request?"
"Well, they raised hell. Got this latest delay down from five weeks to, uh… four. At this rate, I might be divorced by the new millennium."

Niles sighed, as the waiter returned with his coffee. Frasier was outraged.

"Niles, are you serious?! Do you think maybe it's time that you consider getting some new lawyers?"
"Fire Harrison & Reed? They're the top firm in Seattle."

Frasier seemed incredulous at this statement.

"But they're bleeding you dry, and what do you have to show for it?"

Niles shrugged, looking helpless. He was about to answer, when Roz interrupted him.

"Oh, you know, I know someone you can call. My old boyfriend, Donny. He's a great lawyer. He's smart, tough-"
"Hey, wait a minute, are we talking about Donny Douglas? I've read about this guy Niles, he just won a huge case!" Frasier seemed to have heard of him before, and was impressed.

Niles still didn't seem convinced.

"Oh, I don't know..."

Frasier's phone rang.

"Hello? Just a moment." He covered the mouth piece. "Sorry, I've got to take this." He stepped away briefly.

Roz turned to Niles.

"Just give Donny a chance. He might be able to speed things along."
"No offence Roz, but I don't know if your 'Donny' is in the same league as Harrison & Reed."
"Well, look at it this way. It might free you from Maris quicker, leaving you able to be open with your relationship with Daphne. Surely it's worth just meeting with him for that."

Niles sat there, considering that prospect. Roz pressed harder.

"Just think, in a few months, you could be sitting here with Daphne, for the whole world to see. Or, you could still be waiting for Maris to actually attend your first meeting, while Daphne gets sick of waiting around."

Frasier returned.

"Sorry about that. Well, Niles, I think you should at least consider meeting Donny."
"You're right. Roz, are you able to set up an appointment?"

Roz grinned as she sipped her coffee, knowing she got Niles in his weak spot.

"Consider it done."