"Watch out Frasier, lovebird alert in the corner." Roz noticed when they entered Cafe Nervosa to see Niles and Daphne at their usual corner table, still acting like teens in love.
"I swear Roz, they've been married for over a year now, you'd think they could start acting like adults." Frasier groaned.
"Well I think it's sweet." Roz defended them as she and Frasier took a middle table.
They were so engrossed in their debate over Niles and Daphne's public display of affection that they didn't notice the young man approaching their table until he spoke. "Hi Roz." His voice was almost hesitant.
"Hello, do I know y.... Rick!" her jaw dropped. "Hi, what are you doing back here?" She rose to hug him.
He returned the hug somewhat uncomfortably, seeming very unlike the friendly outgoing Rick Garrett that had left Seattle a couple years before. "I just moved back, got my degree in business management and would you believe I just bought Cafe Nervosa, so I'm the new owner." He exclaimed proudly. "Oh and I'd like you to meet my wife Heather," he said as he beckoned for a young petite blonde who had been standing off to the side.
"Heather, nice to meet you, I'm Dr. Frasier Crane," Frasier spoke up cheerfully trying to cover for the suddenly speechless Roz."
"Hello Heather, I'm Roz Doyle." Roz found her voice as Heather looked at her expectantly.
"Hi Roz, I've heard so much about you. Heather sat down at the
table smiling.
"So you're the mother of Rick's child."
At that comment even Frasier lost his calm expression as his jaw dropped in a look of astonishment, paralleled only by the look on Roz's face.
"You... you know?" Roz stammered.
"Oh of course, Rick tells me everything." She chirped happily.
"Yes, I was wondering, if perhaps I could see Alice." Rick requested. "I haven't seen a picture of her since the one you sent me of her first birthday party."
"Yeah, I guess I could do that." Roz was still a little shaken at all this happening so fast. "How would tomorrow be?"
"Oh that would be wonderful, I can't wait to meet my little girl." Rick beamed, "Guess we'd better be getting back to business, it's been wonderful seeing you again." He nodded to the stunned duo as he and Heather disappeared into the back.
"Well that was certainly interesting, are you OK?" Frasier could tell that Roz was slightly shaken.
"Yeah, I'm fine, but I need to go home," Roz said distractedly. "Don't ask me why but I suddenly feel the overwhelming urge to see my daughter."
"OK Roz, see you Monday" Frasier agreed, though she was out the
door before he even finished. He continued sipping his cappucino
while analyzing what had just happened.