Curious, Daphne walked over to Martin's beloved chair, where she could see Frasier open the door. But it was the sight just past her boss, through the small space where the door was ajar that caught her attention.
Niles was standing in the doorway of the lift, leaning his head against it. His cell phone was pressed to his ear, but he didn't appear to be talking to anyone. He looked upset.
But before she could even take a step toward the door, it closed, shutting out her view.
Martin shook his head. "That poor kid. He's heartbroken."
"Mr. Crane?"
He whirled around, clearly stunned by the sight of her, wearing an expression of a criminal who had been caught in the act.
"Daphne, I-I didn't know that you were there."
She smiled. "Well, I can see that. But what's going on? Is something wrong with Dr. Crane?"
Mr. Crane sighed. "Actually there's something I need to tell you."
"What is it?"
"But not here. Let's…. go into the kitchen."
Her heart began to race once more. "What's going on?"
Uncharacteristically, he took her hand and led her into the kitchen. The touch of his masculine hand in hers reminded her so much of her father and suddenly she missed her dad terribly. Perhaps she could persuade Donny to accompany her on a visit to see her parents in Manchester where she and Donny could announce their engagement. It was a completely wonderful thought and it would make her mum so happy. And she missed her brothers terribly.
But at the moment she was more concerned about her friend.
"What's wrong with Dr. Crane?" she asked point-blank. "Please, Mr. Crane, tell me. What's happened? What do you mean by he's heartbroken? What's going on?"
"Ah geez, I should have never said a damn word about that damn engagement ring!"
"But that was my fault!" She protested. "If I hadn't walked into the room at that exact moment, I never would have known. But that doesn't matter now. Just tell me what's going on with Dr. Crane. Please!"
A deep sigh and a shake of his head. "All right, I'll tell you but believe me I shouldn't. Not now. And I shouldn't be the one telling you this. Niles-."
"What about him?"
"There's no easy way to say this so I'm just going to come right out and say it, okay?"
Daphne straightened, preparing herself for anything that Martin was going to throw her way.
"Daphne, Niles is-."
"Yes?"
"Well, he's..."
"What? He's what?"
"Niles is in love with you, Daphne. And I don't mean a little crush. Although that's what I thought it was in the beginning. But now… It's no crush. He's crazy in love."
Daphne could only stare at Martin in complete and utter disbelief. She'd prepared herself for anything….
Except this.