She took one last look in the mirror and ran her fingers through her hair, releasing the floral scent of her perfume that lingered from her earlier attempt to look presentable. But it did little to improve her appearance. He heart warmed, remembering Niles words; "You look absolutely beautiful." But he was simply being kind, wasn't he? Surely he didn't mean it in another way. He couldn't. It wasn't possible. He was her friend and her boss, in a sense, even if Frasier was the one that she had gone to for her interview.

No, she wasn't going to go there. She wasn't going to allow herself to think such ridiculous thoughts. The only reason she was able to fathom such a thing was due to her own insecurities and loneliness. The fact that she hadn't been asked out on a date in months and the dates she'd had prior to that had ranged from mildly disappointing to complete and utter disasters. Yes, that was the only explanation.

The reminder of her loneliness made her shudder. Perhaps she was meant to be alone forever; to spend her life as Mr. Crane's home health care worker. She blinked back tears and brushed the tell-tale signs of them away. She couldn't let Niles see her crying again. She'd already cried enough tears to embarrass herself to no end.

After a few more seconds, she composed herself and took a deep breath, letting it out slowly. And then she opened the door of the loo, prepared to enjoy her visit to Café Nervosa with Niles. she owed him that much at least. No, that was wrong; completely wrong. She owed him the world.

But she wasn't prepared for what happened next. She'd barely stopped out of the ladies' loo when she gasped in surprise. Niles was standing just inches in front of her, wearing an uneasy expression.

"Dr. Crane…"

He went to her at once, placing his hand on her shoulder. "Daphne, are you all right?"

She smiled, unable to resist touching his cheek. Oh my… she had no idea that a man's skin could be so soft'; even a man who was as meticulous as Niles was about his appearance. When she realized that her fingers were still resting softly against his cheek, she quickly drew back her hand. "I-I was… I didn't expect to see you…standing there."

His mouth fell open, as though embarrassed. "I was… I was worried about you."

She stared at him unable to believe what she was hearing. And yet his concern didn't surprise her at all.

"It's sweet of you to worry about me Dr. Crane, but I'm fine."

"Y-you were in there for a long time and…" His voice trailed away, but the worry still remained. And she couldn't help but feel guilty.

"I'm sorry. I-."

Finally he smiled. "Don't be. I'm just glad that you're okay."

She smiled and touched her hair. Since when had she become so shy? "Th-thank you, Dr. Crane."

He stared at her for a moment. "Um, Daphne… I was just thinking… I feel bad taking you here, where you'd be reminded of Frasier."

"It's all right, really. It's very sweet of you."

"Well, even so, I'm more than happy to buy you a cup of coffee or whatever you'd like but if you don't mind my saying so, you're much more deserving of something better. Would you do me the honor of taking you to dinner?"

She gasped in surprise at the unexpected invitation. Was he really suggesting that they go out to dinner, like on a date? She started to decline, for it simply wasn't right.

But her heart protested, and the answer was out of her mouth before the sound reached her ears. "All right."

He grinned shyly, reminding her of a little boy who had just been given a special gift. The thought warmed her heart, making her smile.

"Where would you like to go, Daphne? It can be anywhere, anywhere at all."

"I am a bit hungry. Would it be all right if we went to Maxwell's?"

His eyebrows rose, clearly surprised by her suggestion. "Maxwell's?"

She laughed, for it was not a place that he would likely know about so his reaction was to be expected. "It's silly but it's a place that I go to with me girlfriends sometimes.

They have the most wonderful Chicken Parmesan."

"Then that's where we'll go." He said, offering her his arm. "Shall we?"

She took his arm, her heart fluttering. And off they went.