"Nice place." Niles remarked as they were seated in a booth at Maxwell's.

Daphne smiled and looked around at the familiar surroundings. "Yes, I quite like it."

"Come here often?"

"I used to but I haven't been here in a long time. I miss it. Me girlfriend Sharon told me about this place about six months ago and we've been meeting here ever since."

"It's nice." Niles remarked, glancing at his menu. "So what are you going to have?"

"The Chicken Parmesan." She said without even opening her menu. "I know it's silly but it's the only thing I ever get."

"It's not silly at all. It sounds wonderful, and according to the description here-."

"It's heavenly." She said quickly, blushing for some unknown reason.

The moment of awkward silence was interrupted by the arrival of the waiter who stood patiently before them.

"Oh, hello." Niles said.

"Hello sir. My name is Martin. May I get you something to drink?"

Niles and Daphne's eyes met and they both laughed.

"Just like your father." Daphne remarked.

Martin's eyebrows rose. "Excuse me?"

"Oh, I'm sorry." Daphne said, laughing even harder. "Martin is Dr. Crane's father's name."

"Oh well, then I'll take that as a compliment." Martin said.

"It certainly is." Daphne said. "Mr. Crane did a wonderful thing for me tonight."

Martin smiled. "I'm very glad to hear that. "Now, can I get you-."

"Oh, right. We'll have a bottle of wine, please."

"What type of wine would you like?"

Martin looked to Daphne for the answer but Daphne shook her head. "No, not me. Dr. Crane is the wine expert. He's even in a wine club."

"That's very impressive." Martin said; the look on his face genuine. "Here is our wine list."

Niles glanced over the list for a moment and then smiled. "This one will be perfect."

Martin nodded. "Good choice. I'll be right back."

"Wine is okay, isn't it, Daphne?" Niles asked when Martin was gone.

"Of course, but I hate for you to go to so much trouble for me, Dr. Crane. After all this is hardly a date and it was your father's suggestion."

"It's no trouble at all, Daphne. In fact, I'm more than happy to do this for you."

She smiled at him, reaching for his hand across the table. "Thank you for taking me here, Dr. Crane. I love this place. It's where I come to forget about me problems and just enjoy the company of a friend."

Niles sighed. "Daphne, I'm sorry that Frasier got so angry with you. He had no right to threaten to fire you. And over something so trivial! How dare he!"

Daphne bit her lip to keep from smiling, for Niles was every bit like his brother, except with a softer, sweeter side. But her need to smile soon faded, replaced by guilt.

"It was my fault, Dr. Crane. I wasn't paying attention and I broke his vase. I don't know what I was thinking. Probably daydreaming again. It seems that it's all I ever do."

"Daphne, that's not true. You work hard and you don't deserve-."

Martin returned with a wine bottle and two glasses of wine, bringing Niles to silence. He poured them each a glass and Niles tasted his own, nodding in approval. "Wonderful, Martin. Thank you."

"I'm glad you like it, Dr. Crane. Now what can I get you for dinner?"

"Two Chicken Parmesan dishes, please." Niles said without hesitation.

Again Martin smiled. "Excellent choice. I'll be back soon."

"This is nice." Daphne said. "I didn't even realize that they sold wine, isn't that silly? I've been here a million times."

Niles poured her another glass and held up his own. "I propose a toast."

She held up her glass, smiling at the sweet man across the table. "All right. What shall we toast to?"

"To friendship. And pleasant company."

Daphne blushed. "I feel the same way about you, Dr. Crane."

When their meals came they made pleasant conversation and enjoyed each other's company. And before she knew it, their plates were empty.

"That was wonderful, Daphne." Niles said, putting down his fork. "Now I see why you come here so often. Thank you for telling me about this place."

"Will there be anything else?" Martin asked. "Desert, perhaps?"

Niles looked to Daphne for the answer, but she shook her head. "Oh, no thank you. I couldn't eat another bite."

Martin nodded. "Very well. I'll just take this bill when you're ready. But please, take all the time you need."

Niles reached into his pocket and handed Martin his credit card.

When they stood to leave, Daphne turned to Niles and hugged him. "Thank you so much for taking me here."

Niles held her close and gave her a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Daphne."