Anxiously, Brenda returned to the lobby where Niles was engrossed in conversation with Sarah, telling her about his technique for scoring baskets at the Sonics game-or rather, touchdowns as he referred to them.
The thought would have made her laugh had she not been so shaken by Daphne's outburst.
"Dr. Crane? I-I mean Niles?"
He looked up and smiled, squeezing his hands together in anticipation.
"So, is she ready? I can't wait to see her reaction to how the truck handles itself on the road!"
Brenda sighed. "She's not coming, Dr. Crane."
Niles froze. "Wh-what?"
When she didn't answer him right away, he laughed. "You're kidding right? Of course she's coming! How else would she get home?"
"I'm afraid not." Brenda said quietly.
Seeing the seriousness on her face, Niles frowned. "B-but that's impossible!"
"She wants you to leave, and she says you're not to come back."
Niles stared at her in disbelief. "That's ridiculous. Daphne would never say a thing like-."
"Goodbye, Dr. Crane."
"B-But you know me! How could you just-."
She swallowed hard. "I mean it. I need you to leave now or I'll have to call security."
A crestfallen expression crossed his face as he nodded a silent goodbye to the women who were still sitting in the lobby.
Then wordlessly, he grabbed his Sonics tape and walked out the door...
Alone.