Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor
[ Roses Are Red, Pinot Grigio Is A Very Pale Yellow ]
The balcony of the apartment at the Montana was a great view of the crescent moon. It wasn't as grand as the view from Frasier's old apartment, but just the same, they enjoyed it. They had a love seat swing out on the balcony.
Daphne came outside with two wine glasses. She handed one of them to Niles as she sat beside him and leaned into him so that her shoulder blade was resting on his chest.
"The kids are asleep?"
"Finally," she said, tipping her glass of wine up for a drink to that comment. "Oh, what a beautiful night."
It was a glorious night and the sky was so clear. But the night that they so anticipated would be tomorrow night. The sky would be cloudy and the rain would shower down on them. The moon would be peering out from behind the clouds from time to time, just to check on them . Niles rested his cheek against her head in appreciation. He didn't get the chance to tell her what he'd needed, but now… now was not the right time. It was too close to the night they both were looking forward to. It was a baptism of their love and they would enjoy every moment of it.
He kissed the top of her head before partaking in some wine.
"I guess we won't need Martin and Ronee to babysit after all."
"No, not if Frasier is moving in tomorrow. He's agreed to babysit. Is the guest room ready?"
"Oh, yes. It's all ready." Her fingers laced in his as they held hands.
They were so content to just sit on the love seat and swing with each other and take in the view.
"It's an awful shame that he broke up with Charlotte," she said softly.
"Yes, it is. But my brother is resilient."
"I do hope he'll find true love someday."
"I'm certain someday he will."
When they finished their wine, Niles asked, "Would you care for another glass?"
She reached back to place her hand on the back of his neck and she turned to press her lips to his in the nicest of ways. "I'd love some."
Niles stared off into space for a few seconds. "I'm sorry Daphne, I seemed to have lost my train of thought. What did you say?"
His comment made her smile and she playfully slapped his chest. "Silly."
He took her glass as he got to his feet.
She reached out to take a hold of his pants pocket to stop him from leaving. When he turned to face her, she smiled up into his face. "I truly love you Niles."
He leaned over and his lips generously met with hers. "I love you too, my love."
Niles went inside to fill their glasses. His face flushed completely of all color and his skin went cold. He could barely breathe. For when he picked up the bottle of Pinot Grigio, what he saw stopped him in his tracks. The bottle directly behind the Grigio was something that shook him to the core. It was Apothic Crush; the wine from his dream. It was a wine that he was unfamiliar with. He had never even held the bottle yet. If the back label read of aromas of caramel and chocolate, he would be completely beside himself. With trembling hands, he retrieved the bottle. The label was just the same as his dream. He turned the bottle over and there were the words, "This limited release blends petite Sirah and Pinot Noir to create luscious aromas of caramel and chocolate, with a velvety smooth mouthfeel." He gasped. Did he just have a psychic vision inside a dream?
[ Violets Are Definitely Blue]
There was a knock at the door. When Roz answered the door, Frasier was standing on the other side with a bouquet of beautiful flowers. "AH!" She hugged him so tight. "Oh my God! Oh my God! Frasier, I didn't know you were in town."
"Well, I just arrived the other day." He handed the bouquet to her. "These are for you."
"Hi Frasier," a little voice trailed from inside the apartment.
Frasier looked to find Alice standing by the kitchen entrance. "My word!" he exclaimed. He threw his arms open and Alice came hurrying over to greet him. "My goodness you are so tall. How old are you now? 18? 19?"
She giggled. "I'm eleven. You knew that. You send me a birthday card every year."
Frasier grinned from ear to ear. "Why yes and I have dropped by to see you every now and then again."
"And you always say the same things," Alice said with a smile. "You always think I'm older than I am."
Roz handed her daughter the flowers. "Honey, can you find a vase for these?"
"Sure Mom."
"And start your homework."
"Sure," she said regretfully as she turned toward the kitchen.
Roz turned to Frasier. "Come on in and have a seat. How have you been?"
They sat on the couch.
"Well, Charlotte and I broke up."
"Oh, Frasier, I'm so sorry to hear that." She leaned over to hug him.
"It's for the best."
"Do you want to talk about it?"
"No really, Roz, no."
"Well, how about the job? How's work?"
"Well, I quit. I'm moving back to Seattle to stay."
She hugged him again with eagerness. "Oh, Frasier! I am so glad that you're back."
"Thank you Roz. I'm glad to be back."
"Let's celebrate. Can I take you to dinner tomorrow night?"
"Actually, I am busy tomorrow. I am babysitting David and Lynda. Niles and Daphne have a big evening planned."
"Well… how about the night after?"
"I'm meeting with an old friend that night, sorry."
'Well, what about tonight? You don't have plans tonight do you? Alice and I will have you over for dinner right here."
"Well… alright."
She looked at her watch and jumped up. "I'll start dinner now."
Frasier stood as well. "Let me help you."
"Alright."
They went into the kitchen where Alice had just opened her school books to do her homework.
"Honey," Roz said to her daughter. "Can you do your homework in your room, so we can talk?"
"Okay Mom."
Roz started getting things from the fridge and handing them to Frasier who set them on the counter. "So, would you like your old job back? I do have some pull over there, you know."
"Well Roz, I went over to KACL and Kenny was filling in for you. He said you've been sick on and off for weeks. How are you? I'm a bit concerned."
"I've been getting a little nauseous, but it usually doesn't last. By the afternoon, I'm fine."
"In the mornings, uh." Frasier thought for a moment. "Are you still seeing what's-his-name?"
"Richard? Yes, things are getting hot and heavy. We're getting along great."
"I see," Frasier said.
"What's that?"
"No, nothing."
"Oh that reminds me that he was going to stop by tonight. Let me make a quick call to have him come over another night."
"No Roz, that's not necessary. There's enough food here for the four of us."
"No, I insist. We need time to catch up."
She made her call.
When she returned, Frasier spoke up, "Roz, we've been friends for so long."
Roz started prepping the food. "Yes, we have."
"Please Roz, stop what you are doing. Come sit down at the table with me. We need to talk."
They sat. "What is it Frasier?"
"Roz, I love you. You are family. And I think you should hear this from me." He held her hands that rested on the table top. "When I spoke with Kenny, he said that the ratings were down and that your job was in jeopardy."
All expression left her face. They stood and Frasier held her. "Oh my God, Frasier. What am I going to do?" She cried into his chest.
He rubbed her back to comfort her. "Roz, I know things look a little dark right now, but we'll think of something."