Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor
[ While they tented back home ]
He pulled her chair out for her. "My goodness, you smell so good," he replied as a result from a heathy whiff of her hair.
"Thank you," she replied as she brushed her long hair back to her shoulder blades.
When he took the seat across the table, he couldn't help but smile at her.
The mater' d supplied them with menus with the announcement that he suggested selections from the tasting menu and they would involve wine paring. He then left them with the promise he would return shortly to take their orders.
"Oh my, that sounds wonderful, doesn't it?"
"Yes it does. You look completely stunning tonight," he almost tripped over the words he'd been dying to say that all evening.
She lowered her menu to smile back at him. "Thank you. And you look quite handsome. Dare I even say 'dapper'?"
"Thank you."
"How did you hear of this place?"
"Doctor Zither highly recommended it."
"He's the one you play squash with?"
"Yes, that's him. And I'm glad he did. If his compliments relish at least half of their value, we're in for quite a treat." His attention went back to the menu. "Anything fit your fancy?"
"Oh, I don't know."
He glanced over to see her studying the menu as if to find some small hidden secret. "Daphne, you're doing it again."
"What's that love?" She asked without looking up.
"Your mind is on the children again, isn't it?"
"Am I that transparent?"
"The kids are just fine. They're in good hands."
"Oh I know. I still think of them all of the time. You don't suppose that Frasa made those s'mores before dinna, do you?"
"Of course not. Frasier is very responsible."
"Oh, I know. I'm just…"
Niles smiled at her. "I know. I think of them often, too. Why don't we call to check on them after we order?"
"That sounds terrific."
Someone came over and replaced their table candle and lit it for them. They thanked her. The view was spectacular. They were lucky enough to sit at a table with a view of the kitchen and the entire kitchen staff. It was amazing to watch them perform their crafts.
"Niles, is there something wrong?"
"Excuse me?" he looked at her.
"I've had the feeling for some time now that something is on your mind."
He thought for a moment. She could always see right through him. When two people are so much in love, they become as one.
He gave her a half grin. "Not tonight. Tonight is our night. It's special. Let it be just as special."
"Alright then. How was work?"
"Work was good. A case of repressed aggression – working on forgiveness. Oh, and a patient that took great strides in delayed gratification."
"Oh?"
"Yes, but I'm not going to let that patient know how much they're improving until next week."
Daphne laughed. She caught his connection with the delayed gratification.
"How is Susan doing?" he referred to Daphne's friend who was just going through a breakup.
"She's doing as well as can be expected."
"Well, look what I am doing? I'm sorry Daphne. My attempt as light and cheerful dinner conversation seems to have taken an oblique turn. I apologize."
"Don't be sorry. I know you're just concerned for me friend."
There were a few moments of silence until Niles asked, "What are you doing for the rest of your life?"
It made Daphne smile and even laugh. "It really doesn't matter what I'm doing as long as I'm doing it with you." She reached out a hand and placed into his on top of the table, which he greatly welcomed.
The waiter returned. After they ordered, they honored their plans to call and check on the children. Frasier had fed them and they had taken their baths. He was in the process of making tents with bed sheets tucked into the couch and flooring them with bedding and pillows. The kids were loving it.
The salmon gravlax and salmon rillettes roulade was to die for and was very pleasantly enhanced with the white wine personally chosen by the chef. It was incredible. Chef Dunston came out to their table between courses to explain the dishes and the reasoning behind his wine choices. The evening was sensational. From the very first dish to the olive oil cake enhanced with the candied kumquat and cara cara orange with the honey lace. It was a wonderful and relaxing evening. They had after-dinner coffee with delightful conversation.
After their dining experience, Niles helped her with her coat. Soon they would be out dancing in the rain and it filled their hearts with excitement.
"Where are we going this time?" Daphne asked.
It was a legitimate question. The first time, they dance in the street outside of a quaint little downtown café. Last year, they danced on the outside viewing deck of the Space Needle. The year before that, they danced in the showers on a dinner cruise on the bay. He always valued the surprise and never revealed the destination ahead of time. "Well, you'll just have to see."