Dancing In The Rain by Patrick Councilor
[ And Someone's Been Sleeping In My Apartment ]
It had been years since he had laid eyes upon Regan and he admitted to himself while they shared a brilliant bouquet of Pinot Noir, that father time had been very generous to her.
"So… Frasier…" She sat her glass down and leaned in to give him her full attention. "What have you been up to? My God, what has it been, seven years?"
"Had it been that long?" Frasier thought out loud. He'd been away for what, five years? "I moved to Chicago for several years."
"Oh, tell me what that was like."
"Well… It was windy."
She giggled and returned with a smile. "Why Chicago? Was it career related?"
"Actually, I moved there to pursue a relationship with someone."
"Oh, she must have been someone very special."
"She was."
"I'm very sorry it didn't work out."
Frasier thought about those words for a moment and how sincere she was being. He really didn't want to diverge any more on the subject, yet he could sense in those beautiful eyes that she was yearning for more information. Would she ask that burning question of how the relationship ended? It was an inevitable question which may shed some light on the fundamentals of the future of their very own relationship.
"How is your father doing?"
He shot her a refreshing glance. She wasn't even going to pry about his relationship with Charlotte. "He's… he's doing well. He's married now."
"Oh, that's wonderful."
"Yes, he's been married for about five years now."
"That's so great. He is a great man. I am so happy for him."
"Well thank you. I'll tell him you said so…." Frasier reflected on her words for just a moment. "That is, that you are happy for him. Not that telling him you think he's a great man will go straight to his head, it just sounds a little silly coming from me." He caught himself back peddling.
She smiled. He was so cute when he did his back peddling.
"Enough about me. What about you? How is the veterinarian business?"
"Oh, you remembered. It's going quite well. I just took in a stray."
"Oh?"
"Yes, someone brought in this cutest little dog. They couldn't afford to take it in and didn't know where to turn."
"Well that is so nice that you have taken it in."
"Thank you. Jack Russell Terriers are so adorable."
"Excuse me? Did you say Jack Russell Terrier?"
"That's right. Oh that's right. Your father's dog is a Jack Russell Terrier. Eddie, is that right."
"That's correct," he snapped.
She laughed.
"What is it?"
"It's this little Jack Russell Terrier. He is so cute. He is so happy to see me when I arrive and then he can't stop staring at me."
"Really?" Frasier's voice showed a new chord of interest. "Is that a common trait for Jack Russell Terriers?"
"No, not at all. Oh, you should come over and meet him Frasier."
"I can hardly wait," the sarcasm was etched in his tone.
"He just keeps staring at me."
"Well, I definitely can't blame him from that."
His comment made her faintly blush. "Why thank you Frasier."
"So, you've been in the same apartment at Elliot Bay Towers?"
"I most certainly am." She blushed a little bit more. She smiled at his obvious comment about his interest in spending time in her apartment. "Will you be moving back into the apartments?"
"Yes, as a matter of fact, I am. I was hoping to move back to my old stomping ground. Do… you… happen to know who currently resides in 1901?"
"Yes, it's Cam Winston."
"CAM WINSTON!"
"Is there a problem?"
"No – no."
She looked back to her menu. "Well, what are you leaning toward?"
He checked his watch. "I'm leaning on the idea of going right over there and speak with him directly."
"I was referring to the menu. Frasier, if I didn't know any better, I'd think that you may have an alternative to asking me on this date."
"No Regan, I'm sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. It's just been stressful moving back and starting all over again from scratch. I'm trying to get settled in and find employment."
She nodded. "Oh, I understand. It must be difficult. Perhaps I can help take your mind off of things tonight. Please excuse me Frasier. I'm going to go to the powder room to freshen up."
"Alright. And I am sorry about that. I assure you that you are second to none nor situation."
"Let's not bring it up again, like it never happened."
"Thank you Regan."
She shot him a smile before stepping away.
A look poured over him and he shot a look to make certain Regan was well out of hearing range. He retrieved his cell phone and dialed Elliot Bay Towers. "Yes, can you get me apartment 1901 for Cam Winston?" He waited. "Cam, this is Frasier Crane."
"The Doctor Frasier Crane? From the radio years ago?"
"Very funny. Listen, I think we should get together. How about coffee?"
"Whatever for Crane?"
"I would like to discuss some things with you."
"I think I know what this is pertaining to."
"Oh, you think so? Well Mister Cam Winston, you are not just as clairvoyant as you would like to think you are."
"Frasier?" Regan had returned to the table to get her purse.
"Oh, dear God." Frasier turned to her with phone still to his ear. He had frozen in his situation. "Regan, please. I can explain."
She took up her purse and headed for the door.