"Dad, please leave Daphne alone!" Frasier said, clearly annoyed with his father's comments.

"Now, Niles... What are you doing here? Not that I mind your visits of course, but it's not like you to just show up at this hour. Did we have a squash game scheduled that I'm not aware of?"

"Actually Frasier, I'm here to see Daphne."

The dish towel that Daphne was holding in her hand fell to the floor and she stared at him in disbelief.

"Y-you came to see me?"

"For God's sake, Niles what reason could you possibly have to see Daphne at this hour?"

Hurt, Daphne felt the tears rise from her throat, and fill her eyes.

"Dr. Crane, that's a horrible thing to say to me!"

He sighed in frustration. "Daphne, I didn't mean it that way! I just meant-oh, never mind! This day is starting out to be a complete disaster so I might as well go into work even though my show doesn't start for another several hours!"

"That's a good idea." Niles said when Frasier grabbed his briefcase and walked out the door.

Martin rose from his chair. "Well that makes two of us who want to get out of here."

Daphne swung around to face him. "What do you mean?"

"I need a beer!" Martin yelled, reaching for his coat and hobbling toward the door.

"But there are plenty in the refrigerator and once you finish, we can start on your exercises!" Daphne said.

"Ah, to hell with my exercises!" Martin replied with a wave of his hand. I'm going to Duke's!"

"But-."

"Goodbye, Daphne! Later, Niles."

"Bye Dad." Niles said hesitantly.

The door slammed behind them, causing Daphne to flinch; the sound like a blow to her heart.

Seconds later she felt Niles hand on her shoulder. "I'm sorry that Dad treated you that way, Daphne." He said quietly.

Her heart warmed at his words. Leave it to Niles to say something so thoughtful.

"It's all right, Dr. Crane. I suppose I should get started on washing the breakfast dishes. There's still plenty of food left. Would you like some?"

"Well, thank you, Daphne but I've already had breakfast."

Her heart sank. "Oh... Well I suppose whatever you had was a lot more appetizin' than what I made, but how about some coffee?"

She knew she shouldn't keep remembering what Martin said about her cooking but she couldn't help it.

Before she could protest, Niles began picking up the dishes from the table.

Daphne followed him into the kitchen.

"Dr. Crane, you really don't have to go to all of this trouble!"

"It's my pleasure." Niles replied, giving Daphne a heartwarming smile.