The Next Day
"We made excellent time." Frasier said when they crossed the state line from Utah into Arizona.
"We should be arriving at the Grand Canyon in just a few hours! Simply amazing to think that we've gone this far in such short period! Driving at night really helped, I
think."
"Well, it didn't help me!" Martin said. "I'm starving!"
"You know, I'm a bit famished myself. How about you, Niles?"
"A latte sounds heavenly right now!" Niles said.
"It certainly does." Daphne agreed. "Oh and some cinnamon rolls, with lots of icing. Mum never let me have any."
"Why not?" Martin asked, incredulous. "Cinnamon rolls are great!"
Daphne sighed. "In her mind, one bite of something sweet automatically adds ten pounds."
Niles scoffed. "Nonsense! There's nothing wrong with having a delicacy now and then."
"Try tellin' that to me mum. Believe me, it's a lot easier to stay away from sweets and the like rather than to hear her comment on how much weight I've gained and be
miserable."
At her sad expression, Niles heart ached. "That's ridiculous! No matter how much you weigh, you couldn't possibly look anything less than wonderful."
"Oh, Dr. Crane, that's a lovely thing to say." Daphne said, causing him to blush.
Martin changed lanes and glanced into the rear view mirror. "All this talk of food has me hungrier than a Seahawks linebacker. I'm going to pull over at the first
restaurant I see and order a huge plate full of food. And Daphne, I'm ordering you the biggest cinnamon rolls on the menu. I mean no disrespect to your mother, but to
hell with her! The nerve of her, commenting on your weight!"
Overwhelmed with compliments, Daphne's eyes filled with tears.
"Thank you, Mr. Crane. Now I see where Niles gets the lovely things he says to me."
"Well you're welcome, and I meant it. Every word, you understand?"
"Absolutely." Daphne said, laughing at the slight sternness in his voice. It was as though he were talking to his daughter rather than his physical therapist.
Minutes later, Martin turned on his signal and steered the Winnebago across three lanes of traffic, much to the annoyance of the drivers behind him.
"Dad, must you always drive so recklessly?" Niles asked. We should learn to share the road with others, you know!"
"The hell with them!" Martin retorted. "I'm starving!"