(The Next Morning)

After a restless night of sporadic sleep, Daphne crawled out of bed and put on her robe and slippers. The last thing she wanted to do was face the day, but she might

as well make the best of it.

"Morning, Daphne." Martin said, looking up from his newspaper. "When's breakfast coming? I'm starved!"

"Is that all you ever think about is food?" She snapped. "Your breakfast will be ready when I bloody well say it is!"

"Whoa! What's gotten into you?" Martin asked, startled by her anger.

"Dad..." Frasier said from the hallway. "It's all right. Morning Daphne." He said, giving her a sympathetic smile.

"H-Hello, Dr. Crane. I'll get your breakfast right away and your father's too."

"No need to rush on my account." Frasier said.

"Well what about me?" Martin asked.

"Don't worry, Dad. I'll make you something too."

Daphne sighed, grateful for Frasier's understanding.

"Daphne, care to join us for breakfast? I'll make anything you like." Frasier said.

"I'm fine, Dr. Crane. I'll just start on the laundry." Daphne answered.

"You know, you really should eat something. It's not healthy to-."

"It's all right, Dr. Crane. I could stand to use a few pounds anyway." Daphne said; her eyes moving up and down her body. "And besides, doing the laundry will take

me mind off of things."

"Well, if you want to talk..."

"Yeah, yeah we know. You're listening." Martin said sarcastically. "What's this all about, anyway?"

"Never mind, Dad. Just something that Daphne and I were discussing earlier." Frasier said.

"You know, I can't thank you enough for that, Dr. Crane." Daphne said. "It helped so much to get me feelin's out."

Frasier smiled and kissed Daphne on the forehead. "It was my pleasure, Daphne. Now... I think I'll go get ready. I'm meeting Roz at Café Nervosa to discuss some

paperwork. Although I have a feeling that she'll be more interested in discussing her latest beau!"

There was a knock on the door.

"I'll get that." Frasier said.

"Thank you Dr. Crane." Daphne said as she started on the ironing.

"Niles! What a nice surprise!"

Daphne looked up and upon seeing Niles, an unfamiliar coldness swept through her body, followed by a rush of warmth. Oh, why did he have to look so handsome?

Quickly she diverted her eyes and concentrated on the clothing.

"Hello, Frasier. I'm sorry I didn't call first." Niles said.

"Oh, that's all right. Always happy to see you." Frasier said, glancing at Daphne.

Niles' face lit up at the compliment. "Well, thank you! Actually the reason I came by is because I read about the most marvelous new restaurant on Fifth Avenue and we simply must try- Oh... Hello Daphne."

Daphne looked up. "Dr. Crane." She said brusquely.

Apparently unaware of her heartache, Niles walked over to Daphne who was still ironing her clothes and, with a smile that made her heart melt, leaned over to kiss

her. Automatically she turned her head, flinching when he kissed her cheek.

Stupidly she prayed that he wouldn't notice, but of course he did. He put his hand on her shoulder and rubbed it gently. "Are you okay, Daphne?"

"I-I'm fine. Why shouldn't I be?" She asked, unable to hide the quivering in her voice.

"Are you sure?" He asked in a voice so sweet, that she bit back a sob.

She grabbed the freshly ironed shirts, praying he hadn't seen the tears that had begun to splash onto her cheeks. "I'd better put these up before they become a wrinkled mess."

"Here, let me help you with those." Niles said.

Daphne looked worriedly at Frasier, who cast a knowing glance in her direction.

"Um, Niles..." He said, putting a hand on his brother's shoulder. "You know... I was thinking... we really don't

get to spend a lot of time with each other. Why don't we head over to Café Nervosa and get a drink? My treat."

"That sounds wonderful, Frasier. But first I should find Daphne and apologize for-."

"That's not necessary, Niles." Frasier said.

"But Frasier, she's visibly upset and, well... I can't stand think of her hurting."

"Daphne will be just fine." Frasier said.

"But I really think-."

Frasier tugged gently at his brother's arm. "Come on, Niles. I'll buy you a latte with the faintest hint of cinnamon."