Niles sat at Cafe Nervosa, listening to his brother go on about the woman he'd met recently at the opera. He'd invited her out to dinner on New Year's Eve. Niles fought the urge to roll his eyes as Frasier detailed his plans for the evening. Why should he care about some woman Frasier would likely not date for more than a few weeks? He'd much rather think about Daphne. Since the new year was fast approaching, he'd made a very important decision. His resolution was to let Daphne know how he felt about her. He could think of no better way to begin the year than by taking a step towards the one person he cared about most.
As if on cue, his angel entered the cafe. "Hello, Dr. Crane." She stopped by their table near the window overlooking Third Street.
"Daphne. It's nice to see you here," Niles replied immediately.
"You, too, Dr. Crane," Daphne said, a bit surprised by his response. "I just came by to get some coffee. Your father's at the park right now with Eddie, trying to teach him a new trick. I think he's just doing it to avoid his exercises."
"I know Dad can be stubborn sometimes, but I'm sure he appreciates all you do to look after him," Niles said.
Daphne blushed at his compliment. In response, Frasier rolled his eyes. "Niles, I was in the middle of telling you about my New Year's Eve date. I really think she could be the one!"
"Oh, Frasier, you say that about every woman who goes out with you. It does get old after a while." As Niles spoke, his eyes were fixed on Daphne while she walked to the counter and ordered her coffee.
"Oh, and that doesn't get old? At least I can ask a woman out!" Frasier muttered to himself, referring to the way his brother stared at the healthcare worker.
Niles didn't hear his brother's insult, but it wouldn't have mattered even if he had. He was far too busy imagining himself on Frasier's balcony, whispering the words he'd been longing to say, just as the clock struck midnight. So many times he'd wanted to tell her, but he'd always let his doubts get in the way. This time would be different. He needed to do this. Not only for his sake, but for hers as well. She was clearly lonely and unhappy, and Niles knew there was only one cure for that sort of pain: unconditional love.