(Daphne's POV)
Her heart pounding in a combination of nervousness and anticipation, Daphne walked into the living room, pulling her red coat around her shoulders. "I'm ready to go, Dr. Crane!"
As Niles grabbed his coat, Frasier watched them curiously. "Niles, where are you two off to?"
"I'm giving Daphne a lift."
"I'm meeting some of me girlfriends for darts and drinks." Daphne explained.
Her heart rate increased as she walked to the door, aware of Niles following close behind. Both of them said a word during their short journey from the elevator to the lobby and finally to the garage where his fancy car sat, waiting to be driven. It certainly was beautiful and she almost felt like royalty when Niles opened the door for her. She slid onto the leather seat, looking around in amazement. It was the most wonderful car she'd ever seen, much more than anything she would ever be able to afford.
Almost as if on impulse, she reached over and unlocked the driver's side door. As Niles opened the door and climbed inside, he seemed surprised by her gesture. "Thank you, Daphne."
"You're welcome Dr. Crane." It made her a bit sad to think that something that felt so natural to her could mean so much to him. But to say anything might hurt his feelings. And so she simply smiled.
"Thank you so much for doing this, Dr. Crane. I normally catch a ride with me girlfriend Sharon, but she couldn't make it tonight, so it'll just be Miranda, meself and Susan. But it should be fun. Since I've been working for your brother, I don't get to see me girlfriends as often as I'd like."
When she looked at him, the smile he wore disappeared and she reached for his arm. "Oh, Dr. Crane, I didn't mean… I love working for your brother. You have a wonderful family. And you… well, you've become such a good friend to me. This might sound silly, but I don't know what I would do without you."
In response, he swallowed hard, shivering when she squeezed his hand. "Thank you, Daphne. I feel the same… a-about you."
His nervousness made her smile, but he had absolutely no reason to be nervous. He was a sophisticated man; handsome, successful. And she was just a poor physical therapist from Manchester. But somehow in a short period of time, they'd grown closer than she ever thought possible.
Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Niles insert a CD into the CD player. Instantly the car was filled with the most incredible music she'd ever heard. It was so lovely that she leaned her head against the plush leather seat and sighed.
"You don't mind this music do you Daphne?"
"Not at all. It's beautiful, Dr. Crane. What is it?"
"Vissa d'Arte from Tosca. It's my favorite aria."
"I can certainly see why."
They drove in silence, listening to the beautiful soprano singing in such an incredible voice as the music surrounded them with calmness. But all too soon they arrived at the Pike Street Bar and Grill. Niles slowed the car to a stop in front of the curb and she turned to him, suddenly feeling shy. "Thank you, Dr. Crane. I really appreciate this."
"Will you be okay getting home, Daphne?"
"Oh yes, I'll be fine. Me girlfriend Susan will give me a lift home. I see her car parked right over there." She pointed to the blue Mazda that she'd ridden in countless times on nights like these. Almost reluctantly she opened the car door surprised when Niles rushed to her side to help her out of the car. "Oh… thank you, . That's very nice of you."
They stood on the sidewalk staring at one another, until Niles finally broke the silence. "All right. Well… I'll see you soon?"
She smiled and reached for his hand. "Of course."
He turned and headed for his car, but she stood watching him for a moment. And then she called his name. "Dr. Crane?"
He paused with his hand on the door. "Yes, Daphne?"
Her heart did a tiny flip in her chest and for a moment she felt like a school girl again. "Would you… like to join us? I'm sure that Susan and Miranda wouldn't mind."
He smiled and his cheeks reddened in the darkness making him even more handsome than before. "Thank you, Daphne but I probably should be getting home."
She felt a tinge of disappointment, but she fully understood as she smiled at him. "Perhaps next time then."
"I look forward to it. Have a good time, Daphne."
She smiled and went to him, kissing his soft cheek. "I will. Thank you, Dr. Crane."
She wasn't sure how long she stood there watching him drive away, but as she hurried into the bar, she knew that she'd never find a better friend.