(Daphne's POV)

Daphne was more than happy to be going to Café Nervosa again, even if it was with Mr. Crane. She loved the old man but lately he'd become downright infuriating. Just that morning he'd suggested that she put her feet behind her forehead and spin like a top. What in the world had gotten into him? Frasier should know, but the truth was that he and Martin hadn't been getting along.

However, she'd asked this very question of his eldest son, who replied simply by saying "Just ignore him when he gets like that, isn't that right, Niles? Niles? NILES!"

Startled, Niles looked up, blinking when he saw Daphne standing beside him. "I'm sorry; I'm just feeling a little dizzy."

"You poor man maybe you'd better sit down." Gently Daphne coaxed Niles into his chair and put her hands on his shoulders. "Now, just relax for a bit, and you'll feel better soon."

"Thank you, Daphne. I-."

"Well, come on, what are you waiting for?" Martin grumbled, startling her out of her thoughts. "If we don't hurry I'm going to miss my program!" And for effect, he grabbed her arm as he pulled her out of the cafe.

When they reached the car, she hurried shoved him inside and then sat Eddie onto Martin's lap. "I'll be right back. I forgot me bumbershoot in the cafe! It looks like it might rain!"

"Aw, speak English will ya?"Martin grumbled.

Ignoring him, she slammed the car door and headed back into the café. She'd barely reached the door when she heard Frasier and Niles say her name.

"Why don't we just change the subject?" Niles was asking.

"That sounds like a great idea!" Frasier replied. "Are you in love with Daphne?"

Daphne stopped in her tracks, her eyes widening. She knew that she shouldn't be here, eavesdropping on a conversation between her boss and his brother. But she couldn't tear herself away.

At the unexpected question, Niles nearly chocked on his drink, sending the liquid flying across the table. And then, embarrassed by his actions, he wiped his mouth.
She wanted to leave, knew she should leave, but her heart wouldn't let her. Instead she stayted hidden from view.

"Well?"

"Frasier I refuse to dignify that question with a response." Niles replied, startling Daphne. And his next comment surprised her even more.

"Niles…"

"Oh, all right. I don't know! There, are you happy?" he shouted.

Daphne swallowed hard, willing her tears away.

"Are you?" Frasier asked. "Are you happy Niles?"

Niles was silent for a moment. "Actually, yes. I am. Maris and I are very happy."

"So you really love her."

"I do."

"Well then I 'm happy for you, Niles. I really am."

The tears that Daphne had been holding in were now slowly making their way down her cheeks. She should have known. Of course he loved his wife. She never should have thought otherwise. Or hoped that he might…

Oh why had she called the radio station while Niles was filling in for Frasier? She was supposed to be working, making sure that Frasier was comfortable and that he got better quickly, not listening to Niles and his sweet, soft and sexy voice on the radio. And worse, she'd practically confessed her love for her best friend on air, although she'd disguised her voice and hung up before she said anything really stupid.

She and Niles were friends, and friendship was worth more than anything to her. It was enough. It had to be. She couldn't bear to think of the alternative, being without him. She couldn't lose him. For doing so would shatter her to pieces. She loved him so much and that would never change, even if that love was never reciprocated.

THE END