(A few days later...)
"Now Daphne, don't forget to pick up my suits at the dry cleaners and then stop by the store and get the items on that list."
"Certainly, Dr. Crane." Daphne said, trying to hide her annoyance. When Frasier grabbed his coat and headed for the door, she sighed with relief.
"Oh, and Daphne?"
"Yes?"
"Can you make sure that the labels on my wine bottles are all facing the same direction? I'm afraid I got a bit too involved at the wine party I hosted last night and
forgot to straighten things up. Will you do that for me?"
"Of course, I will Dr. Crane. Don't worry about a thing."
When Frasier opened the door to leave, she was overcome with relief once more. "Have a good day, Dr. Crane!" She called to him just as the door closed.
Alone at last, she sank into Martin's chair. Just as she picked up her romance novel and began to read, the doorbell rang.
With an irritated sigh, she rose from the chair and crossed the room.
"Bloody hell, Dr. Crane, haven't you given me enough chores for one life- Oh! Dr. Crane!"
Niles' smile disappeared. "I'm sorry, Daphne. I didn't realize that you were busy. I'll just go and-."
"NO!" She yelled.
When he looked at her in surprise, she could feel her cheeks burning with embarrassment.
"I'm so sorry, Dr. Crane. Please... come in."
Her hand trembled as she opened the door wider to let him in.
"Where's Dad? And Frasier?"
She sighed deeply.
"Is something wrong?"
"No, I'll be all right. It's just that ever since we've come back from Boston, he's been completely impossible!"
"I'm sorry, Daphne. I know he can be difficult, but-."
"No Dr. Crane. I'm sorry." She said. "I don't mean to sound cross with your brother. He's done so much for me and I just-."
To her surprise, Niles took her hand and squeezed it.
"Daphne, you've done a lot for Frasier and Dad too. Please don't ever forget that."
She smiled and hugged him affectionately. "Thank you, Dr. Crane."
When she let go, he stared at her awkwardly, as though he wanted to say something.
"Are you all right, Dr. Crane?"
"Actually I wanted to..."
"Yes?"
He swallowed hard. "Daphne, would you..."
"Yes?"
"I-I'm sorry. I'm a little nervous." He replied.
She smiled and squeezed his hand. "Don't be. We're friends, right?"
"O-of course."
"What's on your mind?"
He took a deep breath before speaking. "Daphne, would you like to go somewhere? With me?"
She stared at him in shock. It was definitely the last thing she'd ever imagine that he'd ask.
"Dr. Crane..."
"Heavens, what am I thinking? That was terribly foreword of me. I'm sorry Daphne. I shouldn't have brought it up."
"It's all right." Daphne replied. "However, I'd feel a bit awkward, going out with me boss' brother."
Crestfallen, he looked away. "Of course you would. And I'm so sorry for making you feel uncomfortable. I can see that I've managed to upset you yet again so I'll just
go. Goodbye, Daphne."
He walked out of the condo, closing the door behind him. On the other side of the door, Daphne stared into space, unable to believe what had just transpired.
Dr. Crane was actually asking her out?
She could still see the hurt in his eyes when she'd turned him down. He was such a sweet man and he seemed so sincere. Just the simple task of asking her was so
difficult for him.
She thrust the door open, expecting to see him in the hallway.
"Dr Crane?"
But he was gone.
Oh God...she'd upset him, after all he'd done for his brother and his father.
"Dr. Crane!"
Without hesitation, she ran out of the condo and into the elevator, waiting impatiently as it made its' way to the lobby. When the doors opened, she sighed with relief.
"Dr. Crane?"
He turned in surprise.
"Daphne?"
"Wh-where were you planning on going?"
"Oh... Well... I just wanted to get away for a few days but I didn't want to go by myself, so-."
She gasped, unable to believe what she was hearing.
"You asked me."
"Yes, but I completely understand if-."
"I-I'd love to go with you. When do we leave?"
"I should probably be going and-what did you just say?"
She smiled at his stunned expression.
"I said... I'd love to go with you."
"You would?"
When she nodded, his mouth curved into a smile and he ran toward her, hugging her warmly.
"Dr Crane!"
"Oh...I'm sorry, Daphne. I just... you really mean it? You'll go with me?"
"Of course I will."
He laughed nervously; a sound she never tired of hearing. "Are you all right?"
"Y-yes. I'm fine. Or I will be. I-I'd better go home and start packing, so I'll see you in the morning? About 9?"
She couldn't help but grin as she hugged him. "I can hardly wait."
Daphne was still smiling as she watched him walk to the parking garage. She definitely wasn't going to get much sleep tonight.