The Somerville Town Crier

"This is a lovely place." Daphne mused as she entered the foyer followed by Frasier, Martin and Niles. "Don't you think so, Darling?"

Her husband drew her into his arms and kissed her. "Not as lovely as you, my angel."

"Niles, all of these compliments are spoiling me!" She laughed, leaning into his embrace.

"Never." He replied. "I could never compliment you enough."

When her cheeks flushed, she saw him smile and she was reminded once again of how lucky she was. And suddenly she couldn't wait to meet these friends that Frasier spoke so highly of. Her fingers entwined with Niles', she guided him through the crowd, headed straight for the large room that was decorated with balloons. "This must be the place."

"It most certainly is!" Frasier agreed. "Daphne, I'm afraid I misjudged you."

Intrigued, she glanced at her brother-in-law. "How so, Frasier?"

"I believe you really are psychic!"

Martin grumbled. "Aw, come on Fras, don't be ridiculous! Any idiot would know which room the party's being held in! Maybe it's that big banner over the door that says Happy Retirement Cliff that gave it away!"

Hurt, Daphne whirled around to face her father-in-law. "Are you saying I'm stupid, old man? Well, I'll have you know-."

Niles gently ushered Daphne away from Martin. "Come, my angel. Let's join the party."

When they entered the room which was filled with partygoers, Daphne glared at Martin. "You know, Niles I think you were right. Let's get this bloody party over with as soon as possible! I don't think I can stand much more of your father's-."

The room burst into cheers and applause as Niles and Daphne turned to see Frasier enter the room.

"All right, all right!" Frasier said, waiving and grinning as though he were campaigning for office. "I'm not the star attraction tonight! That would be-."

He stopped and made a beeline for a mustached man. "Well, Cliff Clavin! You son of a gun!"

The men embraced whole heartedly leaving Niles, Daphne and Martin to watch awkwardly.

"How ya doin' Frasier?" Cliff asked, punching Frasier in the arm. "I really appreciate your flying all the way out to Boston for my retirement party!"

Frasier laughed and slapped Cliff on the back. "What are friends for?"

"All right then, let's party!" Cliff shouted. He stopped when he noticed Niles, Daphne and Martin staring at him. "Hey, who are these people?"

"Oh, I'm sorry Cliff." Frasier laughed. "Cliff Clavin, this is my father Martin Crane, my brother, Dr. Niles Crane and his wife Daphne."

Cliff greeted them warmly, paying extra attention to Daphne, much to her annoyance. But she disregarded it and hugged him in greeting.

Congratulations, Cliff. It's nice to meet you. Frasier's told us so much about you that I feel like I already know you."

Cliff's smile grew wider. "Well then, maybe we should get to know each other a little better, don't you think?"

Daringly she glanced at Niles, squeezing his hand a little tighter. "Actually Niles and I had plans to-."

But she stopped mid-sentence when she noticed the way Cliff was now staring at her husband.

"Well, I'll be damned!" Cliff exclaimed. "Niles Crane!"

Niles smiled and shook Cliff's hand once more. "Yes, we've already met, mere seconds ago, in fact. But it's a pleasure to make your acquaintance... again."

"Not half as much as it is to make yours!" Cliff laughed. "Niles Crane! I cannot believe it!"

"Well... Thank you, Cliff. I know I'm not as successful as Frasier here but-."

"Are you kidding me? You're a legend!" Cliff replied, laughing even harder.

Niles glanced at Daphne and Martin who shrugged in response, merely as confused as he. "I wouldn't say legend, Cliff, but-."

Cliff put his hand on Niles' shoulder. "The hell you aren't! Would you listen to this guy?"

Sensing that Niles was uncomfortable, Daphne made an attempt to change the subject. "Would you like a drink, Sweetheart?"

"Yes, a strong one." Niles replied. "As strong as possible."

Daphne smiled and kissed him. "All right."

When she was gone, Cliff eyed Niles strangely. "Hey, um... Niles... So Fras is pretty popular with that radio show of his, huh?"
Niles rolled his eyes. "Well, contrary to what he thinks, he's not all that-."

Daphne retuned with a drink in her hand and a smile on her face. "Here you are, darling."

Niles took the drink from her and kissed her. "Thank you, my love." With one gulp he consumed the beverage, handing her the empty glass. "Do you mind, sweetheart?"

She smiled and gave him a knowing glance. "Not at all. I'll be right back."

When she left again, Niles couldn't help noticing the way Cliff was watching her walk to the bar. But for the sake of his wife and the promise he'd made to be cordial, he refrained from making a scene.

Daphne was right. He was taking this rift with Frasier too personally and although he was still quite angry with his disrespectful, arrogant older brother, he had to let it go. He wasn't ready to forgive Frasier or even talk about the way he was humiliated over the KACL airwaves, but he could at least be congenial toward Frasier's friends. After all, these people helped mold Frasier into the man he was, therefore having some affect on Niles' loving nephew Frederick.

But at that moment, he wasn't thinking of Frasier, his father or even Frederick. His wife's happiness was his only concern.