That shirt is hideous!
Roz's harsh words resonated in Daphne's mind as Daphne unlocked the door to Frasier's condo. As quickly as possible she put away her purchases, eager to start on her work. Minutes later, dressed in her robe, she was sorting through the laundry. She was so deep in thought that she barely noticed Frasier enter through the front door.
"Oh, hello Daphne. I didn't expect to see you here! I thought you might still be here shopping. What are you doing here?"
"Why?" She snapped. "Is there a problem with me being here? I do live here you know!"
"Well, of course I know that you live here and I meant nothing by it! I just wasn't expecting to see you."
Immediately she felt remorse for talking to him so abruptly. "I'm sorry Dr. Crane. I didn't mean-."
"It's all right, Daphne. I've had a rather trying day as well. Would you care to join me in a glass of wine?"
The question surprised her and she longed to say yes. Wine would definitely relax her. But she had more important things to do.
"That's very kind of you Dr .Crane, but I really should get started on the laundry."
He blinked in surprise and looked at his watch. "Now?"
"Well, the quicker I get started the quicker I can finish it. And maybe for once I can have your dinner ready on time." She added with smile.
"Well, thank you Daphne."
"You're welcome, Dr. Crane. Now if you'll excuse me, I have some laundry to do."
Before he could comment any further, she went from room to room gathering all the dirty laundry, including the most important item, her beloved I Love Seattle t-shirt.
Within minutes, still wearing her robe, she was in the elevator, en route to the basement. When she reached the laundry room, she was relieved to find it empty and she began measuring the detergent and sorting the clothes into the washing machine. Three loads later, she removed her I Love Seattle t-shirt from the hamper and smiled. Despite the fact that the washing instructions were to wash in warm water with like colors, she carefully slipped it into the machine with a few other items and after just the right amount of detergent and fabric softener, turned the setting to Delicate.
As she waited for the laundry to finish, she sat in the rather poor excuse for a chair and opened her romance novel. She could hardly wait to pour through the pages, getting lost in such a romantic story once more. It was so rare that she was able to read in peace without comments from Dr. or Mr. Crane.
But after she'd read the same passage three times, she found that she simply couldn't concentrate. For her thoughts weren't on the hero and heroine, but of Niles. She leaned against the back of the chair and closed her eyes, remembering the kisses they shared. And how she longed for so many more.