With a stack of CD's in hand, Frasier appeared beside Niles. "These should be to your liking."
Niles took the CD's eagerly. "Thanks, Frasier. These will be perfect."
Frasier nodded. "Of course. So Niles, what made you want to try dancing again?"
Niles grinned despite himself, feeling strangely proud. "Well, I have a date!" The words were essentially a lie but he fully intended to make them truthful the moment he arrived home. All it would take was a phone call; a phone call that he hoped would prove to be successful. But despite the untruth, Frasier seemed genuinely impressed.
"Well Niles, who's the lucky woman?"
Niles' heart lept at the sudden flash of a memory and he began to pace the living room excitedly. "Her name is Claire Barnes. She's an Associate at my attorney's office. She gave me her card just as Daphne and I were leaving for the-." His eyes locked with Daphne's and she instantly averted her eyes.
"Snow Ball." he finished.
"That's great son. I'm happy for you."
Niles smiled, relishing the praise that his father had bestowed upon him. It seemed so few and far between, so he'd learned to cherish every ounce. "Thanks, Dad. Now if you'll excuse me, I should probably get home so that I can get ready and practice my dance steps. I wouldn't want to end up with two left feet, you know!" He laughed nervously, hoping he sounded sincere.
"I'm sure you'll have a wonderful time." Frasier said. "So where are you taking her?"
"We're going to the Starlight Room for an evening of dancing that she'll never forget." Niles replied. At that moment he vowed that his evening with Claire would be nothing less than perfect. For she deserved it. "Well, I'm off."
Eagerly he strode toward the door, his head filled with the words he was going to say to woo Claire to be his date for an evening of dinner, dancing and romance. He would make certain that there would be plenty of that.
"Goodbye, Dr. Crane." Daphne's voice floated through the air. And he couldn't help noticing the slight quiver. But he refused to turn around. He had to keep going or risk backing down. He'd been a coward for , no more. Not ever again. "I hope you have a lovely-."
He slammed the door and a blend of remorse and relief came over him. But not to worry. Daphne Moon (or at least the feelings he had for her) were history. Claire was his future; if only his immediate future. Tonight she would be the center of attention.
As quickly as he'd arrived, he swept through the lobby, anxious to return to his car. He had to plan this phone call very carefully. His sanity depended on it. He simply couldn't face another night alone with his misery. With any luck when the evening came to an end, he'd be the happiest man alive. And this time the love bestowed upon him would be genuine.