By the time he arrived home, Niles' heart was beating so rapidly that he could hardly breathe. Never in his life had he ever been so nervous about making a phone call. But this was no ordinary phone call. It was a promise and a hope of things to come.

He made a glass of sherry and wandered into his office, settling down in his plush leather chair. It was best to be comfortable when doing something that made a person feel apprehensive just thinking about it. His fingers trembled as he reached for the tiny business card and dialed the number.

"Mark Truman, Attorney at Law" the tinny, uninterested voice answered. The voice was cold and unfriendly, not at all like Mrs. Woodson's kind voice. Niles prided himself on choosing employees who were caring and pleasant, both on the phone and off. But he wasn't about to let the incredibly rude receptionist deter him.

"Claire Barnes, please."

"Who's calling?"

He swallowed hard. "Niles Crane."

"Hold please."

"Certainly-." His next thought cut off, he was forced to listen to the awful hold music (if it could even be called music. It was more like crass noise with a hint of a 1970's beat. He really needed to find a new lawyer as soon as possible. But he wouldn't dare mention it to Claire. He didn't want anything to ruin the possibility of a future with her. And before he could ponder it a moment further, he heard-

"Claire Barnes speaking."

"Oh, Um... Hello, Claire. This is-."

"Niles, I know." she laughed. "It's good to hear from are you doing?"

"Oh, I'm... fine, thank you. How are you?"

Another laugh. "I'm well. Even better now, actually. I'm just surprised to hear from you."

He hung his head, feeling a sense of guilt. "I know. And I'm sorry about that. I just-."

"Don't be sorry. I was hoping you'd call."

He lifted his head, unable to believe what he'd heard. "Y-you were?"

"Well, I did give you my card and invite you to go dancing. My treat."

"Y-your-."

"I didn't mention that when I gave you my card? Well of course it will be my treat. Now when would you like to go? That is why you were calling, isn't it?"

"Yes, um... yes, it is. Of course. I was calling to see if you'd like to-."

"I'd love to."

His heart sang. "Really?"

"Of course! I couldn't possibly turn down a handsome man. I'll see you at eight?"

Her boldness caught him off-guard. "Tonight? I-I mean yes. Tonight. Yes, eight is perfect. A-Actually Claire, can we make it 6:30? I want to make this night one that you'll never forget."

"Oh I can guarantee that I won't, Niles Crane. I'll see you at 6:30. "

He barely had time to process the information when he heard her say-

"I'm driving, okay? No arguments."'

"I'll see you then." He hung up the phone, his heart thundering.

Tonight was going to be a night that would change his life. He was sure of it.