Niles rang the doorbell to Frasier's apartment, and he was so nervous he felt woozy. He had tried talking himself down on the drive over from his office. He was planning on asking Daphne to attend the party and show with him, and although he knew that the event could be a turning point for him, he needed to remember that Daphne has accompanied him to many of these types of events before. She was always delighted to go. This time was different, though, not only because he grew increasingly fearful of revealing his feelings to her, but she was also dating Donny.

Niles had been struggling with the news that Daphne was dating, and he had almost talked himself out of his plan to revel his feelings. What if she was happy? Donny could certainly provide everything she needed, and she could very well have a happy life with him. But, his thoughts kept coming back to one thing - how could he live with himself if there was the slightest chance she could share his feelings? What if he regretted the chance he didn't take? Maybe she would not reciprocate his feelings, but he owed it to himself and to her to be honest. Besides, he thought to himself, it's not like they were serious. She had only known the man for a short time. How attached could she be?

"Niles. What a surprise," Frasier said almost sarcastically as he opened the door.

"Hello, Frasier. Hello, Dad. Is Daphne here?"

"She's here, son. She's in her room getting ready to go to a movie with Donny." Martin shifted uncomfortably in his chair. He hated telling Niles about Daphne's date, but he wanted to prepare him for Daphne's excited mood.

"Oh..." Niles whispered.

"What is it you want to see her about?" Frasier stared at Niles with suspicion.

"Well, if you must know, I want to invite her to a party at Dr. Anderson's home and then a show at the Paramount. The usual suspects will be in attendance, of course, and I know several of them are looking forward to seeing our Daphne again." Niles was trying to play it cool. It was just like all the other times. he kept telling himself.

"And, what is the purpose of maintaining appearances at these events, if they will all eventually find out that Daphne is seeing Donny? How do you think that will go over with that crowd? This could blow up in your face in more ways that your thinking, Niles."

"I think you need to shut you big bazoo, Fras. Daphne and Niles can decide what they want to do, and they can figure out if they care what those snobs think about them going to some fancy pants party together." Niles usually cringed when his Dad got involved with their arguments, but he was grateful for the intervention. His nerves were shot, and he just needed to see Daphne.

"Dad's right, Frasier. I don't care what those people say about the matter."

"What do you think they will say about Daphne? Don't you think some of those people will believe she's hopping from one man to the next, looking for a payout? You don't believe they will assume her to be a gold-digger?"

"That's ludicrous!" Niles could feel his emotions getting the best of him. His face was flushed and his blood pressure was rising. He felt his breathing quicken at the thought of his social circle insulting Daphne.

"Is it? You know those people, Niles! They make me look like Mary Poppins. They can be brutally judgmental, and you don't want to ruin her reputation, do you?"

"Damn it," muttered Niles. He knew Frasier had a point. Of course, he had no plan of making Daphne look bad for his personal gain; he just didn't want Frasier to try to talk him out of his plan.

"I didn't want to tell you, but I suppose I have no choice," Niles sighed to gather his thoughts.

"Niles, you don't owe us a damn thing. It's none of our business, unless you want to tell us." Once again, Niles silently thanked his dad for his understanding.

"No, maybe it's for the best," Niles continued. "This is not just another plot to spend time with Daphne. I am going to use this event to tell her how I feel about her. I thought it would be a perfect setting. She'll wear one of her dresses, we'll have drinks, dance, talk, and then at the end of the evening, I will take her on a walk through the park and tell her that I don't want these evenings to end, and that I have been in love with her since I met her. I want her to know that if she is happy with Donny, I will accept it and support her, but that I could not stand living a lie and being a coward any longer. I'm absolutely petrified of her rejection, but I'm also afraid that if I don't say anything, I will always wonder what if."

"Son, you know we will be here no matter what."

"Thanks, Dad."

"Niles, I really hope that this works out the way you want it to, but you should prepare yourself just in case. The situation with Donny complicates things. I don't know what her feeling truly are, but please keep in mind that this is her home, and she is an employee here. She could feel very pressured."

"Who could feel pressured?" Daphne asked as she walked into the living room.

"Oh, nothing. Niles and I were discussing a patient." He looked over at Niles and winked.

"Daphne...you look beautiful," Niles looked her up and down. She was dressed stylishly but casually in a floral dress, choker, tights, and heels. Her hair was long and hung over her shoulders. He wondered how someone could be so beautiful that it caused his heart to sing.

"Oh, Dr. Crane, you always know what to say to make a lady feel special." She smiled at him and he wondered if she knew what effect she had on him.

"Well, Fras, why don't you go ahead and give me a ride to Duke's?" Martin got of frim his chair to get his jacket. Niles was going to have to take him to the Timbermill restaurant to thank him. Eating a steak from a meat trolley was worth it.

"Sure, Dad. Well, good evening, Niles. Daphne." And with that, Niles and Daphne stood in Frasier's living room alone.

"Tea, Dr. Crane?"

"No, thank you, Daphne. Actually, I just stopped by on my way home from the office to ask you a question."
"Sure, Dr. Crane. What is it?"

"Dr. Anderson, a colleague of mine, is hosting a party at his home before the premier showing of The Producers at the Paramount next Saturday. I was wondering if you would be my guest for the evening. It will be a lot of wine, dancing, and socializing at the party - the usual- and then we can go to the show. Have you ever seen a Broadway production, Daphne? You will love it! Of course, that is, if you want to go with me."

Daphne smiled at him and said, "Dr. Crane, that sounds wonderful! I've always wanted to see a real Broadway show! I can't wait to tell Donny about this. He'll be so excited for me. He doesn't enjoy the swanky events like you do, but I love them. It's so fun to be high society like you and your friends for a while. I'm sure he wouldn't mind. It will give him a chance to meet his friends with poker, and I'm sure he's heard your reputation as a true gentleman." Daphne giggled and kept talking excitedly about the invitation, but Niles was no longer listening.

That damned Donny.