Niles continued to try to keep calm, and Daphne smiled and talked about her walk with Eddie, a call with her mother, his father's exercises, and an array of other topics. Her endless stories helped keep him grounded. He loved the calming effect she had on him.
The pair arrived at the party. It was held at a mansion much like Niles had shared with Maris. Daphne was awestruck by the high ceilings, chandeliers, the women's dresses and jewelry, and even the food. He loved how she didn't take this kind of thing for granted. She savored each moment and each experience. He wished he could be more like her.
Daphne quickly found a few ladies she and befriended along the way, including Tessa. Niles felt resentful toward Tessa because she was how Daphne met Donny, even though he knew he was to blame. He was increasingly determined to make it right for himself and for Daphne.
There was music and dancing, as there always was. He and Daphne danced closely, but there were not outward displays of affection-he did not want her to be embarrassed if the conversation later did not go well, and he was determined to be mindful of her reputation. They were attending as friends. This was not a date, per the usual. Although this crowd had seen them as dating before, only Tessa knew she had actually been seeing Donny, and even that had only been going on for a couple of weeks. How serious could it even be?
"Dr. Crane..I mean, Niles," Daphne smiled. She loved calling him by his first name. There was a closeness to it. "Thank you for bringing me tonight. I didn't know if you would ask me anymore, since..." she trailed off.
"Daphne," he said sending chills down her spine. She loved the way he said her name. "Of course, I would ask. You make these kinds of gatherings bearable for me."
"You mean you don't even like coming to these things?" she said surprised.
"You know I'm not like these people...not that I'm judging them. I feel like I have to go, because I have been a part of this community for so many years. This is my social circle, besides Fraser, Dad, and you, of course. There's such an exhausting pressure to live up to certain standards al the time, and with you, I can be myself. You're a comfort to me when I feel anxious and you keep me grounded by reminding me that there is more than what these people think is important. I hope that makes sense."
It was the first time he had opened up that way and she felt a closeness to him, much like she felt when went to Niles' and Mrs. Crane's home to help him prepare dinner for her.
"You know I'm always here for you. Daphne won't let anything happen to you," she grinned.
Niles thought his heart my leap from his chest. He could not love her more.
Time passed by slowly for Niles, as he continued to battle his anxiety. They socialized with the guests before making their way to the theatre. He was grateful that they were seated in center orchestra with several people that came from the party. As they sat through the show lost in his own thoughts, Daphne was enamored with the songs and storyline. His heart smiled at the thought of her experiencing something new. After the curtain call, they stood up to exit the theatre and said their goodbyes to Niles' friends. On the way out, Niles paused and turned to Daphne. "Would you like to come back to the Montana? I have creme brulee and a wonderful sauternes, and I-"
"I'd love to, Niles!"
The first step is done, he thought to himself. No backing out now.
They drove in comfortable silence to The Montana, and Niles heart rate increased and his stomach turned with each passing mile.
They reached the door and Niles took her coat. "Daphne, I know I already told you, but your dress is amazing. You are stunning."
"Thank you...Niles," she said timidly. She wasn't used to saying his name in his home. It was forward, but it felt right.
"I'm going to go to the kitchen and get our dessert and wine. I'll be right back. There's a CD in the stereo if you want music."
As Niles disappeared, she turned on the music. It was a romantic aria. Daphne was not typically a fan of the music and Frasier and Niles enjoyed, but this was fitting for the evening, she thought as she sat on the fainting couch.
A few moments later, Niles carried a tray with the food and wine and poured them both a class.
"Oh, my. Niles! You're going to give me a taste for the finer things, if you're not careful! You spoil me so!"
It's my pleasure. You deserve all the finer things in life."
She smiled at him wondering again how he could struggle so much with dating. He was ridiculously thoughtful-certainly not like most men she encountered. Even Donny did not have the level of introspection and empathy that Niles had.
"Daphne, would you like to dance again? This song is one of my favorites, and I enjoyed our dancing earlier this evening," Niles said.
"Of course. Lead the way."
As they danced, he held her close like they had become accustomed to. They made eye contact, and he could swear she looked at his lips. He started to dismiss the thought but decided that now was the time. It was time to get it all out in the open.
"Daphne, I have a confession to make to you."
"What is it? You know you can tell me anything."