Frasier limped into the tavern and up to the bar where Niles was sitting.
Niles had watched him limp in. "I'm so sorry Frasier. That must have been some wedgie."
"No, you imbecile. The limping is from your wife running over my foot with the car."
"Good God Frasier, I'm so sorry."
"Don't let it bother you. I'll be alright in a week or so." He shot his brother a sarcastic look.
"You are aware that your jacket doesn't go with the rest of your suit," Niles pointed out.
"Yes, thank you for noticing. I have to credit Maris for instructing Marta to spray me with spritzer water for that. I grabbed this jacket and headed out here."
"Frasier, again, my apologies. Send me the cleaning bill."
"And my tailoring bill and my shoe repair bill, not to mention my medical bills?"
Niles forces a smile. "Yes, of course."
"Maris and I have never quite met eye-to-eye, but what would provoke such a behavior?"
"Well, perhaps it was my request for a divorce."
"What?! My God Niles, are you certain about this?"
Niles nodded. "Absolutely. Our marriage has been stale for quite some time."
"What brought this on? Was it the conversation you had with Daphne the other night?"
"Yes as a matter of fact…"
[The other night…]
Niles stood to comfort her. Somehow, some way, he so needed to comfort her. "I – I'm sorry. I was being selfish."
"What are you talking about Dr. Crane," she said through the tears.
"Daphne… I lied to you… because I love you."
"You what?"
"I'm in love with you Daphne. I have been for years. Lord knows I've tried to deny it, but I am so in love with you."
She was trembling. She was standing there, staring back at him in disbelief, and trembling. She was so uncomfortable. "Doctor Crane… But you're married."
"I know Daphne, but…"
"There are no 'buts'. You've promised yourself to someone else… for life 'til death do you part."
"Please Daphne, hear me out."
He touched her arm, but she pulled away.
"You're making me quite uncomfortable Dr. Crane."
"Daphne… please… as my friend, hear me out."
Tears started to fall again. "I don't think so Dr. Crane and I don't appreciate your selfish lies about Joe." She couldn't get out of the bathroom fast enough.
Niles lowered himself back to the percaline throne once more. At this moment, he felt like crying too. He inhaled to draw some life back into his chest, but it was hurting so. He heard Frasier's front door close and he knew she had left the apartment.
He stood and removed his wedding band. Placing in on the sink, that's just where he left it as he mustered the energy to open the door of the washroom and step out.
[The Bar]
"Niles, perhaps asking for a divorce on the same night was a bit too impulsive."
"No Frasier, what happened between Daphne and I, opened my eyes."
Frasier's cell phone rang. He retrieved it. It was his father. Under the circumstances, Frasier refused the call and returned the phone to his pocket. "Do you realize what you are giving up?"
"Of course I do. I have thought this through. This is certainly not an impulsive decision."
"Even if there is no chance with Daphne…" His phone rang again. He answered. "Dad, what is it? Niles and I are having a very important conversation here."
"It's Daphne. She's leaving."
"Dad, I'm a little bit busy right now. I'll talk to her when she returns."
"No, she has packed up all of her things and is quitting."
"Oh my God! Keep her there. We're on our way."