Niles had arrived at the bar early, and sat in his car for 10 minutes trying to get himself in check. His nerves were in overdrive. Dates always had him fretting a bit. Even with Maris, he had been a nervous wreck before each of their dates. It wasn't until 6 months into the relationship that his nerves had finally subsided enough to not need a few minutes to calm himself beforehand.
He closed his eyes and reclined his seat back slightly, focused on his breathing. He went through a bit of a mantra, as he cleared his mind.
Not telling Daphne about Sabrina was a bit of a deliberate move. Niles hated to say he was petty, but something about not knowing that she and Joe were dating for a couple of weeks made him want to be equally discreet. A shitty mindset, and mind games like this had been one of the things Niles hated most about his marriage.
Clear your mind. You're standing in the middle of an expansive plain. There's not a cloud in the sky. It's a bright, brilliant blue. Deep breaths.
Of course, Niles had no doubt that Daphne not mentioning anything wasn't an attempt to try and hide things with Joe from him. Maybe Daphne wanted to see how things went? They only went out for a couple of dates before Niles found out.
Clear blue sky. No clouds. A gentle breeze rustles the grass. Even, steady breaths.
He should have told her. Daphne would be happy for him. Niles had already mentioned he was going to try dating again. Although it was Daphne that he wanted to date. Why couldn't they be here, getting drinks together, instead of -
No! Clear blue sky. Deep calm breaths. Soft breeze. Relax. Relax. Just... relax, damn it!
Niles opened his eyes and returned his car seat to its original position, frustrated. He didn't know why he felt anxious about meeting with Sabrina. Maybe because his mind was still refusing to let go of Daphne, this date felt... wrong? It shouldn't. Niles exhaled loudly, and got out of the car. He decided a drink would be a good idea right now.
Niles had made his way inside, and ordered a scotch, which he quickly finished, before getting a second one. The first drink took the edge off his nerves, and it no longer felt like he was doing something illicit.
Niles was still nursing his second drink when Sabrina arrived, just after seven. "Niles, I hope you haven't been waiting too long."
"Not at all." He rose, and pointed out a table in the corner that was free. "Shall we sit over there?"
Sabrina was delightful company. They spoke about art, the opera and wine. She was well travelled, having seen Europe extensively, as well as a few other places. She was intelligent, ambitious, and well read. Niles found himself talking about subjects he hadn't discussed or even thought about in months.
The topic of Niles' occupation came up.
"So what do you do, Niles?"
"I'm a psychiatrist." He didn't even hesitate. Telling Sabrina he was a florist now seemed... inadequate. She wouldn't be interested in that.
And it's not a lie. I'm still a psychiatrist. Just... not practicing at this moment.
"Oh, just like your brother then?"
Niles grimaced slightly. "Yes, but only because he's the older one. Otherwise it would be he who is a psychiatrist 'just like me'."
Sabrina chuckled along with Niles as she realized her gaffe. "Touché. And if you were the older brother, would you also be a radio celebrity?"
"Oh, no. Television at the very least." Niles was a few drinks in now, and feeling more relaxed and confident. Sabrina had seemingly followed suit, but she didn't seem nervous to begin with.
His mind drifted back to Daphne briefly, and Niles cleared his throat, as if that would also help clear his mind.
He glanced up. Sabrina had just finished her wine - a particularly fine Pinot that they had discussed for a few minutes when she ordered it. Her eyes met his own - blue reflecting blue. Yet he was still wishing it was brown eyes staring back at him instead. Talking to him about tea instead of wine. Tarot instead of Tolstoy.
You're an idiot, Niles. Daphne is just your friend. She is dating someone else. For all you know, they're on a date now. At a restaurant somewhere, or maybe even curled up on the couch in Daphne's apartment. You haven't even seen Daphne's apartment. That's how little you really know her.
These thoughts didn't reflect on his face, however.
"Niles, I'll have to call it a night here, but I really enjoyed our time together." Sabrina leaned forward. He caught the scent of her perfume - a dusky scent that was intoxicating in close confines. "If it's not too forward, I have an event this Friday evening. I would love if you attended as my date."
"I would be delighted, Sabrina." The words fell out of his mouth before Niles had time to fully analyze them. Which was for the best. What good would saying no do?
Niles walked Sabrina outside, and waited with her as she hailed a cab. She leaned forward and kissed him, her lips tasting of the Chateau d'Yquem she had just finished drinking.
"I'll see you Friday."
The rest of the week went by fast. Niles found himself avoiding bringing up the topic of Sabrina on Tuesday while visiting Daphne. Luckily, it wasn't too hard, as Daphne was busy. But Friday was a bit more difficult.
"Having dinner with your family again tonight?" Daphne sat opposite Niles, reclining slightly in her chair. The last half hour on Fridays was usually quiet, and Niles enjoyed them the most. They got the most uninterrupted one-on-one time together on Fridays.
"Er, not exactly. Did you have anything planned for this weekend?"
Daphne nodded, although seeming a tad distracted. "Joe and I are celebrating our one month anniversary. He wants to take me out tomorrow evening to this French restaurant."
The word anniversary stung at Niles. It was a relationship milestone. A reminder of what he had missed out on, because he was too timid. He noticed he wasn't listening to Daphne, and pushed his anxious thoughts away as he tuned back into what she was saying.
"- of course, it's just been a bit of a casual thing so far, what with us both being so busy, but Joe wanted to make an effort to do something special for that night. So, we're going out." She smiled. "But enough about me. What did you have planned for tonight, then?"
"I have a date." Niles glanced at his phone, which had gone off as he spoke - Sabrina was messaging instructions for picking her up tonight.
"Oh... I didn't realize you had met anyone."
Niles looked back up. "We met at the art gallery last weekend. It's not really a date; I'm just accompanying her to a formal event." He didn't know why he was downplaying this. Daphne was celebrating her and Joe's relationship this weekend - he didn't need to feel like he was...
Cheating.
That's what it felt like. He had a crush on Daphne. It felt like cheating because he had never been infatuated with someone while dating another person. But it wasn't cheating. Niles didn't owe Daphne his celibacy. She certainly didn't owe him hers, and most likely hadn't been, not a month into a relationship. Besides, she didn't likely have any clue, or interest in him, beyond their current friendship.
As if true to that thought, Daphne smiled warmly, and wrapped Niles in a brief, wonderful, hug. "I'm so glad you met someone, Niles. That explains your good mood this week. I hope it goes well."
She released him, still beaming as she walked him to the door. "I want to hear all about it on Monday. Or as much as you'll be willing to share."
The guilt Niles had been feeling about his imagined infidelity eased a bit. Daphne was happy for him. Why wouldn't she be? "Thank you, Daphne. I hope you enjoy your evening with Joe." Something occurred to him. "Where are you going?"
"Um... Chez Henri."
"Mention my name to the maître d. He knows me there and will ensure you get the best service."
"Oh. Thanks, Niles. I'll make sure to do that." She rested her hand on his shoulder briefly. "I hope you enjoy your date tonight."
Preparing for his date with Sabrina felt like treading old ground. He showered and dressed, pulling out a tuxedo for the first time in at least a year. Niles remembered these kinds of evenings with Maris, or even with Frasier. At least this time he didn't have to flit in and out of his room, checking in on Maris to make sure she hadn't had one of her turns that indicated a sour end to the evening. Something that Niles now realized happened more when it was something he was looking forward to, rather than for one of her events. And, Niles didn't have to worry about Frasier tonight either - the endless boasting and bickering; the constant detours towards people Frasier thought might have recognized him; being overshadowed by Frasier's small amount of fame every time.
Niles arrived at Sabrina's place slightly early, and she let him in as she finished dressing for the evening. Sabrina's apartment was large, tastefully decorated, and well positioned to take in the Seattle skyline. While not the eye catching prominence of the Space Needle like Frasier's, it instead afforded views west, out towards the bay. The sun had just sunk under the horizon, and Niles watched through the window as the sky darkened to a deep purple, and the lights of the city buildings started to flicker on.
"Beautiful view, isn't it." Sabrina had reemerged, and stood next to Niles.
"Yes. My brother has an apartment with a spectacular view of the Space Needle," Niles turned and took her in, "but it doesn't quite compare to this."
"You flatter me." Sabrina was stunning. She wore a long, turquoise blue evening gown, complemented with silver jewelry. Her long blonde hair was up in a bun, with just a couple of tendrils falling around her face.
She arched an eyebrow expectantly. Niles offered his arm. "Shall we?"
The function was similar to dozens of functions Niles had attended before. The crowd filled with familiar faces, ones that were never more than acquaintances seen only at these types of events. Sabrina made the rounds, seamlessly making it look like Niles was doing the leading, despite her being the one driving the conversation and direction. He noted that she focused specifically on a half dozen other guests, schmoozing with a well practiced air that Niles knew from experience took years to hone.
Then, Niles saw her. It was just a glimpse, from the corner of his eye the first time. Hovering on the outside of whatever group he and Sabrina were talking to at the time. Niles wasn't sure if she was watching him, or just merely trying to size up who he was with. But avoiding her all night was impossible. As a server approached them with a new glass of champagne, Niles found they were in a conversation group that included her.
Maris.
Sabrina was oblivious to who she was to Niles when they approached. She was more interested speaking to the Carringtons, who were conversing with Maris, and what appeared to be her current beau, as they approached.
"Deborah, Alfred; lovely to see you both again." Sabrina flashed a smile, all style and practiced social flair.
"Sabrina. We were hoping to spy you at some point tonight." Deborah gestured to their companions. "I don't believe you've met our companions this evening? Sabrina Locklin - Benjamin Leighton and Maris Crane."
"No, I haven't had the pleasure yet." A quick ripple of recognition of Maris' surname crossed Sabrina's face, smoothed away instantly. "Crane - you may already know my companion this evening - Dr Niles Crane?"
Maris gave a slightly coy smile from behind her champagne flute. "You could say that, yes. Isn't that right, Niles?"
Niles had already finished his glass of champagne, and took another before the server left. "Yes. You could." Niles wasn't sure if his own discomfort was noticeable; but it was clear to everyone that Sabrina was the only person in this group who didn't know his history with Maris. And she was displeased by the amusement it was causing everyone else.
"I see," Sabrina managed to maintain an air of indifference despite the polite chuckles from the others. "I must apologize - I haven't had been acquainted with Niles for very long. If I may ask...?"
"Maris is my ex-wife," Niles explained. "We are recently divorced."
"It's not really that recent," Maris quipped. "A couple of years, at least."
"Eleven months, actually." Niles' response was ice cold.
There was a long pause, where the statement hung, before a small cough from someone broke it.
"Yes, well." Maris sipped her previously untouched glass of champagne. "Time does get away from one."
She excused herself and her date from their company.
Niles remembered the private aside with Sabrina after meeting Maris. She pulled him into a quiet corner near the balcony, her annoyance apparent. "You didn't mention you were previously married."
"I'm sorry, but we haven't discussed past relationships yet. I didn't think... I'm sorry."
"Yes. Well, I need to know if that situation is still an issue. I like you, but I won't be a part of any drama between you and your ex. I am at a point in my life where I don't care to waste time with that sort of thing."
"I understand. There is nothing between myself and Maris."
"Good." Sabrina fixed him with a look. "So... you are not feeling anxious or uncomfortable about being in the same venue as your ex-wife? Because if you are and need to leave, I can find my own way home."
The point was made. And Niles couldn't fault her. Society expected women of a certain age to be married. If you weren't, it affected your image. Sabrina knew this - it was evident in her approach tonight in making it appear Niles - the man - was taking the lead. Sabrina was a busy, ambitious woman. She didn't have time to devote to messy relationship issues. She wanted a quick courtship, and efficient relationship and marriage - one that kept her image intact. Niles understood this perfectly. And to be honest, it appealed to him, in the same way marriage to Maris appealed to him.
Niles was anxious and uncomfortable about being in the same venue as his ex wife.
But he was more anxious and uncomfortable at the prospect of being alone for the rest of his life. "No. I am not. Let's return to the party. I noticed the Ashby's over there - we should get reacquainted."
The rest of the evening was a blur.
The reason for the gala was forgotten.
The small talk with the Seattle oligarch was tedious.
Niles indulged in too much wine and too little food.
The trays of hors d'oeuvres passed by infrequently; interrupted by speeches by important people regarding success and achievement.
He caught a cab with Sabrina back to her apartment - he was too inebriated to drive but, a true gentleman, insisted on making sure she got home safe.
Invited inside.
Another drink.
And Niles awoke the next morning in Sabrina's bed.
