Café Nervosa was bustling with customers, but Niles hardly noticed. He stared, transfixed at the beautiful woman who had just walked through the door.

"Isn't that amazing, Niles? Earth to Niles! Come in Niles!" Frasier said, waving a hand in front of his little brother's face.

"Dear God, have you even heard a word I've said?"

Niles blinked when he realized he was being spoken to. "What? Oh yes. Of course! You were telling me about your patient who thinks she's a horse-Mrs. Montrose."

"Very good, Niles! You were paying attention! And I'd be happy about that. If I hadn't mentioned her over twenty minutes ago!" Frasier yelled. "What's gotten into you anyway?"

Frasier followed his brother's gaze to the doorway just in time to see his father chatting with some nearby patrons who were petting his dog Eddie.

"Well. I guess that answers my question. You were staring at Daphne again, weren't you?"

"I can't help it, Frasier. She's the most exquisite creature I've ever laid eyes on." Niles replied dreamily.

"Oh for God's sake, Niles!" Frasier said the irritation heavy in his voice. "This... infatuation of yours is completely ridiculous! Not to mention unhealthy! What about Maris?"

Again Niles turned his attention to his brother. "What about Maris?"

"In case you've forgotten, let me refresh your memory. Several years ago, you and Maris took part in a quaint ceremony, more commonly known as a wedding."

"Oh for Heaven's sake, Frasier! I know that! She reminds me every day-along with the fact that she no longer loves me."

Immediately Frasier's expression softened. "I'm so sorry, Niles. I had no idea that things between you two had gotten so bad."

"It's my fault, really." Niles sighed. "Maris spent three hours last night reassuring me of that fact."

"Well, I've always found Maris a bit... presumptuous to say the least." Frasier said. "And I have no doubt that this is more her doing than yours."

Niles smiled and took a dip of his latte. "Thank you, Frasier."

"Well, it's true Niles and I-Oh! Hello Dad! Daphne... Eddie..." Frasier said, rolling his eyes at the annoying dog.

"Hello, Dr. Crane." Daphne said with a smile.

"What brings you two out on a rainy Wednesday morning? Dad, I thought you were going to stay in and finish your thousand piece jigsaw puzzle." Frasier said, ignoring Martin's irritated look.

"Your father was horrified when I told him we were out of beans, so I figured why not make an outing of it?"

"Yes, and I see that you brought the whole family." Frasier muttered, glaring at Eddie, who stared back at him.

Daphne's attention turned to Niles. "Oh my where is me head this morning? Hello, Dr. Crane."

Niles grinned shyly. "H-hello, Daphne. You're looking quite beautiful this morning."

"Dr. Crane that's such a nice thing for you to say but I'm afraid it's just a matter of opinion. My hair is a mess and I'm sure I look frightful."

Niles opened his mouth to reply but was interrupted by his father.

"You sure do!" Martin yelled. "Now let's go! I want to be home in time to watch my movie!"

"And what movie would that be?" Frasier asked.

"The Jean Claude Van Damme movie. Oh, it's great! I can't get enough of it! Lots of action, adventure and-."

"I know the film well, Dad. You've seen it a hundred times already! In fact, I bought you the DVD for Christmas!"

"Well yeah, but when I watch it on commercial TV it's like an entirely different movie! They take out all the swear words and replace them with more 'appropriate' ones." Martin explained.

"Fascinating, really." Frasier said sarcastically. "And on that cheerful thought, I have to leave." He drank the rest of his latte and rose from the table. "Coming, Niles?"

"No, actually I think I'll stay here and enjoy my surroundings." Niles replied, unable to take his eyes off of Daphne.

"Suit yourself." Martin said. "Come on, Eddie."

The dog scampered out of the café behind his owner.

Daphne smiled at Niles and took his hand in both of hers. "It was nice to see you again, Dr. Crane." The touch of her soft skin on his nearly caused him to spill his latte.

"It's always wonderful seeing you, Daphne." He said dreamily.

"Come on, Daphne! Let's go!" Martin yelled from outside the café. "It's pourin' out here!"

Daphne pulled the hood of her red raincoat over her head and squeezed Niles hand. "I hope you don't end up as grouchy as your father. Impatient old man! Oh wait... I'm getting' somethin' on you."

"Another vision?" Niles asked, leaning closer to show that he was interested.

"Yes. Why... You won't be like your father at all." Daphne said with a smile.

"You're much too kind and sweet. Not to mention, a lot more handsome. But don't tell him I said that." She added with a wink. "Well, I'm off. See you later, Dr. Crane."

But Niles didn't reply. Instead he stared at her dreamily as she rushed out of the café and into the rainstorm.

"I love you, Daphne!" he called to the doorway.

But of course, no one answered.

With a sigh, Niles sipped his latte and looked out the window at the woman he loved so deeply but who would never love him in return.