Chapter 1

Driving on the sleek, rainy streets of Seattle in his black BMW, Dr. Frasier Crane acknowledged he was in a melancholy mood—not necessarily sad or depressed but not entirely happy either. Having to stop at a red light gave him time to reflect on his younger brother, fellow psychiatrist Niles Crane. Niles and Daphne Moon, Martin Crane's physical therapist, had recently declared their love for one another after many years of yearning, at least on Niles' part. Frasier allowed himself a small smile as the light turned green and he drove through the intersection. As he continued to think about his brother and his new lady love, he realized he was happy for them, even though they currently faced some complicated times. He empathized with them while firmly believing their love would win out in the end. Despite the upbeat feeling he had about where their relationship was headed, his mood took a definite downturn whenever he thought about where his own life was headed, or not headed, as the case may be with regard to female companionship. Not having had a meaningful relationship in a very long time, he couldn't help but to fret if he ever would, indeed, find true love again.

The ringing of his cell phone interrupted his thoughts. He answered and said a hearty "hello" to his brother.

"I just wanted to remind you about Daphne's birthday," Niles spoke into the phone. "You know because of my current situation with Mel, we can't celebrate the way I would like, but that doesn't mean we can't have a nice dinner at your place, right?"

"Of course," Frasier agreed. "Tell me what you want on the menu. I'll cook it myself."

"Thank you. Daphne and I are most appreciative."

"No problem. See you later."

The conversation ended on a good note; Frasier was pleased he could help his brother plan a festive celebration for Daphne's birthday. Now all he needed to do was to find a nice gift for his soon-to-be sister-in-law.

Three blocks down, he spotted a relatively new antique gift shop, "Keesha's Korner," that he had wanted to peruse but hadn't found the time. With a parking space available right in front of the corner store, he decided to take advantage of it and have a look around.

A bell chimed softly overhead as he entered. A moment later a lovely African-American woman of medium height and slender frame greeted him with a warm smile.

"Hello. Welcome to my shop."

"Hello," Frasier said, returning her smile as he stepped further into the cozy store.

"Is there anything I can help you with or would you like to look around?"

"I think I'll look around."

"Would you like a cup of coffee or tea while you're browsing?"

"Coffee would be nice. Cream and sugar, please. Thank you."

The attractive lady disappeared through a white curtain and returned a few moments later with a steaming hot cup of coffee, which she handed to Frasier, who was looking at the art work hanging on the walls.

"You have some lovely paintings," he commented.

"Thank you. I've bought most of them through auctions."

Frasier nodded. "That's how I've gotten a few pieces, too."

"Are you looking to buy a painting? I have a few more in the back that I haven't had a chance to put on display."

"No, not today. I think I would like to see your antique jewelry."

"I have jewelry in the glass cases by the cash register."

Frasier followed her and after looking at some stunningly beautiful gems, he decided to purchase an exquisite turquoise pin with a flower design that he thought Daphne would like.

"This piece is lovely. I'm sure your wife will enjoy wearing it."

"I'm not married," Frasier said candidly. "This is for my brother's lady love. It's for her birthday."

"How nice. Would you like me to gift wrap it?"

"Yes. Thank you."

Frasier watched with interest as she once again disappeared behind the curtain, but this time, he could hear the faint strains of classical music coming through. When she returned, she placed the beautifully wrapped box and receipt inside a plastic bag which advertised the shop and handed it to him.

"I've placed the card of authenticity inside the jewelry box. I hope your brother's lady has a very happy birthday."

"Thank you so much. You know, this really is a lovely place. If you don't mind, I think I'd like to look around some more."

"Be my guest," she said, gesturing with her well-manicured hands. "As you can see, I don't have many customers."

"Are you the owner?" Frasier inquired, unable to keep his curiosity at bay a moment longer.

"Yes, I am," she said, extending her hand. "My name is Keesha Ward."

"It's very nice to meet you, Keesha. My name is Frasier Crane."

Recognition dawned almost immediately. "Of course it is. Oh my. I have been trying to place your voice since you first spoke. I knew I had heard it before, but I could not think of where. I listen to your show all the time."

Frasier smiled. "Thank you. I have to say I heard the classical music from behind that curtain."

"Yes, I admit I listen to that, too. It helps to soothe my spirit when I'm anxious."

"Are you anxious right now?" he asked, unable to curb his natural tendency to try to help someone who might be in need.

"No, not really. It's just that you are my first customer today. I know the rain keeps people away. I opened this store not too long ago, and I really want it to work out. I know these things take time..."

"They do," he assured her, "especially when one is new in the area and not a familiar name or location."

Keesha sighed. "That's me."

Frasier gave her a thoughtful look. "I don't usually do this, but I really like this place, and I think people would enjoy shopping here if they knew about its existence. What if I mentioned it a few times on my show?"

Keesha's dark brown eyes grew wide. "You would really do that?"

"Yes," Frasier said, moved by her obvious delight at his offer.

"That would be wonderful, but I wouldn't know how to thank you."

He gave her a whimsical smile. "How about agreeing to have dinner with me this Friday night?"

Keesha considered him and his offer for a moment and then smiled. "I would like that," she said, her voice sincere. "I would like that very much."

"So would I," Frasier said, warming up to the idea more and more. "May I pick you up at 7:30 p.m.?"

"Yes," she answered without hesitation.

After exchanging addresses and phone numbers, Frasier retrieved his bag from the counter while Keesha picked up the now empty coffee cup. She watched as he checked out a few items on a shelf in the middle of the store and then headed towards the exit. After placing his hand on the knob to open the door, he paused and turned to look at her.

"Until Friday, then."

"Until Friday," she said, already thinking about what she would wear.