Heart and Soul

Chapter 7

CHAPTER 7

Dr. Crane sat in the driver's seat of his father Winnebago, his eyes staring listlessly out the windshield and into the trees that surrounded the parking lot of the hotel. How could Dad spend his retirement fund on this hunk of metal? A motorhome...how practical.

The birds sang out from the treetops, the bright blue sky stretched on endlessly, and the sunlight streamed into the windows, bathing him in its warm glow. But none of it truly reached him. His one hand dangled off the top of the steering wheel, and he loosened the tie of his tuxedo with the other. Glancing at his wristwatch, he noted it was half an hour before the wedding was set to begin. He still hadn't decided if he would attend. What would hurt Daphne more? Seeing his empty seat in the front row, a stark reminder to her of what had just transpired between them. Or, actually seeing him, sitting with Frasier, Dad, and Mel while pasting a fake smile on his face. He didn't know for sure, and he wanted to choose the option that would be the least painful for her. For both of them.

A knock reverberated off the side door, and Dr. Crane stood up reluctantly. It was probably Mel, here to cart him away for the ceremony. He vaguely wondered at how she had found him here.

"Niles, you in here?" Frasier's voice greeted him instead as the door opened. He walked up the steps, Martin close behind, a six pack of beer dangling from his fingers.

"Now son, if you were planning on having a party in here, the least you could do was invite us." The tone he used was teasing but gentle, for he knew his son had recently suffered a heavy blow in the love department.

They all made their way to the front of the motorhome, Niles reclaiming the driver's seat and Martin in the passenger. Frasier sat on the long bench seat behind them, and they all silently grabbed a beer. The sound of the beverages being cracked open was the only sound for a few moments. Dr. Crane usually wasn't one to indulge in this type of working-class drink, but at this point in time he could be drinking stagnant pond water and wouldn't know the difference.

He had filled his brother and father in on what had went on the night before. Both had been very sympathetic, but nothing they could say would have been able to ease the fathomless ache in his heart that he had felt, and continued to feel today. Fraiser and Martin instinctively knew this as well and the silence continued, each enjoying the comfort of the other's company.

It was Frasier who finally broke the silence. "So, Dad, you gonna miss your favorite beer? I hear they won't be making Ballatine's anymore." He inspected the can of the Ballatine he was currently drinking.

Martin made a face of resignation and laced his fingers together. "Ah, it'll be fine. I've made my peace with it. It was great to me for so many years. Sometimes, you get used to doing or seeing something every day, and it becomes a routine part of your life. It's comfortable and familiar. But, things change, and things come and go from your life constantly. You just gotta make your peace with it. You find new things to love." He glanced over at Dr. Crane as he said this.

Frasier nodded his head. "Yeah, I suppose you're right."

They all finished their drinks, talking about any trivial thing that crossed their minds. Frasier had his eye on a new woman at the station, Martin was trying to teach Eddie a new trick but he wasn't quite taking to it. Dr. Crane felt himself loosening up ever so slightly, until he saw Frasier glance at his watch.

"Well, we better be getting back, Dad." He said quietly, looking up at his brother. "Are you coming, Niles?"

Dr. Crane pursed his lips and gave a small head shake. "No, I don't think so." He slumped back into his seat.