09x17 - Three Blind Dates

[bunniefuu]

Skyline: Red, yellow, and blue balloons rise over the buildings.

ACT 1

[Scene 1 - Frasier's apartment.
Daphne is answering the door to Roz. Niles is seated on the couch.]

Roz: Hey, Daphne!
Daphne: Hey, Roz.
Roz: Hey, Niles.
Niles: Come on in.
Roz: Is Frasier here? I need him to approve the latest version of
his bio.
Niles: [taking it from Roz] Why does he keep updating his bio? What's
changed in the last few years. [reading] Oh, his date of birth!
He's now four years younger than I am.
Daphne: Well, that's silly. Does everyone fake their age in radio?
Roz: [with anxiety] No! [Daphne chuckles.]
Daphne: Oh, Roz, sit down. I'm glad you're here. There's something
we want to ask you. [Roz sits between Daphne and Niles.] When
Niles and I get married, it would make us very happy if you
would serve as maid of honor.
Roz: [flattered] Really? I'm so touched. I don't know what to say.
Well, of course, of course I'll do it. [She embraces Daphne.]
Niles: Now, uh, set aside September 1st.
Roz: Oh, is that Labor Day weekend?
Niles: Yeah, is that a problem.
Roz: Well, there's this picnic that I always go to, and I make the
potato salad. [Daphne and Niles look bemused and slightly
hurt during this speech.] What am I saying? Your wedding is
more important than potato salad or any salad! [She and Daphne
embrace again.]
Daphne: Then it's settled!
Roz: I'll make the potato salad the night before, and then I'll get
someone...[off Niles's look] I'll figure it out.

[N.B. In fact, Jane Leeves was a bridesmaid at Peri Gilpin's wedding to
her husband, artist Christian Vincent.]

[Frasier enters.]

Frasier: Hello, all!
Roz: Hi!
Niles: Well, look who's here, it's my little brother Frasier!
Roz: I brought your bio.
Frasier: [hanging his coat] Oh, yes, well I'll have to deal with that
tomorrow, Roz, I've got to be across town in half an hour.
I'm previewing a new Benjamin Locklear exhibit and then I'm
having dinner with the artist afterward. Promises to be a
very exciting evening!
Daphne: And what lucky lady are you sharing it with?
Frasier: Well, I'm going alone.
Daphne: Oh, I'm sorry.
Frasier: Well, don't be. Truth is, I'm a pretty terrific date. I
know when to arrive, I know when to call it a night, and
frankly, I always leave myself wanting more. [He exits, smiling.]
Daphne: Oh, it's too bad Dr. Crane doesn't have anyone to share these
things with.
Roz: I know. When was the last time he seriously dated anyone?
Daphne: Well, that would be Claire, but that was months ago.
Roz: We should set him up with someone.
Niles: Well, it seems to me he's choosing not to date.
Daphne: [ignoring him] I have this friend at yoga he might like.
Roz: No, she sounds flaky. I have the perfect person for him!
Niles: You know, he's always been completely capable of meeting people
on his own.
Daphne: [again ignoring him] No, we should go with my person first.
You don't have the best track record.
Roz: Me? Whenever you've set me up with guys, I knew they were
losers the second I saw them. They turned out to be bad in
bed, too.
Daphne: Well, there's no reason why we both can't try to set him up
with someone.
Roz: Okay, but we have to find someone who's gorgeous, sexy, and
smart.

[Martin enters.]

Martin: Smart's good, but I'm not a fanatic about it. [He moves to
sit in his chair.]
Daphne: It's not for you, it's for Dr. Crane.
Niles: Yes, even though he's expressed no dissatisfaction with his
love life whatsoever, these two have decided to make it
their mission to find him a mate.
Martin: It's not a bad idea. It's been a long time since Frasier
was excited about someone. I kind of miss that spring in his
step, you know. The nervous energy he gets where every first
date might be "the one." The electricity of that 30-point
self-inspection before he rolls out of the showroom.
Niles: But he says he's happy!
Daphne: Isn't that what you would have said too before your brother
helped bring us together?
Niles: That's my point exactly, let's start calling babes!

[They all react. Fade out.]

[Scene 2 - Frasier's apartment.
Daphne and Niles are sitting at the dining table. Daphne is looking
in her datebook.]

Daphne: What about Caroline? She'd get along great with your brother!
Niles: Is she the one missing a tooth?
Daphne: She had it replaced. That dental school did a good job too.
You can only tell it's fake under a black light. [Niles glares.
She turns to another page.] What about Jennifer? She's pretty,
smart, she has those perky breasts...
Niles: I wouldn't call them perky so much as, uh...[stopping himself]
I don't remember Jennifer. [faking an attempt to recollect and
then giving it up] Well, besides, didn't Frasier already go
out with her?
Daphne: Oh, you're right. Well, that's everyone I know. Oh, it's too
bad. I was hoping we could help.
Niles: [reflecting] There is this one woman I know--Lisa. She'd be
great. They share a lot of interests. She even owns a
bookstore.
Daphne: You've been holding out on me!
Niles: Well, she's a former patient, so that's kind of an ethical gray
area. I'm not sure I'm comfortable setting her up with Frasier.
Daphne: What if she didn't know you were setting her up? You could
point her out to me and then I could strike up a friendship!
We could go out for coffee, see movies, tell each other
everything. [moving to the kitchen] Maybe I was a little hasty
making Roz my maid of honor.
Niles: [following her to the kitchen] As soon as she finds out you're
my fiancée, well...there's my ethical dilemma again.
Daphne: Well, what if they just happened to meet by themselves?
Niles: Like at her bookstore?
Daphne: Exactly.
Niles: Frasier is always going into bookstores. She does own a
bookstore. [rationalizing] Over time, it's highly probable
he would find himself...in her bookstore. Perhaps I could
just place them within range of one another, and I'd just stay
out of sight.
Daphne: That'll do. So what does she look like, anyway?
Niles: Oh my God, she's gorgeous! She has these...[sighs and stops
himself] I'd have to check my notes.

[Niles exits. Fade out.]

[Scene 3 - Lisa's Bookstore.
A customer is exiting. Niles is spying in the window, probably looking
to see where Lisa is. Frasier approaches him.]

Niles: Oh, hi, here we are. [They enter the bookstore.]
Frasier: Well, it's a lovely little bookstore, Niles, but I hardly see
how it's worth driving all the way across town. Doesn't seem
to have much of a selection.
Niles: Well, they don't cater to all tastes, but I'm confident you'll
find something to confident your interest.

[On cue, Lisa, the owner, enters from the back carrying a box. She is
dark-haired and pretty. Niles ducks into an aisle.]

Niles: Um, Frasier, Frasier. [Frasier approaches him.] Um, Daphne had
asked me to provide her with a reading list, you know to broaden
her mind.
Frasier: Oh, that's admirable.
Niles: Yeah, and I was thinking of starting with Shakespeare. And, uh,
you have such a grasp of his work, I was wondering if you could
help me make a selection.
Frasier: Well, of course, although I'm a bit surprised. You always
considered yourself the more well-versed.
Niles: Well-versed, yes, but you're the expert.
Frasier: [beaming] I've waited since third grade to hear you say that!

[Frasier goes to the back aisle where Lisa is shelving books. As he
enters it, she leaves at the other end and moves to the next aisle toward
Niles without Frasier noticing her.]

Frasier: Hmm...

[Niles covers his face with an open book so that Lisa won't see him and
walks past her to Frasier.]

Niles: Um, you know, maybe she'd appreciate Shakespeare more if she
knew something about him. Perhaps a biography.
Frasier: That's good thinking.

[Frasier walks forward to the next aisle, where Lisa is at the other
end. She simultaneously leaves and moves forward again to the next
aisle.]

Frasier: Ah.
Niles: [following him] Although, philosophy is the basis of all thought.
Any mind-broadening exercise should begin with philosophy.
Frasier: [seeming a bit confused by Niles's behavior] Very well.

[They both move forward. Lisa again leaves just as Frasier enters. He
still has not noticed her. She has now moved to the aisle from which
Niles had grabbed a book.]

Niles: Or sports.

[Frasier reacts with disbelief. Lisa moves back to the philosophy aisle
as Frasier confronts Niles.]

Niles: No, philosophy.
Frasier: You're certain?
Niles: Unquestionably. Go. Go.

[Frasier is looking at books while Lisa is shelving at the other end.
Frasier still takes no heed of her. She moves toward Frasier, who
moves so that she can pass him. As she does, his back is turned and
he is concentrating on the book, so he still really pays her no
attention. She shelves books near Frasier. She is concentrating on
her shelving while Frasier chuckles with "Ah's" about the book he
has selected. They briefly face the same direction. They then pass
each other in the other direction, again with their backs toward each
other. Frasier approaches Niles.]

Frasier: Here we are. Plato's Republic. Can't say I agree with
everything in there, but it's a place to start.

[We now see that the book Niles has taken from the sports section is
about NASCAR auto racing.]

Niles: Ooh, there's a little tear in the cover. Would you get me
another copy?
Frasier: Good heavens, Niles, what am I, your lackey?
Niles: No, no, no, I-I'm just engrossed in this [mispronouncing]
"Heroes of Nahz-KAR."

[Niles feigns deep interest. Frasier looks at the book with
disbelief and shakes his head.

NB: This is an inside joke. Toward the end of last season, NBC
contracted with NASCAR to carry some events. They then began an ad
campaign which spoofed another ad campaign (the product is unimportant)
featuring an announcer describing the movie You've Got Mail
and asking the audience if they had seen it. The ad then showed
a rough-looking western type of man and the announcer said "This guy
hasn't seen it." NBC's take on it went something like this: "You know
that show Frasier? It has the two brothers who are psychiatrists
and they go to operas and sit drinking Lattes. You know that show?"
All the while, the picture showed sh*ts of auto races and pit stops, etc.
A NASCAR driver was then shown. The announcer continued: "It's on the
same network as this guy!" Kelsey was somewhat irritated at the ad,
and this joke with Niles mispronouncing "NASCAR" is meant as a jab at
NBC. This is not the first little s*ab the writers have taken at
the network this season. For copious examples, see episode [9.10],
"Junior Agent."]

Frasier: Fine.

[He returns to get another copy. As he does, Lisa passes him yet
again with his back turned to her and heads toward the back of the
store.]

Frasier: Here you go. Pristine condition.
Niles: [defeatedly] Thank you.
Frasier: You know, while we're here, I'd like to try to find a book on
the early British monarchy. I've recently read The Isles: A
History, and they didn't go into as much detail as I might
have liked about the Plantagenets.
Niles: Hmm. [He sees Lisa approaching them.] Well, um, you know, why
don't you ask someone here? I found the staff her very
knowledgeable.
Frasier: Well, um, yes, all right, all right, I'll be right back.

[In the meantime, Lisa, with her back to Niles and Frasier, has begun
giving instructions to a geeky-looking male clerk. As Frasier
approaches, Lisa again heads to the back and Frasier confronts the male
clerk. Niles is beside himself.]

Frasier: Ah, excuse me. Um, do you happen to have a book on the
Plantagenets?
Clark: That's like a banana, right?
Frasier: Never mind. [He returns to Niles.]
Niles: Any luck?
Frasier: Finding dunderheads, yes.
Niles: Oh, well, uh, maybe you should ask someone else.

[Lisa has returned to the front of the store via the other end of the
ailes and is in the sports aisle, now behind Frasier and Niles.]

Frasier: All right, um...

[Lisa has now moved to the cash register.]

Lisa: Can I help the next person?
Niles: Or maybe what we should do is just pay for our books and go.

[He hands the books to Frasier. Lisa is helping another customer.]

Frasier: Niles, we just got here! You're acting very strangely.
Niles: No, I'm not.

[As Lisa finishes the customer, Niles ducks behind Frasier to avoid
Lisa seeing him.]

Frasier: What the hell is wrong with you?
Niles: Dizzy spell.
Frasier: There's a footstool in the Shakespeare section. Why don't you
just go have a seat for a minute?
Niles: I'll be fine, you just pay for the books!
Frasier: Right, yes, of course.

[Niles slinks to the back. A UPS man arrives with another box of books.
Lisa notices and helps him.]

Lisa: Clark, can you take over?
Clark: Sure.

[Lisa leaves the register as Frasier approaches, and they again pass
each other without any notice. The geeky clerk takes over the register.
Lisa accompanies the UPS man to the back.]

Clark: Hello again!
Frasier: Hello.
Clark: So, did you find what you were looking for?
Frasier: Not really, no.
Clark: OK. [He begins to ring up Frasier's books.]
Frasier: Oh, I have Book-Lover's Discount.
Clark: Ah, we don't accept that.
Frasier: Independent Booksellers?
Clark: No.
Frasier: Uh, Bibliophiles? Dewey Decimal Discount? Dust Jacket g*ng?
Clark: I'm sorry. We do have our own card. It's $25.
Frasier: $25? For a little card?
Clark: You get 50% off all purchases.
Frasier: [putting away his cards] Very well. How much will I save today?
Clark: The discount starts with your next purchase.
Frasier: What? What kind of a Ponzi scheme are you operating here?
Clark: Store policy. [We see Niles notice Frasier's raised voice with
concern. He approaches the register.]
Frasier: I would like to speak with the store owner please.
Niles: [approaching rapidly] Ooh, what's going on?
Frasier: I'm going to give the owner a piece of my mind.
Niles: Ooh, that's all right, that's all right, forget it, I don't want
the book.
Frasier: Yes, you do, you're getting the book!
Niles: No, I don't.
Frasier: You're getting the book and a discount!
Clark: Lisa, we have a card challenge at checkout!
Niles: [nervously] No, no, no, challenge withdrawn.
Frasier: Over my protest!
Niles: No, no, look, we're leaving. Everything's OK.
Frasier: All right, all right. [Niles begins to hurry them out.] You know,
by the way, you have an alphabetical misfile, but I'm not
telling you where!

[Frasier and Niles leave. Clark is a bit ruffled by the confrontation.
Lisa does not return. Fade out.]

END OF ACT 1


ACT 2

Bachelorette #2


[Scene 4 - Frasier's apartment.
Roz is outside in the hall with a friend whom she means to set up on a
blind date with Frasier. The friend, Susanna, an attractive brunette,
is carrying a foil-covered pie.]

Roz: I just know the two of you are going to hit it off.
Susanna: I thought you were always complaining he's such a tight-ass.
Roz: Not complaining, bragging, you know? That I work with someone
whose got such a tight ass! [She rings the doorbell.
Frasier answers.] Frasier! Susanna. Susanna, this is Frasier.
Frasier: Come on in! Roz has told me all about you.
Susanna: She's told me all about you, too.
Frasier: Oh.
Susanna: I thought since you were making dinner, I'd add a little
contribution of my own. It's nothing special, just a key lime
pie.
Roz: [exuberantly] "Nothing special!" She made the whole thing
herself from scratch! The crust, the meringue--she even
baked it in a pie plate she fired in her own home kiln!
Susanna: [downplaying Roz's compliments] In my spare time, I use my
power of invisibility to fight crime.

[Frasier laughs.]

Roz: Am I overselling this a little?
Frasier: Just a bit, yes, Roz. Um, I'll just go put this in the kitchen.
Why don't you ladies make yourselves comfortable?

[Susanna approvingly observes Frasier's rear as he heads to the kitchen.
Roz smiles encouragingly. They both crane their necks to keep the view
as he moves deeper into the kitchen. Frasier returns with a bottle.]

Frasier: Would anyone care for some wine?
Susanna: Thank you, sure!
Roz: Frasier knows pretty much everything there is to know about
wine. [exuberantly, selling again] Tell us some things about
wine, Frasier!
Frasier: [teasing Roz] Sometimes you have to know when to put a cork
in it. [He pours the glasses.] So Roz, where's Roger?
Roz: I don't know. I'll call him and see what's holding him up.
[strongly encouraging] You know, Susanna, now would be a good
time to show Frasier your portfolio. [She sits on the arm of
the couch and puts her arm around Susanna.] Susanna's an artist.
She even has a gallery that shows her paintings exclusively!
Susanna: [feigning embarassment but clearly pleased with Roz's praise]
It's not so much a gallery as a restaurant-slash-bowling alley.

[Frasier chuckles and grins widely.]

Roz: [placing both hands on Susanna's shoulders and hugging her
with admiration; with great exuberance] She's a hell of a
bowler too! Someone better snatch her up before she joins
a league and there go her Saturday nights! [She has given
Susanna's shoulders several enthusiastic shakes during this
speech.]
Frasier: Roz, go make your call, all right?

[Roz exits, slightly embarassed at her effusiveness.]

Frasier: [handing Susanna a glass] Here we are.
Susanna: Thank you. I don't usually travel with my portfolio, but
she made me bring it.
Frasier: I'm glad she did. I actually fancy myself a bit of
collector. I'd love to see it.
Susanna: Oh, all right, but be gentle!
Frasier: Of course.

[She opens her portfolio as Frasier moves to her side.]

Frasier: [observing] Oh, boy. Well that is interesting, it's quite
remarkable, really!
Susanna: Thanks, the original's hanging over the shoe rental.
Frasier: Wonderful texture...and these blues...so much sadness.
Susanna: [flattered] Most people don't get that.
Frasier: Yes, and your elongated figures are actually reminiscent of
Modigliani.
Susanna: That's interesting. I used to love Modigliani as a girl.
Maybe I was subconsciously influenced by him.
Frasier: Quite possibly, yes. I see you're also a fan of Benjamin
Locklear.
Susanna: [suddenly taken aback and defensive] What?
Frasier: Benjamin Locklear. He has a show...
Susanna: [abruptly and nervously interrupting] I know who he is! His
stuff isn't anything like mine!
Frasier: Well, maybe you haven't seen his latest work. You see, I was
just in attendance at his most recent opening. I purchased a
fantastic piece myself. [He rises and goes to a side table,
from which he retrieves a polaroid.] Here, let me show you.
Hmm?
Susanna: [taking the picture and rising] Oh, my God!
Frasier: Yes, it's magnificent, isn't it. You know, I'm thinking of
putting it in my bedroom to set off the duvet.
Susanna: That hack ripped me off!
Frasier: [shocked] That's quite an accusation.
Susanna: The guy is a thief. Everyone in the art community knows it.
Frasier: [defensively] I consider myself a member of the art community.
All I've heard is good things...
Susanna: [with increasing agitation] Oh puh-leeze! The guy steals from
lesser-known artists and markets himself to suckers with more
money than taste!

[Frasier is obviously deeply offended. She stops herself, realizing
that she has become carried away. Frasier rises.]

Frasier: [calmly, taking the picture] You know what. You're right.
Maybe he did copy you. [instantly venomous, with great disdain]
Maybe he got his inspiration one evening when he was out
bowling a few frames! [He returns the picture to the
side-table drawer.]
Susanna: I do not need to be insulted by someone who buys art because
it matches his bedspread!
Frasier: It's a duvet and you're delusional!
Susanna: Dilettante!
Frasier: Forger!
Susanna: Man who uses the word "duvet!!" [She marches toward the door
with her portfolio.]

[Roz re-enters.]

Roz: Hey, guys! How's it going?
Frasier: She is crazy! That's how it's going.
Susanna: And for your information, Benjamin Locklear is as overrated as
your ass! [She exits in a huff.]
Frasier: What the hell was that supposed to mean?
Roz: [exiting hurriedly] I have no idea. Have a nice weekend.

[Martin enters.]

Martin: What's going on out here?
Frasier: I let Roz set me up on a blind date with one of her friends.
Martin: Ah, big waste of time, huh?
Frasier: Well, there's pie.
Martin: Homemade?
Frasier: Yeah.
Martin: Cherry?
Frasier: Key Lime.
Martin: [excitedly] I can live with that!

[They go to the kitchen.]

Martin: Sorry, son, tough break. [observing the pie] Ooh, I bet it's
got a lard crust! Ooh!
Frasier: I brought you a fork, Dad.
Martin: Thanks!
Frasier: I wish I'd never let Roz set me up on that date.

[They begin to att*ck the pie.]

Martin: Well, you can't hit the ball unless you take a swing. Oh!--
Now, there's this gal in the building where I work...
Frasier: [interrupting] Dad, Dad. You're not proposing another blind
date?
Martin: Now, she's a beautiful young lawyer, and she couldn't be nicer.
Frasier: I am not interested.
Martin: Now, don't say that. You've got to see her!
Frasier: Dad...
Martin: Frasier, listen to me. [suggestively] You've got to see
her!
Frasier: [giving in] A young lawyer, you say?

[Martin laughs. They continue to devour the Key Lime pie. Fade out.]

[Scene 5 - A bar/pool hall.
Frasier and Martin's co-worker, Kris, a young blonde, are sitting at
the bar.]

Kris: Thanks for meeting me here.
Frasier: Sure.
Kris: I thought it would be nice to have a drink before dinner.
Frasier: You know, I don't think I've ever really been here before,
but it does have a nice sort of neighborhood feel to it.
Kris: It is my favorite place.
Frasier: Ah. So my dad tells me that you're a lawyer.
Kris: Actually, I'm a legal secretary. But I'm planning to go to
law school next fall.
Frasier: Oh. Well, that's admirable. [The bartender hands him a
drink.] Thank you. Of course, you know, paradoxically,
you'll have to pass the bar if you expect to pass the bar.
Kris: [laughing] You're so funny!

[A man enters.]

Clint: Hey, Kris.
Kris: Hey, Clint.
Clint: Nice to see you. Hey, that's a great sweater.
Kris: Oh, thank you!
Frasier: [a bit uncomfortable] So, uh, what did my dad tell you about me?
Kris: Oh, he talks about you all the time.
Frasier: Really?
Kris: Yes, he's very proud of you. But what he didn't tell me is how
good-looking you are.
Frasier: [flattered] Well, thank you.

[The bartender gives Kris a drink.]

Bartender: Compliments of the gentleman in the Hawaiian shirt.
Kris: Thanks, Graham! [She waves. Graham waves back.]
Frasier: [again uncomfortable] So you, uh, you know him?
Kris: [laughing] Oh, you know...

[Frasier clearly doesn't know and is at a loss. Another man approaches
the bar and addresses Kris.]

Jason: Hey, you!
Kris: Hey!
Jason: Wouldn't mind stopping and smelling those roses! [He refers
to Kris's shirt, which is decorated with white flowers.]
Kris: Oh, you are so funny!

[Frasier again has an uncomfortable reaction. Kris and Jason are now
sitting at the bar with Frasier standing like a potted plant between
them.]

Kris: Jason, this is Frasier. Frasier, Jason.
Frasier: [shaking his hand] Nice to meet you.
Jason: [to Kris] So you owe me a pool game!
Kris: Another time.
Jason: Oh, sounds like somebody's scared!
Kris: Yeah, you! Scared of getting your ass kicked.
Jason: Uh-huh.
Kris: But it'll have to be another time. I'm on a date.
Jason: Frasier doesn't mind. You don't mind, do you?
Frasier: [looking at his watch] Well, uh, actually...
Jason: Thanks, champ.
Kris: I'll be right back!

[They leave Frasier standing there and go to the pool table.]

Jason: Mind if I break?
Kris: Sure, go ahead.

[Jason breaks.]

Kris: Looks like you're stripes!
Jason: [flirtatiously] And you are definitely solid.
Kris: [flirting back] Shut up!
Graham: I got next game!
Clint: I'm after Graham! [He stands next to Frasier.]
Frasier: So, uh, how do you know Kris?
Clint: Oh, you know...
Frasier: No, I really don't!

[Another man now stands on the other side of Frasier.]

Harry: I got her next! Oh, Kris. I got my car checked out. You were
right. It was the transmission.
Kris: [taking a pool sh*t] Then you owe me a pitcher!
Harry: Oh!

[Kris sh**t a ball in the corner pocket. The crowd of men reacts with
admiring Ooh's and Aah's.]

Frasier: [to Harry] So, you've known Kris a long time.
Harry: Who are you?
Frasier: I'm her date.

[The balls are heard clacking]

Harry: Nice job! She's hot tonight. So who are you?

[Frasier's cell phone rings.]

Frasier: Excuse me.

[He walks back toward the bar and answers his phone.]

Frasier: Hello. Oh, Dad. Yeah...Oh, yeah, she's very pretty, and, uh,
and nice. A little too nice, perhaps.

[Kris sinks another sh*t and high-fives the admiring collection of men.]

[Scene 6.
Time fade. Several pool games later. Frasier is sitting at a table,
very bored. Kris approaches him, holding a cue stick.]

Kris: Frasier, the table only takes quarters. Would you get some
change?
Frasier: You know, Kris, maybe we should cancel our plans for tonight.
Kris: What?! Why?
Frasier: Well, you're having such a good time with your crowd here.
Kris: No, I--I just have to teach this one guy a lesson, and then
I'm all yours, I promise.
Frasier: Well, I guess I could ask the bartender for some change.
Kris: Oh, Smitty's too busy. But try next door at the dry
cleaner's. Tell them it's for me.
Frasier: Thanks for the tip. [He takes the bill.]
Kris: You are so sweet. [shouting] Isn't Frasier sweet, guys?

[The men shout "Yeah! Frasier! Sweet!" in chorus as he exits the bar.
Kris excitedly approaches the pool table again.]

[Scene 7 - Quick cut to Frasier's apartment, where Martin, Niles, and
Daphne are all seated at the dining table.]

Martin: I thought for sure that Frasier was going to hit it off with
Kris. She's really popular in the office!
Daphne: Poor Dr. Crane! I feel like we failed him.
Martin: Well, I'm not ready to throw in the towel. There's this woman
at the dog park...
Daphne: [interrupting, to Niles] Well, if you're going to try again,
we should try again too.
Niles: Maybe Frasier had the right attitude by leaving it up to fate.
Daphne: There's nothing wrong with lending a helping hand. Maybe we
were destined to fix him up with someone.
Niles: [as the voice of wisdom and reason] No, I'm afraid whatever
we wanted for Frasier, fate had other plans.

[Scene 8 - Quick cut to the dry cleaner.
Frasier enters and approaches the clerk at the counter.]

Frasier: Hi, uh, can you give me change for a dollar.
Andy: No change.
Frasier: It's for Kris.
Andy: Oh, yeah, sure!

[Frasier reacts philosophically. A woman enters. It is none other
than Lisa, Niles's former patient from the bookstore. Andy hands
Frasier the change.]

Andy: Here you go.
Frasier: Thank you.

[He exits without taking any notice of Lisa, who approaches the counter.]

Andy: Hi, Lisa.
Lisa: Oh, Andy. Can you get out spray paint?
Andy: How did this happen?
Lisa: I was at the new Benjamin Locklear exhibit--and this crazy
woman came in and started ranting about how he'd ripped off
her work. And then she started spray-painting
everything! Actually, I don't know if I should clean it or
hold onto it until after she dies. [Andy does not react to
the joke.] You know, because art increases in value after
the artist...[Andy still does not react.] Think you can get
this out?

[Frasier enters again.]

Frasier: Excuse me, you only gave me three quarters and a nickel.
Andy: Huh, I guess I don't have any more quarters left. You
want your dollar back?
Lisa: Oh, I might have some change! Let me look.
Frasier: Oh, that's very kind of you.

[She looks in her purse. Frasier does not recognize her at all.]

Lisa: Um, gum, candy. Oh, oh, oh, oh! There you go. [She hands
him a quarter.]
Frasier: Thanks. Um, say, uh, don't you have a coat? It's kind of
cold outside.
Lisa: [showing him the claim check] I just got spray paint on mine.
I wanted to get it cleaned as soon as possible.
Frasier: Did you put seltzer on it?
Lisa: Of course.
Frasier: You know a lot of people mistakenly use...
Both: Lemon juice. [They laugh.]
Lisa: Which never works.
Frasier: No. No, and it attracts bees.
Lisa: I did not know that!
Frasier: Well, I'm not exactly certain that it attracts bees, but,
I mean, um, it does make sense, doesn't it?
Lisa: Not really, but you say it with such authority, I bought it.
Frasier: [laughing and smiling] Oh...say, uh, do you play pool?
Lisa: [finding the question strange] No.
Frasier: [beguiled] Neither do I. Hi, my name is Frasier.

[He offers his hand. Lisa takes it.]

Lisa: [equally delighted] Hi!

[They shake hands warmly. Fade Out.]

END OF ACT 2

[Scene Z - End credits.
From the dark interior of Lisa's bookstore, we see Lisa unlock the door
from outside. She now has her coat back, which must mean that she and
Frasier have spent a considerable time together. Frasier and Lisa enter.
Frasier walks to a shelf and corrects the alphabetic misfile he had
earlier mentioned to Clark. Lisa smiles, apparently appreciative. They
walk out of the bookstore together and lock the door.]