Ya Gotta Have "Hart"
Act One
Scene I
[House is about waltz into Cuddy's office, but stops, backtracks and shakes his head. A pretty, bright-eyed brunette is sitting at the desk outside Cuddy's office.]
House: And you are?
Billie: I'm Billie.
House is mystified.
House: [repeating] And you are?
Billie: I'm Dr. Cuddy's new assistant.
House: Cuddy doesn't need an assistant.
Billie: Then why am I here?
House: Exactly!
[House continues on into Cuddy's office and immediately comes back out.]
House: Cuddy's not in her office.
Billie: Nope.
House: You might have mentioned that.
Billie: You didn't ask, Dr. House.
[House starts to walk off, stops, turns around.]
House: I didn't introduce myself.
Billie: You didn't need to.
[House shakes his head again and limps off.]
Scene II
[House walks to Billie's desk.]
House [sarcastically]: Is Cuddy in this time?
Billie: Yes she is. Shall I announce you?
House: I hardly think that will be necessary.
Billie: [enthusiastically] Come on now. It'll be fun.
[Billie jumps up and gets to Cuddy's door just before House. They struggle for the door, but Billie grabs it first.]
Billie: Dr. Cuddy?
[Cuddy looks up.]
Cuddy: Yes, Billie.
Billie: [smirks] Dr. House to see you.
Cuddy: [sternly] Billie, what did I say about Dr. House?
[Billie shrugs and smiles.]
[House barges in.]
House: I think I kinda like being announced.
Cuddy: She's supposed to keep you out.
House: [mockingly] You should fire her.
Cuddy: [resigned] I would, but she's really good.
House: Obviously not. I'm here. And what did you mean by "she's really good?"
[Cuddy rolls eyes.]
Scene III
[House emerges from Cuddy's office and turns to Billie.]
House: [condescendingly] It's Bobby, right?
Billie: [sweetly] Billie.
House: Let me guess. Your hyper-masculine father was hoping for a boy?
Billie: [shakes her head] Uh-uh.
House: Mother a feminist and closeted lesbian…and named you after Billie Jean King.
Billie: Nope.
House: Parents, jazz aficionados named you after brilliant, but tortured songstress.
Billie: Just dad. Mom prefers the opera.
House: So…how does it feel to be named after a woman whose tragic life ended in a heroin overdose at the age of 35?
Billie: 44.
House: Whatever.
Billie: I do the best I can and I try to avoid the little, white pills. How about you?
House: Me, too. [enthusiastically] I prefer Vicodin!
[House pops a few pills.]
[Billie shakes her head sadly. House, a little self-conscious, limps off.]
Scene IV
[House sees Wilson just sitting down in the cafeteria. As Wilson sits, House picks up Wilson's fork and takes a bite off of Wilson's plate.]
Wilson: [sarcastically] So…how is it?
House: Not bad. Tender and juicy. You should really try some.
[Wilson grabs the fork away from an astonished House looking as if he can't imagine why Wilson would want his fork and his meal back.]
House: Speaking of new meat. What do you think of Cuddy's new meat?
[Wilson looking perplexed finally gathers what House is talking about.]
Wilson: The piece of meat has a name.
House: It's Bobby.
Wilson: Billie. Billie Hart.
House: A-ha. You know its name which means…correct-me-if-I'm wrong. You're interested.
Wilson: I'm single. She's single. [Wilson nods his head to indicate maybe.]
House: And you have already determined that New Meat's single.
Wilson: So I did some reconnaissance. She's attractive and sweet.
House: [with disdain] And bubbly.
Wilson: [Agreeing] And bubbly so why shouldn't I ask her out?
[House shrugs]
House: [condescending] It sounds like you're determined to so why not?
Wilson: Unless the reason you're giving me the third degree…[House tries to take Wilson's fork again, but Wilson picks it up before House can grab it] is because you're interested.
House: Couldn't be bothered. It's hookers for me. Less chatty.
Wilson: I'm not going to ask her out.
House: And I don't like dessert. [House is paged] My patient just coded.
[As he gets up, House successfully grabs Wilson's spoon and takes it and Wilson's pie with him. Wilson sighs a deep, exasperated breath.]
Scene V
[House walks towards Cuddy's office and past Billie. He starts to enter; turns back around and looks at Billie.]
House: Aren't you supposed to keep me out of Cuddy's office?
Billie: [smiling] Yep.
House: So aren't you going to do something?
Billie: Would it stop you?
House: Nope.
Billie: Then why bother?
House: Good point.
[House continues on into Dr. Cuddy's office; stops; turns around again.]
House: I'm going to need some coffee.
Billie: [sweetly] I'd be happy to get you some coffee, Dr. House.
House: [perplexed] You would?
[Billie nods her head enthusiastically]
House: I like that coffee from that fancy cappuccino machine in the cafeteria, but I suppose Mommy won't let you leave your desk.
[Billie indicates "wait out here" as she gets up and enters Cuddy's office. Cuddy looks up.]
Cuddy: Yes, Billie?
Billie: Sorry to bother you, Dr. Cuddy. I'm going to pop over to the cafeteria for a minute. Is there anything I can get for you?
Cuddy: No, thank you, Billie.
[House barges in.]
Billie: Dr. House? Can I get you something from the cafeteria?
House: Whatever the lunch special is, easy on the fries; I'm trying to watch my figure. [House hesitates and winks at Billie out of Cuddy's line of sight.] On second thought I'll just take one of those cappuccinos.
Cuddy: [sternly] Billie, you are not required to get Dr. House anything. [Cuddy glares at House]
Billie: [cheerfully] It's no bother, Dr. Cuddy.
[Billie smiles and leaves. Cuddy glares at House.]
Cuddy: [pleading] Don't ruin this for me, House.
House: Wouldn't dream of it. On this leg, I'd never drag myself all the way down to the cafeteria just for a cappuccino. Do you think I have to tip her? [House puts his hand in his pocket and jingles some change; pulls some coins out] Do you think 65 cents is enough?
Cuddy: House. [pauses] I have never been as productive as I have been the last two weeks. I can actually go home at night and spend time with Rachel. Billie takes care of all the things I don't have time to take care of and I want it to stay that way.
House: How much trouble could I cause?
[Cuddy sighs]
Scene VI
[Billie returns cappuccino in hand and finds House sitting on a corner of her desk.]
House: Finally!
Billie: [matter of factly] Dr. House. It's been five minutes.
House: In five minutes something really, really bad could have happened to me. [House sips his coffee, indicating not bad] Yummy!
Billie: [smiling] If something really, really bad had happened to you, you wouldn't need your cappuccino, would you?
House: Fine. But next time, you need to be faster. I like my coffee hot just like I like my hookers.
[House stomps off. Billie, still amused, starts to sit down when Cuddy comes to her office door.]
Cuddy: Billie? Can you come in for a moment?
Billie: Of course, Dr. Cuddy.
Cuddy: And please close the door.
[Cuddy sits down.]
Cuddy: Sit down, Billie. [She sits]
Billie: Is something wrong, Dr. Cuddy?
Cuddy: It's House. How should I put this...You need to stop being nice to him.
Billie: I beg your pardon?
Cuddy: House…takes advantage of nice people.
Billie: Thank you for your concern, Dr. Cuddy. [Billie stands up to leave] Dr. Cuddy. Some people are nice out of fear. They don't like confrontation. They're afraid to say "no". They want people to like them. [shaking her head] Not me. I'm nice because I'm… unafraid…and it takes a lot more than someone like Dr. House to intimidate me, I assure you.
[Cuddy nods]
Cuddy: Billie. It's just that you're the best Assistant I've ever had. I don't want to lose you.
Billie: Thank you, Dr. Cuddy. If you ever do lose me, it won't be because of Dr. House.
[Billie smiles at Cuddy and leaves]
Cuddy: [sighs] I hope not.
Scene VII
[Wilson approaches Billie's desk.]
Billie: Good morning, Dr. Wilson.
Wilson: Good morning. Is Cuddy in her office?
Billie: No, sorry. Meeting with some potential donors.
Wilson: [tentatively] And House?
Billie: Haven't seen him.
Wilson: [confidently] I know we talked about getting together for a drink. Wondering if you're free tonight?
Billie: [genuinely disappointed] I'm sorry. I'm not free tonight. What about tomorrow?
Wilson: No. Can't. House-sitting.
Billie: That's nice of you. Water the plants? Feed the cat?
Wilson: No, no, nothing like that. I'm HOUSE sitting.
[House comes in from around the corner]
House: My ears are burning so either someone is talking about me or my blood pressure is escalating. [to Wilson] You don't happen to have one of those blood pressure checker things on you, do you?
Wilson: [to House] Your blood pressure's normal. Something's come up. Let's plan on tonight instead of tomorrow.
House: No can do. I have plans tonight.
Wilson: [incredulous] You have plans? What exactly are you doing?
House: The question is not what, but who.
[Wilson rolls his eyes and turns to Billie]
Billie: Another time.
House: Why do I feel like I'm interrupting something?
Wilson: Because you are.
House: I'm very intuitive.
[Billie and Wilson look at each other in disbelief, while house attempts to steal a muffin sitting on Billie's desk. She slaps his hand before he can touch it]
House: You have excellent peripheral vision.
Billie: Don't you forget it and anyway…you owe me. Those cappuccinos aren't free, y'know?
House: [rudely] Add it to my bill.
[Billie hands House a bill]
House: $12.24?
Billie: That's 6 cappuccinos multiplied by $2.04.
House: I haven't had 6.
Billie: You're right. You've had 5 plus the one you bought for me to say thank you for walking all the way down to the cafeteria to get you your coffee fix each day for the last week.
House: Wilson?
[Shrugs]
Wilson: And since when do you like cappuccino?
House: Since the first time I saw Bobby.
Wilson and Billie: [unison] Billie.
House: Since the first time I saw Billie over here walking down to the cafeteria. [blatantly] She's got a great ass.
Wilson: House!
Billie: [matter of factly] No. It's true. I DO have a great ass!
Wilson: [to Billie] You're not offended by House's obvious objectification of your…ass?
Billie: [to House] You meant that as a compliment? Didn't you, Dr. House?
House: [emphatically] Totally!
[Cuddy walks around the corner and, observing House and Wilson, standing around Bilie's desk, let's out a "huff"]
Cuddy: House, Wilson. In my office. Now! [to Billie] And Billie, would you mind popping down the cafeteria for some of that cappuccino House seems to find so delicious. I'd like to try it.
Billie: Right away, Dr. Cuddy!
[As she walks away, House and Wilson turn their heads around in unison to watch. Then, as Cuddy glares, they sheepishly follow Cuddy into her office]
Cuddy: [points to chairs] Sit!
[Wilson and House comply]
Cuddy: Do you think this is a high school?
[House raises his hand eagerly]
House: Oooooo…I know the answer. It's not a high school. It's a hospital! [rolls eyes]
Cuddy: Then start acting like it. I finally have an Assistant who understands me and how I work. [exasperated] She even babysat Rachel last night…for free. Do you know how much it costs for a babysitter these days? I cannot have the two of you acting like lovesick teenagers, always lurking around her desk.
House: I don't even like her.
Wilson: [to House] Yes you do.
House: [in childish fashion] But you love her. (to Cuddy) He keeps writing Mrs. James Wilson all over his notebooks with little hearts.
Cuddy: If I have to get a restraining order for the two of you, I will. Stay away from Billie.
House: [confused] I thought it was Bobby?
Scene VIII
[Wilson is sitting on his couch, watching t.v. in his sweats. As he takes a gulp from his beer bottle, there's a loud knock on his door. He gets up and opens the door. House brushes past him and walks in]
House: Do you have any more of that beer?
Wilson: Kitchen. [House heads to the refrigerator and pulls out a beer] I thought you said you were doing someone tonight.
House: I lied. Now I'm bored. Let's go out.
Wilson: No, House.
House: You're such a killjoy.
Wilson: You said you were busy and [pauses and shakes his head]…why did you say you were busy?
House: I had my reasons.
Wilson: You don't want me to go out with Hart.
House: Who?
Wilson: The ass.
House: I couldn't care less whose ass you go out with. [Takes another swig of beer]
Wilson: If I go out with you tonight, will you let me off the hook for tomorrow?
House: No.
[Wilson shrugs to indicate he's not budging]
House: Oh, all right. You better get dressed. I can't be seen in public with you looking like that.
Wilson: It would help if I knew where we were going.
House: I was thinking the Blue Note.
Wilson: I was thinking bowling.
[House is unmoved]
Wilson: [resigned] O.k., o.k., I'll get dressed.
Scene IX
[House and Wilson enter a packed jazz club]
House: [to the door man] Music tonight?
Door Man: Some dame. Not bad. Missed the first set. Second's almost over. She plays one more.
House: [to Wilson] Some dame? This guy thinks he's in a Jimmy Cagney movie circa 1955.
[They hear a woman singing, but can't see the performer or find a table. House indicates the bar. House and Wilson find bar stools and sit; order drinks]
House: My Funny Valentine. Why does every jazz vocalist at every jazz club have to always interpret My Funny Valentine? Not that this is a terrible interpretation. Actually, it's not bad. Just not original.
[Wilson is distracted by the performer]
Wilson: [astonished] It's Hart.
House: Rodgers and Hart, actually. Do you know it was originally written for Babes in Toyland? Weird.
Wilson: No, Rainman. It's Hart.
[House, still clueless, responds to a nudge from Wilson, turns around. They can see the performer now and it's Billie. Both House and Wilson watch on in astonishment]
House: You were right.
Wilson: About?
House: We should have gone bowling. Let's get outta here.
Wilson: [taking a stand] I'm not going anywhere.
House: Well, I'm leaving.
Wilson: [amused] That's funny because I'm your ride.
[House shows defeat]
[The set ends. The crowd applauds. Billie is inundated with drunk men accosting her, trying to buy her drinks and the like. She heads toward the bar. House attempts to hide his face.]
Wilson: Billie?
[Billie stops and looks a little unnerved when she sees Wilson]
Billie: Dr. Wilson? What are you doing here?
Wilson: Actually, it was House's idea.
Billie: Dr. House.
House: [defensively] I've been coming here for years. Never seen you here before.
Billie: It's a new gig. Owner was a friend of my father's.
Wilson: Can I buy you a drink?
Billie: Sure, uh, thanks. I'll take a Manhattan.
[Wilson orders her the drink]
Wilson: You're very good.
[Her drink is delivered]
Wilson: House?
House: [to Billie] Well, you're not bad. I prefer the Ella Fitzgerald interpretation.
Billie: [smiles at House] Who doesn't? [Takes a sip of her drink] Well, Gentlemen…I have to get back to it. Oh, and if you're interested, turns out they need me tomorrow night. Feel free to come back. Thanks for the drink.
[Billie walks back toward the stage and meets and greets customers]
House: [to Wilson] Looks like you're stuck with me tomorrow night, too.
[Wilson sighs]
Scene X
[Billie is in line at the cafeteria with House three people behind her. She's talking to the cashier just out of reach of House, but he sees her point at him and the cashier nods. She takes her tray and heads towards Wilson's table. House reaches the cashier.]
Cashier: That will be $14.72.
House: [shakes his head] What?
Cashier: $14.72.
House: For this pitiful, anemic sandwich?
Cashier: For the sandwich and the lady's lunch. She said something about you owing her for some cappuccinos.
[House smirks and hands the cashier a credit card; walks over to Wilson's table, joining Wilson and Billie]
Billie: [cheerfully] Thanks for lunch, Dr. House!
House: [smirking] Now we're even.
Billie: [smiling] For now we're even.
House: Nope. I'll be getting my own cappuccinos from now on. I can watch you walk away any numerous ways.
Wilson: House.
Billie: [looking down at her tray] Shoot. I forgot a fork.
Wilson: I'll go grab one.
Billie: Thanks, James.
[Wilson gets up and heads to the silverware]
House: James, is it now?
[Billie doesn't respond. Looks up at House and smiles defiantly.]
Billie: You have very pretty eyes, but you must hear that all the time.
House: [exaggerating] Du-uh.
[Billie laughs]
Billie: I like a man who can take a compliment!
[Wilson rejoins them, handing her the fork.]
Billie: Thank you.
Wilson: [to House] So House, you ever heard the expression "two's company. Three's a crowd"?
House: [to Billie] I think he's saying he wants to be alone with me. Isn't there somewhere else you can sit?
Billie: [to House] Sure.
[Billie smiles, but doesn't budge]
Billie: So, Dr. House. How's the kid?
Dr. House: Kid?
Billie: Your patient, the kid genius with the mystery illness?
House: [abruptly] Unless I have a revelation from God, he's going to die a painful death in the next 48 hours.
Wilson: But you don't believe in God.
House: Oh that's right. Then I guess that means the kid's going to die a painful death in the next 48 hours.
[Billie is saddened]
Billie: I'm not very hungry. Would you excuse me?
[Billie gets up to leave, taking her tray with her]
House: [to Wilson] What's wrong with her?
Wilson: Believe it or not, House, some people value human life. Generally that's part of the human condition. Compassion, empathy, concern.
House: When has compassion, empathy or concern ever saved a patient from death? No…I have to solve this one with critical thinking, problem-solving.
Wilson (interrupting) With science.
This key word of "science" hits House's diagnosis bull's-eye.
House: With science. I just had my revelation.
Wilson: Then maybe there is a God.
House: Think again.
[House gets up to leave; leaves his tray behind]
Scene XI
[House walks into Wilson's office]
House: You busy?
[Wilson looks up]
Wilson: I have a consult at 4:30.
House: That's like an hour away. [House sits down]
Wilson: It's in six minutes.
[House shrugs]
Wilson: The kid going to live?
House: Science prevails again! Good thing Bobby brought up the topic.
Wilson: Good for the kid. Not so good for my lunch date with Bobby…Billie. [in frustration] Now you have me calling her Bobby.
House: [smiles] It's Billie.
Wilson: Of course it is. [recognition] And you've known that all along. You've been pretending to confuse her name just to antagonize her?
House: I plead the Fifth. Anyway, so how is this thing with Billie going?
Wilson: Let's see. Every time I could possibly spend any time with her, you either ruin things or get in the way.
House: Have you asked her out again?
Wilson: Well, yes. She's busy. She performs a lot.
House: She performs a lot? A lot of what? Does she have a price list?
Wilson: She performs her music…a lot. She's been getting a lot of gigs.
House: You know what I think?
Wilson: Enlighten me.
House: I think she's really not that into you.
Wilson: I am so glad I have such a supportive friend in you. Look, it's almost 4:30.
[House stands up]
House: She told me I have pretty eyes.
[Wilson is a little shaken by this]
Wilson: She did?
House: [gloating] She did. And she was staring at my package if you know what I mean.
Wilson: You have a grease stain on your pants.
House: [looking down] Oh.
Wilson: Leave…now!
[House smiles and walks out of the office as Wilson's patient, a young woman, crying, walks in]
House: [to patient] Don't cry. Dr. Wilson's still single.
[House continues to walk down the hall]
Wilson: [from his office] I heard that.
Scene XII
[Cuddy pops her head out of her office]
Cuddy: Billie, can you come in for a minute?
Billie: Of course, Dr. Cuddy.
[Billie follows Cuddy in and they both sit]
Cuddy: First of all, Billie. [pauses] About the other day when I scolded you about being nice to House...I really need to apolo…
Billie: [cuts Billie off] Dr. Cuddy, it's really not necessary.
[House sneaks up to the door and eavesdrops unnoticed]
Cuddy: Yes, Billie. [emphatically] It really is. You've done nothing wrong. It's House. [sheepishly] Will you forgive me?
Billie: Dr. Cuddy. There's nothing to forgive.
Cuddy: [smiling] I'll take that as absolution.
[Billie starts to get up]
Cuddy: Billie, there are a few more things I need to talk with you about.
[Billie sits back down]
Cuddy: I need to go out of town next week and [pausing] I really hate to ask.
Billie: Dr. Cuddy. Ask. [smiles] Please.
Cuddy: You can say no and I will completely understand.
Billie: [sternly] Dr. Cuddy.
Cuddy: I was wondering if you wouldn't mind taking Rachel in the evenings. My nanny has school at night.
Billie: [happily] I'd love to!
Cuddy: [sighs] I really appreciate it. You're so good with her.
Billie: She's a very sweet baby.
Cuddy: And I'll be giving you an emergency number, but under no circumstances should you give it to anyone. Especially House. Dr. Bennett will be assuming my responsibilities for the week. He can make any decision that would require my authority.
Billie: I understand.
Cuddy: Good.
[Billie gets up, starts to leave]
Cuddy: Have you ever thought about having children?
Billie: Not really. I'm 40 now and I'm not in a relationship. It doesn't seem likely and…
[Cuddy indicates "go on"]
Billie: I don't talk about this much. [pauses] I was a mother once. I had a little girl named Sarah.
[Just outside the door, House listens in. Billie backs up to the door still not aware of House's presence and closes the door to have privacy while she tells Cuddy the story. House continues to try to listen through the door when Foreman sneaks up on him, alarming House]
House: [turns around] What?!
Foreman: What do you think you're doing?
House: What does it look like I'm doing?
Foreman: [sarcastically] I'm sorry to interrupt your eavesdropping on something that's probably none of your business, but I need you to come with me right now.
House: What could be more important than hearing the private details of someone else's life?
Foreman: A new symptom. Patient's hair just fell out.
House: So?
Foreman: All of it. At once.
House: [Foreman has his attention now] Then all of you were wrong.
Foreman: [resigned] We know. So are you coming?
[House looks at the door considering his options. Begrudgingly he follows Foreman]
Scene XII
[House enters Wilsons' office and Wilson is with a patient. Wilson looks up]
Wilson: I'm with a patient. Can you wait outside?
House: [to patient] Do you mind? It's doctor stuff.
Wilson: House. Go back to your office and I'll come by when I'm done.
Patient: That's ok, Dr. Wilson. We're done, right?
Wilson: You'll call tomorrow to make an appointment?
[The patient nods, gets up and walks out]
Wilson: [to House] What?
House: I need you to do some reconnaissance.
Wilson: Oh really? Who am I stalking this time?
House: Hart.
Wilson: And why would I do that?
House: I was just walking innocently by Cuddy's office and I heard her tell Cuddy that she used to have a daughter. I mean what does that mean, she used to have a daughter?
Wilson: So you were eavesdropping on a profoundly personal conversation and you want me to your dirty work and find out the rest of the story?
House: You really understand me. Anyway, thanks. I'll owe you.
[House starts to walk out and steps outside the door]
Wilson: House.
[House stops, but does not come in]
Wilson: I'm not going to do this.
House: C'mon? [pleading] Please?
Wilson: Let me get this straight. You want me to walk up to Billie and say "Hi. You may not be aware of this, but House was listening in on your private conversation with Cuddy and overheard you saying you used to have a daughter. So did you have a child and give it up for adoption or did you lose her in a nasty divorce? Or did you lose her in a poker game? Or did she die? Whatever it is, could you let me know so House's curiosity will be satisfied?"
House: [seriously] Exactly, well, except for the part where I was listening in.
Wilson: I am NOT going to do this, House. You're on your own.
House: You're so interested in her. Don't you think you should know the answer to this question?
Wilson: First of all, it's really none of my business. Not really your business, either. And secondly, I've lost interest.
House: You've lost interest?
Wilson: Not really. I've surrendered. You clearly have interfered with any opportunity I have had to get to know this woman so I give up.
House: You just want me to think you've given up so I won't interfere anymore.
Wilson: You can think whatever you want, House, but I am not going to ask her about this. And neither should you.
[Wilson closes door on House. House smirks and walks away]
Scene XIII
[Billie and Cuddy are heading out of Cuddy's office toward the ladies room. Billie has been crying. Cuddy's eyes are also moist. As they walk, House passes by; stops]
House: Somebody die?
[Billie looks at House, eyes welling up with tears and rushes into the ladies room. Cuddy stops; turns to House]
Cuddy: As a matter of fact someone did. [Cuddy starts walking into the ladies room; stops, turns back to House; exasperated] Happy?
[House realizes he has made an error in judgment and, someone embarrassed; limps off]
Scene XIV
[House enters Wilson's office and enters as Wilson examines files. Wilson looks up]
Wilson: Who died?
House: Hart's kid, I think.
Wilson: Please tell me you didn't ask her.
[House shakes his head; turns around and leaves. Wilson looks on; confused]
Scene XV
[House approaches Billie's desk]
Billie: [coldly] Dr. House.
House: I really need to get in touch with Cuddy.
Billie: I am really sorry, Dr. House, but Dr. Cuddy is incommunicado this week.
House: [sarcastically] Big word. [sternly] I need Cuddy's emergency number…now.
Billie: [defiantly] Dr. Bennett would be happy to assist you.
House: Look, I'm sorry about the other day. I was a jerk. It's not necessary to be vindictive.
Billie: Since I have heard that the word sorry is not in your vocabulary, I am impressed. Apology accepted. But I can assure you, Dr. House. I am not vindictive. I am following protocol. Do you need me to get Dr. Bennett on the phone?
House: No. I want to talk to Cuddy. I'll find out where she is without your help.
[House walks to Cuddy's door. As he attempts to open the door, he finds it's locked]
House: Why's Cuddy's door locked? It's never locked.
[Billie shrugs]
House: I will find out where she is. She needs to make this decision, not Bennett. She'll understand that when I talk to her.
[Billie continues typing on her computer; ignores House]
House: Do you like your job, Hart?
Billie: Are you threatening me?
House: Take it however you want.
Billie: Dr. House. I don't need this job. I don't need any job. I work because I enjoy working. [pauses] But even if that were not the case, I am not the kind of person who will allow you to manipulate me. I know who I am and I don't give into bullies.
[House and Billie stare each other down]
House: You must really hate me.
Billie: [softens] On the contrary, Dr. House. I like you very much.
[House looks at Billie, perplexed; limps away]
Scene XVI
[Billie is on stage at a different club singing Lush Life. In a dark corner, the camera pans to a table where a hidden House tosses back a drink; gets up and leaves before he can be seen.]
End Act One