Cuddy didn't know why she let House and Wilson book the entertainment for the charity event. She should have known that something would have gone wrong. The band was now an hour late.
She walks up to Wilson and asks, "Where the hell is this mystery band you guys got? And where is House?"
"They're here, but there's a small problem."
"What?!"
"The lead female vocalist can't make it. They've been trying to find somebody to replace her."
"If they don't find someone in ten minutes, come find me." she says and walks away.
I can't believe I'm going to do this. I haven't sung since college. I'm gonna need a few drinks first.
Cuddy walks over to the bar and orders two shots of tequila. Hesitating, she downs the first glass and then after looking around quickly, satisfied that no one is watching, grabs the second.
Ten minutes later, Wilson walks up to her.
"Any luck?"
"Nope. What are we going to do? This was the only thing we had for this event and it's not gonna happen."
"What are you talking about? Of course it's gonna happen. You're looking at your new lead female vocalist."
"Cuddy, are you sure you want to do this? You've been drinking. You might regret this later."
"No, I'm sure. I had a feeling I might've had to volunteer and that's when I started drinking. I'm not going up there without some liquid courage."
"Ok, then. I'll let them know and bring u a copy of their set list to look over."
"Fine, but hurry. This place is a real drag."
Cuddy looked around at the guests. This was the only casual benefit she had ever held and the guests actually seemed to be enjoying it despite the lack of entertainment. A minute later Wilson returned with the set list.
"They said that if there's anything you can't or won't do to just let me know and they'll try and work it out."
"This looks good. How do they want to start the show and why am I talking to you instead of them?"
"They are gonna have you stand in front of the closed curtain and they will start the music and after the first verse the curtain will open and you'll go from there. And you're talking to me because they have to finish setting up. They didn't think they were gonna be performing after Bonnie called in sick. I still can't believe you're gonna do this. I didn't know you sang."
"I sang in High School and a little in college, but I haven't really performed since then."
"Well that explains the need for the drinks. Good luck, Cuddy."
Wilson walks toward the stage and after a peek behind the curtain, goes up to the mic.
"Ladies and gentleman, we apologize for the delay in the entertainment, but we are glad to say that the problem has been solved and we are ready to start the show."
He glance over at Cuddy, who is fidgeting nervously by the stage. She gives him a small nod and he continues.
The band's regular lead female vocalist was unable to make it tonight, so they will be assisted by none other than our very own Dr. Lisa Cuddy."
Everyone in attendance starts whispering and then gradually they start to clap. Cuddy walks onstage and Wilson gives her a "Good Luck" pat on her shoulder as he steps down. The first chords of "Lean on me begin to play as Cuddy stands at the microphone. Looking out at the audience, she says a silent prayer that House has not shown up. He would love this. I would never hear the end of it. she thinks to herself, remembering the last time House watched her sing.
Some times in our life
We all have pain
We all have sorrow
But if we are wise
We know there's always tomorrow
The crowd starts clapping and Cuddy turns slightly to see the curtain opening. She sees people whispering and pointing. What's wrong?, she asks herself.
Lean on me
When you're not strong
And I'll be your friend
I'll help you carry on
For it won't be long
Till I'm gonna need
Somebody to lean on
She turns around to look at the band and is shocked to see House sitting at the piano. He nods his head and Cuddy walks over to the piano. She leans against it as she sings the rest of the song, still in shock.
She isn't needed to sing the next song so she whispers to House as it begins.
"What the hell are you doing?"
"What are you talking about this is my band."
"Why didn't you tell me you were in a band, much less the one that was gonna be here tonight."
"Well you never asked and I wasn't sure if we were gonna be able to make it until yesterday."
"House! What would you have done then?"
"Don't worry, Wilson had a back up plan."
"Fine….and thanks for this. I think they're actually enjoying themselves."
"I told you to trust me, Cuddy."
The song ends and Cuddy walks to the front of the stage so House can sing his song. As he starts singing, she finds herself mesmerized by his voice. She subconsciously sings the chorus with the rest of the band but before she knows it the song is over.
God, he has such a sexy voice, she finds herself thinking. She inwardly kicks herself for thinking anything about House as sexy.
She turns to face the audience once again and begins to sing her next song.
As House plays the piano, he smiles to himself for thinking to call Bonnie and tell her that she wasn't needed for the gig. He knew that without her Cuddy would have been forced to sing with them. He knew she wouldn't let this benefit go on without any sort of entertainment. He watches her sing, and is taken back to the last time he heard her sing in college.