When it came to Friday, I left hospital a bit earlier in order to get ready. Foreman and Chase found out about the benefit and kept mocking me for accepting House's offer but I knew better. It was a chance and I wasn't about to let it slip through my fingers.
I got home at about 5pm, which meant I had enough time to take a shower, wash my hair and simply just to do anything to look fancy.
I curled my hair and put some make-up on. I decided to wear a light blue strapless dress with a slit and high-heeled shoes.
I was almost done when I heard a knock on the door. I glanced at the clock and realized it was already 8:10.
I walked slowly to the door and checked myself in the mirror before opening. I did look hot.
"Wow." House let out as soon as I opened the door for him. I smiled. I knew I couldn't expect any compliments so I was satisfied to hear at least this. In House's language it actually meant something. Moreover looking back at him, I had to admit he looked great as well.
"I'm ready. We can go." I said, took my little purse and walked out of my apartment.
We drove in silence. Actually I would say in an embarrassing silence. I was looking out the window and listened to the jazz music coming from the CD player.
I had butterflies in my stomach and wondered if he could see how nervous I was.
He pulled over in front of the hotel where the benefit was held and we walked in. As we looked around the hall, House let out a sigh. I looked up at him questioningly.
"This is going to be an obnoxious night." He said without even looking at me and motioned for me to follow him to one of the tables.
There were some people sitting and chatting but when they saw House, they stopped talking. They gave him more or less uncertain smiles, greeted him and we sat down. He didn't bother to introduce me so they went on talking again and I tried to seem interested in their medical discussion while House didn't pay attention at all. In fact he looked like an autistic child, his gaze scattered from one place to another carefully avoiding looking at me and at the people around the table.
At this point I probably started to regret the whole thing. Foreman and Chase were right. I got up and leaned to him.
"Do you want a drink? I'll get it." I said. For the first time he looked at me and nodded.
"Scotch."
I nodded back at him and walked to the bar. This was going to be one hell of a night.
I ordered Scotch and Port wine and as I waited I looked once again around the hall. People were chatting, laughing, dancing, drinking and basically having fun. Then I looked back at my little autistic savant who seemed so lost at this party. I had to smile. No matter what a bastard he was, he was gorgeous.
I walked back to the table handing him the drink. He nodded and I sat down next to him sipping my wine.
"Having fun?" I asked ironically after another ten minutes of silence.
"Huh, sure. I guess I know better ways how to enjoy myself.."
"I see⦠Like watching TV and playing Gameboy, right?" I asked giving him a fake smile. He wanted to say something but stopped and watched the entrance.
"Oh, dammit." He let out.
"What's going on?" I asked looking in the same direction.
"See that idiot over there?" He asked lowering his voice a little bit. I looked at the man standing there and nodded. "That was the biggest asshole at the whole college. Man, I couldn't stand him."
"Bigger than you?" I said grinning. To my surprise House smiled and nodded.
"Possibly."
We talked some more and it took another two shots of Scotch to make House go and talk to some of his old pals. He didn't want to at first but then it was pretty obvious that he was having a good time. Seeing this I smiled and headed to the bar to get a drink. I was really happy for him but on the other hand this meant I would be spending the entire time at the bar by myself drinking and drinking.
