A/N: Sorry for the delay. I had a bit of writer's block and I ended up watching parts of "The Shop Around the Corner" again. Thanks to those who have reviewed and alerted this story. On we go..

Disclaimer: I don't own the characters and some lines are taken from "The Shop Around the Corner" to help with flow


Chapter 4

House felt like the ground fell away from under him when Wilson confirmed his sneaking suspicion that he'd been corresponding with Cameron the entire time. Now what was he supposed to do? He could simply walk away and end it all for good. Or he could go in and pretend he wasn't Dr. G.

He smiled to himself wickedly and Wilson knew exactly what House was up to. "House..you can't stand her up. It's not fair."

"Who said I was going to stand her up? I'm going in, but I'm just..contemplating."

"You're not going to tell her it's you, are you? You're just going to toy with her like..a cat with its prey."

"I'll tell her. Just not tonight. Come on, it'll look less obvious if you're with me."

Before Wilson could object again, House was opening the door to the pub and heading inside.

Cameron sat waiting patiently, or rather, impatiently as she finished her first glass of wine and signaled the waitress for another.

The little bell over the door rang and her head shot up as House entered. "Oh God, please..you wouldn't be that cruel," she muttered to herself as she looked back down. But the bell sounded again and Wilson appeared behind his friend, causing her to let out a breath she didn't even know she'd been holding.

Okay relax, it's not House. He would've come alone, if that were the case, she rationalized as she watched them find a table at the other side of the pub and sit down, obviously not seeing her.

Wilson took a drink of his beer and glanced over at Cameron. "She looks sad, House. This is a new low, even for you."

"What do you want me to do?"

"Go talk to her at least. Keep her company."

House sighed. He knew Wilson was right. "Fine."

He got up and made his way to Cameron's table until he was looming over her. "Late dinner?"

She glanced up at him, and he could see the sorrow in her eyes. Stood up, broken-hearted again. This was so not his scene.

"Yes."

He gestured to the empty chair. "Waiting for someone?"

"As a matter of fact yes. And he'll be here any minute so if you don't mind.."

House sat down anyway, despite her refusal and she didn't know what to say. "Hey, I'm a cripple..my leg hurts when I stand for too long. I'm sure he'll understand."

"House please. Just..go back to Wilson and leave me alone."

"Who is he?"

"Who is who?"

"You know who. The guy you're so anxious about meeting. And what's with the lab coat?"

"So he'll know who…" she stopped talking, realizing she'd said too much.

House's eyes widened in mock surprise. "You mean you're here to meet a man you've never even seen? Oh my God!"

"Shut up!" she hissed. "It's none of your business."

"It is if it affects your work. If he doesn't show up, you're going to be a mess tomorrow. Wondering why he stood you up. Wondering if he did show up and decided not to come in."

"Shut up, House.."

"So did you meet in a chat room or what?"

"Again, that's none of your business. Just go away before he gets here."

"Or what?"

Wilson could feel the tension between the two all the way across the room and he felt he needed to do something. Rescue Cameron in some way. "House!" He called to his friend as their waiter brought their meals. "Food's here."

House grinned wickedly at Cameron. "Saved by a bacon burger. Enjoy your date. If he has the nerve to show up."

She scowled as he got up and limped over to Wilson.

"So did you tell her?"

"Nope."

"House!"

"Relax. If she's still here when we're done eating, I'll go back over there."

A waiter approached her table. "Can I have this chair, miss?"

"No, sorry..I'm expecting someone."

He nodded and glanced at the daisy. "Daisies huh? We had a similar kind of thing last week with roses. Turned out very nicely. But then there was a sad case involving Gardenias. Poor girl waited for hours. When I closed up that night I noticed a Gardenia lying on the sidewalk outside. The guy must've come, taken one look at her and tossed it. Although I can't imagine anything like that happening to you. If he doesn't show, I'll put on a daisy, myself."

House felt kind of guilty after Wilson began reading him the riot act and when Wilson paid the bill, he left House behind to deal with Cameron. He honestly didn't know what he was going to say to her. What could he say?

I'm Dr.G. Wanna fuck now?

No, that would hardly work. He got up from his table, grabbed his glass of beer and made his way back to her table.

"Looks like Mr. Wonderful is Mr. No-Show."

"He'll be here."

"You look pretty pathetic sitting here by yourself wearing your lab coat. Maybe it's a set up to make you look stupid. And maybe he's some selfish ass clown who gets off on your humiliation."

"Hardly. You don't even know this guy."

"Do you?"

"Better than you. He's a romantic. Sensitive. He'd never leave a woman to sit and wait alone in a crowded bar."

"What do you call this?" House laughed, gesturing to their surroundings. "What time was he supposed to show up?"

"Seven," she said softly.

"And it's.." he said, glancing at his watch, "eight-thirty. Face it, Cameron. He's not coming."

"He will. He probably just got held up at work. He's a doctor too."

"Oh God."

"Why are you deliberately trying to ruin this for me? Why do you hate me?"

"I don't hate you."

"Oh, I suppose you love me," she smirked, folding her arms protectively across her chest.

"Why should I? What have you done to make me love you?"

"I don't want you to love me!"

"I don't!"

Cameron sighed in frustration. She'd had enough and didn't want to lose her temper. Just go, House."

"Fine. And here I was hoping to stick around so I could beat him with my big stick for being late."

"Don't bother. Just go."

"Fine. G'night, Cameron."

"Good night, House."

The despair in her eyes was too much for him to bear and he turned away, leaving her alone.

When he got home, he dropped his jacket on the couch with a sigh, limped over to the couch and opened his laptop. He sat for a few moments before he began to type.

A,

I'm so sorry. I actually did show up but I got a page to return to the hospital. There was an emergency in the ER that kept me there until after midnight. Since I didn't have your number, I couldn't call. I called the pub a few times, but kept getting a busy signal. I realize that's no excuse so I can only hope you'll forgive me. Next time I'll let you choose the place/time.

On the other hand, I did see you talking to someone when I arrived. He's the type of guy women seem to fall for. You know, the dark, brooding, bad boy type. I hope you didn't get sucked in.

I'll understand if I don't hear back from you. But I sincerely hope I do, and that you'll find it in your heart to forgive me.

Love,

Dr. G.

He wondered if the "love" was pushing it a little. She was going to be pissed. But he hoped that would soften the blow a little.

**

He wasn't surprised that she didn't email him that night, but he was a little put off by it. He expected a letter much like the one she sent the other guy. The next day at work, Cameron showed up looking exhausted.

"Long night?" House asked her, trying to sound casual.

"You could say that."

"Hot date?"

"Shut up, House."

"That would be a no on the "hot" part then?"

With a loud groan, she bunched up her fists and stormed out of the conference room.

"You're such an ass," Foreman mumbled as he went back to reading his journal.

House came home that night to find an email from A. waiting in his inbox. He was almost hesitant to read it but of course the curious side of him couldn't let it go and he had to look.

Dr. G,

I can't believe you couldn't find some way to let me know you weren't coming. You're just like every other man out there. I realize I'm no real beauty but I thought we had a meeting of the minds. I really thought you were going to show up. Especially considering that my being stood up is how we came to know each other.

As for the guy I was talking to, that was my boss. He has a penchant for ruining people's dates. Honestly, to think that I'd prefer his company to yours. Yes, he is the brooding, bad boy type, but that doesn't make him my type and to insinuate that I'd want anything to do with a man like that is hurtful, not to mention insane.

House laughed out loud and continued reading.

However, I am of the belief that everyone deserves a second chance. We are doctors and I know that emergencies arise that are out of our control. This week is kind of hectic so perhaps we can plan for next week to meet up. I'll email you later this week with a time and place. Have a good week.

Love,

A.

House sat back in wonder. After all that, she wasn't mad? Damn. He was sure he'd get a good tongue lashing for sure. She even signed her email with "love" as he did. Was she just being cocky? He decided he need to work some Greg House magic if he wanted his plan to work.

A,

I'm relieved that you're not angry with me, and I'm thrilled for the second chance. I'll be looking forward to meeting you. Although I think we can dispense with the white lab coat and the daisy, since I now know what you look like. And you are beautiful. More beautiful than I imagined. You'll be in my dreams until then.

Love,

Dr. G.

He grinned smugly as he got up to fix himself some dinner. Things were going to get interesting.


A/N: I decided to end it there. I'm working on the next chapter as we speak so it will be up soon. I hope you're all still enjoying the story.