Chapter 11

Then she'll carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleeding…

When House stopped by the next day, Victoria wasn't surprised. It was morning and she was getting ready for work. He was obviously on his way home

"Sorry I ran out last night." He said.

"I take it you solved your mystery?"

"Yeah, I did."

"Was it the sex or the painting?"

"A little of both. The sex relaxed me and the scene in the painting reminded me of someplace I'd been and that reminded me of a disease that's common…anyway, I know you're not interested in the medicine part. I just wanted to thank you for putting up with me."

"No problem."

He hesitated. "So, I was thinking that I should thank you for helping me."

"That's not necessary."

"Sure it is. So how about if I take you out to dinner tonight?"

There was silence in the room. She didn't look at him. House waited for her to say something, but she didn't.

"Are you alright?" he asked her.

"Yes."

"Okay, well then, I guess that's my answer."

"Greg, let me explain."

"Not necessary."

"Please."

He was silent, waiting.

"I enjoy our time together, I truly do. But I really don't want it to be anything more than what it is."

"What makes you think I do?"

"Going to dinner together is…"

"Two people who enjoy our time together eating together. But it's no big deal. I'm beat, I need to go home and sleep. I'll see you later." He was out the door before she could say anything more.

She sighed and turned to see Anita standing there. The look on the woman's face prompted Victoria to ask, "What is it?"

"Nothing. None of my business anyway."

"True, it isn't any of your business."

"That's what I said." But the sour look on her face remained.

"You don't have to say it. You're going to tell me that I should go to dinner with him. After all, what's the big deal about eating together?"

Anita was silent.

"And why shouldn't I want to go out to dinner with an attractive man, especially since I'm already sleeping with him?"

Anita still didn't speak.

"You think since I don't mind sharing my bed, why not share other parts of my life?"

Anita just looked at her employer.

"You want to know why I'm so afraid to take a chance. You think I'm either afraid of love or just an unfeeling bitch."

Nothing from Anita.

"How dare you judge me! You don't understand my life. You grew up in a wonderful family. You found the love of your life when you were young. How can you know what my experience was? And I resent that you would judge me."

Victoria turned away. "I really don't want to hear anything more from you."

Anita finally spoke. "Sorry, I shouldn't have said anything. I was out of line."

She was dripping with sarcasm and Victoria looked at her again and sighed.

"I'm sorry. I don't know why I'm acting like this."

"Well, it could be him. Or it could be the other problem."