Monday night at the club turned out to be full of surprises for everyone. House expected to have the place to himself. Jesse said it was usually dead the first part of the week. Apparently the morning's appointments had stirred some interest from the lingering summer college crowd. It was hardly packed but there were enough thirsty customers to keep the twins moving at a steady pace for an hour or so. But it gave House and Wilson a chance to settle in and a chance for him to meet Jesse on her own turf and not putting on airs for House's colleagues…as soon as she got off the stage.

When they walked in, one twin was behind the bar and the other was waiting tables. "How can you tell which one is which?" Wilson whispered, taking a serious interest as they sat down at the bar.

House made a face. "It doesn't matter. They're interchangeable." He snarked. Wilson shook his head. "And which one are you?" House asked, as Wilson thought he was doing him a favor. "Wilson here can't tell you apart and he's wondering if there's some anatomical difference." Wilson cringed, as the beautiful blonde giggled and leaned across the bar. House stared wide-eyed as she whispered something in Wilson's ear.

As she finished, the other half of the team was making her way behind the bar. This first one stopped her and whispered in her ear. They both started laughing. The one bussing tables also leaned across the bar and whispered something in Wilson's ear. He hadn't moved since the first time and House suppressed a laugh at Wilson's frozen expression.

The suspense was killing him. He had to ask. "What did they say? Is there a way to tell them apart?" House asked, sounding more like an overgrown fifteen year old by the moment. Wilson only nodded and took a long drink.

Another round of drinks and House had turned his attention to his beautiful Jesse on stage. They were taking requests and encouraging some karaoke. Jesse was finally making her escape as Jack was reading the name of the next "victim" to come to the front. "This ought to be interesting." Jesse was laughing as she kissed House hello and pulled up a seat.

"Wilson getting hit on by the twins?" House snarked as Jesse got a drink.

"Clown night karaoke…what?" Jesse stopped and smiled in Wilson's direction as what House said registered. He nodded, pointing at an embarrassed Wilson.

"Both of them? Isn't that sweet? They do like to share! You should feel special. Henry Etta's picky." Jesse winked at House. Another round of drinks came and went as some mediocre singing brought snickers from all three of them. Jesse and House were exchanging evil glances and whispering in each other's ears well under the music. "They're not being obvious?"

"They're even making me proud." House whispered back.

"Great idea you came up with today. Guess all the x-rated text messages got you inspired." Jesse and House exchanged an evil grin. Wilson didn't even notice. He was busy watching Amber bent over searching for something under the bar. She was taking her time. Jesse nudged House and they both enjoyed the expression on Wilson's face for a time. Amber finally found the new bottle to replace the one she just emptied and placed it on the shelf in its proper spot. Show over. "Care to retire to the booth. It's a lot softer than these." Jesse said, taking House's hand.

"And the twins?" House asked.

"Give them some room to work." Jesse whispered as she slid in behind House. Wilson was following along and eased himself in the booth on the other side. "And how do you like my club Dr. Wilson?" Jesse asked.

"Very nice." His eyes followed one of the twins across the bar. House and Jesse exchanged a knowing glance. House leaned over and whispered in Jesse's ear.

"How do you tell them apart?"

"You don't need to tell them apart, they're interchangeable." Jesse snickered.

"House!" Wilson interrupted. "Leave it alone." He protested.

"What did I miss?" Jesse asked. House laughed and tried to recount Wilson at the mercy of the twins. Wilson shook his head as Jesse snickered.

"Oh…." Jesse gave him a knowing smile. They really do fancy you if they're letting you in on their personal secrets!"

House glanced from Wilson to Jesse. "How can you tell them apart." He tried again.

Jesse laughed as Wilson shook his head. "Sorry Jesse, he really is a pervert."

"One of his best qualities." Jesse smiled at him. "Come on Wilson. Relax…just a fun evening among friends." Jesse tried to reassure him.

Wilson started to settle in after he finished the second round and it wasn't long before the three of them were engaged in a lively conversation.

"I remember you from years ago. The years have been very kind." Wilson said.

"I thank you. I thought I recognized you at the hospital that night but it's been so long. When I'm on familiar ground I'm always looking for that familiar face in the crowd."

"Like Cuddy?" Wilson said, giving House a dirty look. House only smiled and leaned back to watch. How would Jesse treat his friend? Mercifully, House hoped.

"Some faces are more recognizable than others. House says I put a damper on your lunch plans today. I can't say I was sorry to hear, but I do apologize for the personal inconvenience." Jesse's choice of words surprised Wilson. It was obvious she could have cared less about Cuddy's personal discomforts.

"She's very distraught about what happened this morning…" Listening, House winced.

"Good." Jesse smiled. "Did she send you to me with concessions?" Jesse asked flatly, the smile never leaving her face. House blinked and glared at Wilson as Wilson stared into his drink.

"Wait. You didn't say anything about Cuddy earlier." House interrupted.

"Of course he wouldn't, my warm lover. He may be your friend but that's not his only position in life. I understand you are also on the board of directors?" Jesse asked, turning her gaze back to Wilson in unison with House.

Coral breezed over to the table. "Ready for another round?" She cooed, leaning over as Wilson smiled up at her and tired to make himself not look down the front of her top. She lingered in his direction for a moment before turning to the others. Coral went for another round as Jesse smiled at her, nodding in approval. Well done.

"Now where were we?" Jesse asked, snuggling against House just a bit for show.

"We were wondering what Cuddy drilled into my good friend Jimmy before he decided to accept my invitation this evening." House said, giving Wilson the stare down.

"She only wanted to convey her apologies." Wilson stammered, looking at Jesse and then House. Caught in the blue-eyed tractor beam again, Wilson thought to himself. Why didn't he ever get tired of this? He shook his head and tried again. "This morning went badly. She's hoping that you will understand she meant no disrespect" Wilson tried to paraphrase. Their drinks arrived. It gave Jesse an extra moment to think. House watched her unchanging sweet expression. But those eyes weren't hidden behind sunglasses like they'd been this morning. House hoped he never had reason to have such a questioning eerie look leveled at him. Those eyes…they asked…they demanded.

"She's done nothing but disrespect me throughout most of my marriage. Now that I'm a widow, she no longer has reason to do so? I think not." Jesse took a sip, but her eyes never left Wilson's. "I think she's worried her little performance, comical though it may have been, might put a damper on the annual endowment. Correct me if I'm wrong, Dr. Wilson. I know it's an evening out with your good friend House, but she did send you along with prior agendas? Poor thing. Can't even enjoy an evening out. We'll do our best to fix that for you. Won't we, my warm lover?" Jesse smiled up at House.

Chapter 38