Chapter 3
That afternoon seemed to drag on and no amount of little boy laughter and energy succeeded in fully distracting them. Cameron refused to accept that House truly knew who she was and so she filled her thoughts with dreams of working with Chase in the exciting world he so often described. Of sitting together with Eric and Remi and throwing out increasingly wild theories to diagnose an ailing patient, House at the whiteboard, marker in his hand and sarcastic comments at the ready. Of the relief and gratitude on parents' faces as their son or daughter begins to respond to treatment just in the nick of time. And of finally being able to participate in the camaraderie around the table as they all shared stories and celebrations.
Chase, on the other hand, couldn't stop worrying. Even if House didn't know they were together, he was sure to figure it out. Robert knew no one as perceptive and determined as House, qualities that helped him solve their cases, but also ensured his team had almost no private lives. When Eric and Remi began dating, House picked up on it even before Remi had confided in Allison, and Allison and Remi told each other everything. If Cameron was going to join the team, they need to put protections in place to make sure that House stayed in the dark. Because, otherwise, he would find her. And this perfect little world, their happy little family, it would all crumble.
Later that night as they were tucking the boys into bed, Cuddy called. She had spoken to Cameron's former employer who had happened to chat with House at a medical conference earlier that year. He had raved about a driven and compassionate young doctor working for him. House's interest had been spiked and when Cuddy had insisted he hire another female doctor, he had remembered Cameron. As far as she could tell, House truly knew nothing else about her, though it didn't mean he wouldn't be curious.
After some discussion, it was agreed that Cameron could take the job, but that she would not be starting until the following week. In the meantime, they would be working with the lawyers to put together a strong contract with safety protocols and daycare provisions. Cuddy promised to bring Foreman and Thirteen up to speed and said goodnight.
The next morning, the Chase family erupted into chaos. Even though they had woken up an hour early, they soon found themselves running late. Ben was grumpy and refused to keep his socks on. Eliot sensed something different was going on and was extra clingy, and Jacen was running around the living room like he had eaten donuts for breakfast instead of oatmeal. Chase had to get to the office before Cameron, Cameron had to drop the boys off with Cuddy's babysitter for the hour or two she'd be at the hospital, and neither one could find their car keys.
Finally, Chase left, taking the boys with him to the babysitter and Cameron had time to hop in the shower before she too had to head into Princeton. House was legendary for his sexist comments and questionable remarks in front of both colleagues and patients, and Cameron and Chase had spent far too much time the night before discussing her strategy for dealing with him. They'd decided that she would assert herself as a good team player and someone who wasn't afraid to play his games if it was to her advantage. Chase hoped that this approach would allow her to fly under his radar since she wouldn't be too interesting for him to try and figure out.
This in mind, she wore a low-cut, but professional blouse, paired with generic dress pants and flats. She pulled her hair into a bun and placed her glasses into her purse. She was ready.