Disclaimer: The usual. Not mine, boo hoo...
A/N: Thanks for all the comments. I'm glad you're enjoying it, because I don't really know how I feel about this one yet. Part III is so far my favorite installment, just because of the dialogue. I hope you enjoy :)
Cameron paused to draw in a deep breath before entering the conference room.
"Dr. Cameron" House didn't look up from the file in his hands, "nice of you to join us..."
Cameron pursed her lips and took a seat.
"Alright people-- slow day. Have fun" House said, rising painfully and crossing into his adjoining office.
He pulled a bottle from his pocket and swallowed a vicodin.
Stopping in the open doorway, he turned to face Cameron, who was seated silently at the conference table going over files.
"Oh Cameron-- as your boss, and more so, a concerned mentor, I feel I should point out that having boyfriends pop by for an afternoon liaison is not the best way to garner respect" he said wryly, exiting the room with a smirk.
Cameron remained still, her eyes focused on the page, but her cheeks burned hot and indignant-- she held her tongue.
With House settled at his desk, Chase and Foreman exchanged a boyish, knowing glance before erupting into laughter.
Cameron fixed her fierce gaze on them.
"Really mature you two" she seethed.
"Oh, come on Cameron-- we saw you" Chase laughed.
Cameron's bright cheeks deepened in color as she fought to keep her voice steady.
"Exactly my point" she said flatly.
"Come on... who is he?" Foreman pressed, leaning forward towards her across the table.
Cameron averted her gaze and studied the file before her.
"Alright" Foreman sat back, linking his fingers on the table top in a 'professional' manner.
"You leave us with no choice but to assume the worst".
Cameron closed her eyes against his ploy and exhaled slowly.
"He's an old friend, okay?" she said coolly, "we grew up together".
"Grew up together?" Chase pestered.
"Yes-- our parents still live next door to each other. I've known him since I was five".
Foreman nodded, smirking: "Ah... young love..." he grinned.
Cameron rolled her eyes and rubbed her temples, which were slowly beginning to ache.
"I haven't seen him in several years. He's in town for a few days and stopped in to see me" she sighed.
"But... he kissed you" Chase teased, "we saw it. And you gave him your key".
"He's staying on my couch" Cameron insisted, "what, you want my life story?"
They could be so...
Chase and Foreman looked at each other quickly before fixing their eyes on Cameron, smirking.
"Sure"
"Yes, actually" they echoed simultaneously.
Cameron frowned and stood, collecting the shift of papers from her seat.
Foreman raised a hand, attempting a truce.
"Cameron-- we're sorry, really" he pleaded.
"Hey, listen. How about you and 'Mark' join us tonight? We'll hit 'Mary's'-- show'im a good time while he's in town".
Cameron shook her head slowly.
"Um… thanks, but..."
"Oh, come on" Chase insisted, "you two can reminisce tomorrow. If he's only here for a few days, let's go out-- have some fun".
Cameron inhaled slowly and nodded.
"Okay. I'll meet you guys there around six? I have to go home and get him".
The men nodded and Cameron exited the room carrying the documents with her.
Seated as his desk, House watched as Cameron left the conference room.
He knit his brow, as if seriously considering something, leaning forward to pick up the telephone.
"Wilson? I've changed my mind..."
