Chapter 8
"I'm sorry Chase, what did you say?"
"I said that Foreman and I accept your invitation. We'd love to come to dinner tomorrow." Chase said, puzzled at her response.
Cameron rose from her seat, picked up their empty cups and set them in the sink. She felt ill. Panic washed over her as she gripped the edge of the counter, her knuckles whitening as she fought to stay focused.
No, no … I don't want them to come now … what am I going to do… It will spoil everything … think Allison … you've got to think of something fast …
"Yes, I heard you."
Cameron turned to face Chase.
"I'm sorry Chase. I've made other plans."
"You've made other plans in the last two hours?" Chase asked with skepticism.
"Yes, I did ... as soon as you and Eric turned my invitation down."
Chase got up and opened the refrigerator door, then slammed it shut.
"Look Cameron, I'm not stupid, there's a turkey in there and you've got all of these groceries, you're obviously still planning on cooking dinner."
"Yes, I am." Cameron refused to lie to Chase.
"For you and House."
"Yes Chase, for me and House."
"Then why don't you just be honest with me Cameron. You don't want us to come because it will ruin your plans for a romantic dinner with House …" Chase said angrily.
"That's partly the reason Chase, but tell me, have your feelings changed about House?"
"No." Chase answered, astonished that she would even ask such a question.
"Have Eric's?"
"No."
"I didn't think so and yet you still want to have dinner with us. Why?"
"We didn't want to spoil your dinner party." Chase ran his fingers through his hair, growing increasingly frustrated by the minute.
"Look Chase, I know that you meant well, but I don't want you to come tomorrow, knowing how you feel about House."
"You knew how we felt about House when you gave us the invitations." Chase snapped.
"Yes, but I'd hoped this dinner would help heal those wounds so that we could get back to the way things were."
"That's never going to happen for me, especially now."
"Now?" Cameron asked, not really wanting to hear his answer.
"Now that you're pursuing House. I wanted so much more for us Cameron.
You won't even consider a relationship with me on the off chance that House just might throw you a bone and go out with you. Face it Cameron, he hasn't wanted you for the past three years, what makes you think anything's changed?"
Chase's face was flushed with anger.
"I just know." Cameron said quietly.
"How, how do you know?" Chase persisted.
"I kissed him … he kissed back. I could feel how much he wanted me."
"You're nuts Cameron, your dumping me based on one kiss with House…"
"I'm not interested in having a relationship with you Chase. I'm not going to change my mind. Ever." Cameron said defiantly.
"Maybe this will help." Chase walked towards Cameron, backing her into the corner of the kitchen counter.
"Chase don't …" Cameron implored, pushing her hands against his chest as he pulled her into a close embrace.
She felt his lips crush against hers.
His tongue fought its way into her mouth.
The kiss was fierce and relentless.
Through it all Cameron stood there, not moving, not responding.
Chase pulled back, breathing hard.
Her reaction was swift.
Smack! Flesh met flesh as Chase reeled from the stinging slap across his cheek.
"Why did you hit me?" Chase shouted with shock.
"Why do you think, you moron? I said don't and I meant it. I want you to leave right now and don't you ever touch me again … do you understand?" Cameron said, glaring at Chase, her voice firm and controlled.
"Fine Cameron, have it your way … enjoy yourself with House tomorrow …"
Chase grabbed his coat and tore out of her apartment, slamming the door behind him.
o0o0o
Cameron locked the door behind Chase and sat on her sofa, trembling with fear and anger as she fought to hold back her tears. She was jarred by the sound of her phone ringing.
"Hello", she answered timidly, afraid that it might be Chase.
"Hello Allison, its Greg. Are you all right? ... You sound strange…"
"Greg …" Cameron breathed a sigh of relief, "I'm fine … you just caught me in the middle of something. How are you?"
"I'm good. Sorry about that … I can call back if you'd like …"
"No, no please … I want to talk to you." Please don't hang up … I need to hear the sound of your voice …
"Okay … are you sure that you're all right?"
"Yes, I'm fine now." She truly was.
"Well, I just called to say hi and tell you that I'm really looking forward to dinner tomorrow."
"Me too, more than you know." I want you so much ...
"That's quite a storm out there tonight, isn't it? Did you have any trouble getting home?
"No, not really, but I was pretty soaked."
"Me too. I'm glad I didn't ride my bike to work." Cameron smiled.
'Greg …" she said quietly.
"Yes, Allison …"
"Thank you for calling." I love you…
"You're welcome. I'll see you tomorrow at five. Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Greg, I can't wait …"
tbc …