"You've seen every movie at that movie theater except Flowers for My Sister! I'm not going to a chick flick. Why don't we go to the mall? They have more theaters there, more choices."

House shrugged his shoulders, "I thought we'd have dinner at that little restaurant across the street. I liked my sandwich."

Wilson's eyebrows shot up, "Oh ho! You just want to see the waitress! You've got a crush on the waitress."

House shook his head and looked frustrated, "I don't have a thing for the waitress." He paused and smiled, "I just liked my sandwich."

"Yeah, like they don't make good tuna fish on croissant down at the local Quiznos."

"Fine! If you don't want to see the movie, I'll go alone. I just thought Sisters might help us get in touch with our feelings. You know, the feelings you claim I don't have."

"House, if you want to see her, just go ask her out."

House didn't want to admit that Wilson was right about his motives. But he could see he had lost the battle, Wilson was on to him. "Because she won't."

"Then why bother?"

"Because if I take it slow, I could get her to like me."

"Right, " Wilson raised his eyebrows and chuckled, "you're going to get her to start liking you because you're so charming and full of cheer?"

House pouted, "I can be charming!"

"Sure…but don't forget, she's already seen the real you and she ran."

"I have a secret weapon." House thought about the phone calls.

"Yeah, what?"

"If I told you, it wouldn't be a secret, would it?"

"You're on your own, buddy." Wilson walked back to his office, leaving House to stare into space.

House made sure he wore his least wrinkled levis and a really nice t-shirt under his suit-coat. The beginning of March had turned warmer than usual and House thought he could get by without a jacket. He did grab a wool cap and a scarf. He looked in the mirror. No nose hairs, ear hairs or food between my teeth. He sprayed on Herrera and checked out his hair. He had gone to a stylist instead of his barber. She had styled it and pumped it up with volumizer.

He took off for the restaurant around 9:15 pm knowing he would be one of the last customers. As soon as he arrived he looked for her. House was disappointed when he saw a young, not very pretty, coed waiting tables. She brought him a menu as the only other couple in the place got up to leave. House watched the waitress clean the counters and start taking the older food out of the refrigerated display and throwing it away.

She came back over, smiling, "You just made it, the cook was about to close the kitchen. What would you like?"

"I'll have the country fried steak sandwich and a Guinness. Where's your bathroom?"

She pointed to the back, "Just down there on the left."

"Thanks."

House made his way down the hall, turned the light on and closed the door so that it would look like he was inside. Peeking into the kitchen, he saw the waitress talking to the cook as she finished a coke. House scurried to the back as fast as his bad leg would let him and up the stairs. Most of the lights were off except a light inside her studio that illuminated the stairs. He looked around, but she wasn't home. House, frustrated, walked back down. The young waitress saw him coming off the bottom stair.

She narrowed her eyes and furred her brow, "The bathroom is right over there."

"Oh, well, it looked like someone was in it so I went to find another one."

She knocked on the Men's room door and opened it, "It's empty."

"Thanks." House went inside and took a leak. He knew that the waitress was becoming suspicious.

When he came out he went out to the table, deflated and sad. He stared out the window into the night and saw that he had guessed wrong, it was snowing. Great, it's going to be colder than snot when I go out there and slicker too. He heard the waitress talking to someone and so he looked over his shoulder. She had the door opened to the office and was holding a conversation with whoever was in it.

"…coming down the stairs. I pointed him to the bathroom, but I don't know if he took anything or not. You might want to check."

House sighed. Crap, I can just see that big guy coming after me. He waited and when the waitress appeared with Maia, a smile crossed his lips.

Maia frowned, "Oh, Ida, don't worry, I know him. He's more a nuisance than a threat." Ida left and Maia looked down at House, her fists resting on her hips, "Do you want to explain what you were doing up the stairs in the back?'

"I was just going to say, hi."

Ida brought him his food and put it down. She looked to Maia to see if she had done the right thing by serving him and Maia nodded approval.

"Greg, I really would prefer it if you didn't come by here anymore."

House dipped his head and pursed his lips, "I don't think I can. I'm addicted to the, huh, croissants." He picked up his sandwich and with mock glee took a big bite.

She snickered and shook her head, "Seriously, I don't think we have anything to say to each other."

House straightened up and turned serious, staring in her eyes, "I saved your life. Not once, but twice. Most people would be kinder."

Maia felt horrible. She did feel like she owed him something, but she just couldn't stand thinking of that last night and his rejection. She sat down, her legs still turned out, ready to jump up and run. Leaning forward she whispered, "You were the one who made it very clear that I was someone you weren't attracted to. Now, if you've come to rub it in, here I am. Tell me what a piece of crap I am, a loser, an ugly scag. A woman who couldn't even get laid. I'm ready. Maybe if you get it out of your system, you'll leave me alone. I know you think this is a joke and that you get a kick out of embarrassing me for throwing myself at you."

House continued eating while Maia spewed. He showed no emotions, just interest in what she was saying. What Maia didn't know was that all House was selectively hearing was, "…here I am…tell me…get laid…throw myself at you."

When she stopped House nodded and smiled as he continued to chew. "You know, you're not half bad if you could learn not to spit when you talk." He knew she hadn't spit, but it caught her off guard. She rubbed her lips with the back of her hand.

"I'm sorry." She looked unnerved.

He finished his sandwich. "Aren't you going to invite me upstairs for a drink?"

She jumped up and went back to the office, slamming the door. House paid the tab and gave the waitress a nice tip. He walked back to the office.

"Mister, you can't go back there."

House continued without acknowledging her.

"Mister, I'm going to have to call Bear and he won't be happy."

House opened the door to the office and saw Maia at a computer. She looked up at him. "I'm calling the police." She picked up the receiver and started to dial. He sat down.

"Go ahead if you think they're going to arrest a doctor for sitting and talking to the woman who had two major infectious diseases and hasn't been in for a follow-up."

She hung up the phone. "You need to leave, my boyfriend owns this restaurant and he's really big. "

"The guy who gave you your job and lets you live in a doorless studio upstairs? Nice boyfriend."

"I live there for free. It lets me save money."

"I don't buy this boyfriend stuff. I didn't see any signs of a man upstairs and you're here, alone, on a Friday night. For someone who owns the restaurant, you'd think he'd manage to give his girlfriend Friday night off."

"I don't care what you buy. You better get out before he comes down to the restaurant."

"Is his name Bear?"

Her mouth dropped open, "How did you know?"

"Because your waitress just told me she's calling him."

Maia jumped up, "Oh crap." Maia knew that Bear would rush down and, since he only lived a block away, he'd be busting through the door soon. "You really are a pain you know."

"You'll love me once you get to know me."

Bear burst through the door and was surprised to see Maia calmly sitting at his desk and the man that Ida said was acting weird, also calmly sitting across from her.

"Oh! Darling, I just found out Ida called you. " Maia jumped up and came around, putting her arm around Bear's waist. He furred his brow and looked down at her arm. Maia smiled up at him, "Honey, this is Dr. House, the doctor who cured me back in January when I was sick."

"Maia?" Bear was looking at her and could tell she was trying to get him to play along. He still wasn't sure, but he turned to House, "Thank you Dr. House, I'd hate to think of me losing my little Maia. Now, can I ask, what are you doing here in my office?"

"Trying to convince Maia to come in for a follow-up." House purposefully smiled at Maia, "Now Maia, did you tell Bear about your coaching job?"

Bear pulled his head back and looked to Maia for answers. Maia closed her eyes, put her head in her hands and clenched her teeth, "I coach people…life coach."

House volunteered, "People turn to Maia for ideas on how to become successful."

It all seemed ludicrous. Maia, a bakery waitress, giving advice? Maia knew House was mocking her. But Bear nodded, "It makes sense. Who knows better what to do or not do than a woman who's been both at the pinnacle of her profession and the lowest valley. Smart idea, sweetheart." He gave her a hug.

House felt a jolt go through him when Bear's muscles tightened into a hug and Maia hugged back. "Oh bull shit! You're not his girlfriend and she's not your boyfriend. This is ridiculous."

Bear pulled his arm from around Maia, grabbed House's upper arm, "Dr. House, you need to leave. Thanks for stopping by, but you've worn out your welcome."

House looked down at the large hand wrapped firmly around his arm. He looked up at Maia, who was clearly shocked by the turn of events and a little embarrassed by it all. She looked away from House who turned and left.

When they got out into the hall, Bear turned to him, "Dr. House, Maia seems uncomfortable around you. I think you'd be wise to leave her alone. Do you get my drift?"

House wasn't going to acknowledge him, but it was clear he wasn't going to get to leave unless he did understand. House nodded. On his way out the door House knew that this was only a minor setback. I know where she lives and where she works-that's half the battle.

Maia spent most of the first three weeks of March working on her book. It wasn't until she looked in her index cards to log in a call from "Gandolph" that she remembered it would be one year on March 28th that she had first talked to G-man. She touched her hair and smiled at the thought of his first call. She wished he would call again.

She was bored, things were looking up, but for the most part, she led a solitary life, doing nothing more than reading books, writing her novel and working. She had a steady stream of callers and she was making enough money now that she could afford an apartment in a few months. But she quite liked her little studio and the proximity to work. Still, the only thing exciting to happen lately, was the visit from the good doctor.

March 28th arrived with a hail storm and lots of customers running in, out of the hail. By the time Maia got off her shift, she was dead on her feet. She grabbed a smoothie and climbed the steps to her studio, kicking off her shoes and kicking back with the used laptop she bought on Craig's List. She worked on her novel and took a few calls. Around 9:00 pm she watched television, falling asleep on the futon without pulling it out. The client phone phone rang. She looked up, 11:55 pm. Maia just wanted to sleep, but she could use the money. She reached over and picked up the phone.

March 28th 11:56pm

"Hello." Maia put her hand over the receiver and cleared her throat, "My name is Cali, what's yours?"

"Did you think I'd let the day go without wishing you a happy anniversary?"

She sat up and grinned, "G-man! Anniversary?"

"Our one year anniversary was today."

She heard the star button.

"You remembered?"

"I have to admit, I was throwing away some old papers yesterday, getting my taxes ready and I saw the phone bill from last year."

"Yes, well this year has been memorable, no matter how hard I try to forget. Still, I'm impressed."

"How's waitressing?"

"Ah, work is the curse of the drinking class. Tough day. The hail chased everyone inside for coffee." She was so excited and giggly. This man was probably a frog and yet she looked forward to hearing his voice. "How have you been? I was thinking about you a few days ago, wondering how you were doing. Any gigs lately?"

"Gigs?" House remembered that he told her he was a musician, "Oh, gigs! Yeah, plenty, enough to let me call you."

"That's good, I'd love to hear you play."

"Well, I'm sitting at my piano right this very minute."

She gasped, "You'd play for me, really?"

"For our anniversary I'll even pay you to let me play!"

"No, I won't charge you for this call."

He thought about what would be the best move, "I want you to. Don't worry about it."

She melted, "Thank you."

"What do you like? Jazz, classical, pop?"

"Can you play me, "What'll I do?"

"Sure." He started to play. Not embellishing at first, keeping the chords and melody simple. On the second refrain he added in several alternating melodies and contrasting chords. He thought it sounded pretty impressive. When it was over he picked up the receiver. "Well?"

"I feel horrible."

He was stunned, the playing had been as good as any professional. "What? Didn't you like it?"

"I thought you were lying, embellishing, when you told me you were a musician. But that was simply fantastic. If I had been sitting next to you, I would have jumped you."

"I remember the piano bench sex like it was yesterday."

"What would you like tonight?"

"I want you to kiss me with your soft lips; that warm tongue licking your lips just seconds before you embrace me. I'm sitting on the edge of my bed and you climb up and straddle my lap, grabbing my hands and putting them on your ample, but not too ample ass. I can feel your breasts pushing into my chest as we kiss, you smell good, like vanilla. I nibble your lip, licking your earlobes, blowing softly, tickling you. You giggle, the sound making me want to hold you even closer. I help you take off your top and am very happy to see your breasts overflowing from your bra. I kiss the tops of both of them, then unsnap the bra from the back. As it falls, I dip down and take your breasts, pushing them together, licking both of your hard, pink, nipples, sucking them gently at first, then harder and harder. I'm so swollen by now, I have to adjust myself. You can feel it pressing against my trousers, so you reach down and unzip me. I twist and dump you on the bed, remove my trousers and then climb back up to kiss you and play with your white breasts. I don't do anything but touch you, hold your breasts in my hand, pinching your nipples. I move my hand down your tummy and into your panties. Letting my fingers comb through your soft pubic hair, your breath catches. I manage to get just the tip of my finger between your folds, stretched long enough to touch your clit. I rub it gently as I kiss you, pressing my tongue between your lips. You kiss me back, enjoying both the wet and warmth of our tongues and the wet and warmth of the fruits of my finger."

House could see her in his mind and he was getting excited. He wanted to touch her, not her body, but her psyche. He wanted her to want him.

"You take your pants and panties all the way off and I watch as the slight roundness of your abdomen appears first, then the wavy strands of hair fanning up from the slit between your legs. You're so hot, I have to pull you to me, to hold you, feel the softness of the curve in the small of your back as it blends into your round, inviting ass. I've never held anyone so delicious in my life. As I start to kiss you down your breasts, your tummy, your mound, you open your legs inviting me to play. I spread your folds with my fingers and start to push my tongue against your bulging clit. I lick and suck to the beat of my heart as it races. You angle your petals towards me so that I can get comfortable. But it isn't necessary, I can feel your body giving up to me. Your abdomen tightens under my palm which rests on your tummy. Your thigh muscles contract and your body goes still, letting me do the last few seconds of work. You look down into my eyes just before you start to scream as if you're in pain, uncomfortable, but it's the orgasm raging through you. I continue my rhythm until you clamp your thighs against my head and pull back. I climb up, spreading your wet, sopping folds with my fingers. I can hardly wait, I'm so engorged, the pressure is too much. The smell of your sex, the sound of your breathing, the look in your eyes inviting me inside, wanting us to join, is too much. I have to penetrate you, make you mine. I push hard. Even though you're wet, it's still tight and I have to work to dance inside of you. I can't take it, just the feel of you, the muscles inside of you, the tingling starts in my balls and pushes up through my erection and then into the rest of my body. With each ejaculation I thrust up as far as I can stab. Once, twice, three, four times and then I collapse onto your breasts. I'm so overwhelmed by the feelings going through me. I'm happy, I want to hold you. I capture you up in my arms and roll off. You curl up into me, your head on my chest and leg over my legs. Then you smile, a smile so full of hope and longing. It hurts for me to think you could ever leave my arms. I watch as your eyes grow sleepy and close. I look at your little face, the eyelashes falling on your cheeks, your breath calm and even. I want you to be safe, to be happy. I want all the pain to stay outside the door. In this bed only we exist. Only the two of us wrapped up together, warm and satisfied are in the universe. I want to wake you and tell you the things that I feel. But I can't. I can't. I can't risk it. If you don't feel the same for me, then I'd be lost. Better to have this aching, this desire to love you, than to know you don't love me back. "

There was a pause.

Maia's breath and heart were finally slowing from the orgasm that had ripped through her. She was listening intently, holding on to each word. She started to say something, not sure what. She wanted him to know that she was falling in love with him. Ask him not to tease her, not to tell her stories that weren't true. She wanted to crawl in that bed with him, no matter what he looked like, it didn't matter. She managed to speak his name, "G-man I…"

She heard the click and the dial tone. The phone read, 12:22 am.

Maia screamed, "No! God no! Oh God, I can't take this."

She rolled into a ball, pissed at him for hanging up. She wanted him; she wanted him to hold her, make her feel loved. She wanted so much to let someone take care of her, for a minute, for an hour. She was just so weary of having to dig herself out of her hole. She turned and looked at the receiver which lay on the floor, knowing she would never be the same again.