Chapter 4: Patio Party
Wilson spent most of the afternoon in conference with his team. House tried to ignore it as he would normally his own team, but the distraction was far greater. He really didn't see the need for Wilson to have any fellows. He wanted to barge in there make a scene and send them all packing. Cancer was cancer- it was pretty boring as far as he was concerned, and the office was his safe haven, no one else needed to be in there but him and his team. He also dreaded that Wilson would be far more occupied with his fellows, who would always be around, and he wouldn't be able to take refuge in Wilson without being stared at and chastised by the new guys.
Chase, Taub, Forman and Cicciliano walked into the office together before the end of the day. They had spent their working day far more productively than House had and at least each one of them put on the airs of a doctor when they were below levels in the patient care areas. He looked them over, one by one, as they filled into the office and looked through the glass at the conference that was going on in the other room. House stood from his desk and headed for the door, he opened it and motioned for the team to head out onto the balcony.
"Welcome to Doctor House's Party Patio!" House said as they stepped out.
"Nice!" Chase stated as he fell onto a sofa.
The sun was high in the sky and the weather was beautiful, the sweet smell of spring filled the air and the campus below buzzed with activity. The stress of the hospital seemed to melt away as they gathered together.
"Why are we out here?" Forman asked as he waited for House to start.
"Cause we have to share the office with Wilson," Cicciliano said.
"Not for long," House said, "but I did manage to get us a patio makeover!"
"I could get used to this," Chase smiled, "it would be better with some of that ice cream you scored for my bachelor party!"
"That is a great idea Chase!" House said.
"Should I even ask?" Cicciliano asked
"No," Forman said.
"What? We had a Sunday bar!" House said. "With flash frozen alcohol; it was delicious!"
"And inebriating!" Taub said.
"I would prefer a nice red wine." Cicciliano laughed.
"Those were my thoughts," House said.
"So why are we here?" Forman asked again
"We need to find something to do!" House stated, "I can't handle Wilson in my office anymore. Has anything come through the clinic?"
"No," Forman answered, "it's been a really slow day."
"ER?" House asked.
Chase and Cicciliano both nodded in the negative.
"There has to be something!" House said impatiently.
"There just isn't," Taub said, "unless you want to catch up on your paper work!"
"Ewe no! That Cicciliano's job anyway," House stated. "If there really isn't anything to do then I will be making a run for it."
"You can't run," Forman stated.
"Ouch! Low blow, Forman," House said sarcastically, "you hurt my feelings!" he mocked.
"Where are you going?" Taub asked.
"I have some stuff I need to get done before I meet Cuddy tonight, you guys can go back to whatever you were doing before I paged you up here. I would suggest the bottle of wine and flaunt your fun for Wilson and his team. The party patio should be christened!" House said.
"The hospital is licensed!" Chase smiled, "send the Italian out to get us a good wine!"
"Offensive," Cicciliano stated.
"Ok boys and girl play nice," House said and left the office.
"Well what should we do?" Chase asked.
"I'm down with hanging out!" Forman said.
"I'll play along," Cicciliano smiled as she got up, "does anyone else want some coffee and biscotti?"
All hands shot up.
"To make House happy open the blinds while you're in there and they can watch us lounge in comfort!" Chase said.
"A slow day at the hospital," Taub shook his head, "you know as soon as we get comfortable something will happen."
"Bring it on," Chase smiled.