chapter 15: thank you for keeping on reading this story : )

Once in her bed, Cuddy couldn't help texting House. She knew it was late but House did bother her so many times in the middle of the night that she could do it too. She needed to "speak" with him but she also wanted to control her voice. That was why she texted him:

"need your help"

House was sleeping. He didn't hear his phone. Cuddy waited about ten minutes and sent him a new message: "anybody's here?" Once again House didn't answer. She didn't know what to do. He was probably sleeping. She should call him; the phone ringing would wake him up. But then she knew she wouldn't be able to control herself. And she absolutely didn't want that House knew she needed him desperately. SHE had to find a way to let Robert know their relationship was doomed to fail. And she didn't want that House came here. At least not now. It would be a disaster. What can I do? Tears rolled on her cheeks but she didn't care. My life is a mess. A nice guy who just wants to make me happy loves me but I'm in love with the bad boy. She cried silently for several minutes. Then she went to the bathroom and looked at her reflection in the mirror. Is it worth to keep on living like this? Is it worth to keep on being miserable and alone? She opened the medicine chest to take a sleeping pill. House had his vicodine, she just had sleeping pills… She was about to swallow some pills when her phone rang. After a second of hesitation she ran to her room and picked up.

"House?!" she almost yelled.

"Cuddy, are you okay?" House replied a bit puzzled and worried. When he saw that Cuddy sent him two messages, he knew something was wrong with her and he was afraid. He was too far from her to be by her sides in a few minutes but he could call her. No matter what time it was.

"Yes. Yes, I'm fine."

"You're sure 'cause you're breathless"

"I… I was in the bathroom and I ran to pick up. Nothing wrong."

"You're lying. I can hear in your voice that you were crying."

"No, no. I'm fine"

"Really? So why did you send me two messages? Do you know what time it is?"

"Do you remember how many times you woke me up in the middle of the night?"

"But I had good reasons!"

"Most of the time you could have waited the day after."

"Not when my patient's life was in danger." After a few seconds he added: "Do you have a problem with a patient?"

"No! Why do you think I could…"

"Hey I just tried to figure out why you woke me up at two o clock."

"I'm sorry. Maybe you're right. It can wait. Good night House."

"Hey, no! Don't hang up! I'm awake now, so tell me what's wrong. Why were you crying?"

"…"

"Cuddy? Did your surgeon dump you? 'cause if this is the case he's the most stupid man in the world."

Cuddy smiled sadly. "Thank you House."

"Why do you thank me? I do nothing. So why were you crying? Seriously."

"We didn't break up, don't worry about that. It's just that I'm very tired and I guess I felt a bit nostalgic and sad. And I needed someone to talk to… I shouldn't have called you."

"Why were you sad?"

"Sorry House I"

"Cuddy! Why were you sad? Because of me?"

"Why do you think everything is always about you?"

"I… I don't know" House replied surprised.

"I'm sorry, I shouldn't be angry at you."

"You have reasons to be."

"House… why is it so hard?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why is life so complicated? Why am I unable to have a "normal life"?" she whispered and was on the verge of tears.

"Cuddy, tell me what happened with your stupid boyfriend"

"It's not David, House. It's me." To hear Cuddy called her boyfriend with his first name was a blow for House. She never called him Greg…

"I don't know what to say."

"You were right."

"I'm always right. But… about what?"

"I don't love him, House. I try, I really try but… can you tell me why? Why am I not in love with him? He's nice, smart, and funny, he has a good job and cares about me, and yet…"

"Cuddy, I'm not the right person to advise you." House replied bitter.

"I know. But I needed someone to talk to."

"I'll always be there if you need me, Cuddy."

"Thank you, House."

"You're welcome. Good night Cuddy."

"Good night, House." After a moment she asked smiling: "What are you wearing?"

House smiled and answered: "Hey! That's my question!"

"Thank you, House. Talking to you made me feel better. Good night."

"Good night."

Cuddy hung up. She felt a bit better. Now she could sleep. Tomorrow was another day.

House was smiling. He was right. Cuddy needed him. He still had a place in her life. It wasn't over. All he had to do now was giving House his memory back - which wouldn't be too complicated after this first day at home - and eventually he'd have to give Cuddy a little help to get rid of this surgeon. And he already knew how.

Oooooooooooo

Cuddy had a lot to do today. Tomorrow the Annual Charity Gala of the Jay Foundation took place at the hospital and she had to make sure everything was ready. This year they decided to organize a masked ball whose theme was Venice. She didn't really like this idea but their most generous patron was fond of it and the hospital needed money so... She was trying to concentrate on the list of the guests when Robert opened the door of her office. He seemed tired. She hadn't seen him this morning. She had indeed done everything to avoid him. She knew she was weak but she didn't know how to dump him without being too hard. She didn't want him to feel hurt and to suffer because of her. Of course he would but she hoped not too much. It was never nice to be dumped but… maybe if she did it today or tomorrow it wouldn't be too hard. After all they just spent one night together. And a dinner at Julia's place, but did it mean something? Of course, Cuddy, it meant a lot for him! You introduced him to your family, this necessarily was important to him.

"Hi David" was all she could say and looked down. She didn't dare to look at him. She was ashamed of her behavior.

"Hey sweetie! What did you do all day? I didn't see you. I missed you so much." He said and came close to her. After a second of hesitation he took her face in his hands and gave her a tender kiss. And once again Cuddy was weak. Robert seemed so in love with her! How could she break his heart? Besides they were at work. And yet she had to. "I missed you my love. All I can think about is you. Believe me, but working today was very hard." And he kissed her one more time. Maybe I could wait a little. I have to dump him but not here. I have to find the right moment but not at work. I don't want any scene. Last time was enough.

"Busy day. With the gala tomorrow evening I hadn't even time to eat something."

"Oh no, I almost forgot it!"

"What?"

"The Gala. I'm sorry, honey, but I'm on duty tonight and tomorrow night. I can't go with you. Unless you can do something for your boyfriend" he whispered her and nibbled her ear lobe.

"David! Someone could see us." She said and pushed him softly away. She was actually relieved that Robert was on duty. She didn't know how she could have dealt with him during the gala. It was out of the question that they'd go there together. Their relationship should be kept under cover. He looked at her like a little boy who made a mistake. Cuddy rolled her eyes and added: "And no favor for my boyfriend." She stared at him. "You should go now, people gonna talk."

"Do you want a coffee?"

"I still have much work to do and I can't stay late tonight."

"But you look exhausted, you have to eat something or you're gonna faint. Come and don't say no. The doctor is speaking." He said in a theatrical tone. Cuddy couldn't help smiling. "We're going to the cafeteria. I promise you it won't take too long."

"Okay" she sighed and followed him.