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Chapter 25

"Ah, Dr. Cuddy, here you are. Please, come in. I'd like to introduce you to Dr. Ho…Hose." Barrow said as Cuddy came in his office. Cuddy stopped. In front of her stood House. Her heart beat faster and she had trouble to breath. Could it be… Why was he here? Why did Barrow call him Hose? Was it another trick of House to get the job without awaking suspicion? Or did Barrow try to find her to be at fault? Did he set a trap for her because she didn't tell him that House was still alive? Would it be possible that Barrow thought that Cuddy and House plotted to get House work here? She didn't dare to look at Barrow but she felt his eyes on her and she blushed a little. House noticed it and a little smile came on his lips. He liked when she blushed. Cuddy understood now why House didn't answer her calls. He didn't want to keep her posted. But why? Because he was afraid of her reaction? It was obvious that House applied to work here because of her, because she was the only person he could trust, because he needed her in his life. She remembered perfectly Wilson's words as he came to her place and tried to make her go backwards after she dumped House. He needs you, even if you're not sleeping with him, he needs you. They looked at each other, holding back their wish to hug each other. Then House said:

"Hi, Dr. Cuddy. I'm glad to meet the Dean of Medicine. I've heard lots of things about you."

Cuddy stared at him, unable to say anything. She was happy and relieved to see House there and at the same time she was worried. How could she explain Barrow that she didn't know that House would apply for the job? Could he believe her or would he fire her? Because they didn't want House there, did they? Not after all he'd done, not after his story with her and the scandal related to the tragic end of their relationship.

"Dr. Cuddy, are you feeling okay?" Barrow asked her as she remained still, like petrified. He observed her trying to guess if she knew that House was the man he mentioned earlier. But she really seemed to be surprised. Which would fit with her wishes to interview other people for the job. Admitting that she wanted to work with House. On the other hand, if she didn't want to work with him, it implied then that she knew he was alive and was here in Chicago and needed more time to hire someone else. But then why did she write a memo made for House? No, Barrow was certain she wanted House to get the job but didn't know he applied for it. Barrow didn't really know what to think about Cuddy. He knew she was a good Dean of Medicine, he also knew that she was a great business woman. What he didn't know until she came in and saw House, was her feeling for House. But now that he saw them in the same room, it was obvious that these two were in love. No doubts about their feelings for each other, no doubts about their love. One only needed to see them to be convinced that they truly loved each other. Poor David, he has no chance with House back.

"Yes, I'm… just tired." She whispered back. She couldn't stand Barrow's gaze. Cuddy was sure he knew for House. Since when? And who told him?

"Are you sure? You looked as if you had seen a ghost!" Barrow added ironically. He had fun to see Cuddy embarrassed and wanted to know if she was going to lose it. On the contrary, House seemed relaxed and calm. A good point for him.

"Well, please, Dr. Hose, have a seat. I read your resume and it's impressive. Dr. Cuddy made a memo about the required qualities and skills for the job of head of the Diagnostic Department and I have to admit that it fits your skills perfectly."

"Glad to hear it" House replied and looked at Cuddy. Surprise and anger shined in her eyes. He liked when she was upset. And he appreciated that she wrote a memo which fitted him and only him.

"You know, I found it very … surprising." Barrow added and stared at Cuddy then turned his gaze to House. "Nothing is coincidence, Dr. Hose. I'm sure you agree with me." Barrow waited for House or Cuddy to react but they didn't say a word. House looked at Cuddy, then at Barrow. This man knows who I am but he's waiting for me or for Cuddy to admit that we lied to him. Interesting.

"Mr. Barrow, I thought I was here for a job but if you want to talk philosophy ..." House said finally, staring at Barrow.

"Yes, you're right. We have indeed some questions that we would like you to answer. So…" Barrow replied and the interview began. Cuddy did as if she didn't know House but she was sure that Barrow knew that the man sitting in front of him was House. So why did he do as if he didn't know it? Why did he play such a game? To humiliate her? But why? She never did something against him. Or… did he do that for Robert, his friend? Did he want to play with her just like she played with Robert? Cuddy was careful and managed to remain quite calm. She only asked a few questions and tried to never catch Barrow's eye. She focused on House. He looked good in spite of last night. And she liked the glint in his eyes. She knew it wasn't over between them. The only question was: how? How would they get back together? And when?

Whatever, House's answers were good and Barrow liked this guy despite all he said against him when the hospital hired Cuddy. But it was many months ago and they needed him. He was sure that with him, the image of the hospital would be soon at its best. This guy knew his job, he knew how to run a medical department, how to run a team. Barrow had also the intuition that he was still ready to break rules if necessary, just to obtain what he wanted. This kind of guy could of course be dangerous but also be a great asset. And Barrow was certain that Dr. Cuddy would know how to deal with him. She indeed impressed him at the Charity Gala. Jay wasn't a man who liked to be defeated, especially when it came to women. And yet, she never looked afraid or confused and she perfectly dealt with Jay. Barrow didn't know this side of Cuddy but he appreciated her even more after what happened last night. This woman had guts and Barrow liked it. With her managing House, Barrow was sure that the bad days were behind. Patients, reputation and money would soon be back.

"Well, Dr. Hose, of course, I'll have to talk with the board management of the hospital, but I can already tell you that I'm pretty sure that you're gonna get the job. So unless Dr. Cuddy wants to add something, I guess we'll end the interview. Thanks for coming." Barrow said and got up looking at House straight in the eyes.

"It's okay for me. If you don't mind, I have to go now." Cuddy replied, gave House a quick look and left the two men. They watched her. Once she was out of sight, House turned to Barrow:

"Mr. Barrow, I have to tell you something." He said quite solemnly. Barrow looked at him with a glint of victory in the eye.

"Hum, let me guess. Did you go in jail? Did you kill someone? Did you… disappear for a few months?" Barrow asked casually.

"Yes, no and … yes." House replied with a funny face.

"Oh" was all what Barrow replied.

"I'm afraid there was a typing error on my resume" House said, staring at Barrow. But this one didn't say anything. "I'm afraid you didn't read my name correctly." House went on. Barrow stared at him with a smile.

"You're Dr. House, aren't you?"

"Yes"

They looked at each other and House added: "You knew it from the beginning, didn't you?"

"Yes."

"So why didn't you say it!?"

"Because I wanted to know when you would say it to me. And… I had fun to see you and Dr. Cuddy playing the role of two people who don't know each other. Funny, no, when we know your story?"

"Interesting."

"What?"

"The way you behaved. You like playing and you like winning, you're a connoisseur of human psychology and you work people out quite well. But you can be pitiless if necessary. Your interest over everything else. I'm sure you're a great business man, Mr. Barrow."

"Thank you, Dr. House. I'm sure we're gonna work well together. There's just one thing that we have to talk about."

"Dr. Cuddy?"

Barrow nodded: "Yes. I don't want another scandal. You can sleep with her if you want, but here at the hospital she's your boss and you are her employee. Am I clear? No personal relationship at work. No hug, no kiss, no flirt"

"So Dr. Robert can flirt but not me. That's so unfair!" House whined as if he was a little boy.

Barrow looked surprised at House. "I like to know what's going on in my workplace" House replied with a funny face.

"Dr. House, I may need you, but Dr. Cuddy… isn't irreplaceable, if you see what I mean."

"Mr. Barrow, can we talk seriously?"

Barrow stared at House.

"I made some investigation about your hospital and I know you need me to improve its… let's say its image. The accounts are not really good and your wife like having a great lifestyle, which means that you really need money, which also means that you need something to make more profits." Barrow listened to House. House was right and he knew it. This man was a brilliant doctor, no doubts about it. But he was also crafty. His name was a good point for him and for the hospital. "You need me, you need my skills and my reputation. Am I wrong?"

"No, you're right. That's just what I said. The hospital needs someone like you. But your name is also synonym with troubles..."

"It's up to you to run the risk of hiring me… but without Cuddy, I won't accept the job. She's the only one who can deal with me. If you want me, you have to keep Cuddy." As Barrow didn't answer, House added: "Or I'm gonna offer my services to the Mercy Chicago." Barrow's brain ran at full speed. He couldn't allow the hospital to lose House. As for Cuddy, Barrow could maybe use her as a pressure tactic. Because if House wanted that job, it was because of Cuddy. And Barrow was aware of it.

"Okay. Let's try. But I warn you: if there's the slightest problem, I'll fire you. Both of you."

House nodded.

"Then I'll see you on Monday. Have a nice weekend, Dr. House" Barrow said and left.

Oooooooo

Once Cuddy left House and Barrow, she decided to go to Robert. She had to tell him the truth. And she wanted to tell him personally that House was alive and that he would work at the hospital. It was the least she could do. She was now in front of Robert's flat. She breathed deeply and knocked at the door.

Robert opened. He was shirtless. "Lisa? What… what a surprise! Please, come in."

Cuddy went inside.

"Do you miss me?" Robert tried to joke but he felt that there was something wrong.

Cuddy turned slowly to him. "David, I… I'm sorry, I'm so sorry… but it's over." She whispered.

Robert stared at her, unable to move or to speak.

"David, I never wanted to hurt you. You're a nice guy, but …"

"No, no, please, no. Lisa, tell me it's not true, tell me you… you… NO!"

"David, I'm sorry. I… I love House and I can't help it"

"NO! He's"

"David, listen to me. House is alive, he's here in Chicago and Barrow hired him. I wanted to tell it to you, I didn't want that you learn of it by someone else. I'm sorry, David."

"Lisa, please. I love you, I "

"Good bye, David" Cuddy said and left him.