Chapter 35
As House went home, Cuddy was in the kitchen cooking the dinner and the children were playing around her.
"Is there someone here?" he shouted.
"House!" Rachel exclaimed and ran to him, followed by Ethan.
"How are you doing, little pirates? Did you find some treasure today or sink a ship?"
The children laughed. "No!"
"Great. Where is your mother? Why doesn't she come to welcome me?"
"In the kitchen. She's cooking."
"Oho, should I order some Chinese food?" House whispered to Rachel and went to Cuddy.
"No way. I'm cooking since half an hour and you're gonna eat what I cooked."
"If I have no other choice…" House replied with a grimace which made the children laugh.
They sat down and Cuddy served them. Then she helped Ethan to eat.
"Hum, that's very good. What is it?"
"Moussaka."
"Oh, the violet things are eggplants…"
"Eat and shut up, House." Cuddy said and gave him a dark look.
oooo
Once the children in bed, House asked Cuddy: "What about Jay and your symposium?"
"I'm gonna make the round trip on Thursday. The conference is early in the afternoon and it should work with the flights."
"Good. And… how did Jay react?"
"He wasn't happy as you can imagine. But he had nothing to oppose, so…"
House looked at her and nodded. "Well, maybe we can go to your room to celebrate your win over Jay." House said with a smile and his eyes were shining with desire.
"You mean to our room…" she replied with a naughty smile.
Ooooooooo
The day after, when Cuddy opened her mailbox, she had a message from the organizers of the symposium. As she read it, her face became more and more pale. Cuddy couldn't believe it. She read three times the e-mail and suddenly she understood. And it scared her. "We're sorry but we have to change the schedule of some conferences: we have to move back the conferences on Hospital and economy. It will take place at 4.00 pm instead of 2.00pm. We're sorry for this small disagreement and we hope you will enjoy our symposium. And don't forget the disco evening on Thursday!" Was it possible that this guy had so much influence? No, it should be a coincidence. But she had to be sure of it. She called the organizer but no one answered. What should I do? It was out of the question that she called Jay back. She would call Miami later to get more information. Meanwhile she had some papers to sign.
About one hour later, someone knocked at her door. Cuddy sighed. She told Jerry that she didn't want to be disturbed. Why did he let someone knock at her door? Where was he? At the cafeteria? If it was the case, she would have to talk to him seriously. With anger and exasperation in her voice, she said: "Com'in!"
"Wow, Lisa, I should give you some advice to welcome your guest. If someone would make a donation to the hospital, this generous person could take offense of your cold welcome. You should be more … warm."
"Mr. Jay, excuse me, but I have no time to waste." She replied coldly.
"Lisa, why are you so upset?" Jay said as he came in with a bright smile and sat in front of her.
"Maybe because I've got lot of work and I don't want to be disturbed."
"I'm sorry. But I have something for you." He said smiling and held a piece of paper to her.
Cuddy looked at him: "What is it?"
"Some ideas for our presentation at the symposium. I'd like to talk about it with you. I think we should work together so to stack all the odds in our favor. What do you think of it?"
Cuddy skimmed the text. "Well, that sounds good. I'm sure you'll achieve great success. You did your homework quite good. So now, can you leave me alone, I have to work." She replied half amused, half annoyed. She found funny to see a man like Jay looking for her agreement as a little boy would do with his mother, she was irritated too because she wished Jay would be anywhere else but here with her.
"Dr. Cuddy, you didn't pay attention to what I've just told you." Jay replied quite coldly. He didn't like when people made fun of him and obviously Cuddy seemed to have a good laugh at his expense.
As for Cuddy, she knew that when Jay called her Dr. Cuddy, it meant that he was annoyed. That was why she considered appropriate to add: "Mr. Jay, I perfectly listened to what you said and I agree to work on the presentation with you, but would it bother you if we do this tomorrow?" Then she smiled at him, a wonderful smile that unsettled Jay.
"Okay, if you think that tomorrow isn't too late. When should I come?"
"Let's say at 10.00am. Is it okay for you?" Cuddy asked in a syrupy-sweet voice.
Jay stared at her and nodded. He didn't know how he should react. Should he get angry at Cuddy because she didn't care about him and about the conference, because she made fun of him, or should he pretend to take it easy even if inside him, he seethed with anger? His pride was affected but he would never admit it in front of a woman. He stood up and said flippantly: "Oh by the way, have you seen that the conference was moved back later in the afternoon?"
Cuddy frowned a little. "Yes"
"Should I book a room for you? So you can concentrate on your work." Jay added with a grin.
Cuddy was caught in her own trap. "It would be so nice of you." She replied with a fake smile.
"And I hope I can invite you to dance at the party. I know that you like partying and dancing. I promise you that we're gonna have fun. See ya tomorrow, Lisa. Don't forget your "disco dress"" And he left before Cuddy could add anything.
She was staring into space when House came in.
"Did I hallucinate or was it Jay?"
"No, it was. And with bad news." House looked at her with a questioning look. "The conference is put back two hours."
"Oh I see. You won't be able to make the round trip."
"No. Of course not. I will have to spend a night in Miami. And on top of that there will be a party on Thursday evening for the participant and Jay counts on me attending to it."
"He wants to dance with you once again. He wants to get back at me."
Cuddy looked at House, surprised. "What do you mean?"
"Well, Jay is a jerk but he's not stupid. He knows that I was your secret dancer. He just wants to show that he's as good as I, but he isn't. Too bad for him. His ego will take a hit."
"House! How can you joke around?!"
"Cuddy" House said and held her tight, "I'm gonna find a solution. I promise." And he kissed her forehead.
Cuddy sighed, looked at him and said: "Thank you."
"You're welcome. I don't want you to worry because of this moron."
"And what about your case?"
"I was right as usual. Whooping cough. With the right treatment she will be great soon."
"Great. And what about your team? Do you find some fellows?"
"Well, I have two interviews this afternoon. But right now, I'm hungry. Can you invite me for lunch? I have no money."
Cuddy rolled her eyes and smiled: "Some things never change."
Oooooooo
Wednesday. Cuddy and House were in the car going to work. She was nervous. House looked at her. He found a solution for Miami but he didn't want to tell her. She will have the joy to discover his brilliant and Machiavellian plan.
"Don't worry, everything's gonna be okay. I have still five days to hire my team."
"What about the two doctors you saw yesterday?"
"The girl was really sexy but doesn't know how to use her brain and the guy said yes to everything I said."
"Oh. Do you have other interviews today?"
"Yes. And I should get my armchair."
"Everything's fine then."
"I just need a case."
"Maybe you should go to the clinic or the ER and find one."
"Or I can play or watch TV in the break-room."
"Do you want to have lunch with me?" Cuddy asked House as they entered the hall of the hospital."
"You invite me?" House replied intrigued.
"I'll pay the lunch."
"Okay. See ya later". House kept watching her until she went into her office and wondered why Cuddy wanted to have lunch with him. Usually she ate a salad in her office. What did she scheme?
oooooooo
At 10.00 am Jay knocked at Cuddy's office. He had a bunch of roses in the hand.
"This is for you, some flowers to brighten up your office."
"Thank you."
"I hope you like red roses. I like them. Their color reminds me of passion, love…"
"Well, I guess we have to work." She cut him off rather coldly. "The sooner we end it, the better it will be."
"I agree with you on some point: time is money, but…" Jay replied softly, giving Cuddy an intense gaze.
"But?" she asked and raised her eyebrow.
"But sometimes a man should appreciate to be with a lady friend." Jay whispered.
"Mr. Jay, I don't have time to waste, so please, let's work about this conference." Cuddy replied firmly.
"Yes, of course. Why don't we sit here on the couch, it would be more comfortable and more convenient, don't you think so?"
"Yes, why not?" she sighed.
Cuddy sat down and Jay sat next to her. A little too close for Cuddy but she couldn't move because of the arm of the couch. Jay smiled at her. He was delighted to be so close to her.
"I really like your perfume. What's its name?"
"Chanel number 5, Dr. House gave it to me."
"He's got very good taste…" Jay whispered looking at Cuddy straight in the eyes.
Cuddy felt embarrassed, blushed and asked looking away: "Did you think about the way we're gonna make our presentation? Should we talk together or maybe just you…"
Jay looked at her amused. "I think it will be better if we both present our project: I can talk about the economic aspect and you talk about the medical one which also includes the management of the hospital. Do you agree?"
"Yes, I think it's good."
"I've already prepared a little speech and I'd like to read it to you."
"I listen to you."
When Jay ended his speech, Cuddy must admit that he was brilliant. This man was a gifted speaker with lot of charisma. She was under his spell.
"So what do you think of it? Did I convince you to trust me and to give me the prize of one million dollars?"
"It was a brilliant presentation and you're a very good speaker. I'm not sure I can equal your performance, Mr. Jay."
"I knew it! You're under my spell, Lisa!"
"Mr. Jay, I"
"Please, do me a favor and call me Charles."
"Charles, your speech was very good and I never doubted about your skills as businessman, I'm just impressed by your skills as speaker. And indeed, I think we have very good chances to win the prize of one million dollars."
"Thank you for these great words about me and my talent as speaker, but I can assure you that I have lots of others great skills…" Jay replied with shining eyes. He had to make a lot of effort to resist his desire to kiss Cuddy. But he knew it would be a big mistake. They were at the hospital and anyone could come in suddenly. He had to be patient and to wait for Thursday evening.
"I have no doubts about it…" Cuddy whispered. Then she added: "I've prepared a few words too for the presentation, can you tell me if it suits you?"
"I'm all ears."
Jay tried to concentrate on Cuddy's speech but it wasn't easy. His mind focused on something else, on Cuddy herself, on her perfume, on her lips, on her breasts which were highlighted by the low-cut neckline of her top. And Jay used his imagination. He imagined his hand on Cuddy's sweet skin, how it stroked her, he imagined the taste of her skin under his lips and her touch on his body.
"So what do you think of it? Is it clear, not too technical?"
After a few seconds, Jay stammered: "It… it was good. Don't change anything."
Cuddy looked at him intrigued. "Mr. Jay, are you sure you're okay?"
"Yes. I just feel … hot."
"Do you want me to call a nurse?"
"No! It's okay. I'm sure we're gonna win the prize."
"Well, I think you should go now, I have some work to do."
"I'd like to invite you for lunch?"
"I'm sorry but Dr. House already did. I'll see you tomorrow in Miami." Cuddy said and stood up.
Jay stood up too: "This Dr. House is really lucky. I could end to feel jealous about him…"
"Good bye, Mr. Jay"
"My assistant has booked a room for you. You just need to give your name at the hotel."
"Thank you."
"See ya tomorrow, Lisa."
ooooooooo
Thursday. House drove Cuddy to the airport. She was worried.
"Are you sure you can take care of the children alone?"
"Cuddy, you will be away just for one night! I've already babysitted Rachel."
"Yes and she swallowed a nickel…"
House looked at Cuddy. "It was Wilson's fault, not mine!"
"But I asked YOU to take care of her, not Wilson."
"But HE let her alone with the bag with the Chinese food and the money."
Cuddy stared at House. He added: "And HE went away through the window to avoid you and your anger. He let me alone with you."
"But if I remembered well, you liked it."
"True." After a while, House said: "I promise I will take care of Rachel and Ethan like a good father."
"No Chinese food?"
"No Chinese food"
"No coin lying around?"
"No coin lying around."
Cuddy looked at House. "If there is the slightest problem…"
"Everything's gonna be alright. Don't worry and enjoy your journey to Miami."
"Thank you". Cuddy kissed him and got out of the car.
"Call me when you're at the hotel." House said and got out of the car too. Then he went to Cuddy and held her in his arms.
"Okay, I'll do it. Take care, House." She replied and kissed him.
"I'm gonna miss you, sunshine"
"I'm gonna miss you too."
"Really? Jay will be with you, you will have other things to deal with than to think of me."
"Don't be stupid! This guy is a moron"
"You said that about me too and see, we're together."
Cuddy smiled. She kissed House and whispered in his ear: "You're the only moron I can deal with and don't ask me why."
"Have a nice trip"