They spent most of the day in town trying to get ready for the week. She hadn't

been gone an hour, but somehow news of House and Cameron's engagement spread like

a terminal cancer. This was more than likely the reason why a simple matter of shopping

at the market took nearly three hours.

It was only when Cameron shook hands with Russ Taylor and his wife Pauline

that Cameron noticed the woman glaring at her from behind the magazine rack. It

was blatantly apparent that she didn't like Cameron. She pulled House away from

the couple and attempted to point out the strange woman, but as quickly as

Cameron saw her, she was gone.

"Must have been a stalker. I have one in every county. Two if you drive down to Vermont, but who wants to hear about my trip down Hottie Highway?"

She shrugged it off and headed for the checkout.

"My goodness you are a pretty thing. We all wondered when Greg was going to find the right girl. Oh where are my manners. My name is Vivian Carson but you can call me Viv. I live next door to Greg."

"Oh! You have all those beautiful carnations!"

At this, Vivian blushed. Cameron liked the woman immediately. She was in her 60's,

bright tinted red hair that reminded her of Lucille Ball, and glasses. She was a little taller

than Cameron and looked to be in good shape. But her voice and mannerisms said "proud

granny."

"Well thank you. Most people around town favor roses. But I've always loved

carnations. They've got great character and last longer. But then again I guess the same

could be said of you, sweetie."

"Thank you! I'm glad to see there are nice people in this town."

"Well it's because we're all we got. Like a great big family but when we fight we

can go to our own home. Listen if you need anything my husband Bruce owns the lumber

yard but mostly takes care of itself these day. Got some good fellas working down there.

Anyway he does odd jobs here and there to keep busy so if you need stuff done, here's

his number."

"Aunt Viv, I told you stop trying to sell Uncle Bruce's body to the tourists. Sheriff Hudson doesn't need a prostitution ring here in Margaretville. And you and the widow Travers would probably kill each other over Dan Brady."

Vivian flushed brighter than Cameron's strawberries and let out a giggle that echoed throughout the store."

"Greg, now you know that Dan's twenty years younger than me and Martha only talks about him when we play backgammon anymore."

"Really? And how's your wrist these days? After that horrible carnation cutting incident."

She giggled again but it was only affection that shone back at House. "All right,

you go on now and take care of this lovely fiancée of yours. And Allison if you'd like

some company, I am off by 3pm every afternoon. Feel free to come visit."

Vivian leaned in and kissed House on the cheek. Cameron was certain there was a

tender look of bashfulness. They walked out of the Market with a carriage of groceries.

Hanging outside was a bell that resembled a school bell which House rang. Not a minute

later a man of about thirty came from the back of the store.

"I knew it had to be you, Mr.House."

"Oh?"

"Yeah no one uses the bell anymore. Not since Liz Delvechio got that cell phone contract up here. People just call me."

"Well then I'll just be the only one that rings your bell. How's that Charlie?"

"Sure thing buddy. I heard you were getting married. Saw your Aunt Virginia this morning. This must be Dr. Cameron."

"Yeah this is Dr. Cameron. Look, I got a few more things to do in town. Can you take care of the groceries?"

"Sure thing. What about Lusha? You know ol' Brutus and Angus love to see her."

"You can dogsit too. We'll be back later. I'll come get her when we finish."

"Got it. See you buddy. Ms. Cameron."

And just like that he disappeared.

"Come on we need to get us some dinner for tonight." He said climbing on the scooter.

"We just came out of the store."

"As I said. Hop on."

They drove for a few minutes and stopped at a small white shack. A big man in white overalls and a Yankees cap greeted them warmly.

"Hey Pete! Looks like you're still licking the bottom of the chicken bucket."

"Damn doctors from Jersey think they know it all. I'm still smoking two packs a day. If it's good enough for George Burns, it's good enough for me."

"Good thing I need worms today or I'd be kicking your ass for lying to me."

"I ain't lying."

"You ain't tellin the truth either. Ruby called me last weekend and told me that the nicotine patch I prescribed was making you vomit when you get a cigarette on your lips.."

"Oh so it was you. Man if I didn't like your Uncle Cappy so much, I'd chop you up and use your body for fish bait."

"The fish wouldn't eat him; too bitter and rubbery." Cameron said with a smirk.

"I'm likin this young lady. Who may I have the honor of meeting."

"Allison Cameron. You can call me either."

"Peter Graham. You can call me Pete."

"Or Big Mouth Bass." House chimed in.

"I'm gonna punch you in your big mouth, wise ass."

Pete looked pretty serious for a moment and she though House had met his match. But in the next breath the guy was hugging House and ruffling his hair.

"You got my poles still?"

"Of course. When's your dad comin down again?"

"When Margaretville gets a Wienerschnitzel. You know him, one wiener to another."

"Cut the guy some slack, Greg."

"I think he likes sauerkraut on his, cutting slack's expensive. Now gimme a bucket of Wally's Wigglers and two of my poles and were going to catch us a shark."

"Can I tell you something without you being sarcastic?"

"I'm never sarcastic. I just don't add lubricant to my answers."

"I've never been fishing before."

"A big city girl that's never been fishing? Shocking! Ok I'll teach you."

They sat down on the dock overlooking the lake. She was fairly certain she could

reel in a fish but she was all girl when it came to baiting the hook. But House did

it for her without a single comment and let her cast the line.

"So, Dr. Cameron, you and I need to have a little talk."

And as he said this, his phone began to ring. In a single motion he opened his

Razr read the display, and snapped the phone in half. With a look of anger and

resentment he dropped the pieces to the bottom of the lake.

The question came so suddenly from his mouth that Cameron nearly dropped her pole.

"How many times have you slept with Wilson?"

Dr. Gregory House wasn't smiling. Dr. Allison Cameron suddenly wondered if House

had any family swimming with the fishes. How could she answer him? What did he know

already? What was the mysterious text message?