That evening, Colleen left for home shortly after dinner, which was another great meal, including salmon grilled out on the patio, along with couscous and grilled zucchini and tomatoes, followed by a luscious chocolate mousse and fresh strawberries for dessert. She warmly hugged both House and Blythe before going, saying that she'd enjoyed the visit and wished it could have been longer, but she needed to get back to Nick and the kids tonight. She also said she hoped to see both of them again soon, and Blythe promised to keep in touch.
After Colleen left, House told his mother what he and Andy had discussed that afternoon. Blythe was relieved that he wasn't angry at her for her admission, as she'd been somewhat nervous about it all day and wasn't sure if Andy would mention it to Greg or what his reaction would be. He reassured her that he didn't blame her for telling Andy, and that he didn't really think it had been a shock to Andy, since he seemed to have deduced the truth on his own before even raising the subject with her. Then the three of them sat in the living room and watched some of Andy's home movies on the TV in the evening. Andy said that Colleen had them transferred to a DVD as a birthday present for him the year before, and it gave him the chance to reciprocate Blythe's afternoon narration with some of his own memories of Colleen as a child and stories about Ellie and the Connolly side of the family, which was large and full of colorful characters.
Later that night, after a long soak in the tub, House was comfortably settled in one of the upstairs bedrooms, giving Blythe and Andy some time to themselves, and trying unsuccessfully to avoid wondering exactly what they were doing with it. He attempted to erase that thought from his mind and to relax in solitude after his long day. This rather large room had once been Colleen's bedroom, Andy said, but was now a guest bedroom, with a queen-sized bed and its own flat-screen TV – a welcoming private sanctuary. He checked his phone and saw a text from Wilson, simply saying "Call me." He returned Wilson's call around ten o'clock, and Wilson answered quickly.
"Hey, House," he said. "How's it going?"
"Okay," House replied.
"That doesn't sound very enthusiastic."
"It was a rough day."
"Why?"
"I messed up. Didn't stop often enough on the drive, and I paid for it."
"Bad pain day?"
"Yeah. It's better now, but it took most of the day to really improve, and I was so pissed at myself for letting it happen."
"Well, it might've happened even if you had stopped more."
"That's a depressing thought, but I know it's true."
"So, did it affect your visit much? How did Andy and Colleen react?"
"They were great, mostly because my mom must've warned them about how surly I can get if people make a big deal out of it. They took it in stride, and didn't ask a lot of questions."
"Good for her. How are she and Andy getting along?"
"Really well. It's like a mutual admiration society, even after she told him."
"What do you mean?"
"She told him, Wilson."
"Told him? What - you mean, about your dad?"
"Yeah."
"Why'd she do that? Didn't she know you didn't want him to know?"
"I think he'd already figured it out anyway, but he asked her about why we didn't get along, and even though she tried to deflect with the usual vague answer, he could tell she was upset and he led her right to the truth. He was a trial attorney, after all. He's very perceptive, and can also be quite persuasive when he wants to be."
"So that's where it comes from - like father, like son. I'm a little shocked that he wasn't angry at her when he found out, though."
"Well, like I said, I don't think it came as a big surprise to him, and he wants to think the best of her. I think he's still crazy about her, actually."
"So it's more than a platonic friendship?"
"Maybe. She was coy about it, but I think it's kind of inevitable that something will happen between them eventually, if it hasn't already started."
"Wow. How do you feel about that?"
"I'm okay with whatever happens. They both deserve some happiness."
"How did she get along with Colleen?"
"At first it seemed as if Colleen was a little distant with her, but they took a long walk alone together in the afternoon, and seemed to get along better after that. Maybe my mom reassured her about being sincere in her affection for Andy. Colleen's very protective of him."
"So, all in all, it sounds like a successful trip."
"Yeah – for her at least."
"But you're not enjoying yourself?"
"Under the circumstances, I am, actually. I just would've had a better time if my leg hadn't been such a bitch most of the day."
"Maybe you should forget about attempting long drives on your own from now on. You should fly the next time you wanna go to Boston. Then you'll only have to drive to Philly or Newark."
"You're probably right, but I hate the fact that you're right. I hate the fact that as each year passes there are more things I can't do, or at least things I know I should avoid or have to think twice about trying. It's so limiting, and so damn frustrating."
"I don't know what to tell you, House. It is what it is."
"Yeah. Maybe Andy can visit me next time instead. He's doing really well."
"Rehab's been effective?"
"Oh, definitely. He's still using a cane most of the time, but he doesn't even really need it."
"You almost sound jealous."
"I'm happy for him, but I guess maybe I am a little jealous. I mean, the guy's seventy-six, Wilson, and he's in better shape than I am. I feel decrepit compared to him."
"That's just because you had a bad day today."
"His attitude's great too."
"Maybe that's 'cause both of you were there, and he'd been looking forward to seeing you."
"Yeah. He's got a new son, a new knee, and now potentially a new woman in his life, all in the last six months. Not bad for an old guy."
"You think you'll be okay to drive home tomorrow? Maybe you should stay an extra night and let it really settle down."
"Nah – I can handle it."
"Remember to stop this time."
"Oh, don't worry – there's no way I'm forgetting that again."
"Okay. Take it easy, House. I'll talk to you tomorrow."
"'Night, Wilson."