That first afternoon and evening and into the night served to define many ground rules that would govern their trip.
Rule #1: Kelly would pay for absolutely everything.
"No way. You're missing work for this. And seriously, House, my dad would have a cow if he heard I let you pay for anything. If he had sent one of his assistants to travel with me he would have covered all their expenses. I -"
"So I'm the hired help."
"Shut up."
"Yes, ma'am."
"And make me some tea."
House gave her the finger, and she laughed.
Rule #2: The sky's the limit.
"I read your journal before I knew your family was loaded. Why were you staying at hostels on your way here?"
"Easier to meet people. Wider range of experiences."
"So why are we at this swanky resort?"
"Because I've met enough people. And there's lots of things to experience in places like this if you have someone to experience them with."
That evening they visited the spa and Kelly got a facial while House enjoyed a full body massage.
"Can we do this every day?" he asked when they met up again.
"Why not?"
Rule #3: Even two beers is too much.
See rule #4.
Rule #4: Manners are a must.
"I don't care if you're a jerk to me because I know you don't mean it. But I'd appreciate it if you could refrain from making the staff and other guests feel uncomfortable."
"He started it."
"He asked you an honest question."
"And I gave him an honest answer."
"Okay. But next time how about filtering your honesty to include polite words and leave out words related to the male anatomy."
A pause. "What about the female anatomy?"
"Greg!"
"So 'Can I please touch your -' "
"One more word and you're sleeping on the floor."
"If you were really so polite you would have offered me a room of my own..."
Rule #5: Sleeping arrangements are subject to change.
"Can we watch something else?"
"But I love this movie!"
"You would..."
"What's that supposed to mean?"
"Nothing. Seriously, though, can we change it?"
"Fine. Whiner. How about this?"
"Well, Greg, I was kind of hoping for something with a little LESS offensive content."
"Maybe you're offended too easily."
"Maybe you're a disgusting pig."
"Maybe... yeah, you're right. But I'm a disgusting pig with the remote."
And so Kelly, sighing, grabbed a book from her suitcase and went out to the patio to read.
When it came time to get ready for bed, House generously offered for her to use the bathroom first. He regretted it nearly a half hour later when she'd yet to return and his full bladder was protesting. "What's taking so long?" he called desperately.
Finally she opened the door. "I had to shave my legs," she said casually. "And do my eyebrows. And paint my toe nails."
"Well I have to pee, so get out of my way."
"But I still have to -"
He scooted around her and literally pushed her out the door, muttering "Women!" under his breath.
When he let her back in, they brushed their teeth side by side. "Maybe we should consider getting two rooms from now on."
House spit out a mouthful of toothpaste. "Ya think?"
Rule #6: Sleeping arrangements are subject to change, but not likely to.
"It's a big bed, you know."
"I know."
"There's no risk of me becoming hypothermic during the night."
"I know."
"I'm not going to have sex with you."
"THAT I definitely know."
But instead of protesting further she lifted her head so he could slide an arm under her pillow. Neither did she say a word when his hand slipped under her shirt to find her bare skin, instead placing her own hand on top of his to hold it there.
"I'm sorry my taste in movies is questionable. And that I was... less than kind to the guy in the elevator."
"I forgive you. And I'm sorry I hogged the bathroom and made you feel like less of a man by throwing my father's money around."
"That's alright. I kinda like you anyway."
She smiled and leaned back against him. "I know."