Occam's Razor - House M.D.

Part 22- New Flame

"Wow, I'm really nervous," Wilson exhaled, "It's probably not that big of a deal."

Immediately, Madelyn felt her skin crawling with anxiety--did Wilson know about her kiss with House last night? Surely, he couldn't since it was long after the workday, but it wasn't uncommon for Wilson to occasionally stay late.

Madelyn felt herself tensing up and she took a seat on the couch beside Wilson who sat nervously--not making her feel better. He was certainly a flighty person at times, but Wilson could usually keep a cool demeanor. Right now, however, was not one of those times. 

"What's going on, James? Is something wrong?" Madelyn asked sympathetically. 

Wilson shook his head.Madelyn fidgeted with the fringe on her ruched, green dress,

"Okay, well can I have a hint?" she joked. Wilson cleared his throat.

"What the hell was he so nervous about" Madelyn thought.

"Have you heard of the doctor's soiree?" Wilson blurted out, sounding off his game. Madelyn couldn't help but giggle.

"No, I don't think so. Sounds fancy though."

"It is... well, sort of. It's a charity event that the hospital hosts in winter. It's theatrical, so a lot of performing.. singing, dancing, and other stuff. Would you like to perform?"

"In front of all my colleagues and higher-ups?" Madelyn questioned, her voice indicating hesitance if not refusal. Wilson raised his eyebrows at her.

"It's a professional event, so making a fool of oneself is highly discouraged, don't worry." Wilson teased. "Honestly, I thought about how you'd told me how much you've missed being part of the music instead of just observing it. Are you interested?"

"You remember?" Madelyn asked quietly.

"Of course," Wilson smiled, "If I'm not mistaken, music and theatre was how we first bonded."

Madelyn blushed, and couldn't believe Wilson remembered those things about her; she assumed they were just little details to everyone else.

Just then, Wilson and Madelyn heard a light knocking or tapping against his door; not the kind of knock of someone awaiting entrance, but the kind of an eavesdropper.

Wilson swung the door open to reveal House leaning against the door with a glass.

"Seriously?" Wilson chuckled, unsurprised by his friend.

"Well, I was coming by for a little chat, but noticed one of my little elves' voice." House answered, looking to Madelyn who looked nervous to be in both men's presence. Wilson stood in the same position trying to find his words,

"Sure..." Wilson mumbled, unconvinced by House.

Wilson let House in and took a seat at his desk leaving Madelyn on the couch alone.

"So, can I put you down as a 'yes'?" Wilson turned the conversation back to the original topic. Madelyn tinkered with her long eyelashes, and sort of brushed them upwards while she thought on his question.

"Put her down for what?" House asked, genuinely interested. He was still nervous Wilson knew something he shouldn't.

"The doctor's soiree. I'm overseeing it this year, and I asked Madelyn if she'd like to perform."

Both men had their gaze on her, waiting for an answer.

"I'd love to, James. I appreciate you considering me." Madelyn responded. She was happy to help him out, after all, he was the one who suggested Princeton-Plainsboro to her.