Lisa Cuddy looks at her drink.

- আপনি don't look so joyful tonight Dr. Cuddy – Another doctor tells her.

They are on the open bar of tonight's gala. Cuddy has a three দিন medical convention in Chicago.

- I got the news that a…friend of mine died yesterday – she says

- Sorry to hear that – the man nods and walks away.

Cuddy goes to her table, but she doesn't sit down. She is in a bad mood to hear the speech.

- Lisa? –

Cuddy hears her name but it takes her a while to react. She turns around to see who is talking to her

- Lucas? –

- Hi – he walks to her. He is clean shave now and wearing a suit. – You're here for the medical convention, right? –

- Yes, I am – she smiles timidly – and what are আপনি doing here? –

- I work for the hotel. I'm head of security; I'm making sure everything is going smoothly tonight –

- আপনি live in Chicago now –

- Yeah…so what's wrong? –

- What's wrong? –

- Yes, আপনি have the "something is wrong" face –

- Uhm…no. Nothing…well – She hesitates – House died yesterday and tomorrow is his funeral –

- Oh…sorry to hear that –

- Really? –

- I'm not the kind of person the gets happy when some one dies –

- Of course you're not –

- So what happened that আপনি guys broke up and you're not longer dean of medicine? –

Cuddy frowns – How did আপনি know that? –

- If House was still your boyfriend, you'd be প্রথমপাতা crying. And your tag says the name of another hospital –

Cuddy sees the little peace of paper, indicating her place on the table. –Observation and logic –

- Want to talk about it? –

- I'm sure আপনি don't want to hear it –

- আপনি need to talk to someone and I'm the only one here who knows the context –
______________________________________
For the পরবর্তি 15 মিনিট Cuddy tells Lucas what happened to her relationship to House.

- Shit – Lucas exclaims – Sorry, I mean…what a mess –

- Rub it in –

- C'mon, I didn't mean it like that – Lucas clarifies – So why aren't আপনি going to the funeral? Get some closure –

- A long time I go, I come to terms with the fact that I will never get closure with House. Not face to face, I সরানো on – Cuddy says – Besides, he's dead! What's the point? –

- আপনি can talk about him with other people, heard good jokes. Funerals are the best place to hear good jokes –

- I don't want to see Wilson অথবা Stacy and say "Oh House, what a great doctor he was. Remember that time…?" –

- Remember that time he crash his car against my প্রথমপাতা – Lucas completes the phrase.

- People told me: "It's just stuff, thank God আপনি are okay" But when I saw the things I bought for my home, that I worked hard for, the hole in my house, the place I picked because I thought it was beautiful– Cuddy smiles – And it got destroyed, and as House walked away it hit me. He didn't give a damn about me –

- That's harsh –

- Yeah, so what's the point? Why would I go to his funeral? I loved him, but now…–

- Okay that's enough – Lucas stands up – Let's go, let's get out of here –

- And go where? –

- I'm not sure yet, but আপনি need to cheer up, maybe some comfort food. Have আপনি ever tried Chicago deep dish pizza? You're going to প্রণয় it! –

Lucas offers his hand

- Okay what the hell – Cuddy takes his hand and gets up.
________________________________________
- How are আপনি supposed to eat this thing? – Cuddy looks at the massive পিজা in front of her.

- আপনি just dig in –

- Alright, আপনি win. This is delicious – Cuddy tells him. He just nods

- So how is Rachel? –

Cuddy studies his eyes, she knows he's genuinely interested in knowing – She has a personality, she doesn't talk much, she's a quiet girl, but she's smart and she likes school –

- I'm happy to hear – He takes a sip of his বিয়ার – Mom and sister? –

- Good, all good – Cuddy responds – So let me ask you. Why did আপনি quit being a P.I.? –

- I'm too old for that crap. Too many late nights, hanging around with the wrong people in the wrong places…also now I get a steady paycheck –

- And what does a head of security does? –

- People misbehave at hotels. Robberies, altercations between guests, some people get arrested and call the hotel for help, a politician beats up a prostitute and she's hiding in the bathroom…solve things like that –

- I never understood that about you. You're a nice guy but your work seems so…I don't know…wrong –

- I don't kill people –

- No but…I don't get it আপনি solve problems for the wrong kind of people –

- They are the right kind if they have the right amount of money – Lucas jokes but Cuddy doesn't think is funny.

- Okay, fine listen. For me it's not about morally right অথবা morally wrong, it's about dignity, that your life has value. Sure I let a bad politician get away, but that prostitute didn't have to deal with the police, the press and she went প্রথমপাতা with enough money to not work for a মাস and believe me, most prostitutes don't like what they do, even if they say so –

- So আপনি do what আপনি have to do, and make the most of it –

- Yes, I mean…how many times as Dean of Medicine did আপনি have to turn sick people away because they didn't have insurance? –

- Yeah but it bothered me. Nothing seems to bother you. You're a nice guy and at the same time…amoral. A unique combination –

- That sounds like a compliment, I'll take it –
_________________________________________
- This is delicious but I can't eat one আরো bite –

- Do আপনি want a drink? – Lucas asks her

- Do আপনি want me to get drunk? –

- It'll be fun. You're away from home, no one knows আপনি here. আপনি can go swim naked in the fountains –

- Well, there is a heat wave – she smiles.

- See? আপনি already have your excuse for the police –

They order their drinks.

- So Lucas…what else is new in your life? Do আপনি have a girlfriend? – Cuddy inquires

- No I don't have a girlfriend – Lucas উত্তর – Do you? –

- A girlfriend? Now that would be a big change. – Cuddy smiles. – No, I don't have a relationship. I spent a বছর just দ্বারা myself, I needed time alone, then I dated a couple of guys –

- At the same time? –

- Noooo. A lawyer first, and then an architect. My sister must have big black book with every single man available in the state. She keeps trying to introduce me to Mr. Right – Cuddy laughs – But I know that's impossible, doesn't exists –

- Why? আপনি don't think you'll ever fall in প্রণয় again? –

- If I wasn't drinking, I wouldn't be telling আপনি anything of this – Cuddy takes another sip – I suck at relationships, আপনি know it. What can I do? –

- Did আপনি broke up with them অথবা did they break up with you? –

- How is that relevant? –

- Oh, আপনি broke with them – Lucas grins – I have to ask….Has anyone ever broke up with you? –

- Uhm…No, I always have ended the relationships –

- আপনি need someone to break up with আপনি –

- Just because I ended the relationships it doesn't mean it didn't hurt –

- Not, it's not the same – Lucas raises his hand to call the waiter – Hi, would আপনি broke up with her? –

- What? – The waiter looks at them confused

- Just say: "It's not you, it's me" She needs to hear it at least one time in her life –

- No – The waiter says – Why would I break up with her? I think she's hot –

- Aw yeah! – Cuddy shouts – আপনি got yourself a big tip –

The waiter nods and walks away.

- See, আপনি can get a new relationship, আপনি can change –

- People don't change –

- Oh c'mon – Lucas laughs – Are আপনি serious quoting House? –

- Despite everything, House was a good observer of human interactions and life in general –

- I'm baffled that আপনি believe in the view of life of a man who was in rehab, a mental institution, prison and actually end up accidently killing himself – Lucas smirks – It's like taking life উপদেশ from Amy Winehouse because she was a great songwriter –

Cuddy smiles – Fine, আপনি got a point, but I still think people don't change –

- Listen, people change for 3 reasons: they suffer enough, the got tired of the same things, and/or they learn the lesson –

- Learning the lesson is the hardest way to change – Cuddy says – So why did আপনি change? – The doctor asks the ex-detective – New city, new clothes, new attitude –

- I got the job offer and I moved here. The clothes comes with the job too, but I don't feel like I have a different attitude –

- আপনি seem আরো mature. So of those 3 reasons, why did আপনি change? –

Lucas stares at her, but Cuddy doesn't feel uncomfortable.

- Want to go see a band? – Lucas perks up – its a Hawaiian exhibitionist band that plays funkier versions of old Motown songs –

- What do আপনি mean দ্বারা exhibitionist? –
____________________________________________
They enter the bar; the band is playing "Dancing in the streets".

- Oh they started with Martha and the Vandellas – Lucas tells Cuddy.

- They sound great and they are half naked –

- I told they were exhibitionist. Come on – He takes her hand – We are getting VIP treatment baby –

They walk through the crowd to a টেবিল পরবর্তি to the stage.

- Best part it's the carpet. আপনি can take off your high heels and dance all night long –

- Excellent plan – Cuddy says – But first, cheers –

- Cheers –

They drink up a shot of bourbon. The পরবর্তি song is on.

- Okay let's dance –

Ooo and I'm ready for love, I'm truly ready for love

Your wonderful sweet sweet love, right now I'm ready for love

I've tried to shield my হৃদয় from love's tender touch

'Cause to lose in প্রণয় would hurt so much

But as I softly walk in my solitude

I খুঁজুন my হৃদয় and found there's a need for you

And for the 1st time I feel alone

'Cause I need a প্রণয় to call my own

And only you, আপনি have a love, a প্রণয় I need, oh to comfort me
_____________________________________
The সঙ্গীতানুষ্ঠান ends an ঘন্টা and a half later. Lucas and Cuddy go to talk with the band.

- Magnum! – The singer greets him – How are you? How's the wahine? How's the 'ohana? –

- Fine thanks – Lucas উত্তর – This is my friend Lisa –

- Hi! Did আপনি enjoy the show? –

- Yeah, আপনি guys are fantastic –

- Aw yeah! We are! Want take a picture? Most women want to take a picture –

- I can see the appeal – Cuddy blushes a little – You're barely naked –

- I'll take the picture, just get in the middle Lisa – The doctor stand between the guys in the band. – Say cheese! –

Lucas shows her the photo. – আপনি should your mom this –

- Oh I am. She'll be proud –

- Let me see – The খাদ player asks – Oh we look so handsome, আপনি sure know how to take pictures প্রায় দেড়সেরি বোতল –

- Why are আপনি calling him "Magnum"? Is it…is it because of the tv show? – Cuddy asks them.

- Yeah "Magnum P.I." – The singer opens a beer.

- We met him back in Oahu, what…two years ago…something like that, anyway he was being a Private Eye without a license –

Cuddy frowns – Were আপনি on vacation? –

- No, I lived there for six months after we broke up –

- Oh – The singer says – So আপনি two…uh…sorry প্রায় দেড়সেরি বোতল – he pats Lucas on the back – We're keeping the party going, do আপনি want to come with us? –

- I don't know. Lisa? –

- I think it's late – Cuddy says.
_________________________________________
It's a hot night in Chicago. Cuddy and Lucas wait for cab.

- I could go for a walk – Cuddy tells Lucas – If আপনি don't mind –

- Sure –

They walk outside the limits of ইংল্যাণ্ডের লিংকনে তৈরি একধরনের ঝলমলে সবুজ রঙের কাপড় Park.

- So আপনি lived in Hawaii – Cuddy says.

- আপনি couldn't leave it alone –

- I'm sorry, but I think it's weird that আপনি hide it – The doctor tells him – আপনি made me believe that আপনি moved directly from Jersey –

- For someone who claims to have her heartbroken, আপনি sure are insensitive to others –

Cuddy stops walking – আপনি left because of me –

Lucas takes a big breath – Yeah, I just didn't want to admit it –

- So আপনি lied? –

- What can I say? I got better at lying –

- Lucas, what I was going to do? Make fun of you? –

- Not but I didn't want to admit it, okay? I didn't want to admit that I couldn't stand living in my apartment watching my পালঙ্ক where we first had sex. I couldn't stand drive near the রাস্তা where we bought our home. I couldn't sleep knowing আপনি were a few miles away already screwing House. I know it's stupid, and I didn't it want to admit –

- I understand, আপনি were angry at me for the break up –

- Oh Lisa, আপনি know that wasn't the problem –

Cuddy looks at him. Lucas is calm and waiting for her to say something.

- I was confused, Lucas – she finally says.

- No আপনি weren't – He takes a step closer to her

- So I'm a lying bitch? –

- Your words –

- Listen Lucas, I wasn't sure what I wanted and –

– Please, আপনি weren't some 15 বছর old girl who doesn't know her feelings. আপনি knew আপনি were in প্রণয় with House, আপনি always knew. And yet আপনি dated me, আপনি looked me at my eyes told me that আপনি loved, told me আপনি wanted to be my wife. How was that not deceiving me? –

Cuddy looks away. And Lucas feels ashamed of making this claims after so long.

- Lisa, I sort of knew too…maybe…Listen, I'm not angry, I got over it but it's 2 am we ere half drunk and –

- Did আপনি see it? – Cuddy says – Did আপনি see our future together? –

- Wha…yeah, I saw a future with আপনি –

- How was it? How did আপনি picture it? –

Lucas half smiles – Why do আপনি want to know? –

- I just do – Cuddy looks at him with sadness and Lucas gives in.

- We get married in June – He tells her – A small wedding, but আপনি still find a way to stress out about it. আপনি wear a white dress প্রদর্শিত হচ্ছে your shoulders and our first dance it's with "Keep it comin' love" because আপনি want a happy party song –

Cuddy laughs.

- We have two honeymoons, the first it's just আপনি and me in Los Cabos for a week. Then we go to New York with Rachel, our first family trip – Lucas continues – আপনি go back to work and আপনি feel guilty, and Wilson makes আপনি feel even guiltier. One দিন House just quits, and আপনি feel bad about it until আপনি find out আপনি are pregnant –

- Really? –

- Oh yeah! I knock আপনি up – Lucas nods – A few hiccups during the pregnancy and we have a baby boy, we name him Ernest after your grand father. আপনি don't like the idea of coming back to work. I don't longer like being away from প্রথমপাতা so I quit my P.I. job. I do some security jobs as a consultant but I'm mainly a stay প্রথমপাতা dad, আপনি envy me a little. – Lucas closes his eyes for a moment, he can picture it – We have our routine, আপনি like morning sex, breakfast, আপনি take Rachel to school and I pick her up, I cook dinner, আপনি come প্রথমপাতা tired from work. আপনি don't get much time with the kids –

Lucas opens his eyes – But আপনি make up for it on Sundays mornings. আপনি let the kids get in our bed, watch কার্টুন and eat pancakes. That's all I have, I only imagined our first 3 years of marriage. See? I wasn't really committed –

- I couldn't see it – Cuddy tells him – I couldn't see a future with আপনি –

- আপনি didn't প্রণয় me –

- I don't think I ever imagine a future with anyone – Cuddy sighs.

- Then আপনি have a problem, sorry nothing I can do – Lucas jokes and makes Cuddy smile.

- I didn't want to go the funeral because death makes আপনি think about your own life. What you've done, how are আপনি going to be remember –

- Rachel will remember আপনি as a great mom. You're great doctor –

- And that's it? –

- আপনি still have time to cure cancer অথবা liberate a small country –

Cuddy smiles again - How do আপনি want to be remember? –

- Good husband, good father. I'm a simple man – Lucas shrugs – Come on. What the hell are we doing talking in the রাস্তা at 2 am? Let's go back to the hotel –
_____________________________________
Back at the hotel lobby Lucas pushes the elevator button.

- Fun night, thank আপনি – Cuddy says

- No problem –

The elevator doors open. Cuddy takes Lucas hand – Want to go to my room? –

Lucas hesitates – I should go প্রথমপাতা –

- Alright – Cuddy gets in the elevator, but she doesn't let go of Lucas' hand, she doesn't pull him, she's not holding him tight. He steps in with her.

- Did আপনি see it? – The night shift receptionist tells the doorman. – The head of security with that guest –

- Maybe he's only walking her back to her room –

- Yeah, right.– The receptionist shakes his head – What a dog –
_____________________________________
The phone wakes Cuddy up.

- Ow – She rolls over to answer it – Yeah? –

- This is the front desk; আপনি requested a wake up call at 7 am –

- Thank আপনি – Cuddy hangs up.

- Really 7 am? – Lucas says.

- I wanted to hit the gym – Cuddy cuddles up with Lucas again. – Uhmm…you're still here –

- Are আপনি disappointed? –

- No, it's the when we were dating, আপনি weren't there every morning –

- Yeah, women don't like that –

- I'm not reproaching it –

- I know – Lucas gives Cuddy a চুম্বন – I need to take a ঝরনা and go to work –

- আপনি work here –

He gets up – Yep I keep a clean suit in my office. আপনি go back to sleep -
______________________________________
Cuddy wakes up again later in the morning. She stretches out in বিছানা and yawns.

- Sure, two hours…bye – Lucas is in the bathroom talking on the phone. He hangs up and walks out – Hey, I didn't want to wake আপনি up –

- It's okay. আপনি already take your ঝরনা –

- Yes – He sits on the বিছানা পরবর্তি to her – So –

- So –

- I liked this –

- Me too –

They both smile. – Goodbye Lisa – Lucas gets up – Oh and I ordered আপনি breakfast, on the house –

- Thank আপনি –
________________________________________
- It was a fantastic talk – A doctor says – Don't আপনি think Dr. Cuddy? –

- Yes, Dr. Woodrow is a great speaker –

They are coming out of conference.

- পরবর্তি conference is at 3 pm. It gives us a couple of housr to eat out – A blonde doctor comments.

- Uhm – Cuddy sees the front ডেস্ক – Let me first check with a friend –

- Sure –

- Hi – Cuddy talks with the receptionist

- Hello, what can I do for you? – The young lady asks

- I was wondering if I could talk with Lucas Douglas, your head of security –

- Is there a problem? Is it something missing from your room? –

- No, no. It's a personal matter –

- Oh Mr. Douglas is out for lunch with his wife. He should be returning shortly –

- His wife? –

- Yes – The receptionist says – Oh I think that's him arriving –

Cuddy turns around she can Lucas and woman through the glass doors, just outside the hotel.

- So thanks for lunch – The woman says – I need it a break from work –

- You're closer to the deadline –

- Yep, but only one page left to go –

- I'm so sorry about last night –

- আপনি should've called me. I understand if আপনি have to stay here at work –

- Yeah …–Lucas holds her hands – God I really প্রণয় আপনি –

- I don't know why আপনি add the "really" but I প্রণয় আপনি too – She kisses him – See আপনি at প্রথমপাতা –

The detective enters the hotel. He looks up and encounters Cuddy. They stand there for a moment.

- Lisa – Lucas takes a step forward.

- Dr. Cuddy, are আপনি coming with us? – The other doctors ask her on their way out.

- Yeah sure – Cuddy smiles – Let's go –

Lucas watches leave with her colleagues.
_______________________________________
After a busy দিন at the medical convention Cuddy returns to her room. She's tired and just wants to get some sleep and leave early tomorrow morning.

She notices the lights are on. She walks slowly and sees Lucas sitting on her bed.

- Damn it Lucas, আপনি scared me – She tells him – And I'm pretty sure is illegal to break in a guest room –

- I'm sorry – He looks sad – I'm really sorry–

- Yeah sure – Cuddy crosses her arms – I feel like a fool, so congrats –

- What? – Lucas frowns – I didn't do it in purpose –

- আপনি told me how much I hurt you, and now we are even –

- It wasn't revenge; I wasn't going to jeopardize my marriage to get back at আপনি – Lucas gets up

- Then why did আপনি lie? –

- Because I'm an idiot, alright? I'm a stupid idiot – He rubs the back of his head – and I thought আপনি weren't going to talk to me if I'd told আপনি I'm married –

- I needed someone to talk; I didn't need to sleep with someone else's husband –

- I'm sorry, I didn't want to hurt আপনি –

- Why didn't আপনি say something? I would've stop –

- I…I felt…I thought I was getting the closure I never had with আপনি –

Cuddy sits down – You're an idiot –

- And I feel like a piece of shit too –

- Can আপনি tell me the truth now? –

- I lived in Hawaii for 6 months, I met Jess there, when she came back to Chicago I followed her –

- Do আপনি প্রণয় her? –

- I do, I'm in প্রণয় with her. I know it doesn't seem like it right now, but she lights up my world –

- And আপনি married her –

- A বড়দিন wedding –

- What does she do? –

- She is an illustrator for children's বই –

- Do আপনি have kids? –

- See if I say yes, I would be even আরো of an asshole for cheating on my wife –

- So that's a yes? –

- We have twin girls: Emma and Mindy –

- Twins! That's great, I bet they are a handful –

- Jess works from home, she takes care of them must of the time, but I প্রণয় my little girls, প্রণয় spending every মিনিট I can with them – Lucas can help to smile

- It's funny last night, I thought I was the reason আপনি changed, but আপনি changed because you're a husband and father –

- I learn my lesson – Lucas shrugs.

- And what is it? –

- আপনি can get over a broken হৃদয় – He answers.

- It sounds easy –

- But it isn't –

- আপনি know Lucas, there are days when I know I made the right choice, I was in প্রণয় with House, he was in প্রণয় with me too, I had to explore that relationship, I owned it to myself –

Lucas nods.

- But there are days, like yesterday, like today, when I regret so bad not choosing you. I could've had everything with you; I could've let myself truly fall for you, I could've... – she can finish the sentence.

Lucas gets closer and gently kisses her forehead – আপনি won't regret anything tomorrow, and I won't miss আপনি anymore –

- Goodbye Lucas –

- Goodbye Lisa –
_______________________________________
The পরবর্তি দিন Lisa arrives home. Jules, her sister, and Rachel are waiting for her.

- Mommy –

- Hello sweetie – Cuddy hugs her daughter – Oh I miss আপনি so much –

- How was the medical convention? – Jules asks

- It was alright – Cuddy sits down with Rachel still in her arms. – I ran into Lucas –

- Really? –

- Yeah, we talk for a few minutes. He got married, has kids now –

- Oh Lisa, in the same week one of your ex boyfriends dies and আপনি find out other ex got married? That's bad timing –

- I'm fine. I think I'm learning a lesson and I have time –

- Time to do what? –

- Everything I want –

The end.
__________________________________
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