Foreman
Chase and I were sitting on the couch in Remy's drawing-room. In front of us, a soccer match was going on. Chelsea vs Manchester City. Chase was very much enthusiastic about the game. Every time the goalkeeper was saving the shots, he was shouting like a little girl. I had no interest in soccer.
There are some parts of life when you have to acknowledge the truth. One example would be that I hated Robert Chase. In my entire life, I hadn't seen a single person who could be such a devoted boot-licker of his superior. When we were working together before, he not only survived on the leftover House threw at him, but also he was too cranky to question that. The most charming thing about him probably was his British-Aussie accent. I used to hang out with him because of Cameron.
She was nice, kind, and intelligent. While talking to Cameron, I discovered that she was the woman I always wanted. My greatest wonder was how could Cameron's physical urges compel her to end up with a colleague who had zero self-esteem. No doubt I had been rude and insensitive to her, but now I understand that it was my suppressed desire which forced me to act like a moron in front of her. Compared to Chase, she was very understanding yet a believer in her ideology.
Remy was nothing like either Cameron or Chase. She was desperate inside but quiet on the outside. Her eyes confided me that she was not gullible when her actions told me that she was just playing with her precious life. The striking thing about Remy was her curiosity about patients rather than their diseases. Probably that's why House hired her. The key to the utmost mystery about her was beyond my reach. Are all bi-sexuals mysterious or the ones who only have a deadly disease dangling in the future? Well, I didn't give a damn about that. We were seeing each other, working together, had a great sex life. Every time I had sex with her, I felt demolished with satisfaction.
"Foreman, you guys have anything in the fridge?"
Chase's words broke my chain of thoughts. I was lost in my head. I asked him, "You want something to eat?"
"Yeah."
"I think she had some sandwiches there."
Chase was standing behind the sofa. Now he came and sat beside me. His eyes were fixed on my face. After a few moments of silence, he said, "Are you upset?"
I could not hide my annoyance, "What? No."
"Oh, come on man."
He patted my shoulder. I didn't usually get angry, but this behaviour of Chase was making me heated up inside. It was none of his fucking business. I shook my head.
"Mate, cheer up. You don't have House around now."
All the rage that was piling up inside me now exploded after hearing the name of that bastard.
"What the HELL, Chase? For fuck's sake why don't you just fucking leave me alone? Do some favour to me and shut up that goddamn mouth."
The effect of my yelling at him was conspicuous. His face was looking pale now, his mouth was open. Definitely, he was spooked.
I was so excited right now that I didn't notice I was shaking. I took a couple of deep breaths and encircled my face with my palms. I was all sweaty.
Chase's voice sounded off when he mumbled, "I guess it was all about work. Right? I mean Cuddy didn't let you take House's position. Isn't it?"
The moment I stopped shouting, I realised that I was overreacting. Chase was probably right.
"I don't know, man," I said. I let out a sigh.
"Hey, Foreman. We all go through shit. You would be okay before you realise."
Chase's words were consoling but to me, they sounded like shallow gibberish. What did he know about my family and my life? Should I tell him the truth?
After a few moments, I looked at his face. He was waiting for me to say something.
I started," Chase, I have to tell you something. I know it would be harsh, but I want you to know the truth."
His silence encouraged me as I said, "The thing is I don't like you as um... a colleague, and as a person too. I find you as a man who has no personal opinion. You agree with anything your boss says. Your every word now seems glib to me."
I took a pause, and started again, "I have no idea how you bagged Cameron. She is intelligent, pretty, and honest. She just doesn't fit with you." I swear the last words were my slip of the tongue; Freud can justify.
Chase's face was red when I finished. I could see the reflection of rage that was building in me minutes ago.
"Foreman, I don't give a fuck about what you think about me, but don't bring my wife in middle. Don't you dare to bring Cameron. You understand?"
I had nothing to say.
Chase said, "I get it why you hate me. Yeah, I agreed with House on every step. What could I do? Be a rebel and lose my job? I had no intention of being a fucking doctor in the first place. My dad forced me. I agreed with that moron because we were supposed to work under him. And that's what you do when you work under the best diagnostician in the country."
For my part, I was listening to him. It was not my duty to deduce whether he was right or wrong.
He sighed, "I love Cameron. And I believe she also feels the same way. I get your point. She might not be as interesting and attractive as Thirteen, but to me she is everything."
I startled when he mentioned Thirteen. I asked, "Why did you mention Thirteen? She has nothing to do with any of it."
He looked puzzled. After managing himself, he said slowly, "I don't know, I just, I mean, you know... Thirteen is good looking and charming. You are dating her..."
The fine streak of insecurity illuminated my mind. Did Chase want Remy? Wasn't he content with Cameron? I couldn't ignore observing that my heart started pounding suddenly.
"Chase. Chase, hold on a sec. Are you attracted to Thirteen? "
I bet he was perplexed by my precise approach.
The reply came in an unapologetic voice, "Who isn't? She is one in million, mate." I couldn't help feeling proud. I couldn't hide my smirk either anymore. I put my hand on his back, "I get it."
Chase was right. She was smoking hot. I forgot about the heated conversation between us. We had some casual talk about work, House, and Wilson's new billionaire patient.