Later that day, Madelyn sat in one of the local cafes with a cappuccino and biscotti. The day had been long and the drama ludicrous, so she was in need of some down time. Even after a tough work day, Madelyn had trouble fully putting her mind at rest, so she pulled out her laptop from a pocket in her tote bag. She decided there was no harm in looking at other jobs around the area, but she knew that walking away from Princeton-Plainsboro wouldn't be easy–– she had already gotten attached. 

She was able to locate a couple jobs that were similar, but there wasn't really any point in considering them; if today had taught her anything, it was that she couldn't run away from her issues, therefore, it was clear that leaving Princeton-Plainsboro wouldn't benefit her. A moment later, with her hands masking her face, she felt her phone buzz on the table. Reaching for it absent-mindedly, she answered:

"Hello?" 

"Hi", said House quietly on the other end. Madelyn's body tensed and she exhaled deeply. 

"Dr. House? What do you need?" 

"Uh, nothing. I just-" House stuttered, "I wanted to say that I'm sorry for what happened earlier... for what I did or-or for what I didn't that made you so upset. I could've handled it better." 

Madelyn couldn't believe he was apologizing, especially because she didn't get the impression that he apologized often. 

"I wasn't lying about it or trying to use it to my advantage. I told you something I don't tell anyone." Madelyn responded calmly. There was a moment of silence as House realized that she must've heard his and Wilson's private conversation about her outside his office. 

"I know..." House sighed, "thanks for trusting me even though it didn't help you." 

"No, it did in a strange way." Madelyn confessed. "I did-I mean, I do trust you. It was my decision and even though it backfired, I don't regret it." 

"Oh yeah? 

"I really respect you, and I think in your own twisted way, you were testing me. Beyond whether or not I was lying, but what in my life has molded me. You like to figure out people." Madelyn said. 

"Not a chance. I don't care for people." House scoffed exaggeratedly. 

"You're a doctor." Madelyn chuckled. 

House was silent. He was being truthful about not caring for people, but he cared about Madelyn–– she was elusive like him. 

"I'm a doctor because medicine is fascinating, the patients aren't." House replied bluntly. Madelyn thought on his words and understood. 

"Thank you for calling and apologizing. It wasn't necessary, but I appreciate it." 

"Well, everybody lies, but not everybody admits it. Don't get cocky, though." House remarked his humor sharp as ever. 

Madelyn smiled to herself, "I'll see you tomorrow." 

"Or maybe sooner." 

"Is that a question or..." Madelyn asked confused. 

"See for yourself." House responded, his tone light. 

Madelyn looked around and twisted her body towards the door and saw House standing in a motorcycle jacket, looking as handsome as ever. She found herself blushing, and asked him to join her. 

For the next hour, the two of them got to know each other as blooming friends.