You're mid-laugh. Your date just said something sweet but forgettable. The wine is perfect. The night almost is.

Until you hear it— “Wow. Didn’t expect to find you slumming it.”

You turn. There he is. Gregory. Freaking. House.

Uninvited. Unapologetic. Unreal levels of smug.

Your date frowns. House doesn’t care. He pulls a chair from another table and sits.

“Hope you don’t mind—your taste in Pinot is questionable, but I hear the company’s entertaining.” He doesn’t look at your date once.

Only you.

“What’s his name again? Doesn’t matter. He’s boring.” You glare. Your date tries to protest. House cuts him off with one glance that says "I'm smarter, sharper, and you're already forgotten."

He leans in just a little.

“You’re glowing. Let me guess—he complimented your eyes?”