Unwritten
By Candie

Chapters 11-15

Chapter 11

- The Next Day
Setting: Robin, Lainey & Kelly’s Apartment
(It’s early in the morning. Robin Scorpio walks out of her bedroom and stops shortly at the sight in front of her. Kelly and Lainey are sitting at their dining room table moaning inaudibly while resting their heads on their arms. Robin laughs as she sits down at the table with her two “hung-over” friends.)

Robin: Too much sangria?
(Kelly looks up at Robin and groans.)
Kelly: What the hell did you put in that drink?
Robin: It was just normal sangria. (smiles) Perhaps it wasn’t the quality of my drink, but the quantity consumed.
(Lainey raises her head slowly and raises a hand.)
Lainey: I have a theory! Do you want to hear it?
(Robin sighs as she leans back on her chair and smiles.)
Robin: I am all ears, Dr. Winters.
(Lainey points toward Robin as she squints her eyes.)
Lainey: You spiked our drinks.
(Robin’s mouth falls as she laughs.)
Robin: What?
(Kelly turns her head slowly and looks at Lainey.)
Kelly: You are onto something!
Lainey: Wasn’t Robin and Patrick supposed to have a heart-to-heart after everyone left last night?
(Robin covers her face as Kelly and Lainey continue their conversation.)
Kelly: She probably didn't want any interruptions while they had their passionate reunion.
Lainey (dryly): Especially since you are known to interrupt them.
(Kelly’s mouth falls.)
Kelly: That was one time! One time! And it was in the hospital linen closet! A public place, I remind you.
(Robin waves her hands.)
Robin: Well, I can knock down your theory with two words. (looks at them) Just friends.
Lainey: What?
(Robin starts to absently play with the tablecloth underneath her hands.)
Robin: Last night, Patrick told me he just wanted to be friends.
(Kelly’s mouth falls in shock.)
Kelly: Oh my goodness!
Lainey: No way!
Kelly: Friends like in pals?
Robin (nods): Yes.
Kelly: And I’m assuming he doesn’t mean “friends with benefits?”
(Robin glares back at Kelly as Lainey kicks her underneath the table.)
Kelly: Hey! I had to ask! (looks at Lainey) You know you were wondering that too!
(Lainey shakes her head then turns her attention back to Robin.)
Lainey: Forget her. (reaches toward Robin) Are you okay?
Robin: I’m fine. I can be just friends with Patrick.
(Kelly scoffs loudly.)
Kelly: Yeah right! Weren’t you two “just friends” before?
(Robin rolls her eyes at Kelly’s use of “air quotes.”)
Kelly: I mean, maybe I’m wrong… but no-strings sex usually occurs between people who claim to be “just friends.”
(Robin leans in toward Kelly.)
Robin: Would you stop with the “air quotes!”
(Kelly ignores Robin and turns fully toward Lainey.)
Kelly: Lainey, you’re the shrink. Tell me, did Robin freak Patrick out?
(Robin watches speechless as Lainey turns fully toward Kelly and ignores her as well.)
Lainey: Oh because he pulled out the “just friends” card?
Kelly: And he meant it!
(Lainey nods.)
Lainey: Yes, when a said-player decides to give up good sex in turn for pure friendship, I would say it’s because said-player is substantially freaked out.
Kelly (nodding): So, said-player is afraid to lose…
(Kelly turns toward Robin.)
Kelly: What should we call her?
(Robin takes a deep breath as she leans in toward her two roommates.)
Robin: I am Robin. Simply call me Robin. And please, simply call Patrick by his name.
(Kelly ignores Robin once again and looks back at Lainey.)
Kelly: It’s obvious Patrick was not giving Robin the blow-off because he came back to her with this idea on his own, correct?
Lainey: Correct.
Kelly: So, what do you think that means?
Lainey: I think it’s safe to say that while Patrick got attached to Robin physically, he got even more attached to her emotionally.
(Robin rolls her eyes as she stands up, taking the Port Charles Gazette with her.)
Kelly: And the “just friends” line?
Lainey: Purely a defense mechanism to hold onto her.
(Unbeknownst to them, Robin walks back into her bedroom as they continue their conversation.)
Kelly: Interesting. (pauses) So, how long do you give this?
Lainey (laughs): Oh please! How about lunch time?
Kelly: You know, I was going to call in today… but I think work just got all kinds of interesting.

- Hours Later
Setting: General Hospital Locker Room
(Robin Scorpio walks into the locker room with Lainey Winters and Kelly Lee behind her. Robin walks toward her locker and quickly starts to open it.)

Lainey: Did you see my schedule? I have three appointments back to back.
Kelly: I have two c-sections this morning – don’t complain.
(Robin places a copy of her schedule behind her on the small bench then turns back toward her locker.)
Lainey: How’s your schedule, Robin?
(Robin reaches for her scrubs.)
Robin (quickly): Fine.
(Kelly and Lainey curiously look at each other then close their own lockers.)
Kelly: Any interesting consults?
(Robin shrugs her shoulders.)
Robin: No. Same ol’, same ol’.
(Kelly smiles as she reaches toward Robin’s schedule and picks it up from the bench. She nods. It was just as she expected. Kelly shows Lainey each of Robin’s appointments: four requested consults with Dr. P. Drake back-to-back followed by an assisted surgery with him. It seems like he’s taking full advantage of their friendship. Kelly places Robin’s schedule back on the bench behind her.)
Kelly: So, Patrick must’ve gotten in early today to request all those consults.
(Robin reaches for a ponytail tie and ties up her hair.)
Robin (dryly): Guess he wasn’t hung-over or helping his two friends that were.
Kelly: Touché.
(Lainey glances toward Kelly.)
Lainey: I have an appointment to get to.
Kelly: And I have a kid to deliver.
(Kelly looks back at Robin again.)
Kelly: Have a good day, Dr. Scorpio.
Lainey: Good luck with your consults.
(Robin starts to change into her scrubs as Kelly and Lainey walk away from their lockers. The two women stop short when the door to the locker room opens revealing Patrick Drake. Kelly awkwardly clears her throat and is about to say something until Lainey tugs her arm and pulls her out of the locker room. Patrick sighs tiredly as he walks into the locker room and plops down onto the bench in front of his locker. He holds his head in his hands as he takes a deep breath. Not knowing he was there, Robin walks around her row of lockers wearing her scrub pants with a form fitting white camisole to get a drink of water. She stops short at the sight of Patrick and he looks up at the sound of her sneakers. There’s an awkward silence between them.)
Robin: Hey…
(Robin can feel Patrick’s eyes survey her entire body and she self-consciously crosses her arms over her chest.)
Patrick: You were late this morning.
(Robin sighs as she walks back over toward her locker and grabs the top of her scrubs. She throws it over her body then walks back toward Patrick.)
Robin: It took a little longer getting Kelly and Lainey out this morning.
Patrick (nods): Did you pick up your schedule?
(Robin simply nods.)
Robin: Yeah.
Patrick: And you’re okay with it?
(Robin awkwardly clears her throat.)
Robin: Yeah… yeah, of course!
Patrick: Just checking… since we haven’t worked together in a while.
Robin: No, no… it’s fine.
(Robin looks up when the door to the locker room opens revealing Noah.)
Noah: Well, it looks like I’m going to have to start checking in about three hours earlier. (Looks at Patrick) You snatched up the talents of Dr. Scorpio for the entire day.
(Robin looks down awkwardly as Patrick stands up and moves toward his locker.)
Patrick: You know what they say… you snooze, you lose.
(Noah nods as he turns his attention back to Robin.)
Noah: Nice to see you’re finally learning that, yourself.
(Robin looks back at Noah as does Patrick. It was obvious that Noah thought they got back together. Robin opens her mouth to respond, but Patrick interrupts her.)
Patrick: Robin is a true talent. I like her by my side.
Noah: I don’t blame you one bit, Sport.
(Noah pats Patrick on the shoulder then leaves the locker room. Once he’s gone, Robin looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Why did you do that?
Patrick: What?
Robin: Let your father think we were back together?
(Patrick starts to dig in his locker.)
Patrick: He thought that?
Robin: You know he did!
(Patrick simply shrugs his shoulders.)
Patrick: I can’t control what the old man thinks.
Robin: But, you can influence his thoughts. Why would you want him to think that we were dating?
Patrick: It’s not a big deal.
(Patrick closes his locker and looks back at Robin. Unbeknownst to them, Lainey opens the door to the locker room. She forgot her notes for one of her patients in her locker.)
Patrick: Unless you see my father as potential boyfriend material.
(Robin glares back at Patrick.)
Robin: That doesn’t matter! You’re reinforcing a lie!
(Patrick simply grabs a bottle of water from his locker and takes a gulp from it.)
Patrick: Then, tell him we’re not together.
(Robin throws up her hands.)
Robin: I don’t have time for this. I have about five consults that I have to prepare for.
Patrick: I left all the files in your office. (Shrugs his shoulders again) I really didn’t see the big deal.
Robin (annoyed): You wouldn’t!
(Patrick throws his water bottle back into his locker.)
Patrick: Are you free for lunch later?
(Robin stares back at Patrick.)
Robin: Lunch?
Patrick: You know – sustenance, food, nourishment…
Robin: I know what lunch is. I just thought…
(Patrick turns around and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Friends do eat lunch together, don’t they?
(Robin awkwardly looks down and nods.)
Robin: Of course they do.
Patrick: Then, let’s do lunch.
(Robin takes a deep breath then releases it.)
Robin: Fine, but if I don’t start my rounds… I’ll never have time for lunch.
(Robin leaves Patrick then stops when she sees Lainey looking back at her smiling with her arms crossed in front of her chest.)
Robin: Not a word.
Lainey (smiling): I didn’t say a thing.
Robin (whispers): Friends have lunch all the time.
Lainey (laughing): Of course.
(Robin shakes her head as she walks past Lainey and out of the locker room. Once she’s gone, Lainey walks over to her locker and takes out her phone. She quickly text messages Kelly: I think I may have won the bet – the friends are “doing” lunch. Within seconds, Kelly texts her back: Do you think they’ll be more “doing” or more “eating?” Lainey bursts out laughing as she closes her phone. Her head bursts up when suddenly she hears Patrick’s sneakers move toward her.)
Patrick: Something funny?
(Lainey closes her locker and turns back toward Patrick.)
Lainey: No, no… nothing. So, you and Robin are going to lunch?
(Patrick leans on the locker looking back at Lainey.)
Patrick: Everyone needs to eat.
(Lainey smirks.)
Lainey: So, can I tag along?
(Patrick’s head shoots up.)
Patrick: I… uh… I… uh…
(Lainey bursts out laughing.)
Lainey: I am so teasing you right now, Patrick! (Laughs) Have fun at your lunch with Robin!
(Lainey starts to walk past Patrick then stops.)
Lainey: Oh, and I would recommend skipping the Metro Court.
Patrick (curiously): Why?
Lainey: Do you really think you and Robin should eat in a restaurant only a few mere feet away from your room?
(Patrick watches silently as Lainey walks out of the locker room still laughing. He waits a few minutes then takes out his cell phone.)
Patrick: Hi, can I have the number for Smith’s Steakhouse?

Chapter 12

- Hours Later
Setting: Smith’s Steakhouse
(It’s later in the afternoon. Patrick Drake is sitting at one of the corner tables skimming through the menu of supposedly one of the best steakhouses in Port Charles. Robin’s last consult ran a little longer than expected and she suggested simply meeting him at the restaurant. Also, truth be told – Robin liked the idea of having her own car in case she had to make a quick getaway. She slowly walks up to the entrance of the restaurant and takes a deep breath. There was no reason for her to be nervous. This was a simple lunch between friends. Robin clears her throat then walks into the restaurant. Patrick notices her immediately and takes a deep breath. She looked absolutely beautiful, wearing a simple white tank top with blue jeans. He watches as she walks over to the host – a college-aged frat boy probably home for the summer. Patrick straightens up slightly in his chair as the frat boy turns toward Robin and leans in toward her while blatantly undressing her with his eyes. And of course, Robin was oblivious to his leers. She was so blind at times. Patrick watches Robin laugh at something he says then starts walking toward their table.)

Robin: I hope this place has good food.
(Patrick looks up as Robin sits down across from him.)
Robin: It took me an extra twenty minutes to drive here. (Looks at him) Why couldn’t we meet at the Metro Court?
(Patrick looks back down at the menu in his hands.)
Patrick: And miss the opportunity for frat boy, over there, to get his afternoon jollies?
(Robin looks up from her menu with widened eyes.)
Robin: What are you talking about? Are you referring to Todd?
(Patrick makes a face.)
Patrick: His name is Todd? Figures.
Robin: What does that mean?
Patrick: He looks like a Todd.
(Robin rolls her eyes as she looks back down at the menu.)
Robin: You still didn’t answer why you didn’t want to go to the Metro Court.
(Patrick shrugs his shoulders.)
Patrick: Change is good.
(Robin sighs as she flips a page of the menu.)
Robin: So, they say…
(Patrick takes a deep breath then looks up when a young waitress walks over to their table.)
Patrick: I don’t think we’re ready to order yet.
(The young waitress smiles then places a drink in front of Robin.)
Robin (surprised): Oh, I didn’t order anything!
Waitress: Actually, Todd sent this over compliments of the house.
(Before Robin can even respond, Patrick reaches for the drink.)
Patrick: Dr. Scorpio doesn’t drink during lunch.
(Robin reaches toward Patrick and taps away his hand.)
Robin: Please tell Todd, “thank you,” but my friend here is right… I don’t drink during lunch.
(The waitress smiles widely.)
Waitress: Todd thought you might say that.
(Robin looks back at the young waitress curiously as she reaches into her apron and takes out a napkin from the bar. Patrick watches as the waitress hands the napkin to Robin. She lowers her eyes to read the small napkin and a quick blush fills her face. Without any words, Patrick reaches for the note and reads it.)
Patrick: What the hell?!?! (Angrily) Is he for real?
(Robin snatches the napkin back from Patrick and glares at him.)
Robin: Ssh!
(Robin turns her attention back toward the waitress.)
Robin: Can you please tell Todd that while I am flattered… extremely flattered, I will have to turn down his very interesting proposition.
Waitress (smiling): Not a problem, Dr. Scorpio.
(Robin lowers her head blushing while the waitress disappears back toward the bar as Patrick continues to glare in her direction. He finally turns his head and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: You find that stuff flattering?
(Robin lowers her menu onto her lap.)
Robin: What stuff? Patrick, the guy was just asking me out. You are overreacting.
(Patrick looks down at his menu and rubs the back of his neck.)
Patrick: And you are under-reacting.
(Robin rolls her eyes as she looks back down at her menu again.)
Patrick: You never answered me.
(Robin looks up from her menu.)
Robin: What?
Patrick: Do you find that sort of stuff flattering?
(Robin slowly lowers her menu onto her lap and looks back at Patrick. She hesitates for a moment then takes a deep breath.)
Robin: Patrick, I am not the type of woman who gets notes sent to her from a stranger. (Looks away) And I’m not the type who takes them seriously. (Looks back at him) Todd was probably just bored at work. I was a hostess once… trust me, it’s not the most exciting of jobs.
(Patrick licks his lips nervously then reaches for his glass of water.)
Patrick: It wasn’t boredom. (Lowers his eyes) You look beautiful.
(Robin looks back at Patrick as he studies the menu in front of him.)
Robin: Why did you want to have lunch with me, Patrick?
(It was his turn. Patrick lowers his menu and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: I don’t know.
(Patrick releases a loud breath.)
Patrick: Maybe I wanted to prove to you that I could actually be your friend. (Looks down) Or maybe I just missed you and wanted to see how you were.
(Robin nods.)
Robin: Okay. I can accept those reasons.
(Robin tilts her head slightly and leans in toward Patrick.)
Robin: Because maybe I’m here for the same ones.
(Patrick smirks as he looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Maybe?
(Robin smiles as she looks down at her menu again.)
Robin: The grilled steak salad sounds amazing, don’t you think?

Setting: The General Hospital Locker Room
(It’s later in the day. Kelly Lee walks into the locker room and stops at the sight of Emily Quartermaine and Lainey Winters. The two women are sitting on the benches in an obviously deep conversation.)

Kelly: Is everything okay, girls?
(Emily looks down at her hands and sighs softly.)
Emily: I’m sure you’ll hear about it anyway. (Looks at her) Sonny broke up with me last night.
(Kelly walks toward Emily and supportively touches her shoulder.)
Kelly: Oh, I’m sorry, sweetie. (Smiles) Hey! Look at the upside… at least, you’ll finally get to drop the guards.
(Emily nods as she pushes back her hair.)
Emily: I’m fine. (Looks at Kelly) I want to change the subject! Where are Robin and Patrick?
(Kelly smiles widely as she plops down on the bench next to Emily.)
Kelly: The “friends” went to lunch.
Emily (curiously): Really?
Lainey: This friendship thing is not going to last long; I can guarantee it.
Emily: How long have they been gone?
(Lainey looks at her watch.)
Lainey: A little bit over an hour. (Laughs) You should’ve seen Patrick’s face when I invited myself to join them!
Kelly (excited): Oh! Where did they go?!?! We should crash! (Points toward Emily) That’ll cheer her up!
Lainey: I don’t even know where they went. The only thing I am certain of is that they didn’t go to the Metro Court.
Emily: Why not?
Lainey: Come on! Patrick and Robin on their first attempt at eating out “as only friends” like ten feet from him room?
Emily: I could see why that may be considered difficult.
(Emily looks off into the distance and sighs softly.)
Emily: Being so close to old memories, wanting things to go back to the way they once were, holding onto the good times hoping that they will outweigh the bad ones…
(Kelly looks at Lainey and rolls her eyes as she plays a mock violin behind Emily. Lainey widens her eyes signaling Kelly to stop then reaches for Emily’s hands.)
Lainey (tenderly): Do you know what you need? A girl’s not out… or in. Do you have plans tonight? You can come over to our apartment. We can rent some chick flicks, eat pizza and popcorn. It’ll be fun!
(Emily nods as she wipes her eyes emotionally.)
Emily (sniffles): Do you think Robin will mind?
Kelly: Mind? Please! Dr. Cry on My Shoulder? I seriously doubt it. (Smiles) Besides… I’m sure she’ll have a few good antidotes from today’s lunch.
(Emily nods as she stands up slowly.)
Emily: Thanks guys for cheering me up! (Sniffles) And I’ll try not to talk about Sonny too much tonight.
(Lainey smiles supportively as Emily walks out of the locker room. Once she’s gone, Kelly takes a deep breath and looks over at Lainey.)
Kelly: Remind me to pick up some tequila before we go home.
Lainey: Do you honestly think after last night we need MORE alcohol?!?!
Kelly (scoffs): It’s not for us! It’s for Emily!
(Kelly stands up and walks toward her locker.)
Kelly: I like her the best when she’s drunk. And if we have to spend the entire night hearing about her breakup with Sonny, she needs to have some drinks in her first – for her sake… and ours.
(Lainey rolls her eyes as she stands up and walks over to her locker which is next to Kelly’s.)
Lainey: Remind me not to come to you when I am dealing with heartbreak.
(Kelly turns toward Lainey.)
Kelly: Hey! I am a good friend and an excellent listener. It’s just like… come on! Who didn’t see that breakup a mile away?
Lainey: Emily obviously.
Kelly: On second thought… maybe I do need some tequila for Emily’s visit. (Thinks) I think I’m more compassionate when I’m drunk.

Setting: The Parking Lot of Smith’s Steakhouse
(Robin Scorpio and Patrick Drake are walking out of the small steakhouse laughing. They actually had a very comfortable and natural lunch with each other. They’re walking toward their respective cars.)

Patrick (laughing): Wait! So, Lainey and Kelly both woke up remembering nothing?
Robin (laughing): And thought that I spiked their sangria!
(Patrick leans in toward Robin.)
Patrick: Well, it was amazing sangria.
(Robin rolls her eyes.)
Robin: Well, I would not spike my roommate’s drinks so I could get some action in the other room.
(Patrick freezes in his tracks and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Wait! They thought you spiked their drinks because…
(Robin spins around laughing.)
Robin: Yes! My trusting roommates thought I spiked their drinks so you and I wouldn’t be interrupted. (Shakes her head) Nice, right?
(Patrick simply clears his throat and nods.)
Patrick: Not very trusting.
Robin: Exactly! I mean… our bedrooms do have doors!
(Patrick smirks as he leans in toward Robin.)
Patrick: But, are they sound-proof?
(Robin spins her head in the direction of Patrick.)
Robin: Sound-proof? Why would they need to be…
(Robin’s eyes widen somewhat as a blush creeps through her face and Patrick watches her smirking.)
Patrick: I’m just saying – there is more than one way to be interrupted.
(Robin tilts her head studying Patrick as she crosses her arms over her chest.)
Robin: Especially where you’re concerned, noisy one.
(Patrick lowers his head and actually blushes as Robin smiles pleased with herself.)
Robin: You know, I am glad we did this.
(Patrick raises his head and looks back at Robin.)
Robin: It was nice just being normal. (Smirks) Well, as normal as we could ever be.
(Patrick nods as he forces his hands into his jeans.)
Patrick: Speaking of normal, are you still going to consult with me on the Miller case this afternoon?
Robin: Yes! I was looking over the notes before lunch. You really think he’s a good candidate for my drug protocol?
Patrick: I think it’s too soon for surgery, but I would still like to hear your opinion.
Robin: Then, of course. I’d love to consult.
(Patrick uncomfortably shifts his weight back and forth as he looks down at his feet.)
Patrick: So, I guess… we better head back to the hospital.
(Robin nods.)
Robin: I guess so. (Smiles) Thanks again for lunch, Dr. Drake.
(Patrick nods as he raises his head and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Anytime, Dr. Scorpio.
(Robin smiles as she turns around and heads toward her car. Patrick watches her as she disappears toward her car. He looks down when he suddenly feels a vibrating sensation on his waist. It was his beeper. He lifts it and looks down at the display. Patrick takes a deep breath as his brows furrow immediately.)
Patrick (reading aloud): Just friends my ass… Kelly.

Chapter 13

- Hours Later
Setting: General Hospital
(It’s later in the day. Robin had just finished her last set of rounds and was officially done for the night. She sighs tiredly. It had been a long day. After her lunch with Patrick, Robin had three more consults and wanted to do some of her own lab work. Robin missed working in her lab. For the last few months, she had found herself working more and more with Patrick and Noah – and less and less in her lab. As much as she enjoyed consulting with the doctors at GH, she felt the most comfortable at her lab. Her lab was her second home. It was the place where she could think and just be herself. Today had been no different. After her lunch with Patrick, Robin had to admit that she had a surprisingly really good time. It reminded her of the qualities in Patrick that she admired. He was funny. He was smart. He was charming. He was Patrick Drake. Maybe they could actually be friends. Robin Scorpio slowly approaches the Nurses’ Station to sign out for the evening when she notices Patrick leaning against it talking to one of his favorite nurses. She takes a deep breath then moves behind him without making her presence known and fills out the last of her paperwork.)

Patrick: So, April… tell me, why would a beautiful woman like yourself not have dinner plans tonight?
(Robin rolls her eyes as she shakes her head.)
April: Are you making me an offer, Dr. Drake?
(Just as Patrick opens his mouth to respond, Kelly skips over to the Nurses’ Station happily.)
Kelly: ROBIN! There you are!
(Patrick’s entire body straightens up as Robin takes a deep breath and waves toward Kelly.)
Kelly: The girls are downstairs waiting for you! Where have you been?
(Robin glances at Patrick quickly then looks back down at the papers in her hands.)
Robin: I was just filling out my last report.
(Kelly turns toward Patrick and notices the young nurse practically hanging onto him. Patrick was such… such a guy! Kelly shakes her head then turns back toward Robin.)
Kelly: This could wait!
(Kelly reaches for the form and looks down at it.)
Kelly: In fact, let Dr. Drake fill out the rest for you, since he is consulting with you on the case and it doesn’t look like he’s up to anything else worthwhile at the moment.
(Before Robin or Patrick could protest, Kelly shoves the clipboard forcefully into his chest while glaring at him.)
Patrick: I actually have plans.
Kelly: Good… then that should inspire you to write faster. (Looks at Robin) And you… come on! I have two very hungry women downstairs waiting for you.
Robin: Kelly…
(Kelly crosses her arms over chest.)
Kelly: I won’t take “no” for an answer.
(Robin throws her hands up.)
Robin: Fine. Let me just grab my purse.
(Kelly smiles triumphantly, as Robin runs toward the locker room. Patrick groans a few expletives under his breath as he slams the clipboard he is now holding onto the Nurses’ Station. Kelly turns toward Patrick and leans in over his shoulder.)
Kelly: You are so predictable.
(Patrick raises his head from the forms he was working on.)
Kelly: Lunch was good, wasn’t it? So good, I bet, that you had to go back to your horn dog ways immediately to get Robin off your mind.
(Patrick turns his head and glares at Kelly.)
Patrick (snaps): Do you mind? I’m working.
(Kelly rolls her eyes as she turns and leans on the nurses’ station with her arms crossed. The forgotten young nurse Patrick was talking to, awkwardly and slowly moves toward them.)
April: Uh… Dr. Drake, I have to finish my rounds.
(Patrick turns toward April as Kelly continues to glare at the young nurse.)
Patrick: Of course. I’ll catch you when you’re done.
April: Sure. (Looks at Kelly) Dr. Lee.
(Kelly watches as April scurries away. Patrick watches the young nurse flee down the hall then turns toward Kelly.)
Patrick: Now, was that necessary? You scared her off!
Kelly (scoffs): Please! If I scared her off, then she is definitely not the woman for you.
(Patrick starts to respond, but before he can, Dr. Paul DuMont approaches them at the Nurses’ Station.)
Paul: Dr. Lee, can I have a moment with you?
(Kelly spins around and smiles toward Dr. DuMont. He was one of the leading oncologists on the east coast as well as one of the youngest. At the young age of thirty, he had saved numerous lives while getting several articles published in prestigious journals. It was known that he was one of the most respected physicians at General Hospital – that being said, Patrick Drake had no use for him. And he could remember the exact moment he had lost all use for him – the morning he had called Robin in for a consult when she was supposed to be meeting with him for a picnic. Granted, their change in plans turned out much better than their proposed original ones… but Patrick always suspected that the “good Dr. DuMont” knew Robin had made other plans and called her in on purpose. Patrick shakes his head. He was probably just being paranoid, but he still didn’t like Dr. DuMont. Patrick watches curiously as Kelly and Dr. DuMont talk by the waiting area. Kelly obviously liked Dr. DuMont. She laughed loudly at his jokes, but then again… every female on staff laughed at his jokes. Patrick didn’t find him funny at all. He shakes his head and goes back to his forms. He hated doing paperwork and Robin knew that! He made a mental note to remind her of that when she returned from the locker room. Patrick looks up when he hears Kelly calling Robin over to her conversation with Dr. DuMont. And sure enough, within a few seconds… Robin is laughing. So, she did laugh at his lame jokes as well. Patrick rolls his eyes as he shakes his head. So predictable. He watches curiously as Kelly walks toward him leaving Robin alone with Dr. DuMont.)
Kelly: So, are you done with those?
(Patrick’s eyes lower to the forms in his hands.)
Patrick: So… who are you? The forms police?
Kelly: No, I would like to take my roommate home with a clean conscious and for me to do that, I have to tell her that you finished those forms.
(An annoyed Patrick smiles as he hands Kelly the form.)
Patrick: All done.
Kelly (smiles): Thank you.
(Kelly scans over the forms then places them in their respective file folders.)
Patrick: So, what’s up with DuMont?
(Kelly glances toward Paul and Robin.)
Kelly: Oh, Paul? He just had some inquiries.
Patrick: Inquiries? Inquiries about what?
(Kelly simply smiles widely as she turns around and watches Paul and Robin laughing. Patrick follows her gaze and takes a deep breath as his hands fall to his hips. He had inquiries about Robin. What type of inquiries? Patrick turns his attention back to Kelly and just as he’s about to ask her the very questions on his mind, Robin appears next to them.)
Robin: Kel, are you ready?
Kelly: All done?
(Robin blushes slightly as she pushes a strand of her hair behind her ear – a move that doesn’t go unnoticed by Patrick. She was flustered! Dr. Paul DuMont made her flustered! Patrick’s eyes narrow in anger.)
Robin: Yes, I am done.
Kelly: Are you sure?
Robin (laughs): Uh… wasn’t it you that said Lainey and Emily were practically passing out from hunger waiting for me?
Kelly: Yes, it was. (leans in) But, a girl can’t live on food alone.
(Robin covers her face in embarrassment then reaches for Kelly.)
Robin: Please… let’s go. (looks at Patrick) Good night, Patrick.
Patrick (annoyed): Yeah… whatever.
(Kelly spins around as Robin drags her toward the elevators and waves toward Patrick.)
Kelly: Good night, friend!
(And with that, Robin yanks a laughing Kelly into their waiting elevator. Patrick swears he could still hear Kelly’s laughter long after they’re gone. With all thoughts of Nurse April forgotten, Patrick runs his hands over his face and decides to head home. He had to go home and have a cold beer… that’s what he needed to do.)

Setting: Robin, Kelly & Lainey’s Apartment
(Robin, Kelly, Lainey and Emily are sitting on the floor of their living room eating pizza and laughing loudly.)

Emily (laughing): Wait! So, the frat boy actually wrote THAT on a napkin!
(A blushing Robin covers her face laughing.)
Lainey (laughing): I could’ve only imagined Patrick’s face.
(Kelly reaches for another slice of pizza.)
Kelly: Well, Dr. Scorpio must have on a new perfume today because that wasn’t the only time she was propositioned today.
(Robin’s head shoots up as Lainey hits her leg.)
Lainey: You didn’t tell me that Patrick asked you out again!
Robin: Because he didn’t.
(Kelly leans in and looks at the two other surrounding women.)
Kelly: Dr. DuMont finally got up the courage to ask out the lovely Dr. Scorpio.
(Lainey’s mouth falls as well as Emily’s as they both spin toward Robin.)
Emily: No way!
Lainey: Dr. DuMont!
(Robin turns and looks at Kelly.)
Robin: What do you mean “got up the courage?”
(Kelly leans back as she sighs.)
Kelly: Oh please, Robin! Dr. DuMont had a thing for you since he moved to Port Charles.
(Robin shakes her head.)
Robin: That’s not true.
Lainey: Actually, it is. Haven’t you ever noticed him staring at you during staff meetings?
(Robin looks back at Lainey like she’s insane.)
Robin: You are imagining things.
(Emily leans in as well toward Robin.)
Emily: Actually, she’s not.
Robin: You don’t even go to staff meetings! You’re an intern!
(Emily opens her mouth to say something then stops.)
Emily: Yes, I am… but, I did work with you and Dr. DuMont on one of your cases. He looked very smitten.
Robin (scoffs): Smitten?
(Robin looks at Kelly and leans in toward her.)
Robin (whispers): How many has she had?
Kelly (whispers): Enough to get us through the night.
(Robin moves away from Kelly then looks back at Emily.)
Robin: Dr. DuMont just wants to have dinner, that’s all.
Kelly: Not to be the voice of dissension…
(Emily leans in toward Lainey.)
Emily (to Lainey): Like, that’s ever stopped her…
Kelly: But, Dr. DuMont has asked me on more than one occasion if you and Patrick were still seeing each other.
Robin: Really?
Lainey: Uh… he asked me too.
Robin: And why hasn’t anyone ever mentioned this to me?
(Kelly shrugs her shoulders as she reaches for a piece of pepperoni.)
Kelly: It didn’t seem important.
Robin: Kelly! You tell me when the maintenance man at the hospital asks you about your weekend!
Kelly: Because he was SO hitting on me!
(Robin pushes back her hair as she looks at her three friends.)
Robin: But, don’t you see? If Paul is going into this dinner with expectations, I should’ve known that before I said “yes.”
Lainey: Are you saying that would’ve changed your response?
Robin: It might have.
Kelly: Why? Because you don’t have any expectations yet? Paul is a very handsome man.
Lainey: He’s smart.
Kelly: He’s successful.
Lainey: He’s compassionate.
Kelly: And he’s got a great car.
(Emily suddenly leans in holding a bottle of beer and points it toward Robin.)
Emily: But, he doesn’t have a dimple.
(Lainey and Kelly spin toward Emily and glare at her.)
Emily: What!?!? We all know that the reason Robin isn’t into her date with Dr. DuMont is because she’s still getting over Patrick.
Kelly: Emphasis on “getting over.” And she will not get over him by sitting around here with us every night eating pizza and drinking beer.
Emily: But, she shouldn’t force feelings that aren’t there. Like for example, I still love Sonny… you don’t see me dating someone else so quickly.
Kelly (sarcastically): Great example, Emily.
(Kelly turns around and looks at Robin.)
Kelly: Ignore her. (simply) Now, you know that I’ve been telling you non-stop that I think this “just friends” thing you have going on with Patrick is pure crap.
(Robin starts to protest.)
Kelly: But… that doesn’t mean I think you should sit at home waxing over the joys of friendship. (looks at her) You deserve a night out with a handsome and successful doctor.
(Robin looks down and nods.)
Kelly: And you deserve it to be with one who doesn’t shriek at the word commitment. You deserve a night out with Dr. DuMont.
Lainey: She’s right, Robin. Paul is a great guy and I think you’ll have a really good time with him.
(Robin stretches out her legs in front of her and plays with the hem of her denim skirt.)
Robin: He really asked about me before? (looks at Kelly) How could I have not noticed that?
Kelly: Your head was elsewhere.
(Robin looks away and sighs.)
Lainey: Look, I rarely agree with Kelly… but I think you should go for this. What’s the worst thing that could happen? (smiles) You realize that you could only be friends with yet another gorgeous doctor.
Kelly (lightly): And that’s just what Robin needs... another supposed friend who wants to get in her pants.
(Robin’s mouth falls as she reaches behind her for a pillow from their couch and throws it directly at Kelly’s head. Lainey laughs loudly as Kelly tumbles over laughing herself.)

Chapter 14

- The Next Day
Setting: The General Hospital Locker Room
(It’s early in the morning. Robin Scorpio is sitting on the bench in front of her locker and looks up when she sees a cup of steaming coffee in front of her. She smiles as she takes the cup from Patrick Drake and he sits down next to her.)

Patrick: Good morning.
Robin: Good morning. (smiles) And thank you.
(Patrick simply nods as he lowers his eyes.)
Patrick: I saw that you blocked out your entire day for lab work.
(Robin turns her head and looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Yeah, I’ve been letting it slip a little.
Patrick: Well, you know you have no one to blame for that except yourself.
(Robin looks back at Patrick with widened eyes as he looks back at her smirking.)
Patrick: You’re too smart – everyone wants you on their cases.
(Robin rolls her eyes.)
Robin: Right.
Patrick: Seriously… I’m sorry if I asked you to be on too many of my cases. (looks at her) It was never my intention to take you away from your own work.
Robin (smirks): Sure. We both know how much you just love medical research!
Patrick: Saving a life is saving a life… no matter how it happens.
Robin: Are you finally admitting my research may be important?
(Patrick looks back at Robin and suddenly smiles widely.)
Patrick: I like to know my competition.
(Robin smiles as she turns fully toward him.)
Robin: And that’s what I am? Your competition?
Patrick: You’re a lot of things to me, Robin. (looks down) My competition isn’t one of those things.
(Robin looks down at her hands not knowing how to respond. There’s an awkward silence between them until Patrick breaks it.)
Patrick: I was wondering… do you have any plans for lunch today?
(Robin raises her head and looks at Patrick.)
Robin: Lunch?
Patrick: Well, you can’t do lab work all day without sustenance.
Robin (smiles): And you worry about my sustenance?
Patrick (smiles): Of course. How good of a friend would I be, if I didn’t?
(Robin sighs as she stands up slowly.)
Robin: Well, in that case… sure, I’d love to have lunch with you… just to ease your worries.
Patrick (laughs): In that case – thank you.
Robin: Are we leaving the hospital again?
Patrick (thinks): How about Kelly’s? You always rave about their chili.
Robin: It is the best. (simply) See you at noon?
Patrick: I’ll be here.
(Patrick releases a loud breath as he watches Robin disappear out of the locker room.)
Patrick: Okay, Drake... what is your great game plan? Because you SUCK at this!

Setting: The Nurses’ Station
(Robin Scorpio is leaving the locker rooms when she sees both of her parents standing by the Nurses’ Station. That is never a good sign. Her father, of course, is the first to see her and smiles widely at the sight of his daughter. Anna follows suit and smiles as well. Robin takes a deep breath then walks toward her parents.)

Robin: Did I miss the invite to our family reunion?
(Robert smiles widely as he wraps his arm around Robin’s waist.)
Robert: I love her sense of humor! She definitely gets that from me.
(Anna waves her hand to dismiss Robert.)
Anna: Whatever. (Looks at Robin) Robin, your father and I are here to see if you would like to have dinner tonight with us as a family?
(Robin’s eyes widen as she flies out of Robert’s arms.)
Robin: Why?
Robert: What do you mean… why? We’re your parents.
(Robin gestures between her mother and father.)
Robin: And you’re not together. (slowly) You’re not together, right? That hasn’t changed, has it?
Anna: Of course not! Your father and I are nowhere near together.
(Anna moves away from Robert.)
Anna: We couldn’t be further apart.
Robin: Then, why the sudden need for a family dinner?
(Robert sighs as he leans in toward his daughter.)
Robert: Can’t we want to just meet up with our beautiful daughter?
(Before Robin can respond, Noah Drake approaches them.)
Noah: Hey… sorry, I’m late. My last appointment ran a little longer than expected.
(Robin’s eyes slowly travel toward Noah. Robert watches as the look of suspicion washes over his daughter’s face and quickly leaps to stop her mind from wandering.)
Robert: Now, I know where your mind is going.
Anna: Robin, this isn’t what you think.
(Robin shakes her head exasperated.)
Robin: Let me think… what do you, dad and Noah Drake have in common?
(Noah gently touches Robin’s shoulder.)
Noah: Robin, we only have your best interests at heart.
Robin: Noah, I get that my parents are crazy. I’ve come to accept that. In fact, I actually expect this sort of behavior from them, but you… you’re the normal one, Noah.
(Noah sighs as he looks back at Robin.)
Noah: It’s normal to want the best for your child – and I think you are the best thing for mine.
(Robin reaches toward Noah and grabs hold of his upper arms.)
Robin: Noah, look at me.
(Noah smirks slightly as he lowers his eyes to Robin’s.)
Robin: Patrick and I are friends. Just friends.
Noah: But…
Robin: No but’s! He wants it this way! It was his idea!
Noah: Patrick doesn’t have good ideas. Don’t ever listen to him.
(Robert leans in toward Robin.)
Robert: His father would know.
(Robin glares toward her father.)
Robin: Stay out of this. I’m trying to save Noah from your delusions. There is still hope for him.
(Robin turns her attentions back to Noah.)
Robin: Now, Noah – Patrick and I are colleagues… just colleagues. Do you understand?
(Noah takes a deep breath and is about to respond just as Patrick approaches the Nurses’ Station.)
Patrick (nonchalantly): Hey Dad.
(Patrick slowly turns his head and looks at his father being held by Robin curiously then shakes it off then turns his attention fully to Robin.)
Patrick: Robin, about lunch… do you mind if we meet at one instead of noon? I was just asked to consult on the Rensing case.
(Robin closes her eyes and groans inwardly. She didn’t even have to turn around to see the large smiles form on her father or mother’s faces… and she instinctively knew that Noah was smiling as well. Damn Patrick Drake! Robin clears her throat as she lowers her hands from Noah’s arms and awkwardly pats down the sides of her lab coat.)
Robin: One is fine.
Patrick (nonchalantly): Good. See you then.
(Patrick walks off toward the examination rooms as Robin stares down at her feet.)
Robin: Just friends having lunch.
Kelly: Again? Geesh?
(Robin’s head flies up as Kelly approaches the Nurses’ Station.)
Kelly: You two have lunch together more often than food critics.
(Robert and Anna move closer toward Kelly, who is flipping through her files.)
Anna (intrigued): Is this a common occurrence?
Robert: Are they long lunches?
(Robin flies forward between her parents and Kelly.)
Robin: No and no. We had lunch yesterday and today – that’s it! (Flustered) Patrick and I don’t have some sort of lunch club or “meal of the week” thing going on! We are two colleagues who also happen to be friends that are going out for lunch. We talk about the weather, our cases and current events. It’s harmless, innocent eating.
(Anna looks at Noah who looks at Robert.)
Anna: If you say so…
Robert: Of course.
Noah: No doubt about it.
(Robin nods.)
Robin: Good. (Looks at her parents) So, now that we got that straight – is there any need for dinner tonight?
(Robert and Anna look at each other.)
Robert: You know, you’ll probably be very full from lunch.
Anna: We can always reschedule.
Noah: Yeah, you definitely got your point across.
(Robin sighs happily… yet somewhat tiredly.)
Robin: Good… because I have plans anyway.
Anna: You do?
(Kelly is about to speak when Robin flies across the desk and covers her mouth with her hands.)
Robin: I’m having dinner with another colleague.
Robert: Not Patrick?
Anna: Not Noah?
Robin: No, not a Drake.
Noah: A Quartermaine?
(Robin looks back at Noah. He was the normal one. It was her parents – they were influencing him! Robin turns her head and looks at her mother. It was probably her. She could so see her mother whispering to Noah about how good their children could be together.)
Robin: No, not a Drake or a Quartermaine.
(Kelly slowly lowers Robin’s hands from her mouth as she looks back at her.)
Kelly: I have an appointment to get to. (Smiles) You’re cute when you’re paranoid.
(Robin glares at Kelly as she walks off laughing. Robert watches her disappear then looks back at his daughter.)
Robert: She knows something.
Robin: She knows NOTHING!
(Noah suddenly lowers his folders onto the Nurses’ Station.)
Noah: I have a headache.
(Noah looks at Robin, Robert and Anna.)
Noah: Are all your conversations like this? They’re exhausting.
Anna: Uh… they are, but you’ll get use to it. (Smiles) You’ll have to… as my daughter naturally grows closer to your son, we’re bound to converse more and more, no?
Robin: For the record, I have no problems communicating with Noah. (Points toward Robert and Anna) It’s you two that are crazy!
(And with that, Robin storms past her parents and toward the examination rooms of General Hospital. Robert watches his daughter disappear then looks back at Noah and Anna.)
Robert: So, that Kelly Lee… she seemed to want to tell us something about Robin’s dinner plans, didn’t she?
(Noah holds up his hand somewhat exhaustedly.)
Noah: I’m on it.
(Anna smiles widely as she pats Noah on the shoulder.)
Anna: Good man!

- Hours Later
Setting: Kelly’s Diner
(Georgie Jones approaches Robin and Patrick’s table at Kelly’s. She smiles politely as she lowers two bowls of chili in front of them.)

Georgie: Enjoy!
Robin (smiles): Thanks Georgie.
(Patrick quickly digs into his chili once Georgie disappears.)
Patrick: So, do you want to tell me what was up with you and our parents earlier?
(Robin looks up from her chili and wipes her mouth slowly.)
Robin: You don’t want to know.
Patrick: Oh come on! It looked interesting. (Thinks) And come to think of it – why were you holding my father’s arms?
(Robin embarrassedly laughs.)
Robin: Okay, okay… I was trying to get a point across to your father and I didn’t think he was listening to me.
(Patrick rolls his eyes.)
Patrick: Oh please… my father does nothing, but listens to you – me, on the other hand, in one ear and out the other. (Eats a spoonful of chili) What was the point you were trying to get across?
(Robin looks down at her hands then back at Patrick.)
Robin: Do you remember when you first brought up this whole friendship thing?
Patrick: Of course, it was my idea.
Robin: And the very next day, you let your father think something was still going on between us?
Patrick: Okay, just because I didn’t give him the daily update of our ever-changing relationship doesn’t mean that I let him assume that we were still doing whatever we were doing before.
(Wow… that was a mouthful. Robin just looks back at Patrick and waves her hands dismissing him.)
Robin: Whatever. You let him think that we were still… whatever we once were and now he doesn’t want to let it go, but to make matters worse… he has my crazy parents now helping to feed his delusions.
(Patrick scoffs loudly as he looks back at his chili.)
Patrick: My father is not delusional.
(Robin looks back at Patrick not believing what she is hearing.)
Robin: Wait! You are actually defending Noah?
(Patrick raises his head and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: He’s only going by what he sees. It wasn’t that long ago that we were actually… you know.
Robin: No, I don’t know! (Frustrated) You are the most confusing man I have ever met!
(Robin pushes her bowl of chili away from her and leans back on her chair.)
Robin: Maybe you can talk to Noah.
Patrick: And say what?
(Robin looks back at Patrick. He couldn’t possibly be this dense.)
Robin: That we are just friends. That it was your idea. Maybe you can tell him your reasons.
(Patrick shrugs his shoulders as he continues to dig into his chili.)
Patrick: Sure, next time we have a father/son chat.
Robin (mutters): Impossible.
(Robin goes back to eating her chili. Patrick bites his bottom lip to stop from laughing then finally looks up at her. He reaches across the table and touches her hand. Robin’s eyes fly up from her chili then widen at the sight of Patrick suddenly breaking out into full laughter.)
Robin: You find this funny?
Patrick: I’ll talk to him. I promise, okay? I’ll talk to him. (Looks at her) It’s just funny seeing you all worked up over this.
Robin: Well, you deal with my parents on top of your dad and then Kelly rambling on.
Patrick (curiously): Kelly? How did she get involved?
(Robin clears her throat awkwardly. This was her moment to decide – does she tell Patrick that she has a date with Paul DuMont tonight and that Kelly was about to blurt it out to their respective parents? Or does she simply shrug it off? It was just a harmless dinner… and everyone knows Patrick has had plenty of those.)
Robin: Kelly was just being Kelly.
(Patrick nods then slowly removes his hand from Robin’s and goes back to his chili. Robin watches him for a moment then lowers her eyes toward her hand. It felt oddly cold now that he wasn’t covering it with his. She shakes her head then goes back to her chili. Patrick was right – Noah wasn’t delusional… but maybe they were.)

Chapter 15

Setting: Robin’s Bedroom
(It’s later in the evening. Robin is sitting in front of her vanity in her robe staring back at her reflection. She was going on a date tonight with Paul DuMont. Robin sighs. She hasn’t gone on a date in months. Truth be told, her and Patrick never dated. They went out to dinner, but rarely ate. It’s actually ironic – they eat more now as friends than they ever did as… whatever they were. Robin runs her hands over her face. She didn’t want to think about Patrick tonight. Tonight wasn’t about him. It was about her. Robin had to admit, she wasn’t sure if she was up for a date with Paul and thought of about ten good excuses she could use to cancel on him, but they all seemed to fly out the window when she saw Patrick flirting with his new favorite nurse, Cassandra, when she was leaving General Hospital for the night. He obviously wasn’t home thinking of her right now. Robin closes her eyes as she rubs the back of her neck. She needed this. She needed tonight. She needed a handsome man to come to her door with flowers and then proceed to do everything in his power to ensure that she had an amazing evening. She needed to get dressed up and feel desired. She hadn’t felt desired in so long. Tonight would be good for her. It would be exactly what she needed. Robin looks up when there’s a slight knocking on her door and then Lainey opens it.)

Lainey: Hey sweetie. I picked up your dress from the cleaners for you.
(Robin stands up as she takes the dress from Lainey’s hands.)
Robin: You really didn’t have to do this.
Lainey: It was not a problem. It was on my way. I almost didn’t think I’d make it back in time. There was some sort of water main break or something in the middle of town.
(Lainey turns her attention to Robin and watches her for a moment.)
Lainey: How are you tonight?
(Robin looks down at her dress in her hands.)
Robin: Can I tell you something in confidence?
(Lainey pulls Robin toward her bed and sits on it with her.)
Lainey: Of course.
Robin: I bought this dress with Patrick in mind.
(Robin shakes her head as she runs her fingers along the soft material.)
Robin: I had a similar one in pink that he really seemed to like… so when I saw this one in yellow, I just jumped at it.
(Robin shakes her head as she looks down at her hands.)
Robin: I hate that I did that.
Lainey: Robin, you aren’t the first girl that bought an article of clothing with a guy in mind.
(Robin looks back at Lainey.)
Robin (emotionally): He broke up with me, Lainey. While he was thinking of ways to dump me, I was at Wyndhams trying on dresses for him!
(Lainey reaches toward Robin and takes her hand in hers.)
Lainey: Hey… look at me.
(Robin slowly raises her head and looks at Lainey.)
Lainey: Patrick lost something amazing when he let you go. And believe it or not, I think he knows that. Why else would he be trying to hold onto you with this friendship thing?
(Robin flies off of her bed and begins to gather her makeup.)
Robin: I can’t talk about Patrick anymore. Paul will be here any minute and I have to get ready. I have to do my hair, my makeup, my…
(Robin looks up when there’s another knocking on her door and suddenly Kelly, Georgie, Liz and Emily appear.)
Robin: What are you guys doing here?
Georgie: We’re here to get you ready for tonight.
Robin: What?
(Georgie immediately walks over to Robin’s bed and picks up her dress. She nods approvingly as Kelly walks over to Robin’s curling iron and plugs it in.)
Emily: You are going out with one of the most eligible bachelors in Port Charles tonight and we want to make sure that you feel like the princess you are. (smiles) And take it from me, being a princess isn’t as easy as it looks.
(Robin smiles widely as Liz walks over to Robin and quickly sits her down to apply her makeup.)
Liz: I saw Paul getting ready in the locker room before I left tonight. (smiles) He looked nervous. Sweetly nervous.
Kelly: He’s a good guy, Robin.
Lainey: A great guy.
Georgie: All of the volunteers love him.
Emily: As do the interns.
(Robin sighs as she looks up at her friends.)
Robin: Do I look like I need some convincing?
(Liz looks up at Robin as begins to apply some light powder onto her face.)
Liz: Convincing? No. Reminding? Perhaps a little.
(Kelly suddenly hits Liz’s hand.)
Kelly: Light with the powder. I know you like that stuff, but Robin has a natural glow that needs to be preserved.
(Liz opens her mouth somewhat offended as Robin glances at Lainey. Sensing trouble was about to abrupt, Lainey takes the brush from Liz’s hand and points her in the direction of Robin’s dress.)
Lainey: Why don’t you help Robin with the dress? (looks at Georgie) Georgie looks like she’d be good at makeup.
(Georgie awkwardly smiles.)
Georgie: Yeah, I’m awesome at it.
(Georgie mouths to Robin “I have no idea what I’m doing” as she kneels down in front of her. Robin laughs softly as she takes the brushes from Georgie.)
Robin: I can do my own makeup.
(Georgie sighs relieved as she sits down in front of Robin.)
Georgie: So, why was Uncle Robert lurking around General Hospital?
(Robin rolls her eyes as she applies her mascara.)
Robin: You do not want to know.
(Kelly laughs as she begins curling Robin’s hair.)
Kelly: Well, I am willing to bet my next paycheck that he gave Noah Drake some interrogation tips.
Robin: Uh oh.
Kelly: Noah cornered me about five times today trying to get me to spill who you were going out with tonight.
Robin: Why do they care so much?
(Kelly looks at Robin in the reflection of her mirror.)
Robin: Okay… should they care so much?
Kelly: Should? No. But, they obviously do.
(Kelly looks down toward Robin.)
Kelly: You’d be happy to know that I didn’t spill the beans… and Dr. Drake was tempting… very tempting.
(Robin looks up at Kelly.)
Robin: Did he proposition you?
(Kelly laughs loudly as she covers her face.)
Kelly: Okay! The last time Noah cornered me, we were in the locker room and… he had no shirt on!
(The girls all squeal loudly as they jump around excitedly. There was something about Noah Drake that brought out the inner teenager in all of them.)
Robin: Now, see if Noah confronted me shirtless, I might’ve just canceled my plans with Paul to meet up with Senior Drake.
(Lainey squeals loudly as Robin covers her face laughing.)
Lainey: Robin!
(Kelly ties Robin’s wavy hair into a loose bun at the nape of her neck. Once she’s done, she looks back at Robin in the mirror.)
Kelly: Approve?
(Robin pulls a few strands down to frame her face and smiles.)
Robin: It looks amazing. (looks up at Kelly) Thanks, Kel.
Kelly: Don’t mention it.
(Liz approaches Robin with her dress.)
Liz: It is now time for the dress.
(Georgie reaches toward the dress again and sighs.)
Georgie: That dress is breathtaking.
(Robin slowly takes the dress from Liz and looks down at it in her hands. It was a gorgeous dress. It was a strapless, flowing, light yellow dress that simply took one’s breath away. Lainey watches Robin hesitate for a moment then steps toward her.)
Lainey: I think it’s a beautiful summer night for this dress. (simply) It shouldn’t go to waste.
(Robin slowly raises her eyes and locks her own with Lainey’s. She may have bought it with Patrick in mind, but she could take ownership back of it tonight. Robin nods slowly.)
Robin: You’re right.
(Emily looks at Liz and Georgie.)
Emily: Well, it looks like they got everything under control here.
Liz: Yes, they do! (hugs Robin) Have fun tonight, sweetie! I have to pick up Cameron from Grams’.
(Georgie flies toward Robin as well and hugs her.)
Georgie: I’m meeting Dillon for ice cream. Have fun!
(Emily hugs Robin tightly then looks at her.)
Emily: I’m meeting Nikolas for dinner at Wyndemere.
Robin (curiously): Really?
(Emily simply smiles.)
Emily: Details! I want full details over lunch tomorrow.
Robin: Will do! (smiles) Thanks guys!
Emily: Don’t mention it!
(Robin watches Emily, Georgie and Liz run out of her room then turns toward Kelly and Lainey.)
Robin: Why do I feel like I’m getting ready for my prom?
(Kelly laughs as she tugs at Robin’s dress.)
Kelly: Let’s see… does this dress come off like a prom dress?
(Robin scrunches her face as Lainey rolls her eyes and pulls Kelly toward the door of Robin’s room.)
Lainey: Get dressed! (points toward her) And zipper that bad boy all the way up.
(Robin laughs as she watches Kelly and Lainey disappear. She looks down at the dress again in her hands and suddenly smiles widely.)

Setting: Robin, Kelly & Lainey’s Living Room
(Lainey plops down onto their couch as Kelly walks out from their kitchen holding a rather large bowl of popcorn.)

Lainey: Thanks.
(Lainey grabs a handful of popcorn as Kelly places the bowl between them.)
Kelly: I think she’s getting into it, right?
Lainey: Yeah, I think so.
(Kelly looks down at her hands for a moment.)
Kelly: Did you notice Patrick flirting with that nurse Cassandra?
(Lainey nods.)
Lainey: Yep… and Robin noticed it too.
(Kelly sighs as she leans back on their couch.)
Kelly: You know, I get that men are stupid… but Patrick Drake just seems to take it to a whole new level.
Lainey (laughs): Yes, he does.
Kelly: And every single time I think I somewhat get where he’s coming from, he does something that makes me want to kick him.
(Lainey looks at Kelly and laughs.)
Lainey: I am so glad that you are my friend and not my enemy… because you’re kind of scary.
(Kelly smiles widely as suddenly the sound of a doorbell fills their entire apartment. Lainey looks down at her watch.)
Lainey: Punctual.
Kelly: Points in my book already.
(Kelly leaps off the couch and turns toward Robin’s bedroom when she hears Robin moving toward her door to meet Paul.)
Kelly: Uh-uh! Robin, you are not answering the door. Dr. DuMont has to get the full experience.
Robin: Fine… just call me when I can come out.
(Lainey laughs as Kelly walks toward the door smiling widely. Her smile immediately fades when she sees a soaked Patrick Drake standing in front of her.)
Kelly: What the hell?!?
(Patrick rushes past Kelly and throws a duffel bag onto the floor next to their couch.)
Patrick: My thoughts exactly! The friggin’ Metro Court is flooded! My entire room is ruined!
(Kelly’s mouth falls slowly as Lainey’s eyes widen.)
Kelly: Flooded?
Patrick: Reminiscent of the Titanic – flooded. (looks at Lainey) So, can I crash here?
(Lainey stands up slowly from the couch.)
Lainey: Uh…
Kelly: Can’t you stay with your dad?
Patrick: He just left town to consult on a case in Boston.
(Kelly stares back at Patrick speechless… and she is never speechless.)
Kelly: Patrick, I don’t know…
Patrick: Look, just one night… I’ll figure something out in the morning. I have two surgeries tomorrow and I need a good night’s sleep. I promise – I won’t be in the way.
(Lainey starts to step forward just as the sound of their doorbell fills their apartment again. Kelly and Lainey stare at each other speechless.)
Robin: Guys! Did you open the door?
(Patrick looks toward the back of their apartment.)
Patrick: Robin’s here?
(Kelly and Lainey just continue to stare at one another speechless. Patrick turns and looks back at the two women confused. Lainey gestures for Kelly to open the door. Kelly takes a deep breath and looks at Patrick.)
Kelly: One night on the couch – that’s all you’re getting.
Patrick: Thank you.
Kelly: Thank me later.
(And with that, Kelly walks over to their front door and opens it. Patrick immediately straightens up at the sight of Dr. Paul DuMont holding a bouquet of wild orchids. He looked particularly handsome wearing a simple dark grey suit with a light blue shirt underneath it that seemed to heighten the intensity of his blue eyes while blending in perfectly with his dark hair. Patrick suddenly finds his throat becoming particularly dry as Paul clears his own throat.)
Paul: Hi Kelly. Is Robin ready?
Kelly: I’ll get her for you.
(Kelly takes a deep breath then turns back around and looks directly at Patrick, who is now clenching his fists at the side of his body while staring at Paul.)
Paul: Oh, hi Patrick. I didn’t see you.
(Patrick just nods. He watches Kelly walk toward the back of the apartment then moments later hear the sound of heels approach them then suddenly stop. Patrick knew Robin was behind him. He could feel her mere presence every time she walked into a room. He couldn’t explain it, but it was like the air he breathed suddenly became sweeter. Robin takes a deep breath then continues walking toward Paul. She looked beautiful. Patrick’s eyes remained glued on Robin as she walks toward Paul and awkwardly hugs him.)
Robin: Hey.
(Paul pulls away from Robin glancing toward Patrick.)
Paul: I’m not interrupting something, am I?
(Robin looks down and shakes her head.)
Robin: No… no. I didn’t even know Patrick was here.
(Lainey steps forward awkwardly.)
Lainey: The Metro Court is flooded. Patrick is sleeping on our couch tonight.
(Robin shifts uncomfortably then clears her throat.)
Robin: That’s horrible.
Paul (to Patrick): Sorry, man, about your loss.
(Patrick shakes his head annoyed. Which loss was he referring to? His room? Or something a little more obvious? Patrick locks his jaw as he watches Paul hand Robin a magnificent bouquet of flowers and her lean in to inhale the sweet scent of them.)
Robin: These are amazing. Thank you. I’ll put them in water.
(And with that, Robin finally turns around and comes face to face with Patrick. She couldn’t read the look on his face. His eyes suddenly seemed darker than usual and his lips seemed to be pressed together firmer than she had ever seen them. Lainey notices the awkwardness forming between them and grabs the flowers from Robin’s hands.)
Lainey: I’ll put these in water for you.
(Robin nods as she watches Patrick’s eyes finally move from her face and scan her entire body. She finally breaks from Patrick’s gaze when she feels Paul’s hand on the small of her back.)
Paul: Are you ready?
Robin: Yes. Let me just grab my purse.
(Robin starts to walk toward the couch to get her purse, but stops shortly when Patrick suddenly reaches for it and hands it to her. Lainey and Kelly glance at each other again as Robin awkwardly takes her purse from Patrick’s hands.)
Robin (softly): Thank you.
(Patrick just nods then watches as Robin turns around and leaves her apartment with Paul. There’s an intense silence once they’re gone. The two women start to step toward Patrick, but stop suddenly when he spins around and looks at them.)
Patrick (coldly): I need to change my clothes.
(And with that, Patrick grabs his duffel bag and storms toward their bathroom. Once he’s gone, Lainey turns toward Kelly.)
Lainey: Oh my goodness!
Kelly: I don’t have words! I’m actually speechless!
Lainey: Well, one thing is for certain…
(Lainey points toward the bathroom.)
Lainey: The way Patrick was looking at Robin and looking at Paul knowing that he was about to spend the evening with her… there is no way he sees her as just his friend.
(The two women jump slightly when they hear a loud crash coming from their bathroom.)
Kelly: No way at all.

to be continued...

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