Unwritten
By Candie

Chapters 6-10

Chapter 6

- Hours Later
Setting: Jake’s Bar
(Kelly is laughing hysterically as she points toward Robin with a shot glass.)

Kelly: Wait a minute! You did what?
Robin: I was eight. (looks at Robert) Or was I ten?
Robert: You were old enough to know better, I know that much.
Nikolas: Wait… so you roamed around Spoon Island alone? (laughs) Even I don’t like doing that at night.
Robin: It was SO not a big deal.
Robert: Your little friend, Rowdy, was terrified from my recollection.
(Robin rolls her eyes.)
Robin: Rowdy needed a backbone!
Liz (laughs): ROBIN! The boy was ten – they don’t have backbones yet!
Robert (to Patrick): She was hard to handle even back then.
Patrick (to Robert): And you thought that was normal?
Robert: Extremely! We were proud!
Lucky: Speaking of proud – guess what I dug out of my grandmother’s shed for Cameron?
(Liz smiles as she leans in toward Lucky.)
Liz: Uh oh… why I do feel the sudden feeling of dread washing over me?
Robert: Because he’s a Spencer and they love bringing dread to a table.
Lucky (laughs): Just hear me out! Robin will appreciate this… as will Emily. (Smiles widely) My old go-cart!
(Emily immediately leaps up from her seat and claps happily.)
Emily: Oh my goodness! Our go-cart!
(Robin smiles sadly as she looks down.)
Robin: I can’t believe you still have that thing.
Lucky: Oh man! That go-cart was unbelievable. You could easily get it up to around 20mph if you used it by the back roads behind my father’s old club.
(Patrick sighs loudly.)
Patrick: So, don’t tell me… Robin helped build that too? Oh wait! Or was that her first car, since it’s probably about her size?
(Robin looks up from her hands as Emily spins around and looks at Patrick.)
Emily: Are you always this mean to her?
(Robin reaches toward Emily’s arm.)
Robin: Em, it’s fine.
Emily: No, it’s not! Fun, flirty banter is one thing… but sometimes you just want to hurt her, don’t you?
(Robin clears her throat uncomfortably as Robert leans forward.)
Robert: My daughter has a thick skin. She always has. (Looks at Robin) Right, Luv?
(Robin just nods.)
Robert: And besides… Dr. Drake has been telling me how he has nothing but respect for my daughter. So, I’m sure his insults are just immature, and poorly launched, failed attempts at come-on’s.
(Patrick glares back at Robert as Elizabeth leans across the table toward Robin.)
Liz: So, why does the go-cart mean so much to you? (Smiles) I’m sure you weren’t there riding in it with Lucky and Emily.
(Robin laughs.)
Robin: No. No, I wasn’t. (She looks down) Stone helped Lucky and Emily build it over the summer before he died.
(Lucky stares down at his bottle of beer as Robin shifts somewhat in her seat.)
Robin: It’s silly, but… building that go-cart meant a lot to him.
(Lucky nods as he raises his eyes back to Robin’s.)
Lucky: It did… to all of us.
Emily (softly): And your mom, Lucky, was amazing with him.
(Lainey smiles as she leans in toward the table.)
Lainey: Really? What did she do?
Lucky: Stone cut himself on one of the engine parts.
Emily: And Laura, being Laura, just swept in and bandaged him up.
(Robin smiles as she nods.)
Robin: I remember that. (Looks at Lucky) I miss your mom.
Lucky: Me too.
Nikolas (softly): Yeah.
(Robin sighs softly as Patrick finally raises his eyes from his beer. There was so much he still didn’t know about Robin. Every single time he thinks he got her down pegged, he finds out something else about her that simply rocks him to his core. He knew the right thing to do would be to apologize to her for his “go-cart” dig, but truth be told… Patrick had said so much worse to her in the past. He wouldn’t even know where to start if he were to talk to Robin. Patrick sighs again as he reaches for his beer. He jumps from his reverie when suddenly Kelly leaps up.)
Kelly: This conversation is getting too serious!
(Kelly turns fully toward Robert.)
Kelly: Now, I have a question for you, Mr. Scorpio.
Robin (sighs): This should be interesting.
Kelly: Now, that I’ve seen both you and your ex-wife in action… which one of you will Robin be more like in twenty years?
(Lainey leans in over Kelly’s shoulder.)
Lainey: Yeah, I was just talking about this. Because I need to know when I need to pack my bags and move out.
Robin: I will not be like either of my parents!
Robert (smiles): Oh Robin, don’t fight it. (Looks at Kelly) My daughter is the best of the both of us. She’ll have her mother’s never-aging beauty and my never-aging mind.
(Robin bursts out laughing as she leans back on her chair.)
Robin: Never-aging mind, Dad? Okay.
Robert: What? I am still as sharp as a tack!
Robin: Whatever.
Robert: I’ll have you know… that I am even wiser now than I was when I was your age.
(Robin turns her head and looks at her dad.)
Robin: You know what? You probably are.
Robert: Thank you.
(Lainey turns toward Robert.)
Lainey: Okay, if you’re so wise… can you explain one thing to me?
(Emily reaches over toward Lainey and slowly removes the bottle of tequila from in front of her. Lainey never held her alcohol well.)
Lainey: Why are men so afraid to show us who they really are?
Emily (sighs): Oh boy.
Robert: It’s not a quick and easy answer.
Nikolas: Yes, it is. It’s fear.
(The women turn toward Nikolas.)
Nikolas: We’re afraid that if we show you who we really are, you’ll reject us.
(Robin looks back at Nikolas.)
Robin: And you wouldn’t reject us? Do you know how many times I’ve put myself out there only to have the proverbial door slammed in my face?
Kelly: I hear that!
(Kelly and Robin cling their beer bottles.)
Nikolas: No, just hear me out. Women are better with feelings.
Robert: Certain women.
Nikolas: Yes, certain women. We just… we muddle through.
Emily (laughs): That’s not true, Nikolas. You are one of the most introspective men I know. You never had a problem with feelings.
Robin: She’s right. From the very first time we met, you were always honest with me.
(Lucky looks down at his beer and laughs.)
Lucky: Except when he couldn’t admit his teenaged crush on you.
(Robin rolls her eyes as Nikolas simply shakes his head. Kelly laughs as well then suddenly stops when she notices Patrick’s eyes darken somewhat.)
Emily (laughs): Oh, you had it so bad for her! You didn’t even notice poor, little ol’ me.
Nikolas: It was a crush – a harmless little crush.
(Robin smiles as she looks back at Nikolas.)
Robin: And I was flattered.
(Nikolas laughs loudly.)
Nikolas: Flattered? You were blind! All you could see was Jason Morgan!
(Robin shakes her head embarrassed as Lainey and Liz laugh. Robert turns toward his daughter.)
Robert: How did you ever hook up with the mobster?
(Robin reaches toward the bottle of tequila in the center of the table and studies it.)
Robin: There is not enough tequila in this bar for me to go through my relationship with Jason.
Liz: I can tell you… Robin likes bad boys.
(Robin covers her face embarrassed.)
Lainey: No, you’re right. She does. (Points toward Patrick) Why do you think she started sleeping with him?
(Robin’s head shoots up as does Patrick’s. Kelly looks between them then slowly reaches for the bottle of tequila resting in front of Lainey. How did she get it back in front of her? Sneaky little psychiatrist. Well, she was officially shut off for the night. Kelly gestures toward Coleman.)
Kelly: It’s time for water and coffee.
Lainey: What? Is it something I said?
(Emily clears her throat to break the awkwardness.)
Emily: It’s not bad boys. Robin, like most women, like the challenge. She wants a man with depth. My brother is a complicated man… just like all of you at this table. What you see is not always what you get with Jason. (Shrugs her shoulders) That’s what drew me to Sonny.
Lainey: Men that are challenges…
Kelly: You want to believe you can change them.
Robin: You want to believe that they would WANT to change for you.
(Patrick shifts again uncomfortably.)
Liz: And you want to believe that they would be grateful for it. (Looks at Lucky) That they would appreciate you even more in the end.
Emily: And if you’re lucky… they do.
Lainey: And if you’re not… you’re alone.
(The entire table sits in silence as Coleman pours several glasses of water for them. Once he’s gone, Robert clears his throat.)
Robert: So, the moral of tonight’s story, kiddies… is that as much you think you are all different. You’re really not. Women and men have the same fears, the same insecurities, the same need for danger and fear of commitment. (Looks at Patrick) However, the difference between someone who is a challenge and one that is not… the challenge will make it all worth it in the end. Love is nasty, it’s rough, and it’s not clean – if you’re going to go in the battlefield for it, make it worth it. (Looks at Robin) And a beautiful, strong woman is entirely worth it. (Looks at Lainey) And men aren’t as shut down with their feelings as you think. They are there. You just have to be patient. And know that when the time is right, if he’s a good man, a man worth being with, he’ll open up to you. (Looks back at Robin) But, a good woman shouldn’t wait around forever. There comes a time when it is completely his loss and another man’s gain.
(Robin smiles as she leans in and tenderly kisses her father on his cheek.)
Robin: I love you, daddy.
(Robert smiles as he stands up then extends his hand toward Robin.)
Robert: May I walk you home?
(Robin smiles as she stands up and places her small hand in his.)
Robin: I’d be honored.
(Robin looks back at her friends and smiles.)
Robin: See you at home.
(Her eyes suddenly catch Patrick’s and soften somewhat. It was in that moment it hit her like a ton of bricks… they weren't together. Maybe it was the tequila or her father’s words, but he was right. She couldn’t wait around forever.)
Robin (softly): Good night.
(Patrick just nods as Robin turns toward her father then walks out of the small bar with him. Emily, Lainey and Kelly are the next ones to stand up.)
Emily: I’ll pay for the cab.
Lainey: And I’ll pay for the coffee on the way home.
Kelly: Sounds good to me. (Looks at Liz) Good night, guys.
(Elizabeth waves them off as her three friends walk out of the bar. Once they’re gone, she turns toward Lucky.)
Liz: Want to pick up Cameron from Grams’ house?
Lucky (softly): Yeah, let’s go. (Looks at Nikolas) You’re coming?
Nikolas: Yeah, in a minute. Go ahead.
Liz: Okay. Good night, guys.
(Nikolas watches as his brother and sister-in-law leave the bar. Once they’re alone, Nikolas stands up and looks down at Patrick.)
Nikolas: I never answered your question earlier.
(Patrick looks up from his glass of water.)
Nikolas: I love Robin. She is one of my oldest, dearest and most cherished friends. She means the entire world to me. I am not afraid to say that. (Pauses) I know what we are to one another. And as long as I know and she knows… no one else needs to. (Clears his throat) I don’t think you can say the same. You’re going to lose her, Patrick, and it won’t be anyone’s fault, but your own. Because while you sit in low-class bars like this one and wax between the difference of a woman like Carly and a woman like Robin, some other man will come along who doesn’t need to even think about the difference… who will just know it innately with just one look at her and will appreciate Robin and see her for what she’s worth. (Simply) And you will lose out. Because, it won’t matter anymore if you finally figured out the difference between the two – you would have lost your chance to have the option between them. And I don’t know about you, but if my only option was a woman like Carly... I’d rather be alone and celibate.
(And with that, Nikolas spins around and leaves Jake’s. Patrick just stares straight ahead then jumps slightly when Coleman places the bill for the night in front of him.)
Coleman: Mr. Scorpio said tonight’s festivities were on your tab.
(Patrick laughs as he digs in his pockets for his wallet.)
Patrick: Well, without a doubt… this has to be the most expensive ass kicking I ever received.
Coleman: Did it wake you up at least?
(Patrick looks back at Coleman.)
Coleman: Did you at least learn something from it?
(Patrick just nods as he signs his name to the receipt.)
Patrick: Time will tell, Coleman. (Sighs) Time will definitely tell.
(Coleman shakes his head as he takes the receipt back from Patrick.)
Coleman: Either that or sobriety. I’ll call you a cab, Dr. Hottie.

Chapter 7

- The Next Day
Setting: The General Hospital Cafeteria
(Patrick Drake hated the hospital cafeteria. He had always hated cafeterias. He hated them in elementary school, junior high, high school and even college. It was ironic, actually. Cafeterias were usually the mating grounds for most school-aged kids, but Patrick Drake had found them to always be awkward. He would always get stuck in a conversation that he didn’t want to be part of; sit at a table with what seemed to be a beautiful girl or woman and then her boyfriend or annoying best friend would plop down next to her. He simply hated cafeterias. And today was no exception. He had just finished yet another grueling consult with Owen Porter. Owen was a research specialist that was recently transferred from Mercy Hospital. He was a decent, but boring guy. Very factual. Typical researcher. Oh, and Patrick Drake also generally hated medical researchers. He groans slightly as he makes his way toward the food counter and of course the entire research lab team is in front of him. This was so incredibly fitting. It would never be a group of nurses in front of him. The shorter guy in the front of the line reaches over for an apple.)

Male #1: So… did you hear about Dr. Scorpio?
(That got Patrick’s attention. He ducks his head slightly as he nonchalantly reaches for a bottle of water.)
Male #1: She cancelled all of her afternoon appointments.
Male #2: Hmm… that’s interesting since she’s been walking around here, guns blazing, lately.
(The second lab technician reaches for an orange as the two lab techs laugh. The shorter one looks toward his friend again.)
Male #1: Well, it seems like whatever funk she was in has passed.
Male #2: Oh, so the freckles are back?
Male #1: And the nose crinkle.
(The taller lab tech smiles as he raises his bottle of water.)
Male #1: I’ll drink to that then!
(Patrick Drake glares back at the two lab techs. Who were they to notice her freckles? Or how her nose crinkled when she laughed? And why was she suddenly crinkling her nose again? She couldn’t be enjoying moving that much.)
Male #3: Are you moving or what?!?!
(Patrick jumps from his thoughts as the maintenance man behind him jams his lunch tray into the small of his back. He closes his eyes. He hated cafeterias.)

Setting: Robin, Lainey & Kelly’s Apartment
(Robin Scorpio walks out from the back of her apartment carrying a notepad. She looks up at Kelly and Lainey.)

Robin: Okay… Kelly, you are in charge of the alcohol.
(Kelly leans in toward Lainey and smiles.)
Kelly: Hear comes Dr. Bossy pants.
(Ignoring Kelly, Robin looks back down at her list.)
Robin: Lainey, you are in charge of the decorations. (Writes a quick note) And I am in charge of picking up the food.
Lainey: You’re going to pick up the food by yourself? It’s a lot, Robin.
Robin: I know. (Shrugs her shoulders) Someone actually volunteered to help me.
Kelly: That volunteer wouldn’t be Dr. Drake, now would it?
(Robin smiles widely as she fixes the strap of her red tank top.)
Robin: Actually, it would.
Kelly: See! Now, that’s what I call progress!
Lainey: Well, details! Spill! How did it happen?
(Robin walks over to their kitchen table and picks up her purse.)
Robin: I saw Dr. Drake in the locker room. He mentioned that a beautiful doctor invited him to a housewarming party and…
(Kelly points toward herself and mouths “that’s me” to Lainey.”)
Robin: And he simply asked if I needed any help.
Lainey: And you accepted? Just like that? No fighting?
Kelly: No begging? Pleading?
Lainey: That is progress, Robin! Real progress!
(Lainey and Kelly look up and smile widely as the sound of their doorbell fills their entire living room.)
Kelly (happily): And there’s “progress” now!
(Robin rolls her eyes as she walks over toward their front door then opens it. She smiles widely at the sight of Dr. Noah Drake leaning on the frame of her door wearing a T-shirt and jeans.)
Noah: Am I late?
Robin (smiles): No, you are right on time.
(Robin turns around and waves at her two friends.)
Robin: Dr. Drake and I won’t be too long.
(Lainey leaps up from the couch and flies toward Noah and Robin.)
Lainey: Wait a second! You’re going shopping with Robin?
(Noah shrugs his shoulder then shoves his hands in his jeans.)
Noah: I figured that would at least guarantee me an invite and maybe a burger if I’m lucky, right?
Robin: Noah, you will be an honored guest. (Looks at Lainey) Girls, behave! We won’t be long.
(Robin waves one last time at her roommates then closes the door behind them. Lainey and Kelly look at each once she is gone.)
Lainey: See, you I told you – Robin is all the entertainment we need.
(Kelly laughs as she looks back at Lainey.)
Kelly: I’m starting to think there is definitely more to Dr. Scorpio than meets the eye!

Setting: The Nurses’ Station at General Hospital
(It’s later in the day. It’s a beautiful summer afternoon. However, there was a large cloud forming over General Hospital. And the cloud’s name was Patrick Drake. Epiphany Johnson looks up at the same time as Elizabeth Spencer just as Patrick approaches the Nurses’ Station. He slams down the folder he was holding onto the desk.)

Patrick: It is my understanding that Dr. Scorpio has left for the day.
(Epiphany and Elizabeth glance at one another.)
Epiphany: You understand correctly, Dr. Drake.
Patrick: Do you think Dr. Scorpio even realizes how understaffed we are today?
(Liz sighs as she reaches toward a folder next to Patrick.)
Liz: If you are calling Robin irresponsible or unprofessional…
(Patrick looks up from the file he was working on.)
Liz: Then we both know that you are absolutely wrong.
Epiphany: Dr. Scorpio has her cell phone and stated more than once that if anything comes up, we should call her. (Looks at Patrick) Now, Dr. Drake… do you want me to call Dr. Scorpio and tell her that something came up?
(Patrick reaches for the folder next to Epiphany and snatches it forcefully.)
Patrick: That won’t be necessary. I’ll consult with my father. (Looks around) Is he around?
(Epiphany and Elizabeth look at each other again.)
Liz: Actually, no. Your father also took the afternoon off.
(Patrick glares back at Liz.)
Patrick: So, tell me? Am I the only dedicated doctor left on staff?
(Epiphany rolls her eyes.)
Epiphany: No, but I would say… perhaps you are the only left without a social life.
(Patrick shifts his glare from Liz to Epiphany.)
Patrick: I have a social life!
Epiphany: Really? For the last few weeks, it seems to me you’ve just been walking around sulking.
Patrick: I don’t sulk.
Epiphany: What do you call it then?
(Liz leans in toward Epiphany.)
Liz: I call it pouting. Cameron does it remarkably well when he doesn’t get his way.
(Patrick shakes his head as he places both of his hands on his hips.)
Patrick: And what "way" am I not getting?
Liz: That’s easy. Your way with Robin.
(Epiphany sighs as she leaves the Nurses’ Station.)
Epiphany: I’ve heard this song quite a few times. I need a change of stations.
(Once she’s gone, Elizabeth leans in toward Patrick.)
Liz: I watched you last night with Robin. You miss her.
Patrick (stubbornly): I’ve said no such thing.
Liz: You didn’t have to. (Frustrated) Why can’t you just admit you miss her and be done with it?
Patrick: Because to say that you miss someone, you’d have to really miss them.
(Elizabeth shakes her head as she gathers her folders.)
Liz: You know, I really hope Robin finds happiness soon. (Looks at him) You might be a good guy, Patrick… but between your ego, stubbornness and lame come-ons, I have to wonder, is your rare niceness enough to keep her hanging on? For her sake, I hope not.
(Elizabeth starts to walk off the Nurses’ Station then stops shortly and turns toward Patrick.)
Liz: And you know, last night… there were moments, perhaps fleeting ones, that I saw you watching Robin and I really thought there might be a chance for you two. But, that chance will never happen, if you don’t put your pride aside and admit how you feel.

Setting: The Supermarket
(Robin Scorpio and Noah Drake are walking down the produce aisle side-by-side. They spent a nice afternoon together. Noah treated Robin to lunch at Kelly’s then proceeded to join her at the local supermarket to buy food for her housewarming party. Robin watches Noah impressively as he surveys the various cuts of meat.)

Robin (laughs): You’re really into this, huh?
(Noah laughs as he looks back at Robin then throws a bunch of steaks into her cart.)
Noah: I use to love grilling. When Patrick was little, we use to have barbecues every weekend for his softball team.
Robin: Was Patrick any good?
Noah: He was good at everything he tried. (Looks at Robin) But, I was biased. He was my son, so I thought he was perfect. And the few imperfections I thought he had, Maddie convinced me they were useful quirks.
(Robin raises her eyebrows and laughs.)
Robin: Useful quirks?
Noah (smiles): She was also extremely biased.
Robin: Patrick and his mother were close?
(Noah nods silently as he reaches for some chicken for the grill.)
Noah: Very close. He was her perfect angel.
(Noah turns and looks at Robin.)
Noah: Don’t laugh. There was a time when Patrick was really sweet.
(Robin turns toward Noah and holds up her hands.)
Robin: No laughing, I promise. (Sighs) You know, it doesn’t surprise me that Patrick was a sweet child. It’s the older child I’m struggling with.
(Noah sighs as he reaches for some marinade.)
Noah: I didn’t want to bring it up, but how are things with you and my son?
(Robin takes a deep breath as she shoves her hands into her jeans.)
Robin: I don’t know.
Noah (looks at her): You don’t know?
Robin: Patrick and I, we’re…
Noah: Just colleagues? Friends? More than friends? Barely friends?
(Robin sighs.)
Robin: Honestly? (Looks at him) I don’t think I know what we are.
(Robin looks down at a head of lettuce in her hands.)
Robin: I think we may have had about two and a half conversations in the last week.
Noah: Well, my sources tell me that you and Patrick spent the evening together last night.
(Robin looks up at Noah and smiles.)
Robin: Your sources? (Laughs) Okay, well your source left out that it was in a group setting. I don’t think I said anything actually to Patrick.
(Noah takes the head of lettuce from Robin’s hands and places it back in her shopping cart.)
Noah: Remind me to change my sources then.
(Robin smiles as they continue toward the next section of the supermarket.)
Noah: But, you were in each other’s presence without tearing each other’s heads off, correct?
Robin: Yes, with like six other people present. (Looks at him) I do have some dignity left, Noah.
Noah (smirks): That’s you… my son doesn’t.
(Robin laughs as she hands Noah some hotdog rolls for their barbecue.)
Noah: So, you didn’t talk once?
(Robin looks back up at Noah.)
Robin: Patrick and I aren’t having one-on-one conversations. (Sighs) And I’m starting to think that’s a good thing. I want what he can’t give me – and he wants what I refuse to give him.
Noah: Well, I can guess what my son wants. (Smirks) You’re the one that’s the wild card. What is it that you want, Robin?
(Robin smiles widely then reaches over Noah.)
Robin: Wheat rolls for Lainey! Did you know she was a health nut?
Noah (deadpans): Wheat rolls?
(Robin spins around and looks at Noah smiling widely.)
Robin: And an apron!
Noah (confused): Apron?
Robin: For you! You volunteered to help me with the barbecue! I think you earned a “Kiss the Chef” apron. Come on! I think I saw them in aisle three!
(Noah rolls his eyes as Robin grabs another armful of rolls then starts down the next aisle. It amazed him – his son actually fell for the one person who is probably as shut down emotionally as he is. It was simply amazing. Noah smiles. At least Robin had a better sense of humor going for her right now.)

Setting: The Docks
(It’s later in the day. The sun is setting slowly over the Port Charles River. Patrick Drake slowly makes his way down the stairs of the docks. He stops shortly at the foot of the staircase when he sees Lainey and Kelly laughing, obviously coming from the direction of Kelly’s Diner. The two women stop as well at the sight of Patrick.)

Kelly: If it isn’t the younger Dr. Drake…
(Patrick nods as he walks toward them.)
Patrick: Good evening, ladies. So, are we heading back to Jake’s tonight for another round?
Lainey: No, we are going back to our apartment to clean.
Kelly: A certain someone, who shall remain nameless, is not the cleanest roommate.
(Kelly points toward Lainey.)
Lainey: I just have a lot of stuff.
Kelly (laughs): Whatever. (Looks at Patrick) So, what are you up to tonight, Patrick?
Patrick: Are you extending an invitation in my direction, Dr. Lee?
(Kelly smiles politely.)
Kelly: Don’t flatter yourself. One Drake in my apartment is enough.
(Lainey jabs Kelly in the ribs.)
Kelly: Ouch!
Patrick: A Drake was already in your apartment?
(Kelly looks back at Lainey.)
Kelly: I wasn’t aware it was a secret.
Lainey: It’s not! (Looks at Patrick) Patrick, your father came by earlier to help Robin pick up some food for our party tomorrow.
(Patrick nods, obviously bothered by something.)
Patrick: The party I wasn’t invited to?
Kelly: I invited you! I distinctly remember seeing you in the locker room and inviting you.
Patrick: With the other five people in the locker room with me?
Kelly: What? You were expecting your own personal invitation? Buddy, you’re lucky you got the group invite.
Lainey: Kelly!
Kelly: What? (Shrugs her shoulders) The guy dumped our friend who also happens to be our roommate!
Patrick: So, Robin doesn’t want me there?
Kelly: Did I say that? (Looks at Lainey) Lainey, did I say that?
Lainey: No! (Looks at Patrick) She didn’t say that! Patrick, you are invited to our party! The whole hospital is.
(Patrick shakes his head angrily.)
Patrick: Oh, that makes me feel so much better to know that I rank right up there with Tim, the anesthesiologist !
Kelly: Is it me or are you overly sensitive right now?
(Kelly suddenly comes to a realization and sighs loudly.)
Kelly: You thought Robin was going to personally invite you, didn’t you?
(Patrick just looks down.)
Kelly: You got the invite, Patrick. Don’t overanalyze it, okay?
(Patrick looks back at Kelly and nods.)
Patrick: What time is this non-exclusive party?
Kelly: 6:00. And we are gladly welcoming all housewarming presents.
Lainey: Subtle, Kel.
(Kelly gestures toward Patrick.)
Kelly: The man likes things spelled out for him it seems.
(Lainey looks toward Patrick and sighs.)
Lainey: Look, Kelly is a little brash. (Touches his arm) You know… just because Robin didn’t personally invite you doesn’t mean that she doesn’t want you there. (He looks down) And Patrick, you have to remember, you were the one that ended things – it wasn’t the other way around. Robin isn’t obligated to include you in her plans.
(Lainey looks back at Kelly who seems distracted by the sunset in the distance.)
Lainey: We better go, before it gets too late. I hope to see you tomorrow, Patrick.
(Lainey walks toward Kelly and then they continue down the docks leaving Patrick by himself. Lainey was right. He was the one that ended things with Robin. This was what he wanted. He just had to keep reminding himself of that… until he believed it.)

Chapter 8

- The Next Day
Setting: Robin, Kelly & Lainey’s Apartment
(Lois Cerullo once told Robin Scorpio that the makings of a good party included good food, good music and most importantly good friends. Tonight, Robin Scorpio had all three in her favor. It actually surprised Robin how much she wanted tonight to come off without any problems. Lainey and Kelly were still pretty new to Port Charles, so Robin knew that most of the guests were hers… but she wanted Lainey and Kelly to feel like her family was also theirs. Well, if they wanted two aging super spies, an over-protective police commissioner, a cousin who has taken an odd interest in pharmaceuticals and another cousin whose new boyfriend is an ex-con before even blowing out his 21st birthday candles. Robin grimaces slightly. Maybe Kelly and Lainey were the lucky ones, on second thought. However, the party was officially in full-swing. Mac was the first one to arrive, of course. Robin was convinced he just wanted to check on her security system. He was pleased once she told him that both of her parents checked it out a few nights prior, but was then disappointed once she told him that they then proceeded to fight in her living room until her mother silenced her father by throwing a glass in the direction of his head. The next to arrive was Noah Drake, in yet another pair of blue jeans and fitted black T-shirt, with his barbecue tools. She still couldn’t believe that Noah was going to actually prepare the entire barbecue for them. Robin honestly thought he was joking when he offered, but quickly found out he wasn’t when Noah picked out his favorite cuts of meat and his preferred marinades. The one thing Robin Scorpio was certain of – Noah Drake was an unbelievable man. It seemed that after Noah arrived, the entire town of Port Charles followed including Coleman, Maxie, Georgie, Epiphany, Mike, Emily, Lucky, Elizabeth and Nikolas. Everything was going perfect. The food smelled amazing, the music sounded spectacular and by the sound of all the loud laughter, her friends and family seemed to be having an amazing time. It was a perfect evening. Kelly Lee walks into her kitchen and laughs at the sight of Robin Scorpio dancing to Beyonce’s new single “Déjà vu” while cutting up some more vegetables.)

Kelly: Having fun?
(Robin smiles as she turns around and looks back at her roommate.)
Robin: Good music choices.
Kelly: You should like them – they’re all from your CD collection!
Robin: I don’t seem to remember owning a “Pussycat Dolls” CD.
Kelly (smiles): Well, that one was mine. I’m telling you, Robin, you would be amazing at pole dancing.
(Robin spins around with a shocked face.)
Kelly: My exercise class on Saturday mornings, of course!
(Robin laughs as she shakes her head then hands Kelly a tray filled with various vegetables and dips.)
Robin: Here are some more cut veggies.
(Kelly grabs a carrot and quickly dips it into the dip.)
Kelly: Mmm! This is amazing.
Robin: Noah’s recipe.
(Kelly takes a piece of celery and points toward Robin.)
Kelly: Okay, I am now convinced… you were definitely sleeping with wrong Drake.
Robin (laughs): Nice, Kel!
Kelly: Hear me out – Noah is still smokin’ hot! Did you see his butt in those jeans?
Robin (blushes): Kelly!
Kelly: And he can cook! Did you taste his steak? The guy is amazing!
(Robin grabs a bottle of water and points toward Kelly while walking toward the staircase leading to the roof where Noah and the rest of their guests were.)
Robin: Come on. We have to pass out the food!
Kelly: And I didn’t even start on his experience. Some men age like fine wine…
(Kelly can hear Robin’s laughter as she follows her up the stairs leading toward the roof. Once they open the door leading to their roof, Robin is confronted with the loud sounds of laughter and music. She was truly happy. Robin smiles, as Lainey runs toward her smiling as well.)
Lainey: Are those the vegetables? Good!
(Lainey grabs the plate from Robin and walks back into the crowd. Robin looks back toward Kelly.)
Robin: I’ll go check on Noah.
(Robin starts to walk toward Noah, but then stops when she feels Kelly’s hand on her wrist.)
Kelly: I don’t think that’s necessary.
(Robin’s eyes widen when she sees Epiphany leaning into Noah smiling widely while helping him cook.)
Kelly: See, she’s not messing with the wrong Drake.
(Robin rolls her eyes as Kelly scans the crowd quickly. Patrick still hasn’t showed up yet. And it was a shame because Robin looked amazing tonight. She was just wearing simple blue jeans and a fitted white t-shirt… but looked absolutely breathtaking. And because of the heat and humidity, Robin decided to take advantage of her hair’s natural waves. Robin looks up when her parents walk toward her.)
Anna: Great turnout, honey.
Robin: I thought so.
Robert: The music is a little loud, no?
Robin: It’s music, Dad! It’s not supposed to be low!
Anna: Oh, ignore your father. He’s just getting old.
(Robin watches as Anna’s eyes scan the crowd then stop at Noah Drake.)
Anna: That, Noah Drake, makes an amazing burger.
(Robin’s brows furrow slightly as Robert spins his head toward his ex-wife.)
Robert: You’ve got to be joking, Anna!
Anna: What?
Robert: Have you no shame? Flirting with Lorenzo Alcazar is not enough for you? You want to move on to Robin’s co-workers?
Anna: I am simply admiring the man’s burgers.
(Robin covers her face in embarrassment as her parents start up again.)
Robert: Really? And I thought you were staring at his buns!
(Robin’s head flies up as her eyes widen.)
Robin (shocked): Dad!
Anna: Robert!
(Kelly turns toward Robin and smiles.)
Kelly: I’m going to get some more sangria.
Robin: Take me with you… please!
(Kelly shakes her head and laughs as she walks back toward the door leading to their apartment.)
Kelly: They’re all yours, Robin! All yours!
(Kelly can swear that she hears Robin groan slightly as she closes the door and starts toward their apartment. She walks into their kitchen and quickly begins pouring the sangria Robin made earlier into their punch bowl. Kelly is about to go back upstairs when she hears the sound of their doorbell. She walks toward the door and smiles widely once she opens it and sees Patrick Drake.)
Kelly: Finally! I thought you were a “no show” and we wasted our invite on you. (Waves him in) Come on! Follow me!
(Kelly starts toward the staircase to go up on the roof, but stops suddenly when she hears the sound of a woman laughing behind her. No, he didn’t…)
Kelly: Oh, hell no!
(Kelly spins around and looks at Patrick. He brought a date with him!)
Kelly: You’re kidding me right now, right?
(The blond next to Patrick steps forward and extends her hand.)
Woman: I’m Tammy.
(Kelly looks down at Tammy’s hand then gestures with her eyes that her hands are full right now with a rather large punch bowl filled with sangria. Tammy retracts her hand awkwardly.)
Kelly (looks at Patrick): So, where did you find her? Rent-a-date?
(Patrick locks his jaw as Kelly glares back at him. Tammy steps forward.)
Tammy: He found me in the locker room. I actually work with Patrick.
(Kelly looks back at Tammy. She was a smart one, too!)
Kelly: You do? Where?
Tammy: Physical therapy intern.
(Kelly, with her arms still full of sangria, nudges Patrick into a corner out of Tammy’s earshot.)
Kelly (scoffs): Intern? (Looks at Patrick) Do you have any shame at all?
(Before Patrick can respond, Lainey appears from their roof laughing.)
Lainey (laughing): Kelly, I think Robin is going to win our limbo contest. I swear, I’ve never seen a girl so flexible. You have to see her!
(Lainey freezes when she suddenly sees Patrick standing in their living room with some random girl and Kelly. She ignores the random girl and walks directly over to Patrick.)
Lainey: Who is she?
Kelly (flatly): Patrick’s date.
Lainey: His date?!?! (Glares at him) Oh, hell no!
Kelly: My exact words.
Lainey: You’re kidding me right now, right?
(Patrick clears his throat as he shoves his hands in his jeans.)
Patrick: You never said that I couldn’t bring a guest.
(Lainey looks at Kelly then back at Patrick.)
Lainey: You’re right. We didn’t.
(Kelly stomps her foot trying to get Lainey’s attention.)
Lainey: But, you know what? It’s a little crowded up there. (Pauses) I think perhaps you should go.
Patrick: You don’t want my housewarming gift?
(Kelly’s eyes fall on a bottle of wine in Patrick’s hands.)
Kelly: My friend here is being too polite. (Looks at him) Get the hell out of here, Patrick, before I kick your ass.
(Patrick clears his throat as Lainey leans toward him.)
Lainey: What do you think you’re doing? Is this how you make things better with Robin? You bring some under aged intern into her home as your date?
(Patrick turns his head and suddenly sees Tammy standing by their fireplace looking at the pictures of Robin, Lainey and Kelly resting on their mantle.)
Tammy: Is this Robin? She’s the doctor that spoke at all those Nurses’ Balls, right?
(Lainey spins around and looks at the young girl just in time to see Robin standing by the entrance way. She releases a soft breath then looks down as Robin walks further into the room toward her and Kelly. She watches as Robin’s eyes never meet Patrick’s and looks directly at Kelly.)
Robin: Is that the sangria?
Kelly: Robin…
(Robin simply shakes her head and looks back at her two friends and roommates.)
Robin: Coleman is getting a lot of requests for it, so…
Kelly: Robin, one word and I’ll kick his ass.
(Robin forces a smile as she touches Kelly’s arm.)
Robin: See… you would fit right in my family. (Smiles) I’m fine. Go give Coleman the sangria.
(Kelly takes a deep breath then glares at Patrick again.)
Kelly: I’m still going to kick your ass. I don’t need her permission, pretty boy. (Pauses) When you least expect it…
(Robin looks away as Kelly starts back up the stairs toward the roof. In the distance, Robin can hear the loud laughter and music once Kelly opens the door. Lainey suddenly moves toward Patrick.)
Lainey: Maybe you should just go, Patrick. You did enough damage tonight.
(Robin steps forward and looks at Lainey.)
Robin: Actually… Lainey, can you take Tammy to the roof?
Lainey (shocked): You know her?
Robin (to Tammy): You’re an intern, right?
(Tammy smiles widely.)
Tammy: Just graduated from college last May.
(Robin forces another smile.)
Robin: Congratulations. (Simply) We have a barbecue going on upstairs. I’ve seen you with Maxie a few times around the hospital. She’s up there. (Pauses) We won’t be long, I promise.
Lainey: Robin…
Robin: It’ll just be a second.
(Lainey looks back at Patrick again then brings her attention toward the young girl next to her.)
Lainey: Come on, Tammy.
(Robin watches Lainey and Tammy disappear toward the roof. Once they’re gone, she turns around and looks at Patrick. There’s an awkward silence between them until she breaks it.)
Robin: What do you want me to say, Patrick?
Patrick: I think your friends already said quite enough.
Robin: And yet, you’re still standing here.
Patrick: Maybe they were wrong. (Looks at her) Maybe they jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Robin: And maybe that’s why I’m not kicking you out right now. (Simply) I mean, this seems unreasonably cruel… even for you.
(Patrick nods obviously hurt.)
Patrick: Even for me?
Robin: I haven’t accused you of anything, Patrick. And you know what? Maybe there’s nothing to accuse you of. You’re the one that said “you wanted out.” You can date whoever you want. I just prefer if you didn’t bring them into my home.
(Patrick looks back at her.)
Patrick: That won’t be a problem since she isn't my date, Robin. She’s a freakin’ intern who was changing in the locker room and asked me to give her a ride to a party your cousin, Maxie, the biggest troublemaker I’ve ever seen under the age of twenty-five invited her to and told her I’d give her a ride to.
(Robin takes a deep breath as she lowers her eyes to her feet. She couldn’t believe the feeling of relief that suddenly washed over her in that moment. She can feel Patrick’s eyes still glaring at her, just waiting for some sort of response.)
Robin (softly): I apologize.
(Robin slowly raises her eyes and looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: I’m sorry Lainey and Kelly jumped to the wrong conclusion.
Patrick: And you didn’t?
(Robin releases another loud breath.)
Robin: Why does it matter to you what I thought?
Patrick: Because it does.
Robin (flustered): I don’t know what I thought! I came down here and saw you, Lainey, Kelly and some intern in my living room. (Upset) Yes, I figured that you brought her here! And I saw that Kelly and Lainey seemed annoyed… which led me to believe that they must’ve had good reason to be.
Patrick: So, you thought I came all the way here with some twenty-one year old just to throw her in your face and prove a point?
Robin: You’ve done it in the past.
Patrick: Why does everything always have to go back to Carly?
Robin: Why shouldn’t it? You used her to hurt me more than once! Why shouldn’t I remember that?
Patrick: Because Carly didn’t define what we were. (Gestures between them) Or what we felt toward one another. Carly was just a prop… a means to an end.
Robin: And what end would that be? To see how far you could push me? How much you could hurt me?
Patrick: She was my safety net.
(A flash of hurt washes across Robin’s face.)
Robin: Screw you, Patrick. (Scoffs) Safety net! You’ve got to be kidding me right now. I have a party and guests to get back to. I’m not going to waste anymore time listening to this.
(Robin starts walking back toward the staircase leading to the roof. She stops when she hears Patrick’s voice.)
Patrick: Can you let me finish?
Robin: And hear more about how Carly can save you?
(Robin spins around and looks at him.)
Robin: I am not something you need to be saved from, Patrick!
(Patrick runs his hands through his hair frustrated.)
Patrick: She was supposed to save me from wanting to be with you.
(Robin takes a deep breath and before she can even respond to him, Lucky and Nikolas appear next to her on the staircase.)
Nikolas: Kelly said you might need some back up.
(Robin moves her gaze from Patrick then looks back at Nikolas.)
Robin: No, I’m fine. Patrick was just telling me about his latest favorite safety procedures.
(Patrick shakes his head as Nikolas turns toward him.)
Nikolas: Well, you should really come upstairs. Your father is making a mean barbecue.
Patrick: I don’t think…
Robin: No, you came all the way here… (Flatly) at least grab a hotdog.
Patrick (upset): I didn’t come here for a hotdog, Robin!
(Feeling the tension between the two young doctors, Nikolas and Lucky glance toward one another.)
Nikolas: You know, I think we might head back upstairs. I’ll let Kelly know you have everything under control.
(Robin moves back toward Patrick as Nikolas and Lucky disappear again.)
Robin: So, why did you come here, Patrick? I can guarantee you, Carly, your safety net, won’t be here to rescue you.
Patrick: You took that completely out of context. I said she was supposed to save me; I never said she did.
Robin: I’m sorry! Maybe it bothers me that you feel that you needed saving from me. Let’s just get one thing straight, here – I didn’t force you in my bed, Patrick! I didn’t force you to chase after me for months until I finally broke down. You did all that on your own. So, you have no right coming in here spewing some crap about how Carly was supposed to save you!
Patrick: I will never understand how two fairly intelligent adults can never have one normal conversation. (Simply) Carly was supposed to remind me of what I could have if I wasn’t with you.
(Robin simply nods.)
Robin: Right. Well, you’re not with me now… so, what’s stopping you? Go forth and conquer the land that many already have!
Patrick (tiredly): Robin, I don’t want to conquer any lands. And believe it or not, I didn’t come here to argue with you.
Robin: Then, why did you? Was it to do Maxie a favor by driving over her friend?
Patrick: I am through with your cousin! Sweet and innocent, my ass.
Robin (snaps): Enough about Maxie! You dropped off her friend, almost got threatened by Kelly, we argued… why bother staying?
Patrick (frustrated): Damn it, Robin! I want to stay because I miss you! (Simply) I came here tonight because I miss you... that's the only reason.

Chapter 9

Setting: Robin, Kelly & Lainey’s Apartment
(Robin is standing by the staircase leading to the roof of her apartment building and to her housewarming party simply staring back at Patrick speechless.)

Robin: You what?
(Patrick runs his hand through his hair frustrated.)
Patrick: I miss you, okay! (Gestures between them) I even miss “this.”
Robin: And what exactly is (gestures between them) “this?”
Patrick: The arguing, the fighting… Robin, I’ve never met anyone like you before. I want to put a muzzle on you as much as I want to kiss you!
(Robin’s mouth falls slightly.)
Robin: Is that your attempt at a compliment?
(Patrick slowly starts to walk toward her.)
Patrick: You won’t even talk to me at the hospital.
Robin: There’s nothing to say.
Patrick: No, you’ve chose to say nothing.
(Robin looks away. He had her cornered in the staircase.)
Patrick: Does it have to be all or nothing?
(Robin slowly turns her head and looks back at him.)
Robin: Why? Because my “all” freaks you out and my “nothing” obviously bothers you?
(Patrick looks down trying to gather his thoughts. The music surrounding them was too loud. He couldn’t even produce a clear, coherent thought.)
Patrick (frustrated): I just… I don’t like this. I don’t like things the way they are right now.
Robin: Then, what do you want? (Simply) I can’t give you something if I don’t know what it is.
(Patrick opens his mouth to respond just as his father starts his way down the staircase toward him and Robin.)
Noah: Epiphany mentioned you were here. Are you coming up?
(Patrick looks at Robin and then back toward his father.)
Patrick: I don’t know.
(Noah immediately senses the tension and looks toward Robin.)
Noah (lightly): You know, Robin, you left me high and dry up there to fend for myself. I really would love to have my assistant back.
(Robin forces a smile then looks back toward Noah.)
Robin: Yeah, I should head back upstairs.
(Robin starts up the stairs then stops when she senses Patrick isn’t behind her. She looks at him)
Robin: Are you coming?
Patrick (softly): Yeah.
Robin: We’ll finish this conversation later, if you want.
(Patrick slowly follows Robin and his father up the stairs leading to the roof. The second, they appear, Kelly and Lainey leap toward him. Robin groans inwardly. She forgot about the whole “underage date” incident in their living room. She quickly steps in between Patrick and Kelly, who looks like she is ready to throw Patrick off the roof instead of offering him a veggie with dip.)
Robin: It’s not what you thought.
(Kelly points toward Patrick.)
Kelly: I still have my eye on you, buddy!
(Robin leans in toward Lainey.)
Robin: Can you please get her some tequila? That usually calms her nerves.
(Lainey points toward herself.)
Lainey: Me! You know I can’t hold my liquor!
Robin: I didn’t say you had to drink with her!
Lainey: Then, where’s the fun?
(Robin covers her face as Lainey grabs Kelly and they move toward Coleman. She looks up when she suddenly hears her father talking to Patrick.)
Robert: So, you finally grew a pair, eh?
(Robin’s mouth falls as she leaps toward them.)
Robin: Dad, where’s Uncle Mac? Don’t you want to talk to him?
(Robert waves his hand.)
Robert: Aah… we caught up already! (Smiles toward Patrick) This, here, is fresh blood!
Robin (flustered): Why are you doing this?
Robert: Dr. Drake likes me. (Looks at Patrick) Don’t you, Dr. Drake?
(Before Patrick can respond, Robin suddenly realizes that she hasn’t seen her mother for a while.)
Robin: Dad, where’s mom?
Robert: You mean, the groupie?
Robin (confused): Groupie?
(And then it hits her. Robin’s eyes find her mother leaning over Noah Drake’s shoulder pointing to various cuts of meat.)
Robin: Oh.
(Robin looks back at her father.)
Robin: Mom doesn’t cook.
Robert: You honestly think she’s getting cooking pointers from Senior Drake?
(Robin’s mouth falls again as Robert turns back toward Patrick.)
Robert: We’ll soon find out if your father is a lesser man than you.
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: Wait! Is he insinuating that my dad and your mom are…
Robin (quickly): NO! My mother is just… (She looks at Anna) she’s checking out the meat.
(Robert laughs loudly.)
Robert: Told you so!
(Robin looks back at her father flustered.)
Robin: That’s not what I meant!
(Robin turns toward Patrick.)
Robin: That’s not what I meant!
(Before Robin can fully clarify herself, she feels her arm being tugged by Elizabeth and a laughing Emily.)
Emily: Robin, Coleman made a drink named after you! You have to try it!
Robin: I’m almost afraid to ask. What is it called?
Liz: The Scorpio.
(Robert rolls his eyes.)
Robert (dryly): Real original.
Liz: Don’t knock it until you try it, Mr. Scorpio!
(Emily grabs Robin’s arm and pulls her toward their makeshift bar in the corner of the roof.)
Emily: Come on! You have to try it, Robin!
Robin: How good is this drink, Em?
Emily (shakes her head): It’s just club soda and cranberry juice – it blows! (Leans in) What’s going on with you and Patrick?
(Robin sighs as Elizabeth runs over to them as well.)
Liz: I told Coleman to spruce up the Scorpio a bit more. (Takes a gulp of her drink) It’s seriously lacking the sting. (Looks at Robin) So, you and Patrick?
(Robin looks back at her two friends.)
Robin: Tammy wasn’t his date.
Liz: Well, thank goodness for that! Though, I have to tell you – I would’ve jumped to the same conclusion as Kelly and Lainey.
Emily: Anyone would have. (Looks at her) Did you?
Robin: Yes… and no. I don’t know. It just seemed low, even for Patrick.
(Emily peaks over Robin’s shoulder while sipping her drink through a pretty festive looking straw.)
Emily: So, why is he here?
(Robin sighs as she shrugs his shoulders.)
Robin: I think he… I think he might…
(Before Robin can get the words out, Lainey runs over to the three women holding some sort of fruity concoction.)
Lainey; Oh my God, Robin! Patrick said he misses you!
(Robin spins around with widened eyes. She asked Lainey to get Kelly a little tipsy – not herself!)
Robin: Is the apartment bugged or something?
(Lainey laughs as she hits Robin’s arm.)
Lainey: No, silly! Your parents took the “bugs” out, remember?
(Robin rolls her eyes at the use of Lainey’s “air-quotes.”)
Lainey: Epiphany was on her way downstairs to get you when she heard you and Patrick fighting. She was about to come back, because she said that you two quite frankly give her a headache, when she heard Patrick use the four-letter “m” word.
(Emily looks at Lainey.)
Emily: Four letter?
(Robin watches her two drunken friends look back and forth at each other.)
Emily: Make? Made? Mode? Mean?
Robin (flustered): Miss! She just said it, Emily!
(Robin watches Emily’s mouth form a small “o,” then break out in a sweet smile.)
Emily: He misses you?
Liz: Aww… Robin!
(Robin shakes her head.)
Robin: It’s nothing. Nothing happened. Noah came down and we came back up here. Patrick didn’t even probably realize he said it.
Lainey: Well, according to Epiphany… he wants to put a muzzle on Robin then kiss her!
Liz: Is that possible? I thought a muzzle kept your mouth closed?
(Emily smiles widely.)
Emily: Patrick’s a freak, isn’t he?
(Robin’s eyes widen as her mouth falls. She immediately scans the crowd for Coleman and finds him.)
Robin: Coleman! Coffee and water time!
(Coleman looks up at the sound of Robin’s voice and smiles.)
Coleman: You got it, hot pants!
(Robin groans inwardly. She knew Coleman was usually heavy on the alcohol, but this was ridiculous! Emily, Lainey and Liz were about to keel over… well, actually they weren’t. They were just about to mortify her. Maybe they were always like this when they went out to Jake’s. The difference was Robin hasn’t had one drink yet herself. And she needed one. Robin reaches over for a beer and sighs. This will have to do. And just as the cool bottle touches her lips, Robin notices Emily and Lainey covering their mouths attempting to demonstrate what a muzzle should look like just as Nikolas and Lucky make their way over to Patrick. She shakes her head – he couldn’t have meant what he said. Who in their right mind would miss this craziness?)
Nikolas: I was surprised to see you showed up.
(Patrick raises his eyes from his beer.)
Lucky: Nikolas owes me $10. I knew you would.
Patrick: You bet on whether I would come or not?
Lucky: And miss the opportunity to flirt with my wife? Seriously doubt it.
(Patrick clears his throat.)
Patrick: Make sure you put those ten dollars to good use… perhaps on a self-help tape for jealous freaks.
(Nikolas coughs loudly as he steps in between his brother and Patrick.)
Nikolas: So, Patrick… have you given any thought to what we discussed the other night at Jake’s?
Patrick: You said a lot of things that night. I’m not sure what you’re referring to.
(Nikolas simply nods. He really didn’t like Patrick Drake. The one redeeming quality he had was that he seemed to make Robin smile and for the last few weeks, even that seemed to disappear. Therefore, quite frankly, Nikolas no longer had any use for him. Before Nikolas could respond, Noah Drake walks over to the three men holding a tray filled with steaks.)
Noah: A Drake Steak?
(Patrick looks back at his father.)
Patrick: You really did help Robin cook?
Noah: I figured it’s the least I can do. Not only did she risk her career to save my life, she actually put up with you while doing it. (Smiles) If that doesn’t garner her “a Drake steak,” what does?
(Nikolas turns his attention toward Noah.)
Nikolas: Did you just call that “a Drake Steak?”
Noah: It’s my secret recipe. Want to try?
(Patrick has to laugh at the sight of “princely” Nikolas Cassidine reaching over for one of his father’s steaks.)
Patrick: It might not be the filet mignon that you’re accustomed to, but it is pretty close to it.
(Noah looks back at his son. It was sad, but that was the first compliment that Patrick had paid him in years.)
Noah: Patrick’s mother couldn’t even get the recipe out of me.
Patrick (laughs): And she tried, believe me.
(Nikolas looks down at the meat in front of him then back at the two grinning Drake men waiting for him to taste it.)
Nikolas: It’s that good?
Patrick: Trust me.
(Nikolas shoots Patrick a glare.)
Patrick: Fine, trust HIM.
(Nikolas looks down again at the steak then finally cuts a piece of it. Patrick and Noah watch eagerly as Nikolas takes a small bite then smile widely as his eyes widen and he nods.)
Nikolas: This is excellent. (Chewing) Truly excellent.
Noah: Drake Steak… never fails.
(Nikolas suddenly notices Robin walking by and grabs her.)
Nikolas: ROBIN! Have you tried the Drake steak?
(Robin’s eyes widen. Not Nikolas too! What the hell was Coleman serving?!?!)
Robin (appalled): Excuse me?
(Nikolas extends his fork toward Robin.)
Nikolas: Noah’s steak. It’s remarkable. It’s even better than the one we use to get at Café Matisse.
(Robin smiles as she looks back at Noah.)
Robin: No way.
Noah: Drake Steak…
Robin: Okay, I’ll try.
(Patrick watches as Robin leans in toward Nikolas’s fork that he’s holding and tries the steak. He shifts uncomfortably as her eyes immediately widen and she makes an inaudible gasp.)
Robin: Mmm! Oh my God, Noah!
(Robin looks back at Noah.)
Robin: That is unbelievable!
(Robin takes another bite from Nikolas’s plate as Patrick watches her.)
Robin: You should quit your day job right now.
(Noah smiles.)
Noah: I’m glad you approved.
(Robin grabs a napkin and wipes her mouth as she turns back to Noah.)
Robin: Thank you so much for this, Noah. Tonight has been unbelievable… and so much of it, I owe to you.
Noah (laughs): It was actually fun. I forgot how much I use to love to barbecue.
Robin: Seriously, Noah… thank you.
Noah: Anytime.
(Robin looks back at Noah and smiles again. Unfortunately, their tender moment was interrupted when Emily and Elizabeth walk over, both eyeing the plate in Nikolas’s hands.)
Liz: What’s that?
(Nikolas shrugs his shoulders.)
Nikolas: I just found out myself. It’s called the “Drake Steak.” You should try it. Robin loved it.
(Emily bursts out laughing with Elizabeth by her side laughing just as hard.)
Emily: I bet she did!
(Another round of laughter between Emily and Elizabeth breaks out as Robin slams her hand into her forehead. She looks around the roof again for Coleman.)
Robin (calls out): Coleman! Coffee and water! Come on!

Chapter 10

- Hours Later
Setting: The Roof of Robin, Lainey & Kelly’s Apartment
(The roof is eerily quiet. It’s later in the night and the party officially came to an end. Robin had to laugh slightly. It turned out to be a fun night. Coleman seemed a little heavy handed with the alcohol, but luckily Uncle Mac came through as always with his minivan and took everyone home who needed rides. And the first one Robin sent home was Emily. She was beginning to learn that Emily and alcohol did not mix well, but it did make her a bit more normal, though. The next ones to leave were actually Lainey and Kelly. They were both passed out in their bedrooms. Robin had to laugh. Kelly truly knew how to party… and Lainey, well… she would learn how to. Robin was actually glad that her roommates were sleeping. It gave her some time alone to clean up the roof before going to bed. It also gave her some alone time to think about the conversation she had earlier with Patrick. He had blurted out that he had missed her then they barely spoke to her for the remainder of the evening. She noticed him being one of the first to slip out right after Emily left with Mac and his group. Robin wouldn’t lie – she was disappointed. She honestly thought that perhaps her and Patrick could have a normal conversation once everything settled down, but she realized that perhaps she was wrong… because he ran. Robin shakes her head. She wasn’t going to think about this anymore. She had to clean up the roof. Robin walks to the corner of the roof and starts picking up some discarded cups. A few moments later, she looks up when she hears the sound of the door opening behind her. Robin smiles at the sight of Noah Drake.)

Noah: I’m heading out now.
Robin (smiles): Thanks again for everything, Noah.
Noah: I placed all the extra steaks in your freezer.
(Robin laughs softly.)
Robin: Those were definitely a hit tonight.
Noah: Not to mention that sangria you made. I heard it was the popular beverage of choice tonight.
Robin (sighs): Maybe too popular.
Noah: It actually felt nice being the only sober one in a room for a change.
(Robin laughs as she looks back at Noah.)
Robin: Thanks again, Noah. Do you need me to walk you out?
Noah: No, I’ll close the door behind me. (Smiles) Rock on, Dr. Scorpio!
(Robin laughs as she watches Noah disappear then once he’s gone her smile quickly falls. She still couldn’t believe Patrick left. Robin hated that he still got to her. It was so much easier when there was a deep freeze between them. She was right from the beginning – it had to be all or nothing for them. It was too bad if that freaked out Patrick. She needed it for her own sanity. Robin throws another bag of garbage into the corner when she hears the door reopening to the roof. She simply raises her hand without turning around.)
Robin: Kelly, I know you’re a light sleeper. I’m sorry!
Patrick: I don’t think Kelly will be conscious for at least another six hours.
(Robin jumps at the sound of Patrick’s voice and spins around in his direction. He immediately sees the look of surprise on her face.)
Patrick: You thought I left?
(Robin starts to open her mouth to speak, but didn’t know what to say.)
Robin: I… uh… (Looks at him) Didn’t you?
(Patrick looks down and nods.)
Patrick: Yes, but I was coming back. (Looks at her) My father let me in.
(Robin nods. Good ol’ Noah. She watches as Patrick moves toward her. Her eyes widen somewhat as he suddenly reveals her favorite over-sized Yale sweatshirt in his hands.)
Patrick: It’s starting to get chilly. I thought you might want this.
(Robin looks down at the beat up sweatshirt in her hands and shakes her head.)
Robin: Where did you find this? I thought I lost this in the move.
(Patrick looks down again awkwardly.)
Patrick: You left it in my room.
Robin (shocked): I did? When?
Patrick: You don’t remember?
(Robin just stares back at Patrick until suddenly a look of realization washes over her face and she nods.)
Robin (softly): I remember.
(Robin looks back down at the sweatshirt.)
Robin: Thank you. I missed it.
(Robin holds it up to her face inhaling the sweet scent of her sweatshirt. It actually smelled like a combination of her and Patrick now. She smiles as she looks back at him.)
Robin (laughs): It smells like your aftershave! What were you doing? Wearing it yourself?
(Patrick laughs.)
Patrick: Despite that it is big enough for me to wear, no… I refrained from wearing your clothes.
(Robin laughs again as she throws the oversized sweatshirt over her body. He was right. He could definitely fit into it. The story behind this sweatshirt was actually funny. During her freshman orientation at Yale, for some reason they had mixed up her file with her neighbor Dave Stern’s. They proceeded to give him an XS sweatshirt and her the XL one. Unfortunately, they didn’t realize the mix-up until the freshman mixer where it was required that they wore their new “school” sweatshirts to show their pride. Needless to say, Robin and Dave never lived down their mishap… and quickly became fast friends. Dave proceeded to give his sweatshirt to his little sister and let Robin keep his. And it became Robin’s favorite sweatshirt for the last ten or so years. It had been with her through nights of missing Jason at Yale, sleeping at his bedside when he was shot, waiting for him to come home after being with Carly and Michael, it was even with her in Paris when she was alone and depressed… and now in Port Charles, it had been with her when she attempted to rebuild her life. She missed her sweatshirt. Patrick watched Robin hug herself slightly and in that moment, he wondered what she was thinking. He looks back at her as she suddenly opens her eyes and turns back toward him.)
Robin: Thank you for bringing it back.
(Robin turns around and starts picking up the trash again scattered all over her roof. Patrick watches her pensively nervously biting the tip of his thumb. She was probably expecting him to leave again. He looks around. Leaving would definitely be the easier choice. Patrick suddenly remembers back to his freshman psychology class and reading about the struggle adolescents go through when they struggle between the choices of “exit,” “voice” and “loyalty.” It was believed by a theorist named Carol Gilligan that loyalty was the bridge between exit and voice – exit, referring to just walking away and cutting ties, while voice, referred to actually talking things out… and one was considered loyal if they let voice overtake the need to exit. Patrick sighs. Maybe he really was an adolescent still. Patrick slowly walks toward Robin and gently touches her wrist causing her to look up with somewhat widened eyes.)
Robin: Patrick?
Patrick (blurts out): I still don’t think I can give you what you want.
(Robin looks back at Patrick as she lowers the trash bag she was holding.)
Robin (looks away): Okay… point duly noted.
(Patrick shakes his head then runs his hand behind his neck.)
Patrick: I don’t mean it like that. I mean… (Frustrated) Robin, I want to go back to what we had before.
(Robin takes her hand away from Patrick’s.)
Robin: Which was?
Patrick: What we had, you know… what we had…
Robin: Sex? You want no-strings sex from me?
(Patrick looks down. He was really screwing this up. This was the first conversation he had with Robin in weeks and all he could blurt out was that he wanted to sleep with her.)
Patrick: What about before the sex?
(Robin looks back at Patrick as he raises his head and looks back at her.)
Patrick: It wasn’t always about the sex between us.
(Robin locks her jaw then sighs loudly. She didn’t mean to go on the defensive with him. Patrick watches her as she slowly lowers herself down onto the ground and leans on the wall behind them. She stares at her hands for a moment then looks back up at him.)
Robin: Patrick, I still don’t know what you want from me.
(Patrick takes a deep breath then sits down next to Robin.)
Patrick: I want the person who sat with me while my father was in surgery.
(Robin looks down silently as Patrick takes another breath.)
Patrick: I want the person who walked into my O.R. and demanded that I saved the life of her friend. I want the person who raced cars with me in my room. I want the person that actually opened up to me on the roof of General Hospital.
(Robin slowly raises her head and looks back at Patrick.)
Robin: I didn’t go anywhere, Patrick. I never left. You were the one that wanted to end things.
Patrick: I get that, but I didn’t think…
Robin: You didn’t think I would back away completely?
(Robin turns toward Patrick and looks at him.)
Robin: Patrick, what did you expect me to do? (Simply) I already gave you my body, Patrick. I can’t give you more than that… especially when I don’t think you even want it.
(Patrick runs his hands through his hair frustrated as he leans back again on the wall of the roof.)
Patrick: I just want things to go back to the way they were before.
(Robin closes her eyes as she leans back on the wall behind her as well.)
Robin: Do you regret it?
(Patrick turns his head and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: What?
(Robin opens her eyes and turns her head toward him.)
Robin: Sleeping together.
(Patrick looks down and shakes his head.)
Patrick: I don’t know how to answer that.
Robin: Sleeping together brought us to this place. (Thinks) I mean, logically if you don’t like the way things are between us and sleeping together brought us here, then...
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: I don’t regret it.
(Robin simply stares back at Patrick.)
Patrick: The only regret I have is if you thought by how it ended, I didn’t…
(Patrick was clearly struggling with his emotions. Robin sighs.)
Robin: Care?
(Patrick looks back at her and smirks.)
Patrick: I was going to say more along the lines that I didn’t want you to think it wasn’t “good.”
(Robin laughs loudly.)
Robin: Don’t worry, Patrick. I knew how much you enjoyed yourself. (Looks at him) THAT you made crystal clear. It was the other stuff that was a little hazy.
(Patrick finally laughs as he looks down at his hands.)
Patrick: I just want things to go back to how they were. (Pauses) I don’t like finding out you were moving in with Lainey and Kelly from hospital gossip. I don’t like that you go to my father for consults before me.
(Patrick slowly raises his head and looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: I meant what I said, Robin – I miss you.
(Robin releases a soft breath.)
Patrick: I mean, don’t you miss me? At all?
(Robin turns her head and looks at Patrick. He actually looked vulnerable. She sighs softly.)
Robin: Of course I miss you, Patrick.
(Patrick looks down and nods. There’s another awkward silence between them. Robin studies Patrick for a moment then starts to reach toward him to touch the back of his neck, but then brings her hand back to her lap.)
Robin: If the only thing between us was sex, Patrick, it would’ve been easier to cut ties with you…
(Patrick turns his head and looks back at her.)
Robin: But there was more than just sex between us, even if you didn’t want to admit it.
Patrick: I’m here now, aren’t I?
(Robin simply looks back at Patrick.)
Patrick: I admit… I felt something.
(Robin just nods.)
Patrick: If it was just sex, Robin, I wouldn’t be here putting this all on the line.
(Robin turns her head and looks back at him.)
Robin: So, what does it mean? I felt something and you felt something, but at the same time, you’re telling me you don’t care what you felt because you can’t give me what I need, so too bad.
(Patrick looks down at his hands.)
Patrick: It’s not too bad; it just means that I’m confused.
(Robin breathes out another soft breath as she leans back on the wall.)
Robin: Well, it’s obvious no-strings didn’t work.
Patrick: And “nothing” doesn’t work either.
(Robin turns her head and looks at Patrick.)
Robin: So, where does that leave us?
Patrick: We can try being friends.
(Robin laughs softly.)
Robin: Friends?
(Robin turns her entire body toward Patrick and looks back at him.)
Robin: Friends like in pals? Like in Bosom Buddies?
Patrick: Well, not like the show. (Awkwardly) I mean, like we were… you know… before the…
Robin (straightly): The sex.
Patrick: Yes, the sex.
(Robin nods then turns back around and stares straight ahead.)
Robin: Fine, we’re friends.
(Patrick looks down at his hands that are resting in his lap.)
Patrick: I should warn you… I’m not that great of a friend either.
(Robin sighs loudly.)
Robin: Geesh, Patrick! What are you good at?
(Patrick turns his head and looks at Robin, arching one of his eyebrows. She immediately shakes her head.)
Robin: Don’t go there.
Patrick: You asked!
Robin: I meant… relationship-wise! (Thinks) For this “friendship” thing to work, there can’t be any sex talk between us.
(Patrick just nods.)
Robin: And we have to stick to it.
(Patrick looks back at Robin.)
Patrick: But, the deep freeze will end?
Robin: Did it really bother you that much that we didn’t talk?
(Patrick simply reaches toward Robin and touches her leg. Her eyes immediately fall down toward his hand on her leg.)
Patrick: It bothered me… a lot.
(Robin sighs. Just friends. Things were about to get interesting.)

to be continued...

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