I can't believe he has that book. My heart, it's just so sad and mad and ugh right now! I mean, a playbook, really Barney? What kind of egomaniac, conceded, stupid, ugh has that! Half-drunk already I call Lily.

"Lily!" I yell when she picks up.

"Um, sweetie, are you okay?"

"Yes," I scoff, "I mean it's just a playbook. Barney likes women a lot, but that's okay cause I like stuff too. And ya know what I like, drinking, drinking Lily, that's what I like. I got my friend, scotch, here so... I'm doing awesome."

"Okay, honey, just hand the phone to Carl, okay?" Nodding my head, I hand the phone to the Bartender.

"Hello," he says. Which he follows with an "mmm hmm... okay... sure... alright Lil... yep, bye." Then he looks up and smiles at me, "Okay Robin, that's it, no more," he says pulling my drink from my hand.

"Hey. stop! Carl," I whine. He shushes me and proceeds to pour my drink down the drain. I watch sorrowfully, arms crossed. I hear the door swing upon, look up, and see the person I least want to see in the world. Barney.


When I see Robin, it feels like I've been punched in the gut. I've followed Lily's advice, I've kept my feelings under wrap. I came here to escape her and thoughts of her.

What she said early, how she didn't like the playbook, how we just broke up. I couldn't get it out of my mind. So when I took that girl out for coffee, I left her there. I looked down at my phone, faked shocked, horror, and then gave her some lame excuse about how my friend needed me and I had to go. Then, leaving money on the table, I ran out. I got into the first cab I saw and headed to good ole MacLaren's, where I can get wasted and forget everything.

But instead of that, I walk in and immediately see Robin. She looks terrible, ready to crumble. I really can't take anymore of this. I walk over and the first thing that slips out of my mouth is

"Robin, are you okay?" Luckily, I manage to stop it there before I really do get carried away.

"Yeah," she says unconvincingly. Then she does something that really makes my heart break, she wipes the tears away from her eyes. I know, I just know, because I know her, that I'm a big part of the reason for those tears.

"Oh Robin," without thinking I embrace her in a hug. A million curses, regrets, and ridiculous expectations run through my mind, but having Robin in my arms makes them all disappear.

I feel her relax into it for a couple of seconds and it's the best feeling in the world. But then the worst feeling in the world comes, she pushes me away. I start to say something.

"Barney," she says, cutting me off, "I can't do this again." She storms out looking like she's about to cry again.

I mutter a soft "Told you so, Lily," under my breath.


I run straight to Lily and Marshal's apartment, I shove my key into the door, frustrated when it doesn't click immediately. Why didn't I just go with it, I think. I bang my fist against the door furiously. I hear footsteps and Lily greets me at the door.

"Sweetie, come in," she says slightly worried.

My eyes prick with tears, "I can't handle this, Lily."

"Shh I know, it'll be okay." I look up and meet her eyes, then collapse into her and just cry.