Chapter 10

Patrick was driving home from the hospital when he noticed Robin's car in the driveway of her new house. He was surprised – he thought Emma had said they wouldn't be home until next week. He thought about it for all of two seconds before he pulled into the driveway.

Patrick took a few deep breaths and finally got the courage to get out of the car and go to the front door. He hated avoiding her, hated lying to her, hated the pain he had put Robin through. While she was in Paris he could at least keep his distance but now that she was home, it wasn't possible. He couldn't be this close to her and not see her.

Victor was still using Emma and Robin's safety as a bargaining tool. He was sending pictures of Emma and Robin to Patrick's cell phone regularly to remind Patrick that Victor could get to them at any time he wants.

He reached the door and knocked.

Patrick's head turned as he heard a man call out. "Just a minute."

Patrick turned to leave as the door opened and he found himself face to face with Robin's boyfriend. "I'm sorry I was looking for …"

Zach smiled and put out his hand. "Robin and Emma. I recognize you from the pictures Emma has of you in her room. I'm Zach Jackson."

Patrick studied the man and then took his hand. "Patrick Drake. Are the girls home?"

"I thought Emma would have told you, they won't be here until next week." Zach thought for a moment and decided to put out an olive branch. "Would you like to come in and have a beer? I've been wanting to meet you and maybe talk if that's okay?"

Patrick's first instinct was to walk away and come back next week when his girls were home but his curiosity got the best of him. "She did, I just thought maybe they got home early. A beer would be great."

Patrick walked in and took a look around. "So, you're getting the house ready for the girls? That's nice of you."

Zach went into the kitchen and came back with the beers while Patrick was talking. "Well, I was given a list of items and very specific instructions as to where they go before I left. Robin made it very clear that to deviate from her placement would result in some very unpleasant things."

Patrick couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, that's Robin."

Zach watched him for a moment. "This is really uncomfortable for you, isn't it?"

Patrick nodded then decided to change the subject. "Why don't you give me the grand tour? I want to see my daughter's new home."

Zach smiled at him. "Let's go."

The two men walked down the hall and Zach led him to Emma's room. Her bed and furniture was already set up and on the wall was a picture of Emma, Robin and Zach with someone else. Patrick looked at it closely. "Is that Taylor Swift?"

Zach laughed. "Yes, I did security for the stadium her concert was at and got us backstage passes. Emma was thrilled. Well, Emma and Robin were both thrilled."

Patrick choked back his tears. It hurt that Emma had this great moment with Zach and not him. It hurt even more that she didn't tell him. "I'm glad, she loves Taylor Swift."

Zach realized what had happened. "Patrick I am so sorry – I don't know why Emma didn't tell you. I would never…"

Patrick put up his hand. "It's okay. She probably didn't want to hurt my feelings since I couldn't be there. Did she have fun?"

"Yes." Zach paused for a moment, thinking. "You know she loves One Direction too." Patrick nodded. "Well, I am doing the security at Madison Square Garden and I bet I could do the same thing with them next month. Maybe you and Emma could have a nice night out together."

Patrick hated this. Zach was honestly trying to be nice and it was slowly killing Patrick. "Only if you let me pay you for the tickets."

Zach nodded. "Agreed." The men headed back out to the hallway. "Do you have time for another beer?"

Patrick debated it and then agreed. "One more. Are we done with the tour – what about that room?" He pointed to a door at the end of the hall.

"That's just our room, nothing exciting." Zach walked back towards the living room.

"I'm sorry – did you say our room?"

Zach stopped and looked at Patrick. "You didn't know? Robin and I are going to live here together with Emma."

Patrick was shocked. He knew that Zach had been staying with them in Paris but he had assumed that was only temporary. "I just forgot – of course I knew. Look Zach, it was nice meeting you but I really need to go."

Patrick headed towards the front door with Zach close behind him. "Patrick, I really hope we can get to know each other. I think it's important for Robin's and Emma's sakes that we get along."

Patrick took a deep breath. "Of course. I am sure I will see you next week when the girls get home."

Before Zach could respond Patrick fled out the door and to his car.

Patrick managed to keep his emotions in check all the way home. Once inside their house he found a photo of him and Robin with Emma and held it in his trembling hands. He was going to get his family back. He didn't know how but he was getting them back.