INT-ST. CLAIRE'S - LATER THAT AFTERNOON
SYD enters the busy clinic. She spots IZZY across the crowded waiting area talking with a patient. Izzy smiles and waves.
IZZY
Give me two seconds OK?
(to patient)
OK, if you will just come with me, the doctor will be with you in just a few minutes.
As Izzy heads off with the patient, Syd looks around the New St. Claire's. This is the first time she has seen it since the fire and it hadn't changed much. It had been rebuilt and repaired to look pretty much the way it was before the fire.
A Young woman (Jenna) in her early thirties, sitting nearbye with an elderly woman, notices Syd and approaches her.
JENNA
Dr. Hansen?
Syd turns and smiles at the young woman.
SYDNEY
Jenna! Hi, how are you?
JENNA
I thought that was you! How are you. We've missed you around here.
SYDNEY
Oh, I'm OK? How is your grandmother?
JENNA
Well, you can ask her yourself. She's right over there?
She points to the elderly woman sitting in the waiting area. The woman is sitting up, but has her eyes shut and appears to be sleeping.
Jenna and Sydney walk over to her.
JENNA
(putting a hand on the woman's shoulder)
Gram, look who's back?
The woman opens her eyes and looks up.
SYDNEY
Mrs. Macy, how are you?
The old woman smiles excitedly.
MRS. MACY
Oh! Dr. Hansen! Are you a sight for these old tired eyes. Please tell me you are back to stay.
Sydney smiles and takes a seat beside her.
SYDNEY
Oh, come on now Mrs. Macy. Things can't be that bad around here.
JENNA
Oh, they're not. Gram just likes to complain. Don't ya Gram?
MRS. MACY
No, I don't like to complain.
(turning to Syd)
But you know, It's just not the same without you here. I never get to see the same Doctor twice. It's always someone different.
JENNA
Well, not always Gram. But you know, they are volunteers here so they alternate around. But they are all very competent and very nice...
(to Syd)
And of course she doesn't listen to any of them.
SYDNEY
(laughing)
That's OK. She never listened to me either.
MRS. MACY
Sure I did. I always listened to YOU Dr. Hansen.
SYDNEY
(challenging her)
Oh really? Tell me. Have you signed up for that Meals on Wheels Program yet so you don't have to cook for yourself all the time?
MRS. MACY
Oh, well I'm very particular about what I eat.
SYDNEY
Uh huh. And how about that cleaning service I recommended?
MRS. MACY
(scoffing at the idea)
I can clean my own house.
SYDNEY
Right. And have you been keeping your feet up to help with the circulation in your legs?
MRS. MACY
Sure! Sure! When I'm sitting I keep my feet up.
Sydney laughs, puts an arm around the old woman and gives her a gentle squeeze.
SYDNEY
Oh, Mrs. Macy. You're a trip you know that?
MRS. MACY
(seriously)
Is that a good thing?
SYDNEY
Always.
IZZY and PATRICE appear from the back and head toward Syd.
Syd stands and turns to Mrs. Macy and her granddaughter.
SYDNEY
Well, I have to get going. It was so good to see you both?
MRS. MACY
Well, I hope we'll see you again soon.
As Syd heads toward Izzy and Patrice.
IZZY
Come on Syd. We have a few minutes. We can chat in the office.
MRS MACY
(yelling after them)
Isabelle! I've been waiting here for a half hour now. When is the doctor going to see me?
Izzy pushes Syd into the office behind Patrice as she hollers back to Mrs. Macy...
IZZY
You haven't even been here for fifteen minutes!
Entering the office and closing the door quickly behind her, Izzy turns to Syd...
IZZY
I swear that woman is going to drive me to drink!
Syd smiles.
SYDNEY
God, I've missed you guys!
She hugs both Izzy and Patrice.
IZZY
Oh girl! We've missed you to.
PATRICE
Yeah, it just isn't the same around here without you?
SYDNEY
So, how are things going here. You look busy.
IZZY
We are. But then, we always were.
SYDNEY
Any luck finding a full time Doctor?
PATRICE
Not yet. We have five volunteer Doctors who volunteer to work here in their free time but...
She trails off.
SYDNEY
But what?
IZZY
But like she said. It's not the same without you. The patients used to like that they could come here and see a familiar face. It was comforting for them. Now, they never know who they are going to see and many of them aren't coming in as often as they should any more.
SYDNEY
(sadly)
Well, that's not good.
PATRICE
But we don't want you to worry about that Syd. We'll find a full time Doctor sooner or later and when we do, things will get better. Right now we want to hear about your exciting life as an ER Doc in Chicago!
SYDNEY
(unenthusiastically)
Well...it's certainly busy. It's different.
IZZY
Good different or bad different?
SYDNEY
Good I guess. It's just...so busy. Owen and I hardly have any time to spend together.
Izzy notices the sadness in Syd's voice and decides to cut right to the chase...
IZZY
So, are you happy there Syd?
Sydney takes a moment to think about it before responding...
SYDNEY
I guess it's just going to take a little getting used to. I mean, let's face it. I don't really have a choice. I loved my work here at St. Claire's but... Chicago is where Owen's practice is.
PATRICE
You always have a choice Syd.
IZZY
Yeah. It sounds like you and Owen just need to sit down and talk about it.
INT. MARIO'S RESTAURANT - LATER
JOANIE and LEO are sitting at a table for four, by themselves. JOANIE looks anxiously at her watch.
JOANIE
I wonder where they are? I said 5:00.
LEO
It's only 5:15. I'm sure they will be here.
SYDNEY rushes in and approaches the table.
JOANIE
Oh Sydney! There you are!
SYDNEY
(taking a seat)
Sorry I'm late. I was talking with Izzy and Patrice and I guess I lost track of time.
JOANIE
Syd, you remember Leo. He was at your wedding.
SYDNEY reaches across the table and shakes Leo's hand.
SYDNEY
Of course I do. Hi Leo. It's good to see you again.
(looking around)
Owen's not here yet?
JOANIE
Not yet.
Looking toward the door, Joanie notices OWEN rushing in.
JOANIE
Oh, speak of the devil.
OWEN
Hi! Hi! Sorry I'm late.
OWEN takes a seat.
JOANIE
That's OK. Actually Syd just got here.
SYDNEY
(to Owen)
So, what have you been up to?
Owen looks are her, not really wanting to get into it. But answers her with...
OWEN
Oh...just trying to smooth things over with your brother.
SYDNEY
Uh huh. And how did that go?
OWEN
(sarcastically)
Oh, just great. I'm telling ya...I'll be nominated for brother of the year any day now!
SYDNEY
(bitterly)
Well, what did you expect?
Sensing the tension between Syd and Owen, Leo looks at Joanie. She shrugs. They are both clueless as to what's going on.
JOANIE
OK. What's up?
SYDNEY
Nothing. Owen here just thought he would gain Robbie's trust by accusing him of robbing O'Neill's. Isn't that right hun?
OWEN
(smirking)
Well, not exactly SWEETY.
(turning to Joanie and Leo)
See, I never accused Robbie of robbing O'Neill's. I just...don't feel he's being completely honest with me about what happened that night. That's all.
JOANIE
Thank God! I thought I was the only one.
SYDNEY
What are you talking about? You don't believe him either?
JOANIE
(matter of factly)
No. I don't.
SYDNEY
What is wrong with you two! Robbie is the victim here and you two are making him out to be some sort of criminal. Now, I expect it from Joanie but...
JOANIE
(cutting her off)
What's that suppose to mean?
SYDNEY
Oh, come on Joanie! You always assume the worst about Robbie. You always have!
Poor Leo sits amidst this family squabble, eyes bouncing from one family member to the next just following the conversation. He is clearly uncomfortable but keeps his mouth shout as Joanie responds...
JOANIE
I do not!
(beat)
At least I don't ignore him. You don't even know anything about Robbie. If you did than you would have noticed that something is definitely not right with him and hasn't been for a long time now. For God's sake! Owen's only been brother-in-law for seven months now and even he can tell that's something's wrong!
LEO
I don't know about you guys! But I could use another drink!
He signals to a passing waitress.
Sydney ignores him and continues.
SYDNEY
Well, since I am so clueless. Why don't you enlighten me! Just what do you think is wrong with Robbie.
JOANIE
You really want to know?
OWEN
(seriously)
I wanna know.
Sydney glares at him before responding...
SYDNEY
Yes. I can't wait to hear your theory.
JOANIE
Fine! If you really want to know...
She pauses a moment as Owen and Leo lean in...anxious to hear what she is going to say.
Sydney, sits smuggly with her arms folded, waiting for Joanie to respond.
JOANIE
(continuing)
I think that Robbie's gambling again.
Owen smiles and nods his head as if it all makes sense to him now.
Sydney, however, scoffs at the idea.
SYDNEY
Gambling? You think Robbie's gambling again?
JOANIE
That's right.
SYDNEY
Why would he do that?
OWEN
Why wouldn't he? You told me before Syd, that Robbie used to have a gambling problem.
SYDNEY
I said he used to gamble. But I wouldn't say he had a problem.
JOANIE
(sarcastic)
Oh sure. It wasn't a problem for him at all! Let's see now. He only put himself thousands of dollars into debt, got beat up, arrested, lost one girlfriend and one fiancée because of it...
SYDNEY
Whoa! Whoa! Fiancée?
JOANIE
Yeah. You didn't know he and Heather were engaged? I thought you knew him Syd?
OWEN
Heather? As in Heather from the Vet Clinic- Heather?
LEO
(to Owen)
I feel like I'm in the middle of a soap opera.
Sydney ignores them and continues questioning Joanie?
SYDNEY
When did he tell you this?
JOANIE
I don't know. A few weeks after they broke up I guess.
SYDNEY
(sounding hurt)
He never told me that.
JOANIE
See, that's the thing Syd. In order to get information from Robbie, you have to actually have a conversation with him once in a while.
Syd rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Look, that doesn't mean Robbie is gambling again. If anything, it proves just the opposite! After all he has lost, why would Robbie start gambling again? He has a wife and kids to support now.
JOANIE
Because that is what Robbie does. Don't you get it? Syd, this isn't about money to Robbie.
(pausing a moment to choose her words)
OK, maybe it is at first. But look at his history Syd. Robbie gambles when he's afraid, when he's nervous, when he's feeling badly about himself. It's a total high for him. The reason he hasn't gambled for over a year now isn't because he doesn't have a problem with gambling. It's because he hasn't HAD to. He's been happy. He's felt secure! He had a new wife and a new baby and they were happy. But things are starting to fall apart for them now financially and Robbie just can't handle it. He's afraid.
LEO
Wow, you are really getting your moneys worth out of those psychology electives.
OWEN
Yeah. Everything you said makes total sense.
SYDNEY
What are you talking about! It makes NO sense. Robbie wasn't unhappy when he was dating Dani and he was gambling then!
JOANIE
Maybe not unhappy... But I'm sure he was feeling pretty darn insecure. I mean, let's face it, Dani was beautiful, smart, and college educated. Not to mention a star athlete with scouts just waiting to snatch her up for pro ball. Hell, she made me feel like a loser!
SYDNEY
I think your grasping at straws.
JOANIE
(fed up)
Fine! Whatever! You know what? You're so smart. You figure it out then. God forbid, I might be right. That's not possible. Because we all know only the wonderful Syd Hansen has the power to solve the problems in this family!
SYDNEY
(standing up)
OK, I'm not going to sit here and take this.
OWEN
Ok, let's all calm down. Come on Syd. Sit down and let's enjoy our dinner. We can talk about this later.
(to Leo and Joanie)
What do you say?
LEO
Yeah, come on guys! This is supposed to be fun. You girls have been looking forward spending time with each other again for a long time. Let's not spoil it.
SYDNEY
(nearly in tears)
No.
(to Leo)
Leo, I'm really sorry. Hopefully we can do this another time. But I am really not hungry any more.
(to Owen)
I'll meet you at home.
She rushes off.
Joanie, frustrated and upset, turns and buries her face in Leo's chest. He wraps his arms around her and gives her a hug as Owen reaches over and gives her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
END PART 5
NOTE: OK, before people start posting that the Hansen family knew about Robbie and Heather's engagement, I just wanted to point out that the writers never really made it clear (at least not to my satisfaction) that the family knew anything about the engagement. For the purpose of this story, I am assuming that only Joanie knew about the engagement (because Robbie told her) and the rest of the family just assumed Robbie and Heather took the trip to Vegas to escape all the hooplah over Heather's cancelled wedding to Charlie. Robbie never told them because he was embarrassed and Heather never told anyone because she didn't want to embarrass Robbie.
Oh, and I promise! You will find out the deal about the letter in the next chapter. But I'm sure it's not nearly as scandalous as some of you are probably imagining. I hope you aren't going to be disappointed! LOL!
SYD enters the busy clinic. She spots IZZY across the crowded waiting area talking with a patient. Izzy smiles and waves.
IZZY
Give me two seconds OK?
(to patient)
OK, if you will just come with me, the doctor will be with you in just a few minutes.
As Izzy heads off with the patient, Syd looks around the New St. Claire's. This is the first time she has seen it since the fire and it hadn't changed much. It had been rebuilt and repaired to look pretty much the way it was before the fire.
A Young woman (Jenna) in her early thirties, sitting nearbye with an elderly woman, notices Syd and approaches her.
JENNA
Dr. Hansen?
Syd turns and smiles at the young woman.
SYDNEY
Jenna! Hi, how are you?
JENNA
I thought that was you! How are you. We've missed you around here.
SYDNEY
Oh, I'm OK? How is your grandmother?
JENNA
Well, you can ask her yourself. She's right over there?
She points to the elderly woman sitting in the waiting area. The woman is sitting up, but has her eyes shut and appears to be sleeping.
Jenna and Sydney walk over to her.
JENNA
(putting a hand on the woman's shoulder)
Gram, look who's back?
The woman opens her eyes and looks up.
SYDNEY
Mrs. Macy, how are you?
The old woman smiles excitedly.
MRS. MACY
Oh! Dr. Hansen! Are you a sight for these old tired eyes. Please tell me you are back to stay.
Sydney smiles and takes a seat beside her.
SYDNEY
Oh, come on now Mrs. Macy. Things can't be that bad around here.
JENNA
Oh, they're not. Gram just likes to complain. Don't ya Gram?
MRS. MACY
No, I don't like to complain.
(turning to Syd)
But you know, It's just not the same without you here. I never get to see the same Doctor twice. It's always someone different.
JENNA
Well, not always Gram. But you know, they are volunteers here so they alternate around. But they are all very competent and very nice...
(to Syd)
And of course she doesn't listen to any of them.
SYDNEY
(laughing)
That's OK. She never listened to me either.
MRS. MACY
Sure I did. I always listened to YOU Dr. Hansen.
SYDNEY
(challenging her)
Oh really? Tell me. Have you signed up for that Meals on Wheels Program yet so you don't have to cook for yourself all the time?
MRS. MACY
Oh, well I'm very particular about what I eat.
SYDNEY
Uh huh. And how about that cleaning service I recommended?
MRS. MACY
(scoffing at the idea)
I can clean my own house.
SYDNEY
Right. And have you been keeping your feet up to help with the circulation in your legs?
MRS. MACY
Sure! Sure! When I'm sitting I keep my feet up.
Sydney laughs, puts an arm around the old woman and gives her a gentle squeeze.
SYDNEY
Oh, Mrs. Macy. You're a trip you know that?
MRS. MACY
(seriously)
Is that a good thing?
SYDNEY
Always.
IZZY and PATRICE appear from the back and head toward Syd.
Syd stands and turns to Mrs. Macy and her granddaughter.
SYDNEY
Well, I have to get going. It was so good to see you both?
MRS. MACY
Well, I hope we'll see you again soon.
As Syd heads toward Izzy and Patrice.
IZZY
Come on Syd. We have a few minutes. We can chat in the office.
MRS MACY
(yelling after them)
Isabelle! I've been waiting here for a half hour now. When is the doctor going to see me?
Izzy pushes Syd into the office behind Patrice as she hollers back to Mrs. Macy...
IZZY
You haven't even been here for fifteen minutes!
Entering the office and closing the door quickly behind her, Izzy turns to Syd...
IZZY
I swear that woman is going to drive me to drink!
Syd smiles.
SYDNEY
God, I've missed you guys!
She hugs both Izzy and Patrice.
IZZY
Oh girl! We've missed you to.
PATRICE
Yeah, it just isn't the same around here without you?
SYDNEY
So, how are things going here. You look busy.
IZZY
We are. But then, we always were.
SYDNEY
Any luck finding a full time Doctor?
PATRICE
Not yet. We have five volunteer Doctors who volunteer to work here in their free time but...
She trails off.
SYDNEY
But what?
IZZY
But like she said. It's not the same without you. The patients used to like that they could come here and see a familiar face. It was comforting for them. Now, they never know who they are going to see and many of them aren't coming in as often as they should any more.
SYDNEY
(sadly)
Well, that's not good.
PATRICE
But we don't want you to worry about that Syd. We'll find a full time Doctor sooner or later and when we do, things will get better. Right now we want to hear about your exciting life as an ER Doc in Chicago!
SYDNEY
(unenthusiastically)
Well...it's certainly busy. It's different.
IZZY
Good different or bad different?
SYDNEY
Good I guess. It's just...so busy. Owen and I hardly have any time to spend together.
Izzy notices the sadness in Syd's voice and decides to cut right to the chase...
IZZY
So, are you happy there Syd?
Sydney takes a moment to think about it before responding...
SYDNEY
I guess it's just going to take a little getting used to. I mean, let's face it. I don't really have a choice. I loved my work here at St. Claire's but... Chicago is where Owen's practice is.
PATRICE
You always have a choice Syd.
IZZY
Yeah. It sounds like you and Owen just need to sit down and talk about it.
INT. MARIO'S RESTAURANT - LATER
JOANIE and LEO are sitting at a table for four, by themselves. JOANIE looks anxiously at her watch.
JOANIE
I wonder where they are? I said 5:00.
LEO
It's only 5:15. I'm sure they will be here.
SYDNEY rushes in and approaches the table.
JOANIE
Oh Sydney! There you are!
SYDNEY
(taking a seat)
Sorry I'm late. I was talking with Izzy and Patrice and I guess I lost track of time.
JOANIE
Syd, you remember Leo. He was at your wedding.
SYDNEY reaches across the table and shakes Leo's hand.
SYDNEY
Of course I do. Hi Leo. It's good to see you again.
(looking around)
Owen's not here yet?
JOANIE
Not yet.
Looking toward the door, Joanie notices OWEN rushing in.
JOANIE
Oh, speak of the devil.
OWEN
Hi! Hi! Sorry I'm late.
OWEN takes a seat.
JOANIE
That's OK. Actually Syd just got here.
SYDNEY
(to Owen)
So, what have you been up to?
Owen looks are her, not really wanting to get into it. But answers her with...
OWEN
Oh...just trying to smooth things over with your brother.
SYDNEY
Uh huh. And how did that go?
OWEN
(sarcastically)
Oh, just great. I'm telling ya...I'll be nominated for brother of the year any day now!
SYDNEY
(bitterly)
Well, what did you expect?
Sensing the tension between Syd and Owen, Leo looks at Joanie. She shrugs. They are both clueless as to what's going on.
JOANIE
OK. What's up?
SYDNEY
Nothing. Owen here just thought he would gain Robbie's trust by accusing him of robbing O'Neill's. Isn't that right hun?
OWEN
(smirking)
Well, not exactly SWEETY.
(turning to Joanie and Leo)
See, I never accused Robbie of robbing O'Neill's. I just...don't feel he's being completely honest with me about what happened that night. That's all.
JOANIE
Thank God! I thought I was the only one.
SYDNEY
What are you talking about? You don't believe him either?
JOANIE
(matter of factly)
No. I don't.
SYDNEY
What is wrong with you two! Robbie is the victim here and you two are making him out to be some sort of criminal. Now, I expect it from Joanie but...
JOANIE
(cutting her off)
What's that suppose to mean?
SYDNEY
Oh, come on Joanie! You always assume the worst about Robbie. You always have!
Poor Leo sits amidst this family squabble, eyes bouncing from one family member to the next just following the conversation. He is clearly uncomfortable but keeps his mouth shout as Joanie responds...
JOANIE
I do not!
(beat)
At least I don't ignore him. You don't even know anything about Robbie. If you did than you would have noticed that something is definitely not right with him and hasn't been for a long time now. For God's sake! Owen's only been brother-in-law for seven months now and even he can tell that's something's wrong!
LEO
I don't know about you guys! But I could use another drink!
He signals to a passing waitress.
Sydney ignores him and continues.
SYDNEY
Well, since I am so clueless. Why don't you enlighten me! Just what do you think is wrong with Robbie.
JOANIE
You really want to know?
OWEN
(seriously)
I wanna know.
Sydney glares at him before responding...
SYDNEY
Yes. I can't wait to hear your theory.
JOANIE
Fine! If you really want to know...
She pauses a moment as Owen and Leo lean in...anxious to hear what she is going to say.
Sydney, sits smuggly with her arms folded, waiting for Joanie to respond.
JOANIE
(continuing)
I think that Robbie's gambling again.
Owen smiles and nods his head as if it all makes sense to him now.
Sydney, however, scoffs at the idea.
SYDNEY
Gambling? You think Robbie's gambling again?
JOANIE
That's right.
SYDNEY
Why would he do that?
OWEN
Why wouldn't he? You told me before Syd, that Robbie used to have a gambling problem.
SYDNEY
I said he used to gamble. But I wouldn't say he had a problem.
JOANIE
(sarcastic)
Oh sure. It wasn't a problem for him at all! Let's see now. He only put himself thousands of dollars into debt, got beat up, arrested, lost one girlfriend and one fiancée because of it...
SYDNEY
Whoa! Whoa! Fiancée?
JOANIE
Yeah. You didn't know he and Heather were engaged? I thought you knew him Syd?
OWEN
Heather? As in Heather from the Vet Clinic- Heather?
LEO
(to Owen)
I feel like I'm in the middle of a soap opera.
Sydney ignores them and continues questioning Joanie?
SYDNEY
When did he tell you this?
JOANIE
I don't know. A few weeks after they broke up I guess.
SYDNEY
(sounding hurt)
He never told me that.
JOANIE
See, that's the thing Syd. In order to get information from Robbie, you have to actually have a conversation with him once in a while.
Syd rolls her eyes.
SYDNEY
Look, that doesn't mean Robbie is gambling again. If anything, it proves just the opposite! After all he has lost, why would Robbie start gambling again? He has a wife and kids to support now.
JOANIE
Because that is what Robbie does. Don't you get it? Syd, this isn't about money to Robbie.
(pausing a moment to choose her words)
OK, maybe it is at first. But look at his history Syd. Robbie gambles when he's afraid, when he's nervous, when he's feeling badly about himself. It's a total high for him. The reason he hasn't gambled for over a year now isn't because he doesn't have a problem with gambling. It's because he hasn't HAD to. He's been happy. He's felt secure! He had a new wife and a new baby and they were happy. But things are starting to fall apart for them now financially and Robbie just can't handle it. He's afraid.
LEO
Wow, you are really getting your moneys worth out of those psychology electives.
OWEN
Yeah. Everything you said makes total sense.
SYDNEY
What are you talking about! It makes NO sense. Robbie wasn't unhappy when he was dating Dani and he was gambling then!
JOANIE
Maybe not unhappy... But I'm sure he was feeling pretty darn insecure. I mean, let's face it, Dani was beautiful, smart, and college educated. Not to mention a star athlete with scouts just waiting to snatch her up for pro ball. Hell, she made me feel like a loser!
SYDNEY
I think your grasping at straws.
JOANIE
(fed up)
Fine! Whatever! You know what? You're so smart. You figure it out then. God forbid, I might be right. That's not possible. Because we all know only the wonderful Syd Hansen has the power to solve the problems in this family!
SYDNEY
(standing up)
OK, I'm not going to sit here and take this.
OWEN
Ok, let's all calm down. Come on Syd. Sit down and let's enjoy our dinner. We can talk about this later.
(to Leo and Joanie)
What do you say?
LEO
Yeah, come on guys! This is supposed to be fun. You girls have been looking forward spending time with each other again for a long time. Let's not spoil it.
SYDNEY
(nearly in tears)
No.
(to Leo)
Leo, I'm really sorry. Hopefully we can do this another time. But I am really not hungry any more.
(to Owen)
I'll meet you at home.
She rushes off.
Joanie, frustrated and upset, turns and buries her face in Leo's chest. He wraps his arms around her and gives her a hug as Owen reaches over and gives her a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.
END PART 5
NOTE: OK, before people start posting that the Hansen family knew about Robbie and Heather's engagement, I just wanted to point out that the writers never really made it clear (at least not to my satisfaction) that the family knew anything about the engagement. For the purpose of this story, I am assuming that only Joanie knew about the engagement (because Robbie told her) and the rest of the family just assumed Robbie and Heather took the trip to Vegas to escape all the hooplah over Heather's cancelled wedding to Charlie. Robbie never told them because he was embarrassed and Heather never told anyone because she didn't want to embarrass Robbie.
Oh, and I promise! You will find out the deal about the letter in the next chapter. But I'm sure it's not nearly as scandalous as some of you are probably imagining. I hope you aren't going to be disappointed! LOL!
