Chapter Eighteen - You've Got to Have Friends

Two weeks later

"So what is the next treatment option?"

Robin shrugged her shoulders and looked helplessly at Liz as they walked to their cars at the end of another long day at the hospital. Robin had been back to work at General Hospital for about a week now and Liz's fears for her health were starting to fade. Robin was back to her old self and hard at work on the Gracie Markum case. "I've run every test imaginable on that child and am no closer to finding out what is wrong with her than the day her mother brought her in."

Emily, walking out with them, chimed in and said, "The results from the latest battery of tests should find it's way up to your desk by tomorrow, so let's clear some space in our schedules about mid-morning and you can show me why I should follow you into the fascinating world of neurological research." Emily grinned and put her arm around Robin and Robin in turn laid her head on her friends' shoulder. "But for tonight, let's try something different. Let's leave work at the hospital and concentrate on something else...your love life. Or lack of it."

"Oh good," Robin replied sarcastically, laughing. "let's move from one depressing topic to an even more depressing one!"

"So, what's going on with Patrick?" Emily wanted to know. "A few weeks ago he was following you around like a little lost puppy and ever since your illness he's been so reserved. He hasn't gotten on anyone's nerves at all. Something's wrong."

"Of course something is wrong," Liz exclaimed. "Did you not see the man while she was comatose? He was a wreck. He realized that he was in love with her and it scared the hell out of him! And now he has no idea how to act. He can't pull the arrogant jerk act anymore because now we all know that there's more to him, but he's afraid to confess his true feelings because he can't handle the thought of rejection." Liz looked sideways at Robin and asked, "You wouldn't reject him, would you?"

"Why is that all of you blissfully happy newlyweds always want the rest of the world to be in love along with you?" Robin teased her friend.

"Way to avoid the question." Emily said, laughing. "But I can see where Patrick is coming from. I mean, I drunkenly confessed my feelings to Sonny and that turned into the worst night of my entire life! I can't believe I am still showing my face around in public!"

Robin and Liz both laughed, and then Liz said, "Well, we all know that Patrick is crazy about Robin but he is being such a guy about the whole thing. So, you have to make the first move."

"Were you not just listening to Emily's impassioned little speech about rejection?" Robin joked. "It works both ways, you know."

"He's not going to reject you." Liz said matter-of-factly.

"Has she been taking amateur psychology classes that we don't know about?" Robin asked and Emily laughed.

"He is in love with you!" Liz said, grabbing Robin's arm and playfully pushing her around. "How many different ways do I have to say that?"

"I don't think you are the one who has to say it." Emily said. "Patrick does."

"What? Are we living back in the stone age? Who says the guy has to say it first?" Liz asked. "We are women in control of our own destinies. Taking charge of our own lives."

"I'm just not as confident about Patrick's feelings for me as you are." Robin shrugged. "I guess I am beyond help."

"Maybe." Liz agreed, with a twinkle in her eyes. "But luckily, you have friends who refuse to give up on you. So, here's the plan. Lucky is working the late shift tonight and won't be home until very early tomorrow morning. Lulu is escaping the craziness of the Quartermaine's and has agreed to babysit for Cameron tonight. So, you will go home and change into your sexiest dress, tousle the hair, sparkle up the make-up and meet us at Club 51 for a night out on the town. We will dance, drink, and flirt like we were carefree again."

Robin shook her head. "I don't think so. I'm tired and all I need is..."

"A life!" Liz interrupted with a laugh. "You can't back out. Do you know how much I had to go through to get Lulu to babysit?"

Robin was hesitant, but Emily gave her a playful shove with her shoulder. "Come on, Rob. We haven't had a girls night out in so long! And we deserve one! The last few weeks have been awful!"

Robin finally conceded and Liz and Emily were giddy. "Yeah! Watch out Port Charles...the girls are hitting the town!"