Chapter 2- No More Wasted Time
Connor watched Abby as she slowly made her way to the kitchen. She wasn't paying any attention to him, so it didn't matter that he stared. He had been so hopeful when she woke up in the hospital. He had even gotten brave enough to write 'love' on his gift of flowers.
Now he realized he had got it wrong again. Abby hadn't said one word about his flowers or his card. She continued to treat him like a barely tolerated roommate. It was time to stop wasting his life waiting for her.
"Abby, if you're O.K., I'd like to go back to work today," he said stiffly.
"Hmmm? Oh yeah that's fine. I could use some time alone," she said, oblivious to the pain she was causing him.
"Right. See you later," he called as he walked quickly out the door.
Connor went straight to see Jayne as soon as he got to the ARC. She always made him feel wanted and special. It was easy to be with her. He pushed all thoughts of Abby out of his mind as he approached Jayne's desk.
Jayne looked up. When she saw who was striding toward her, her eyes lit up and she smiled broadly. "Hey, stranger. Glad to see you!"
Connor couldn't stop the huge grin that appeared on his face at her happy welcome. "Jayne, I wanted to tell you I'm glad you didn't quit. I'd really miss you, if you left," he admitted. "Would you like to go to lunch today?"
Jayne didn't know if he was asking as a friend or if he wanted something more, but it didn't matter. Connor had just asked her out. "I'd be very happy to have lunch with you," she answered quickly.
"Great. It's a date," he said in satisfaction. "I'll come get you around noon."
By the time Abby came back to work several weeks later, Connor was having lunch with Jayne on a regular basis. He found they had so many things in common and he could talk to her about everything, including Abby. It was such a change to have a girl actually want to be with him. He was ready to take things further.