Chapter 3 – Dating

Connor's stomach was tied in knots as he jogged up the ramp to Jayne's desk. He was going to ask her for a real date and he was very nervous. Taking a deep breath, he reminded himself that Jayne had pretty much told him she was interested in him. Still his hands were tightly gripped together as he gave her a small smile and said, "Hey. Would you like to go to dinner and a movie tomorrow night? There's a new horror flick I want to see."

"Horror movie, huh?" she teased, making it sound like she wouldn't go.

Connor's smile drooped as he prepared for her refusal.

Jayne watched his face and wanted to hurt Abby badly. From what Connor had told her, Abby had really damaged his confidence over the last couple of years. As far as Jayne was concerned, Abby was responsible for Connor's uncertainty around women. Jayne planned to do everything in her power to boost his ego. "All right. I'll go. But only if I can hide my face against your shirt." Connor's grin was back in full force as she added, "Oh, and you might have to hold me most of the night."

Connor turned to leave as he agreed, "I think I can manage that!"

Jayne jumped up from her desk before he could walk away. "Have a nice afternoon," she said in a brisk, professional voice. Then she quickly pulled him to her for a brief kiss.

Surprised, Connor froze for a minute, before his arms moved around her waist to hold her gently. He began to respond enthusiastically. He tilted his head and kissed her back, shaping and stroking her lips with his own.

The kiss was the first thing Abby saw as she entered the ARC. It was her first half-day back at work and she had been looking forward to seeing everyone. The sight of Connor kissing Jayne so thoroughly sent an unpleasant jolt through her. He was supposed to be hers. Anger began to build as she watched Connor say goodbye and then disappear into one of the upper labs. She stormed up the ramp determined to find out just what was going on with Jayne.

Jayne watched Abby's angry approach. Her eyes remained calm as she waited for Connor's flat mate to reach her desk. "Hello, Abby," she said steadily. "Welcome back to work."

Abby tossed her head huffily and said, "That was some kiss."

"Yeah, Connor's a really good kisser," Jayne answered happily.

"Look," Abby spat out, "I don't know what you're playing at, but I don't want Connor to be hurt."

Jayne stared at Abby, her mouth hanging open in disbelief. "You can't be serious. Connor has loved you for years and you have shut him out, refused to see what he feels for you, treated him like he wasn't worthy of your attention… if anyone is hurting Connor, it's you. He told me about Caroline and your 'as if' comment about dating him. He told me about saving your life and telling you he loved you, only to have you desperately deny he was your boyfriend to the first person who asked. How can you honestly think you're his friend, much less someone who has a right to be jealous? I love him. I want him. He needs and deserves someone who can commit to a relationship. Obviously, that isn't you." Jayne was so angry she wanted to break something. She turned away from Abby and sat at her desk, trying to get control of herself.

Abby stood unmoving. Jayne's words had forced her to see things from Connor's point of view. She had been horrid to him without realizing. She had treated him like an annoyance because it was easier than facing how she truly felt about him. Dropping that line of thought she said, "You're right. I have hurt him, but it stops now." Abby ducked her head as she felt her eyes get watery. "I'm sorry I misjudged you. I'm sure you're just what Connor needs."

Jayne watched Abby hurry away and felt unwanted sympathy for her. Maybe she did care for Connor, but she acted like an emotional disaster area. Jayne wondered what had happened to ruin Abby's ability to love. Shaking her head, she put the confrontation out of her mind. She got back to work, very glad that James Lester had been out of his office during her fight with Abby.

On the Main Ops floor, Sarah stared up at Jayne's desk. She had heard the entire argument. She walked away feeling sad and torn. Jayne had forced Abby to hear the truth, and while Sarah hated for Abby to be hurt, maybe it was a good thing. Sarah felt a grudging respect for Jayne. The girl was loving and loyal to Connor. Maybe she really was the right person for him.