“Do you mean that?” she asked. I hesitated, then nodded, not sure what my answer would bring. Jenny reached up with one hand and lightly traced the side of my face. I felt my stomach start to quake and my mouth grow dry.

“Shane…”

“Yeah, Jen?” I licked my lips quickly, trying to hide the fact that I was extremely nervous.

“Can I be honest with you on…one more thing?” I nodded.

“Go ahead.” Jenny looked down at her hands, which were now from around my neck in front of her, separating our bodies, if only by a few inches. I waited patiently, only making a slight noise when clearing my throat. Although I wasn’t loud, she heard me, and it snapped her out of her reverie. She smiled and moved closer to me. I could feel her fingers playing with the hem of my shirt.

“I had a crush on you…back then. Hell, I think I still do,” she smirked when she said this, but her smirk disappeared when she locked eyes with me. My face was the perfect example of bewilderment, I’m sure. I just stood there, eyes widened, mouth agape.

“Really?” I finally asked. She nodded, and then that innocence factor returned, with a touch of embarrassment.

“Forget it. I’m being foolish.” Jenny turned and walked away from me, making her way to the bar. She ordered another sour apple martini, and I joined her, ordering another beer. We sat there, exchanging glances in total silence. I sipped my beer and cradled it in my hand, watching as Jenny finished her martini and ordered another. How the hell was I going to admit my crush on her?

“Are you okay?” Jenny asked suddenly, and I nodded, smirking. She sipped her new martini, looking around the club. I leaned forward and smirked. Come on, McCutcheon. This is your only chance. Suck it up!

“It’s okay, you know.” Jenny looked at me and cocked an eyebrow.

“What?”

“It’s okay to have a crush on me. You aren’t being foolish.”

“Oh yeah,” Jenny asked, “what makes you say that?”

“Because I have a crush on you, too.” Jenny’s eyes scanned me to find a trace of dishonesty, but she found none. She placed her drink on the bar and leaned forward, making sure my eyes connected with hers perfectly.

“Is this the truth?” she asked, her voice showing signs of disbelief. A part of her didn’t want to believe it, but another part did. I’m sure of it.

“Yes. Yes, Jen. I’ve liked you since the moment I’ve met you.” What was I getting myself into?! Jenny smiled and rubbed her hands on her dress. I cleared my throat for what seemed like the millionth time, when I shifted my gaze to Dana. She was standing there with Alice in the middle of the floor, watching. I flashed them a look of desperation, hoping they could give me a sign. I had never felt so nervous in my entire life. Dana, who had been watching for some time, mouthed the words ‘follow your heart’. Alice, being the instigator and carefree gossip only mouthed the words ‘go for it’.

“Jenny?” I said. Jenny looked up and tilted her head slightly.

“Yeah, Shane?” I reached over and lightly grasped her chin within my hand. We kept our eyes on each other, not moving except when we took a breath. That’s when I did it. I reached over and placed a kiss on Jenny’s lips. Nothing firm; I didn’t want to make her uncomfortable. She wasn’t pushing away, and I didn’t want to change that.

I finally backed away and leaned against the bar, looking over at my friends. They were still watching, smiling and giggling. That’s when I had realized that Carmen was watching also. Her face showed disbelief and hurt. Usually I would care, but my head felt like I had a little too much to drink.

“Shane?” I shifted my gaze to see Jenny standing in front of me, smiling.

“Jen, look, I’m sor…” before I could finish, Jenny reached over and kissed me, causing everyone in The Planet to turn, even Kit, who was sitting with Bette and Tina. Soon enough, I was the center of attention…not like it was nothing new.

For once, everyone’s eyes were on Shane McCutcheon…and for once, I had no idea what to do.