Laney and Jason talked and talked. She told him everything that had happened since they met the boys. He told her to forget about Brian and concentrate on making the best of the week. He explained how her just broke up with his past girlfriend, Sandy, of two years, the week before. He said there was a part of him that was in love with her. Laney found herself telling Jason some things that she'd never tell KC or Ashley. It was as if she'd known him her whole life.
"What should I do if Brian starts talking to me?" Laney asked later. Jason thought for a moment.
"Let him know you're upset." That was all the advice she could get. Because KC, Ashley and the boys came back. Laney told Jason to stay and meet everyone. Brian saw them sitting together talking. He felt a pang of jealousy run through his body. Nick entered the room, he looked back to normal, just embarrassed by his outburst.
"Who's he, Laney?" Brian asked staring at Jason. Jason stood up.
"HE is Jason Robinson" he snarled. Brian stepped back. Laney put her hand gently on his arm, telling him to sit down.
"So Jason, how old are you?" AJ asked as everyone sat down. Jason was still glaring at Brian, who was eyeing him suspiciously, wondering what his problem was.
"I turned 18 in October" he said. KC jumped up, excitedly.
"Dude! I turned 18 in October!" she shouted. Nick's face went bright red, and he bit his lip.
"Cool. I was born on the 17th. How 'bout you?" he asked, starting to relax. KC squealed happily and Nick started panicking...was his chance slipping away?
"I was born on the 17th! I've never met anyone with the same exact birthday as me! I guess it's destiny, eh?" KC exclaimed. Jason raised his eyebrow and nodded at her, obviously overwhelmed by her enthusiasm. Nick let out a loud sigh of relief.
"Jason, I feel like playing in the games room. Wanna come with me?" Laney asked, standing up. Jason nodded and also stood up. Brian jumped up quickly.
"I'll come!" he exclaimed. Jason glared at him. Laney shook her head and she and Jason walked away. Brian sat down on the chair slowly. Once the two were out of sight, Brian sighed loudly.
"Why didn't she want me to come?" he asked everyone. They all shrugged. All except for Kevin.
"Uh Brian? She's angry with you" he stated dryly. Brian's face cringed up with confusion.
"Huh? Why would she be mad at ME?" he asked. Kevin groaned.
"Cus you ditched her. That's why she left early. You hurt her" he said. Brian eyed Kevin suspiciously, thinking of when he would've ditchd her. Then it came to him.
"When I went on the lift with AJ and Ashley and not her?" he asked. Kevin nodded.
"AJ told me. That's pretty rude Brian" he said. Brian's face turned red and he looked at the floor.
"Hey yeah! Why didn't you go on with her Brian?" Ashley asked. "It's not like I was alone or something, I had AJ. You really should've gone on with her" she continued. Brian stood up and scratched his head. Then he walked out of the room, slowly.
MEANWHILE...
"I thought you wanted to play games?" Jason asked as Laney led him out onto the back porch. The sun was starting to set and Laney shrugged.
"I had to get away from Brian" she said. Jason nodded as he leaned against the railing.
"I wanted to punch him" he said dryly. Laney looked at him.
"I could tell. But why? You hardly know the guy" she said. Jason looked Laney in the eyes.
"Because he hurt you. Isn't that reason enough?" he said. Laney blushed and looked away from Jason.
"So are you totally hung up on Brian?" he asked. Laney looked straight out and thought.
"I know I shouldn't be. But I'd had a major "celebrity" crush on him for almost 4 years. It's kind hard to quit. Why do you ask?" Laney explained. Jason took her hand and smiled.
"Because I was wondering if you would give me a chance" he said. Laney smiled.
"I think I can" she said. Jason smiled again and touched her face. He leaned forward and kissed her on the lips. A shiver went down Laney's spine. She was glowing inside.
MEANWHILE...
Brian entered the games room with a prepared speech to Laney. The room was empty and a pit formed in his stomach. He started roaming around until he came to the first floor. Brian decided he needed some fresh air. The back porch door was wide opened; he stepped out and took a deep breath. He turned his head to the right and let out a startled gasp. There was Laney. Jason had his hands on her face, and they were kissing. Brian was frozen in his place. His head was spinning; everything suddenly came clear to him.
"I'm in love with Laney" he said aloud. A wave of fear rushed through his body when he realized that he said that out loud. Laney and Jason split apart and looked at him. Laney's eyes were wide opened in shock. Jason glared at him.
"What did you say?!" he growled. Laney put her hand on his chest to calm him down.
"Jason, let me handle this, okay?" she said. Jason nodded. Laney took Brian's arm and took him back inside.
"Brian, I heard what you said. I thought you loved Ashley?" she asked. Brian looked away, unable to look Laney in the eye.
"I thought I did too. I didn't mean to say that, but I saw you kissing Jason, and I realized how much I cared for you. I'm sorry about today. I wasn't thinking. Is there a chance for us?" he asked. Laney frowned and shook her head. Brian's heart sank.
"I'm with Jason now. You're like 2 minutes late Brian" she said gently. Brian took her hand and looked deeply into her eyes.
"Please Laney. I didn't realize that --." Brian was cut-off by Jason, who was standing in the doorway.
"Lan? Isn't that big-headed jerk done talking yet?" he growled. Brian's face went red and Jason smiled in satisfaction.
"You lost your chance buddy. I've got her, and you don't" Jason growled, smiling. Brian glared at Jason, and stormed off.
"BRIAN!" Laney yelled as he ran down the hall. Jason put his hand on her shoulder.
"Don't. He's not worth it" he said. Laney looked at Jason, starting to walk backwards after Brian.
"Yes he is" she said. Then she turned and ran after Brian.
