The next day she made an emergency call to Marty. "I really need to have lunch with you."

"Is everything ok?"

"Yes and no, please just meet me at the plaza food court."

Marty agreed and then waited three agonizing hours to find out what Jesse was so upset about.

"Ok, spill." Marty had just set her lunch on the table and was taking a seat next to Jesse.

"I said I love you."

Marty's eyes widened, "To who,"?

Jesse rolled her eyes, "The president of Rowanda," she said sarcastically. "To Gage , I said it to Gage last night."

"Well isn't that a good thing," she asked tentatively worried about the fear she saw in Jesse's face?

"I don't know, I mean I've never said those words to anyone. Well I guess I've said it in friendship, but this is so much more and I've read stories about girls who said it only to have those guys break up with them the next day."

Marty remained patient. "You've never had a boyfriend before, so it is kind of scary, and that will never change, but I don't see my cousin breaking up with you over love. Tell me what Gage said right after you said those words."

Jesse sighed then blushed a bit, "That I couldn't take them back, then he kissed me."

"Good. Don't worry Jesse he obviously liked hearing you say that."

Shrugging she said, "I'm sorry, it's just this is my first boyfriend and I'm so afraid of messing it up that I think I'm over analyzing everything. I'm even driving myself crazy."

Patting her affectionately Marty shook her head. "You're fine trust me, you can tell me anything even if you think it's crazy."

"Thanks." With a sigh she picked up a french fry then frowned, "Is it weird for you?"

"Is what weird?"

"Talking about Gage and sex in the same sentence, he's your cousin, you live with him. I'm sorry if I've ever made you uncomfortable it didn't occur to me that you might not want to know." Jesse gasped, "I even told you about the..."

Her face filled with color which made Marty giggle and then set Jesse to giggling as well.

Once Marty managed to calm herself somewhat she said, "You wouldn't be the first, however you are the only one who has ever realized how um uncomfortable certain knowledge might be, so I appreciate that." She shrugged. "A part of me finds it funny and another thinks it's slightly warped. But as long as we keep certain details to a minimum, then I don't mind. I'll tell you if it gets to be TMI."

"Thanks Marty. I am sorry."

"I've discussed mine with you, so we are even on that score. Please don't worry about talking to me especially if something he does upsets you. I love you both and I want your relationship to work even if it means playing Dr. Ruth every now and then."

Jesse smirked. "I wish I were more experienced."

It was Marty's turn to grin. "I'm certain Gage is pleased that you're not. Guys like being first in all things."