For years — years! — we have pleaded in print with The Young and the Restless to do right by Traci and, by extension, viewers. We’ve wanted to see her — and imagine ourselves — in a real romance, one that serves as a reminder that love and desire aren’t reserved only for the 30-and-unders. Now, at last, it is looking like our wish is going to be granted, via Traci’s budding relationship with Alan.

There’s just one problem: We’re scared. Like, really scared.

The Young and the Restless’ recent track record when it comes to love affairs is, uh, not great. It broke up Sharon and Chance just when they were getting started. It got Adam and Sally back together, only to backburner them. It let Victoria and Nate just sort of peter out. It had Daniel cheat on Lily to reunite with Heather. (Was anyone jonesing for that?)

We could go on, but you get the idea.

In particular, our fear for Traci is that Alan is going to turn out to be Martin after all, and her romance is going to devolve into a stunt nightmare. On one hand, it could be worse. At least we’ll be getting Beth Maitland in frontburner story. But on the other, we’ll again be being denied the Traci love story we want so badly.