Part 1:

"Just once," Jude lamented as she leaned towards her best friend Jamie, "I'd like to be the center of their attention. It's my eighteenth birthday. One would believe that warrants some form of parental interest."

Jamie played with his fork as they were waiting for Jude's sister Sadie, her boyfriend, and some other friend to arrive. Jude's parents had invited them for dinner to celebrate her birthday. Her parents were sitting across, stuck in an argument. "They are going through a rough patch," he soothed her, "give them some time."

"They are arguing about the size of a napkin," Jude pointed out annoyed. "That's not a rough patch. That's way past fixable." But she smiled at his attempt to lighten her mood. "Thanks for being my friend, Jamie. I don't know what I would do without you."

"Whither in loneliness?"

Jude laughed. "Seriously. You're a great friend!" Her eyes roamed the empty seats. "If only you could make Sadie and her entourage appear..."

He nodded. "I'm hungry too."

"What's her deal, anyway? She's dating Kwest, who is a very nice guy. He actually is the first of her long list of boyfriends that I like." The fact the he was working as a producer at Canada's most successful record label had a little bit to do with that. Her entire life, Jude had been interested in music. Her biggest dream still was to be a singer one day. "She's constantly going to fancy industry parties where she manages to appear in time to walk that hideous, red carpet with Kwest. She can't be in time for my birthday?"

Jamie shrugged. "Maybe it's that friend they wanted to pick up?"

"Right," Jude sighed. "Kwest's ominous best friend from New York. How come she's bringing more guests to my party than I am?"

"Because Spied, Wally and Kyle are busy playing at Iggy's tonight. And Kat, well...she's not here because of me, so sorry for that."

"Too bad you guys broke up. You never told me why."

He shook his head slightly. "It's not important. We didn't fit. In the end it was the best thing to do."

"Still," Jude objected. "I liked that you guys were dating. You made such a cute couple. Does she have another one?"

"No. Look, there's actually something I wanted to talk to you about. And since we're waiting for—"

"Oh, not waiting any longer!" Jude pointed towards the empty seats. "Look who finally arrived. Princess Sadie and her posse."

Sadie smiled apologetically. "Hey little sister. Sorry to be so late, but picking up Tom took a little longer than expected."

While Sadie explained their late arrival, Kwest leaned towards Jude and gave her a quick hug. "Happy Birthday." Then he handed her an envelope he pulled from his pocket. "Two tickets for The Verve tomorrow night. Front row. Enjoy!"

"Kwest!" Jude was stunned. "Thank you so much!"

"Yeah," Sadie added, albeit not quite so happy. "That's really nice of you. I thought you were taking me to that concert." To demonstrate her displeasure, she took the seat furthest away from Jude. Kwest, always being the good boyfriend, took the seat next to her, leaving Jude to sit next to the new guy.

He introduced himself at last. "Tom Quincy. I'm really sorry to be the reason your dinner starts later than planned. Trouble at customs."

"Were you caught with drugs?"

Before the guy had a chance to reply, or take offense, Jude blushed furiously. She covered her face with both hands. "I'm so sorry. That was a really bad, mean joke." She sheepishly looked at him. "I haven't eaten all day, my parents are arguing and my sister is offended I got a present, even though it's my birthday and not hers. I'm Jude, and normally I am a much nicer person." She finally held out her hand for him.

He shook her hand as he took his seat. "No offense taken." His mood, though, betrayed his words. "I'm a producer in the music biz. Chances are high I actually was carrying drugs," he snorted. "Us music people, we're all just a bunch of druggies, right?"

Jude scoffed. "Are you kidding? I apologized."

"Good for you." He took the menu and scanned it. "Your arguing parents, your offended sister and your rumbling stomach are a really good excuse for your rude behavior. So, lets just order, eat and then pretend we never met. Maybe that will help with ending this day on a good note."

Jude crossed her arms, slightly embarrassed he'd heard her stomach. "Jerk!"

"Oh, mean one!" he mocked.

"Jude, just ignore him," Jamie advised from her other side.

Tommy nodded. "Better listen to your friend."

"Don't tell me what to do!" She wasn't so sure to whom she said it to. But she retorted at Tommy, "I'm a genuinely nice person and this is my eighteenth birthday. I can't believe you just swagger in, act all snarky, and then have the guts to sit here, smirk and eat on my parents' dime. How is Kwest even friends with you?"

"Beats me," he admitted cockily.

"Jude," Jamie tried again, "just talk to me instead of him. He's clearly an idiot. No wonder Sadie is hanging out with him."

At that, Tommy gave a short, unamused smile. "Smart friend you have there. And he turns out to be just as rude as you are."

Jude took her glass of coke, sipped from it and then took a deep breath. "I won't let some moron ruin my day," she decided. Demonstratively turning away from Tommy, she smiled warmly at Jamie. "What did you want to tell me earlier?"

"Something really personal, to be honest. Maybe at a later time—"

"No, no," Jude protested, "now is the perfect time. Tell me, please."

Jamie gulped. "Well, you know...the thing with me and Kat is over and you and Spied broke up almost a year ago and you haven't been with anyone since, so...I was wondering if you and I...someday..."

Jude frowned, about to ask what exactly Jamie meant, when she heard Tommy chuckling. She turned towards him. "Something funny?"

"Not yet," he murmured.

"My friend," she roared, "was about to tell me something very important and you're disrupting us. Shut up, okay?" As if to punish Tommy, she gathered her entire attention and placed it at Jamie's feet. "What were you saying?"

"Will you go out with me tomorrow night, after the concert?"

"Go out where?"

Tommy was laughing again.

"Drop dead," she sneered over her shoulder. "Sorry, Jamie. Where would we go? Oh wait, Kat's amateur fashion show is tomorrow. You want to take me there to help you win her back?"

"Man, are you stupid," Tommy muttered.

Jude spun around. "What the hell is your problem, huh? My friend just broke up with his girlfriend and he's asking me for my help!"

"Actually," Jamie interrupted.

But Tommy cut him off. "Your best friend just asked you out on a date!"

"No, he didn't," Jude corrected.

"Yes, I did," Jamie professed.

"He's my best friend. Like a brother."

"He's the one trying to ask you out," Tommy noted, "but you're busy arguing with me. What does that tell you?"

"That you're annoying," Jude pointed out. "So I'm going to ignore you now!" With attitude she turned her back to Tommy and looked at Jamie with wide eyes. "You and Kat—"

"No, me and you," Jamie stressed. "He's right. I asked you out. On a date."

"A date? A, um, like, real one?"

This time she actually did ignore Tommy's laughter. Jamie grew uneasy and fidgeted with the fork again. "We know each other and I like you. A lot. And I've been meaning to ask you out for a long time, but—"

"But we're friends," Jude reminded him.

"We could be more."

"Jamie, I…" Jude didn't know what to say. She had never thought about him in that way and she doubted she would ever see him as anything other than her best friend. She had seen him grow up like she'd seen Sadie grow up. She had always considered him family. A sibling. "You're my best friend," she repeated, at a loss for better responses.

"You're right, forget it." Smiling brightly, painfully forced, Jamie focused on his menu when the waitress arrived. "Let's just never speak of this again. So, how about the chicken?"

Jude needed a moment. Then she adjusted in her seat, uneasy and unsure how to react to Jamie now. "Sure, chicken sounds fine."

"Very graceful," Tommy whispered, leaning slightly towards her. "People in China could hear his heart break!"

She would have said something snide and deriving but when his breath fanned her jaw, she had to close her eyes for the briefest amount of time to steady herself. All of sudden, an unnerving surge of electricity was spreading all across her skin. It was a completely fascinating feeling. Rather a sensation. Until his words sank in. "I didn't break his heart," she flared angrily. She was mad at him for pointing out the obvious, but she was just as mad at herself for having disappointed Jamie. Mostly, though, she was pissed off because her body was betraying her and yearning for Tommy to lean in and whisper something else. Anything.

When the waitress asked her what she wanted to eat, she said 'Chicken' because she couldn't remember any other item from the menu and suddenly wasn't even all that hungry anymore, let alone interested in a long dinner.

"You want anything to drink with that?"

"Vodka," she said flatly.

"Jude, you're not having Vodka!" Victoria, her mother objected firmly.

"Now you're paying attention?" Jude mumbled. "Fine. Water. Just hurry with the food..."

Jude had not finished her dinner, and she was trying really hard to finish fast, when Jamie pushed his platter away and got up. "I'm really sorry, Jude. I just remembered that my grandmother needs me to help her do something."

"Right now?" Jude got up as well. "I'll come with you. I'm not hungry anyway and—"

"Jude, sit," her father instructed. "This is your dinner. You can meet up with Jamie tomorrow. We're all here for you."

With a sigh she sat down again. "Jamie, please stay?" She knew he was only leaving because of the whole dating thing. And now she regretted not having said 'yes'. It would have made him happy if she had and a date with him wouldn't have killed her. "Please," she begged once more.

"I'm sorry." And then he was gone.

"This is all your fault," she lashed out at Tommy.

"How is this my fault," he wondered. Sadie, Kwest and her parents – expectedly – all observed them. Jude didn't care.

"You commented on everything Jamie said to me!" Jude pushed her platter aside as well and got up. "You humiliated him."

Tommy shook his head. "You know that's not true. He asked you out and you said 'no'. That's the only reason he left and I can't blame him for that. Who would want to stay after that? This whole mess is all on you, Jill."

"It's Jude!" She snarled, and when he gave her another smug look, she couldn't hold back anymore. Grabbing the glass of red wine in front of Tommy, she took it and poured it over his pristine white shirt. "Thanks for coming to my birthday, jackass!"

"Jude!" Victoria and Stuart were outraged. Kwest was laughing while Sadie just stared in shock. Victoria got up to hand Tommy her napkin, and then Stuart's and Kwest's napkin. "Jude, apologize right away. You're eighteen years old. What on earth is going on with you?!"

"This is me, leaving," Jude said sternly. "Don't follow me!"

Jude found Jamie in the parking lot, unlocking his car. "Jamie, wait. Please!"

"Jude, just let me go. We can talk tomorrow!"

"No! This is all my fault. I go on a date with you! Just don't be mad anymore. I really need you right now. I don't have anyone else."

"So you only want to go out with me to do me a favor?"

"Yes – I mean, no! I mean…I don't know what I mean! I don't want you to stop being my friend!"

"I'm in love with you, Jude."

She couldn't say anything after that, because in that instant she realized she wasn't in love with him and no word in the entire dictionary could express how sorry she was for that.

"You're obviously not in love with me," Jamie concluded. "I need some time for myself."

With teary eyes she watched him drive off.

"I'm really sorry for last night," Sadie said when she walked into Jude's room the next morning, a chocolate muffin and a mug of coffee in her hands. "Here, for you. You barely ate last night. Figured you'd be hungry."

"Not really," Jude admitted. "Jamie told me he's in love with me."

"Oh Jude. Did you really not know before? It was so obvious. Even Mom said so."

With wide eyes, Jude stared at Sadie. "How was it obvious? I never had any idea. He was dating Kat! He never said anything before. How was I supposed to know? And if you guys all knew, how come no one ever said a word to me?"

"We figured you were ignoring it on purpose. Look, I've seen these things happen before. Jamie will come around. You have been friends your entire life. Give him a few weeks and then all will be normal again."

Jude took the muffin and munched on it. "I hope. He looked so sad last night."

"There was something else I wanted to talk to you about," Sadie said and smiled in a manner that immediately made Jude feel uncomfortable. "You and Tommy really hit it off last night!"

She coughed wildly, almost choking on a piece of muffin. "We what? That bastard? He came in, acted like he's the king of the world, had a comment for everything – we did not hit it off! I hope I will never see him again!"

"He's coming to the concert tonight."

"Sadie! Kwest gave me two tickets, that means I get to decide whom to invite."

"Actually, and I already apologized to Kwest for last night, he got a bunch of tickets. He was part of their album's producing team – never mind, he said he'd take me but I saw him giving the tickets to you, then I got mad, but last night, after you went home, he told me he and I would go as well and because Tommy is his best friend, he'd come, too and—"

"And basically I'm the little sister crashing a group date with you, your boyfriend and who knows who else."

"You can still bring someone!"

"Whom? I can't take Wally, Spied or Kyle because if I pick one, the other two will get jealous. Kat's having her show tonight and I already feel bad enough for not showing up. And Jamie…well, after last night…"

"So come alone. You know me and you know Kwest. You like Kwest!"

"Just make sure I don't stand next to Tommy!"

"Why? I think he likes you."

"Seriously, Sadie? What's he even doing for life? Let me guess, he's a model or an actor or something 'artsy' like that. I bet he feels oh so talented. He sure has the ego for that!" Jude frowned when Sadie gaped at her. "What?"

"You're kidding, right? Tom Quincy? Little Tommy Q? He's the guy that used to hang on my walls everywhere. Boyz Attack? Hello!"

Now Jude's mouth hung open. "No shit!"

"He became a producer after he left the band. He worked for Kwest's boss in New York. But something happened – I don't know what – and now he's staying here for a while. Didn't he tell you he was a producer, last night?"

"I tried my best to ignore him. He's staying here? That means I could run into him at G-Major? That sucks! You finally date a good guy who can give me access to a real record studio and now the world's biggest idiot works there? Life really has it out for me," she whined.

"Oh please, get over yourself. Or better get out of bed. Only ten hours until the concert starts. What should I wear?"

For the first time that day, Jude laughed. Leave it to Sadie to achieve that. "Jeans and a shirt?"

"Duh, a little underdressed? Kwest said we might meet the band!" She hurried into her room and came back with two dresses. Holding them up for Jude, Sadie beamed, "gold or silver? Sequins are big this season!"

"Please don't stand next to me tonight!"

"So this Jude," Tommy said as he walked next to Kwest backstage, "does she hang out with you a lot?"

Kwest shrugged. "Don't know. Sometimes. Why?"

"Just wondering. She's not exactly friendly."

"You met her at a bad time. She's funny and easy to be around. Give her another chance. You weren't in your best mood last night, either."

Tommy couldn't deny that. After being kicked from job in New York, all because his ex-wife couldn't come to terms with the fact that they were no longer an item, and a forced relocation to Toronto – a city that wasn't exactly the world's hottest spot when it came to music – he had not bothered with social pleasantries last night. He had wanted nothing but a peaceful night at home, but instead of dropping him off at his new apartment, which had been the initial plan, they had figured it best to just bring him along to Jude's birthday. 'To make new friends,' Kwest had said. Tommy had inwardly scoffed. He didn't want new friends. He'd be lucky if he could rid himself of some of his old ones! But Kwest had gushed about the restaurant and the great meals they served and since Tommy had been hungry he had relented and come along. It had been a bad idea, that much was obvious.

"I might have been a bit rude last night," he acknowledged.

"That's one way to call it," said Kwest and chuckled. "You had to rile her up, didn't you?"

"Not on purpose. She just made it so easy."

"Trust me, once you get to know Jude, you'll like her. You guys have a lot in common."

Tommy scowled. "What would that be? I realize when somebody asks me out. If my best friend was in love with me, I'd notice. And I don't accuse random people of being junkies!"

"You consider breaking hearts a sport," Kwest stated and came to a halt. "Look, I really care for Sadie. I don't want you to screw this up for me by making Jude your enemy. Sadie loves her little sister and if she makes me pick sides...well, let's just say I find her much more attractive than you. Be nice when you see Jude tonight and after that, keep your distance. Don't force another argument!"

Holding up his hands, Tommy gave in. "Fine, I get it. I will be on my best behavior tonight."

"The seat next to you is empty."

Jude gritted her teeth as the familiar voice came up next to her. "Thanks, Tim." She purposely said his name wrong. Just as she was sure he'd done last night. "As you may recall, last night my friend and I had a little setback in our friendship." Jude chose the description for last night carefully. It was a setback, not a permanent rift. She had put the spare concert ticket into Jamie's mailbox this morning, in case he decided to change his mind and drop by. Giving up hope was the last thing she wanted to do. "Maybe he will show up later."

"To be reminded that you don't like him?" He chuckled. "Sure!"

"There are like twenty thousand seats in this arena! What's it with your desire to always sit next to me?"

Tommy held up his ticket. "My seat. See the number?" He pointed it out for her on the ticket. "That's where I sit. Apparently the universe wants to punish me with you."

Jude pretended to be surprised. "I was just about to say the same!"

"This whole night will be much easier to endure for the both of us if we don't talk. Can you do that? Keep quiet?"

"You began this stupid conversation with me. Not the other way around."

"Fine. I will end this stupid conversation then." He made a zip motion across his lips. Then he turned away from her.

Jude sat down with a growl. Never in her life had she met someone so unnerving!

After the concert they all sat in the V.I.P. area, having drinks and talking to members of the crew, when the band walked in. Kwest and Tommy were treated like old friends and Jude decided then and there that she had to make sure Sadie would marry Kwest, if just to make sure she herself could retain access to famous bands. Not that it would be hard for Sadie, Jude figured. Kwest was good looking, had money, was very funny and really nice in general. So when Sadie pointed out how great Kwest was, Jude firmly agreed. "He's the best!"

Apparently, Sadie wanted to show her boyfriend right then just how appreciative of him she was. The older Harrison leaned into his arms, whispered a few words into his ears and then they both hurried off into one of the many hallways.

Jude stayed behind with Tommy, who utterly ignored her. Not that she would have minded, because The Verve were here, in close proximity. If she reached out, she could actually touch the lead singer. But there was one not so small problem. The members of the band ignored her as they were talking with Tommy. And then, a minute or two later, they walked away.

Jude hit Tommy's shoulder. "Thanks, idiot! Why didn't you introduce me?"

With a level of self-satisfaction she had not believed could be expressed by a single facial expression, he smiled at her, and repeated the zip motion he had made earlier and by that reminded her of their agreement to not talk.

Jude rolled her eyes. "This is something entirely different."

He just shrugged.

Jude hit him again.

"Whoa, calm down," he finally spoke. "I didn't know you were such a groupie!"

"I'm not a groupie! But it was totally mean not to introduce me!"

"You need someone to introduce you every time you meet new people? What is this, a Jane Austen novel?! You are allowed to talk to strangers, Jude."

Her hands balled into fists. "Eighteen years on this earth and never in my entire life have I met a person as aggravating as you!"

"Right back at you! And now excuse me."

She watched him walk over towards the refreshment table. A woman in a short black dress and long, wavy dark hair was refilling her glass with some drink. For a little while Jude observed him as he acquainted himself with the dark-haired beauty. His smile was flawless. It was effortless and just bright enough to express his delight without appearing artificial. His hand, after a few softly spoken words, gently touched her hand and he brought it to his lips, where he kissed the back of it very gently. The woman giggled at his actions, and took apparent joy.

Jude snorted. He was such a show-off. Without her, watching him, she doubted he would have put so much effort into it. Why was she looking on? A small voice in the back of her head wondered. She found him annoying and rude. What was so interesting about him that he caught her attention?

Refusing to find an answer to that question, afraid of what said answer might sound like, she was about to walk away and maybe find the band when he suddenly turned towards her, holding up a small piece of paper. A number was written on it. Tommy winked. Bastard. So the woman had given him her number and of course he had nothing better to do than brag about that.

'You think you get lucky tonight? Just wait,' Jude thought to herself. He had ruined her moment of meeting the band, so why not return the favor! With a dirty little smile and an arrogant swagger she made her way towards him, grabbed the drink the surprised brunette woman held in her hand and poured it over Tommy's startled self.

"What the fuck, Jude?!" He sputtered and blinked.

"You rotten asshole," she yelled loud enough for everyone to hear and added a fake sniffle. "I told you I was pregnant only a minute ago and here you are flirting with another woman? Your wife was right – you never change!" With a haughty flip of her hair, Jude marched away.

Behind her she could hear the brunette woman demanding her phone number back. Jude's lips curved upwards victoriously. "Take that, Tom Quincy," she murmured smugly.