Chapter 1

Next Week

Darius had called me on Friday and commanded my attendance in his office, Monday morning at G Records. He said something about discussing reconciliation and me skipping out on my album release party. Honestly? The only thing that kept me going was the thought that maybe Tommy would come back and kiss me hello and tell me he missed me and he was sorry he left or I'd wake up and everything was a big nightmare I had when I fell asleep at the restaurant waiting for him to show up…or something like that.

I was just going through the motions. I woke up feeling depressed and I cried myself to sleep each night. Every few minutes I would pick up my phone and contemplating leaving another message. I never got a call back, but it was soothing just hearing the voice mail; it at least got me through another hour of heart ache and longing. I know I'm probably pushing the line between concerned girl…well…friend to stalker the night he left.

I had actually gotten up early today and got into the studio. I wanted to get this done and over. I secretly hoped for Darius to ban me from the studio. It would give me time away and…well…I kind of wanted to go and look for him. Jamie apparently needs to quit his day job and become a detective; along with the boys of SME. Apparently, the four of them ganged up and did a bit of digging and found an address where they think I could find Tommy. It was one of Tom's family members, in Montana. I don't know the details, but all I know was Jamie handed me the slip of paper and I wanted to go after him.

I want to believe that it's some kind of family thing and his cell died and he was too busy to pack the charger and he just didn't know I called. But then again, he knew I'd be worried – I hope – and would call me anyway. I sighed heavily. It's the one thought that has been bothering me. Why didn't he call!

I pulled into the parking lot of G Major with those thoughts in my mind. I walked into the lobby of G Major; it still surprised me every time I walked into the joint. I still expected to see Georgia's warm smile and EJ's constant scowl. I knocked lightly on the B D's office door and he called for me to come in. I entered the room and closed the door softly behind me. Darius glanced up and motioned for me to sit. I sat down and waited anxiously as he finished reading some kind of report before setting it down neatly on his desk and folding his hands together and staring at me a long moment.

"I should kick you out for that stunt you pulled." Darius began. I could…didn't say anything. What was there for me to say? What could I say?

"I appreciate it." I said, not really knowing what to say, but Darius look satisfied at my response, so I guess it was the right thing to say.

"I'm having a showcase party at the end of the month for the newer artists at G Major and my other labels. I want you to be there Jude; As the headliner."

"Ok." I said, and Darius smiled.

"With Tom running off, I'm short on producers. I thought…maybe you could use a break for a bit." Darius said, his voice getting softer, as if he knew I didn't want to be there.

"Darius, I don't"

"Jude. Take a couple months off, rest. Relax, write songs, go on vacation, whatever. Just inform me where you go Kid." Darius said with a sigh.

I nodded. A vacation didn't sound so bad at all. My hand slipped subconsciously into my coat pocket where my hand curled around the slip of paper with a Montana address scrawled on it.

A vacation sounded very good.

"Any Questions?"

I shook my head. What else was there to say? Darius smiled warmly at me and I gave him a small goodbye and left the office. As I walked out, I was stopped by my sister Sadie. It was still weird to have her working at G Major. As if I didn't see enough of her at home.

"Jude!" She had called. I stopped in my tracks and glanced at my sister questioningly. "This came for you." She said, handing me a relatively large manila envelope. I took it from her, confusion evident on my face. I frowned as I glanced at the unfamiliar return address.

"Fan mail already eh?" Sadie said, her tone lightly teasing me. I shrugged.

"Probably just junk. See ya at home Sades." I said, walking out the doors casusally and out to my car, envelope in hand.

I got into my car, shut the door and glanced at the envelope once again. Something about it gave me a weird feeling and I wasn't in the mood to read it –whatever it may be. I tossed it into the passenger seat and I started my car and drove for home, deciding I'd look at the contents later.

I walked into my empty house and plopped down on the couch. I stared at the envelope for awhile, turning it over in my hands. I sighed and flipped it over once last time and tore open the seal.

I shoved my hand into it and felt something glossy and smooth. The texture was familiar and I pulled the contents out and gasped as I looked at it.

My hand shook as I dropped the contents and I felt my stomach begin to rebel and nausea beginning to consume my body. I ran for the bathroom, my hand over my mouth. I barely made it to the toilet before the contents of my stomach ended up in the toilet in the small bathroom downstairs.