Chapter 3
Take It Like A Man
"Move Tommy." She sidled up beside him and took the lead. Even though she was angry with him Tommy could tell by the look on her face that she was ecstatic.
'That's the only reason she came' Tommy told himself, 'Not to be with you, she doesn't care about you
"Jude let me carry one of those bags." He offered reaching for the heaviest one. She pulled it just out of his reach.
"I'm fine." She sneered hoisting it higher on her shoulder. Jude was toting two large bags and a rolling suitcase, and it was obvious the strain was getting to her. Tom rolled his eyes, she was so stubborn. The pair stepped out onto sidewalk outside of the airport terminal and Jude actually gasped.
"It's beautiful!" she breathed forgetting her anger in the excitement. Paris in Christmas time was an amazing site to behold. Over the next three weeks they would travel from here to Rome, and finally to England. She ran to the edge of the street and spun, looking in every direction.
"Come on, Jude," Tommy said quietly walking up beside her, "Let's drop this stuff off at the hotel and take a cab to the city." It was a mark of how much Jude was in awe that she didn't argue. Tommy hailed a taxi and gave the driver the address.
The ride only took twenty minutes but the things they saw were amazing in themselves. The entire world was blanketed by soft-powdery snow. There were colored lights strung across the streets, and the architecture was out of a fairy tale. Tommy finally felt like this city might be their turning point.
The hotel, Le hôtel de Soliel, or The Hotel of the Sun, was decorated magnificently. Large, crystal, chandeliers hung from the detailed ceiling, sconces held flaming, fragrant candles, and everyone in the lobby was dressed to the ninth.
"You didn't tell me you booked a room at De Soliel!" Jude whispered looking around. Tommy shrugged.
"I know it wasn't our original plan, but you deserve the best." Jude glanced at him searchingly, not entirely sure whether she could believe him. However, she simply nodded gently once and walked over to the check in desk. Tommy straggled behind, at the time their 'original plan' had involved a lot more laughing, and a lot less hostility.
Flashback
"I have a surprise for you." Tommy leaned over and whispered in Jude's ear. Tingles ran up her spine at the feeling of his gentle breath on her neck. She turned to face him.
"And what might that be?" she said with a smile, obviously intrigued. Tommy mimed locking his lips and throwing away the key, and mutely held out a blindfold. Jude smirked and tied it in place. After making sure it was tight, Tommy took her hand and led her to the backyard. The cool air cut through Jude's light sweater and Tommy wrapped his arms around her.
"Ready?" he whispered once again. She nodded. Tommy untied the blindfold and moved it away from her eyes.
The backyard was decorated heavily. Candles were spread everywhere, beautiful china was set on a table for two, and bright, multi-colored lights were strung from the umbrellas and patio covers.
"Tommy," Jude breathed out. Tommy walked to her and spun her. "Welcome to Italy, my dear, and over there," he pointed, "Is France." Jude gaped at him.
"What is this for?"
"Well, I figured we should practice." Jude snorted.
"Practice? For what?"
"This." Tommy pulled out two tickets from behind his back. Jude screamed and grabbed them out of his hands.
"Are we…?"
"Yeah, baby, we are. Three weeks in Europe. A week in France, a week in Italy, and week in England." Jude squealed.
"When do we leave?" Jude asked ignoring the fact that she was holding the tickets herself.
"A week and a half before Christmas, we'll be in Rome for Christmas if that's okay with you."
"Are you kidding?! Rome! For Christmas?! Yeah it's okay!" Tommy laughed at her excitement.
"Well shall we eat?" If it had been any other offer but food Jude probably would have been too excited, but she nodded eagerly. Tommy brought out two plates, each plate had a little bit of food from each country. They sat down and dug in.
"I can't wait to leave." Jude said a couple minutes later. Tommy smiled and ate another forkful of fettuccini. Jude studied him. Being married to Tommy was different than she had imagined. She was worried their fun and flirting would diminish but it seemed to have picked up speed. He really was an amazing guy who did everything he could to make Jude happy.
Later, after some dancing and laughing Jude was tangled up in Tommy's arms ready to fall asleep. "Tommy?" she asked quietly.
"Yeah, baby?" Tommy replied, his sleepiness evident in his voice.
"Why did you decide to plan this trip? It must have been expensive." Tommy ran his fingers through Jude's hair.
"I know it's only our six month wedding anniversary, but I wanted to do something special. Plus, money is that last thing we have to worry about. I just want you to be happy." Jude made a content noise.
"I am," she said yawning widely. Tommy kissed the top of her head and she drifted off to sleep.
End of Flashback
"Hurry up, Tommy, I'd lock you out of the room but you'd probably just find another girl to stay with." Tommy was slapped back into reality with Jude's snide remark. He shook his head, the happiness in his eyes from the memories were slowly being replaced by the sadness of reality. He had screwed up bad, and it was going to take a lot of work to get that happiness back.
