Chapter VII

The Instant Dating Game

Applying for "The Dating Game"

The following morning Tuesday, Sept. 11

Jude wakes up from her peaceful slumber with a small smile across her face. She slowly turns her body but feels a heavy weight on her waist. As she slightly removes the heaviness from her body, she then replaces it with a firm pillow so she doesn't wake him. Jude carefully lifts herself from the bed so her absence is not notices, then she looks at his sweet face tilts her head and smiles remembering the previous night. It was a feeling and an experience that she will never forget. She gathers her clothes that were pooled on the floor and quickly gets dressed in his master bathroom and calls her ever so caring sister. "Hello?" Sadie answers the phone groggily. "Sades, it's me Jude." Why are you calling so early? Do you even know what time it is?!" "I need you to pick me up and ya it's 7 a.m." "Wait a minute…Jude where are you?" "I'm at Tommy's. Now don't ask any questions now, just get over here and I'll explain once you come get me." "Fine, I'll be there in 10." "Bye and thanks!" Jude lastly replies. She quickly steps out of Tommy's bedroom down to the kitchen and starts to make a pot of coffee that she decides to turn on right before she leaves. Jude pulls a pad of paper and pen that is attached to the fridge and writes a note to Tom. Her phone begins to ring knowing it's Sadie from the caller I.D. and she quickly answers it before it's heard. "Jude, I'm here." "Ok, I'm coming." She places the note on the counter next to the coffee maker, quickly turns on the coffee, and then leaves silently.

20 minutes later, Tommy is awoken the bold aroma of the coffee that crept upstairs to his room. As he stirs around in his bed he notices that his lovely companion was no longer there. He quickly arises from bed and puts on a pair of sweat pants. He calls out for Jude but receives not response. Tom strolls down stairs following the roasted scent that was brewing in his kitchen. He grabs a mug from the cabinet and pours himself a cup and reads the note that was left.

Dear Tommy,

Thank you so much for the wonderful date. It was a night and an experience that I will never forget. You have taught me so much about myself on a whole new different level; I really don't know what to say. I'm speechless! I know a first huh?! (LOL!) But really I'm so glad that I was able to share this with you and I wouldn't want it any other way.

Sorry, that I left so suddenly, you looked so peaceful sleeping and I didn't have the heart to wake you. I hope you enjoy the coffee, I figure you'd need it when you woke up. I'll see you later.

Your girl,

Big Eyes

Tommy smiled at the letter recalling the evening with Jude and smiled even wider. He felt overwhelmed that morning. Even though he and Jude had not bonded with actual sex, he felt happier than what he would usually feel after doing the deed with some random woman. Tommy was shock himself about his new found revelation. After finishing a 2nd cup of coffee and rapidly eating breakfast, he ran to his room and showered and prepared himself looking forward to the day ahead of him.

As they sat quietly in the car, Jude trying to avoid eye contact with Sadie and Sadie waiting for her sister to tell her what went on the last night, but hesitating if she should ask. Finally they arrived at their childhood home, "Jude, what the hell happened last night?!" "Nothing Sadie, absolutely nothing," Jude replied calmly. "How can you tell me nothing? When you call me so freakin' early in the damn morning to pick you up and at Tommy's none the less! And you tell me nothing!" Sadie said irritated because of the rude awakening. "Yes, Sades nothing happened. We had a really nice romantic dinner, dessert and just went back to his house and just held each other and fell asleep. That's all." Jude hated lying to Sadie, although technically she wasn't really lying. She and Tommy didn't have actual sex, that was the truth, but she did want to tell her what Tom had taught her or what other things they had done. Either way she new her big sister would not approve especially since they weren't together.

When Sadie and Jude arrived home at 7:30 a.m., Sadie decided to go back to bed to get the much needed sleep that she had lost. Jude on the other hand decided to shower and get ready to head to the studio. She went to the kitchen and started a pot of coffee and headed upstairs. She pulled out her clothes then her cell began to ring and saw it was Mason. "Hey Mase! How's it going?" "Wow Jude! You're up pretty early, you're never up early. Wait, why are you up early?" "Well, my dear cowboy, I actually just got back from a date." "Oh really! With whom may I ask?" "Ummm, well...with Tommy." "Ooo, girl! Dish!" "Mase, it was just a nice dinner at an Italian restaurant and just watched a movie back at his house." "If it was just that then why did you come home just this morning? Hmmm?" "We fell asleep on the couch." "Fell asleep my ass! What did you do Judith?!" "Nothing, Mason, nothing." "And you expect me to believe you?" "Uh huh, yup I do." "Well I don't! So spill!" Jude proceeded to tell Mason about the lessons Tommy so graciously gave her and Mason replied in complete utter shock, "Tisk, tisk, tisk Jude! You naughty little girl!" Then Mason began to sing a verse from 'The Naughty Song' by Cory Lee, "Turn down the lights, and hide out the party, I've got the ride and you've got the naughty." "Mason! Shut up! Now why did you call?" "Oh! Well I found a way to get you a date!" Mason replied excitedly. "Noooo Mase! I told you no dates. I'm fine without having any dates." Jude whined like a 5 year old. "No you're not! You just like the benefits you get with Quincy." Mason said smirking behind his phone. "No I do not!" Jude pouted on the other end. "Whatever Jude. I'm filling out the application as we speak and I'm faxing it over whether you want to or not!" "No, Mase don't! I'll go along with your little game, but do not and I repeat, DO NOT send that application in until I get there!" "Fine Jude!" "Fine see you in an hour Mase, Bye." "Bye."

Mason was at the studio early and as soon as he gets off the phone with Jude he started to fill out the application.

The Instant Dating Game

Application

Applications are due by Wed. Sept. 12. Please include photo.

Name: Jude Harrison

Address: 501 Front Street, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Phone: 416-555-3212

(Don't know it address or phone # actually exists just making it up as I go along)

Age: 20

Height: 5'6"

Weight: 105 lbs.

Hair Color: Blonde

Occupation: Singer, Song writer & Producer

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Italian

Music: All depending on my mood

Likes: Watching sunsets, walks on the beach or at a park, writing down my feelings and making music.

Dislikes: Shopping, boy bands, waking up early

A little about yourself: There's really not much to tell. I love music! Writing it, singing it, performing it, the whole thing. Music is not just a part of me and it's not just who I am, it's my life. I also love to travel whether if it's for work or for fun, either way I enjoy myself.

What do you look for in a man: Someone who is in touch with his soul. Loves music as much as I do. Some one who can read me like a book and know me better than I know myself.

In studio B, Kwest is also filling out the application for Tommy. 'Tom will probably kill me, but oh, well. I'm just gonna go ahead and submit this already and tell him if and when I hear from the game show.' Kwest silently thought to himself.

The Instant Dating Game

Application

Applications are due by Wed. Sept. 12. Please include photo.

Name: Tom Quincy

Address: 300 Queens Park, Toronto, Ontario, Canada

Phone: 416-725-4174 (this is actually Kwest's # since he is keeping it from Tommy)

(Don't know it address or phone # actually exists just making it up as I go along)

Age: 26

Height: 5'11"

Weight: 150 lbs.

Hair Color: Black

Occupation: Song writer & Produce, former singer

Favorite color: Blue

Favorite food: Italian

Music: All depending on my mood

Likes: Watching sunsets, walks on the beach or at a park, writing down my feelings and making music.

Dislikes: Shopping, wannabe pop princesses, waking up early

A little about yourself: I love music, it's my life, it's my passion! Writing it, singing it, performing it, the whole thing, well not so much singing anymore. Music is not just a part of me and it's not just who I am, it's my life. Love to travel, if it's not for fun then for work.

What do you look for in a woman: Someone who is in touch with his soul. Loves music as much as I do. Some one who can read me like a book and know me better than I know myself.

When Kwest finishes the application, he quickly heads to one of the vacant offices to send the application via e-mail along with Tom's picture to the office of the game show

At 9:00 a.m. Jude and Sadie finally walked into the building. "Good morning ladies!" Pagan greeted them. "Hey Pagan! How's it going?" "Good actually. A few meetings this morning with some investors. It will be good for the label." "That's great!" Sadie replied. "Jude will be in the studio recording today love?" "Sure will." "Fantastic! I'll see you ladies later." "Bye!" Jude and Sadie said as they waved at Pagan walking out of the building. "Sades, I'll catch you later I gotta go find Mason." "'Kay, bye sis!"

Jude spots Mason in hospitality. "Hey Mason!" Oh, hey Jude!" Jude glares at him for his reply. "Sorry it slipped." "Sure Mase. Now where's this application?" "Here it is!" Mason replies excitedly. Jude looks review the application. "Well, it's not bad I guess. At least they don't ask for too much information. "Fine, Mason! I will go along with this little game of yours, but this is the last straw." "Thank you Jude! You won't regret this." Mason jumps for joy and quickly leaves to the same vacant office the Kwest had left from to also send the application by e-mail along with Jude's picture. "Ya, sure I won't." Then Jude quickly left for studio A.

In studio A were Tommy and Kwest of course waiting for their Superstar. "Hi guys!" Jude says as she walks in. "Mornin' Red!" "Morning Beautiful!" The both and Jude further stepped gave Kwest a hug and kiss on the cheek, and she was about to do the same with Tom but he turned his head to his lips met hers. Jude was surprised but pulled away and just smiled as did Tom. "So you got anything to record?" Asked Tom. "Sorry, no I don't, but I do have something I'm working on." Jude replied. "Ok, so why don't you work on it, we have some mixing to do anyway," Kwest stated. "Alright, no prob." Jude answered back.

(A/N: Remember the game is from the states, so these producers and people involved with the show know about Canada, but not too much about the celebrities in the country, at least that's how I'm making it to keep the story interesting. I didn't put any info on the application about e-mail or address detail of the studio. It's a minor detail, and let's just say that it was there, we just don't need to see it.)

Meanwhile at the CTV Studios….

Lindsay Shue and Steven Shue, husband and wife as well producers of the Instant Dating Game were handed folders of applications in addition to what they had previously received. "Okay, let's get to work and finish reviewing the last of these applications so we can get some people in." Lindsay told Steven. "So what are we looking for?" Steven asked. "Well, we'll look for those who actually have something in common, look at who would actually look good together, and maybe we can try to feel for ourselves if there's any 'spark,'" Lindsay responds.

They reviewed the applications arranging them by categories of interest, good looks and another pile that was definitely 'NO YOU JUST WON'T DO.'" Then they took a second review of the applications again tapering them to about 10 bachelors and 20 bachelorettes. "Okay, let's narrow it down one more time and make a final decision." Lindsay said with a heavy sigh. They reviewed the applications another time. "Hmm, this one is interesting." Steven said. "This is Tom Quincy, 26, a producer, loves music. I think we found our guy." "What about the others?" Lindsay asked. "The others were boring, too bland. All business, no fun." Steven simply confirmed. "So what do you have for the ladies?" Steven immediately asked. "Let's see…we have Tiffany Marx, 24, a tall blonde 5'8", a model, has traveled, likes music, she seems pretty smart. Then we have Caitlin Barnes, 28, brunette, 5'5", she's a receptionist, has also traveled and enjoys music. Lastly, we Jude Harrison, 20, blonde, 5'6, loves music and is a songwriter, singer and producer and also has traveled." "The last one sounds kinda young don't you think?" Steven questioned with crunched brows." Steven, dear…" Lindsay starts out "age is just a number and there is not boundary for love. Look at us, we're 8 years apart and we've been married for 10 years now. Does that bother you and has it ever bothered you?" "No, it doesn't bother me and never has." Steven declared shaking his head and giving his wife a small kiss on her lips. Lindsay smiled at his gesture, "Alright then, then it shouldn't make any difference now." "You're right." Steven agreed.

Lindsay took the pictures with the applications behind each one, placing Tom's at the top and the 3 women below, Jude's in the center. "They all look pretty good together." Lindsay said. "Yea they do." Steven joined in. "But I think there might be something here." Lindsay said pointing and Tom and Jude's picture then lifted them both to reread their applications. "Well look here. They seem to have a lot in common." "That they do," Said Steven as he also skimmed the pages quickly. "Well we'll have to wait and see till the show." Lindsay finally said as they gathered everything from the table placing the 4 chosen applicants into a separate folder. Lindsay took Jude and Tom's application and gave Tiffany and Caitlin's to Steven. "Let's go make those calls dear." She said politely ordering her husband.

Steven's phone calls to Tiffany and Caitlin

Tiffany: Hello!

Steven: Hello! May I please speak with Miss Tiffany Marx?

Tiffany: This is Tiffany. How can I help you?

Steven: This is Steven Shue, producer of 'The Instant Dating Game"

Tiffany: 'The Instant Dating Game' OMG, OMG,OMG! (Jumping up and down)

Steven: Oookay. Well Miss Marx we'd like to let you know that you are one of our bachelorettes.

Tiffany: Really!! This is soo cool!

Steven: Well meet us at the CTV Studios Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. The show will be aired live. You need to dress to impress. And we will have stylists available for final touch-ups that night. You will also be able to bring 1 or 2 guests for support

Tiffany: Okay. Thank you sooo much Steven.

Steven: See you Friday. Bye!

Caitlin: Hello this is Caitlin!

Steven: Hello Miss Barnes, this is Steven Shue of 'The Instant Dating Game.'

Caitlin: OMG! Hi! How can I help you?

Steven: Well Miss Barnes, I'm calling to let you know that you are one of our chosen bachelorettes.

Caitlin: Wow! I can't believe this is happening! (Fanning herself with her free hand)

Steven: Well meet us at the CTV Studios Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. The show will be aired live at 6:00 p.m. You need to dress to impress. And we will have stylists available for final touch-ups that night. You will also be able to bring 1 or 2 guests for support.

Caitlin: Okay. Thank you very much Steven.

Steven: See you then. Bye!

At G-Major in studio A

"Ok guys, I finished." Jude said happily as put the final touches in her journal. "Alright girl! Get in there!" Jude got up from the sofa behind the soundboard and walked into the sound booth swaying her hips for Tommy to see. Tom smiled and shook his head. "What's the title?" "Unraveling" Jude said. She hopped on the stool and placed the headphones on. Kwest spoke into the mic, "Jude Harrison, Unraveling, take 1." He raised his hand and counted down "in 5..4..3..2..1" then pointed at Jude and she started to play the guitar then began to sing.

All of a sudden Kwest's phone began to ring. He looked at it not recognizing the number and stepped out of the studio.

Lindsay's phone calls to Kwest for Tommy

Kwest: Hello?

Lindsay: Hello! May I please speak to Mr. Tom Quincy please?

Kwest: I'm sorry he's in the middle of a recording right now. May I ask who's calling?

Lindsay: This is Lindsay Shue, producer of 'The Instant Dating Game'

Kwest: Oh! Well Ms. Shue, I'm his engineer and friend can I give him a message for you?

Lindsay: Yes, well he's been chosen as our bachelor. He'll need to meet us at the CTV Studios Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. The show will be aired live at 6:00 p.m. He needs to be dressed to impress. And we will have stylists available for final touch-ups that night. He will also be able to bring 1 or 2 guests for support.

Kwest: Thank you very much Ms. Shue. I'll be sure to give Tom the message and that he gets to the studio on time on Friday.

Lindsay: Well, thank you Kwest. Have a good day!

Kwest: Bye! And thanks, you too. (Kwest jumped up and down punching his fist up into the air quietly shouting "YES!" happy to hear the news.

Kwest stepped back into the studio. Tom was working on Jude's 2nd take. "Who was that man?" Tom asked. "I've got some good new for you!" Kwest told him as he sat back in his chair with a wide grin. "What is it?" "I've got you a date!" "Kwest, I told you no dates. I'm perfectly fine with how my life is." Tom stated as he looked through the glass smiling as he looked at Jude. "No you're not. You only go out once or twice a month and Jude you see her everyday and nothing is really going on with you 2 other than your little benefits. Let's see if we can find you an actual match." "And what did you have in mind?" Tom asked a bit angry. "You are going to be the bachelor on a show called "The Instant Dating Game!" "What?!" Tom yelled and jumped up from his seat.

Jude then looked at the guys in shock when she saw Tom get up, the spoke, "Guys how was that?" "Jude one more time please, you were a little weak in the chorus." Tom pointed out." "Okay," she replied. Then Tom counted down for her 3rd take.

"Kwest, not a game show." "It's not a game show, it's a dating show." Kwest corrected. "Whatever, same thing." Tom replied back. "Look Tom…" and Kwest began to explain. "This is totally different. You get to ask 3 single ladies questions of your choice. In the end you get to choose who you want to go out on your date with." "So what's the catch and what's the prize?" Tom asked his dear friend. Kwest continued to explain about how the dates were paid for by the show, about the audience participation and how there were 2 prizes based on his choice and the audiences' choice. "Fine!" Tom agreed but in distaste of his friends choice for finding him a date. "But you are to never ever set me up on a date again. And Jude is to never find out about this. Got it!?" "Yea man. I got it T." Kwest complied with Tom's request.

Finally Jude was done and stepped out of the booth. "That was great Jude!" Both Tom and Kwest complimented. "Well, I'm gonna go catch up with Mason for lunch. Bye!"

As soon as Jude stepped out of the studio she found Mason and they went to a little pizza parlor a couple a blocks from the studio. Once they arrived they ordered their pizza and waited. "So are you excited about the show?" Mason asked with his eyes wide open. "I guess." Jude sighed in reply. Then her cell phone rang.

Jude: Hello?

Lindsay: Hello! May I please speak to Miss Jude Harrison?

Jude: This is she. May I ask who's calling?

Lindsay: This is Lindsay Shue, producer of 'The Instant Dating Game'

Jude: Oh. ('The Instant Dating Game' Jude mouthed to Mason. He got up and put his ear next to Jude's with the cell to listen in.) How may I help you Ms. Shue?

Lindsay: Call me Lindsay please.

Jude: Ok, Lindsay.

Lindsay: Well, I'm calling to let you know that you have been chosen as one of the bachelorettes. (Mason yelled "Yes! Yes!" in a hushed tone.)

Jude: I have? (She asked in shock)

Lindsay: Yes and you will need to meet us at the CTV Studios Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. The show will be aired live at 6:00 p.m. Please be dressed to impress. And we will have stylists available for final touch-ups that night. You may also be able to bring 1 or 2 guests for support.

Jude: Ok, we'll see you Friday then. Thank you.

Lindsay: Thank you, bye Jude.

"Ok Mason. Are happy now?!" "Oh Jude I'm so excited for you! Maybe you'll find a real man instead of waiting on Quincy to fess up." Mason retorted. "Now since I can bring 2 people, you're coming I assume and we'll tell Sadie. I'm sure she'll be just as happy as you." "Oh I know so!" Mason shot back. "But one more thing. You cannot and I repeat CANNOT tell Tommy. You know how he gets with me and another guy." "Okay whatever you say Jude." Mason agreed.