Chapter 10

Jude's 18th Birthday Party

When Jude finished their song, Tommy joined her on stage and took her hand, pressing it to his lips in a gentle kiss. They shared a look that told everyone that had eyes, that they had passed the artist/producer relationship long ago. Darius walked towards them with a large framed record and CD in his hands. He grinned at them before taking the mike from Jude who had been about to speak.

"Ladies and Gentlemen as you can see these two have an announcement to make. But before that I just want to say Happy 18th Birthday Jude. You have finally arrived and to prove that... your second album has just gone double platinum." There were cheers and shouts from the crowd. " With their latest news I expect even more copies to sell." He handed back the mike and the frame, as she thanked him.

"Wow I am so excited about the album. But... I would never have been able to do it without my producer Tommy Quincy." She smiled at him."Who has made me twice the artist I ever thought I could be" He wrapped his hand over hers and brought the mike towards him.

"Just your producer Jude? Because you are definitely more than just my artist.' He said teasingly. She flushed at the intensity of his gaze.

"Since I seem to have managed to make Jude speechless, I guess I get to to make the announcement. Since this crazy rocker chick walked into my life, she has challenged me, made me laugh and most importantly believed in me." He caught her eyes and said the next words to her.

"She believed in me so much, she was willing to take a chance on me...by marrying me." Noise erupted in the room, drowning out any reply Jude could have made, so she reached for his tie and pulled him down for a passionate kiss. It was the most amazing feeling to not have to hide and be able to do this in front of everyone. They finally pulled apart and walked towards the stage steps. Darius stopped them before they could head for the floor.

"Both of you. Press conference on Monday morning." Then he said to Tommy. "I expect a signed contract." Tommy nodded as Darius clapped him on the back and then left them to face the crowd of well wishers and gossip mongers.

Jude left the crowded ballroom to get some air and to get away from all the 'fake' well wishers and industry people, many of whom she didn't even know. She was walking to the powder room when she heard her name being called. She turned to see her best friend weaving a little as he made his way towards her, across the hotel lobby.

"Hey Jamie." She looked at him worriedly. She hadn't seen him since he had abruptly left at the beginning of her song. She knew he didn't drink very often, especially after Patsy's accident.

"How long?" She wasn't sure what he meant. "How long have you been with him?" Her eyes softened at the pain in his words.

"6 months."

"What about us?" She had been there for him after Patsy's death 5 months ago, and they had started spending more time together, helping him through his grief.. When he had asked for more she had said no.

1 month ago

Jamie and Jude sat on her living room couch watching Juno. A bowl of popcorn sat between them untouched. They had been trying to get together for a movie night for weeks now, but her work and school had kept her too busy. He shot her a quick nervous glance, that she did not catch. He reached for the remote and paused the movie. She looked over at him and he could only stare back, at this girl he had loved since he had met her.

"Jude..."

"Yes Jamie?"

"I was wondering.." He swallowed hard. "Do you think we could give 'us' a try again?" She looked at him in surprise, her lips forming a frown, as she tried to think of what to say. She didn't want to hurt him, especially with everything that had happened with Patsy's death.

"Jamie you're my best friend..." He took her hand and she wanted to pull away, but feared what the rejection would do to him.

"That's why we would be great together. I mean you haven't dated anyone in months. I thought..."

"What did you think?"

"I thought you were waiting for me to get over Patsy..." She shook her head, not knowing how he could have gotten this so wrong. Had she led him on somehow?

"No Jamie...I...don't feel that way about you."

"Is there someone else?" She didn't answer him, looking away instead. Realization dawned on him.

"You're waiting for him aren't you?" He accused. She couldn't hide the answer in her eyes as she looked at him again. "Wake up Jude! He doesn't care about you. He walked out months ago without looking back." She wanted to shout the truth at him so badly.

"Jamie you don't know what you're talking about." She didn't want him to push her so far, they could never recover from it.

"Grow up Jude. He's not Prince Charming. Stop trying to play the damsel in distress." She bit her lip hard, trying not to defend herself by giving him the truth. There was a loud knocking on the door, disturbing their stare off. She got up quickly to answer the door. SME stood on the doorstep, Spied noticing her unhappy look. Wally held up a bag of chips, ice cream and a pack of soda. Kyle held up a bunch of DVD's.

"So what are we watching?" Kyle asked. Spied looked at Jude with a question in his eyes as he stared between her and Jamie. 'Later' she mouthed and he nodded. Jude stood to one side as the boys entered.

Jude's 18th Birthday Party

"Jamie...We're friends..." She sighed.

"I love you Jude." He said so forcefully, she had to look at him in surprise. He took her upper arms and pressed his lips down on hers hard. He didn't even notice her hands on his chest trying to push him away. When he finally lifted his head and let go, her palm connected with his cheek. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand and looked at him in shock. She could still taste the alcohol he had consumed on her lips. He looked at her for a long second and started to reach for her again, but before he could pull her in, he was spun around by a hand on his shoulder. A fist connected with his face. Jamie looked at Spied stunned, raising his hand to his bloody lip.

"What is wrong with you?! She told you she doesn't want you! She loves Quincy." Spied yelled.

"How can you be okay with this? You know he's just going to hurt her! He'll leave and we'll be the ones left picking up the pieces!" He turned to Jude. "You are so stupid to fall for him again!" She couldn't speak in the face of his anger. Spied realized Jude wasn't going to say anything so he said his next words calmly, realizing how much Jamie was still hurting over Patsy and now Jude.

"Jamie they're married..." Jamie looked to Jude in shock, for confirmation. She lifted her left hand reluctantly, her diamond glittered brilliantly, mockingly to Jamie.

"Jamie I'm sorry." She said softly. He glared at the both of them for a second then spun on his heel, a little wobbly, and started to stalk off. Jude started to go after him, but Spied took her arm.

"Jude let him go. You told him over and over again that you just wanted to be friends. This isn't your fault." He took her in his arms for a hug. She held onto him needing the comfort, realizing she had just said goodbye to her oldest friendship. That's how Tommy found them a few minutes later.

"Why are you holding my wife?" Tommy asked, no hint of jealousy in his tone, just curiosity. Spied loosened his arms around her and looked over at Tommy.

"She had a little run in with Jamie." Tommy tensed at his words as Jude turned and he could see the lipstick smeared on her mouth.

"Where is he?" Tommy asked with barely controlled rage.

"Don't worry I already punched him for you." As he said this, the pain in his hand came to life. "Ow." He held up his red knuckles. Jude took his hand to examine it and shook her head.

"Come on we should go get some ice at the bar."

"Maybe a couple of drinks too?" Spied asked hopefully, wanting the numbing effect. Tommy put his arm around Jude's shoulder pulling her in as they walked towards the hotel bar.

"I think Jamie's had enough for all three of us." Jude said.