Jude fidgeted underneath the shaded table awaiting Tommy's presence. She had taken Mason's advice and called him back. Their conversation was short and straight to the point, and Tommy had seemed to be talking very low and hesitant, trying to hide the fact he was on the phone. He had jumped at the chance for lunch and recommended that they do it that day. It was a little after one and he was late…and Tommy was never late or anything.

Well, at least that's how he used to be.

Unconsciously, Jude sighed aloud as a dull ache penetrated her heart. It felt heavy at the sudden realization that even though he looked the same, he could be different. After all it had been three years since their last encounter and people change.

Taking herself for example…she knew she had changed, her music had changed, and… and her heart had changed in ways she couldn't explain.

A sad smile spread across her beautiful lips while she remembered many of Tommy's little quirks, things that irked her, ones she admired…and everything that had caused her to fall in love with him in the first place.

As much as she wanted to fight the onslaught of emotions overcoming her, she couldn't. Jude had tried and failed at repressing the feelings Tommy invoked from her, and she had come to the conclusion that she'd always be in love with him. No matter what. A part of her heart would always belong to him, and him alone. Over the past few years she had forced herself to believe otherwise, but just one glance at him last night and all of her inner lies were unveiled, the truth seeping through. Now, she knew this wasn't fair to Jamie and she did love him very much. Loved him enough to marry him, but Tommy…he was just something else.

He was her soul mate.

And Jude wouldn't have it any other way. Thinking back to the beginning, when they'd first met, who would of ever thought that Jude Harrison, punk rocker, would fall for Tommy Quincy? They shared a connection like she never felt before in her life, and knew she'd never feel it with anyone else.

But they couldn't be together, things just never worked for them, as much as she had wanted it too…and now they lead two completely different lives…lives that didn't involve each other. And Jude considered this a good thing, because although Tommy was her soul mate, they were no good for one another, and it hurt to admit. She had come to the conclusion before arriving that after this lunch, it would be best for both of them to stay out of touch. It was no use, in her eyes, to even suggest being friends because it just never seemed to work either. Her only comfort in this decision was she now knew that Tommy was fine and still alive. It was time for her to really let go of her past if she wanted to start a fresh, happy life with Jamie.

Sitting there all alone, Jude glanced at her cell phone, wondering where Tommy could be. He hadn't called to cancel. Maybe she had the wrong restaurant. But it couldn't be. The address was right and everything. Deciding to make the time worth while, she withdrew a notebook and pen from her large purse, lyrics to a new song suddenly coming to her.

Lost in her words and thoughts, Jude failed to notice the shadow now casting over the table. It wasn't until Tommy spoke, she realized he'd shown up.

"Hope I'm not disturbing anything," Tommy smiled, staring down at Jude while pulling out his seat.

Jude jumped at his smooth voice, and she looked up, meeting his dazzling smile. At once, she felt her heart flutter, remembering that smile…and those lips…

"Sorry I'm so late," Tommy started, sitting down, "New York traffic…"

"Yeah, don't worry about it," Jude remarked understanding, putting away the pen and notebook, "I knew there had to be a reason. Tommy Quincy could never be late."

Tommy nodded in appreciation and chuckled, "I was almost worried you wouldn't be here, were you working on a song."

"Yup," Jude grinned, she loved her music, "lyrics just popped into my head and I had to get them down."

Tommy shook his head, knowing all too well, "God, I miss working in the studio with you." He almost asked to see the lyrics, but held back remembering he had no right too. They were no longer partners and co-producers, they were no longer anything…

The smile on Jude's face faltered for a moment before she plastered it on again. It was too soon for her to have Tommy reminiscing with her, couldn't he wait until they ordered? Shaking her head lightly, she took a sip of her water, "Me too."

While she studied he menu, Tommy took the time to silently observe. He had a clear mind and the lighting was much better and he took in every bit of the way she looked in that moment. Wearing a light sundress, her hair down, and large white sunglasses on top of her head, he thought she looked so natural. And beautiful. Jude was most definitely a woman now, and she looked so much more desirable than he remembered.

Finally the waitress took their orders and Jude looked at Tommy. Breathing in deeply she bit her lip, "Sooo…"

"So," Tommy nodded, knowing where she was going with this, "about last night."

"I'm really sorry," Jude blurted out, "I didn't mean for any of that to happen. I was just so drunk, and…and…I don't know what came over me."

Tommy shook his head, a smile on his head, "Don't worry about it girl, it wasn't just your fault. I was very much a participant in it as well."

Jude laughed, and her cheeks reddened with embarrassment, "What a reunion huh? We don't see each other in years and the first thing we do is mack on each other." Not knowing what else to say, Tommy nodded his head in agreement and Jude continued, "Listen, I don't want to make this lunch awkward or anything, so how about we just forget about last night? That kiss…it never happened."

His eyes widened in shock at the familiar words, and he felt his heart rip just a little. Of course Tommy understood why Jude would possibly want to forget it, but still…he didn't just go around making out with anyone these days. "Okay."

Jude noted his hesitant response before pressing on with what was on her mind. Although she wished she'd never have to have this conversation, she wanted to know what happened, she needed too. "Tommy," she began, wondering how to go about this, "thanks for coming to lunch."

Knowing that wasn't what she initially wanted to say, he merely nodded, "No problem, I'm pretty sure there are things we need to talk about. And I'm the one who initially asked you here."

"Always one to cut straight to the point," Jude sighed, "It's just weird you know? Sitting here, with you. I almost had myself convinced I'd never see or hear from you again, and then I randomly run into you at a club? It's so…so surreal."

"Tell me about it," Tommy agreed, "but I'm glad it happened."

Jude stared at him for a moment, "Me too," she replied, then shook her head to rid the thoughts plaguing it, "but anyways we should start getting onto the real questions huh? Sooo…" Jude paused wondering if he'd actually answer her. She was going to start off with the big question. The one that haunted her everyday and every night. "Why did you leave?"