Chapter 11 - Stuck

Tommy: "Jude, I think the song ended." he whispered noticing no music was playing. Jude opened her eyes and picked her head up to be able to face him. He looked down at her. At the same time, both noticed all eyes were on them. Jude blushed a little. Tommy felt more uncomfortable than ever. This was all he needed. People thinking he had a thing with a 17-year-old. He pulled away from her and took a few steps back. Jude looked at him a little hurt by his behavior. She felt as though he was ashamed to be caught with her. Tommy excused himself and walked off the dance floor. Jude was left standing alone. Kwest quickly put on some music and people started jamming again. Jude looked around and took it upon herself to find something to drink. When she was grabbing a soda pop Georgia approached her.

Georgia: "Hey kiddo, having fun?" she asked.

Jude: "A blast." she said and took a sip from her soda. Georgia couldn't help but notice Jude was a little on the edge. She constantly kept looking around, almost looking for something particular. Someone particular.

Georgia: "Jude, what's going on with you and Tommy?" Jude looked at her shocked.

Jude: "What do you mean?"

Georgia: "Don't play that game with me. I know there is something going on."

Jude: "Tommy is my producer, Georgia. He happens to be my sister's boyfriend and my friend. That's it. Nothing more."

Georgia nodded: "Ok, I believe you. But if I ever find out you lied to me they'll be consequences. You know there is a fine line between producer and artist."

Jude: "I am well aware. You have nothing to worry about. Tommy is with Sadie."

Georgia: "Good. I wouldn't want to lose either of you." she said and joined in the fun again. Jude stood there all by herself once again. Consequences, yeah right. Tommy would never cross that line. He was too damn in control of himself. There was a time when she did want him to cross that line but lately it seems as thought the time is passing and she is moving on. Come on, she can't spend her life moping around and waiting for Quincy. Who knows when he would actually make up his mind?

Jude looked at the clock hanging on the wall. It was 2:23 AM. She noticed guests were leaving. A few hours later the room was almost completely empty. She hadn't spoken or seen Tommy since the dance. Kwest was packing up his disks. Jude sat at a table in the far corner all by herself.

Georgia: "I'm leaving." she said to Jude and hugged her warmly. "See you in a few days, kiddo." she said and left. Kwest was coming over now.

Kwest: "So you had a good time?"

Jude: "Few minor bumps in the road but I'm still here."

Kwest smiled: "Glad to hear it. Where is Tommy?"

Jude shrugged: "Haven't seen him in hours."

Kwest looked around the party room. "Wouldn't be the first time Tommy took off without a word. You need a ride home?"

Jude: "No, my limo is still outside but thanks. I think I'll just lock up here and head home myself."

Kwest: "Ok. Make sure you give the janitor the keys back. He's somewhere around here. You'll be Ok alone?"

Jude smiled: "I'll be fine." she said and hugged Kwest goodbye. She watched him leave carrying his disk under one arm and his tie in the other.

There she was all alone. She looked around the room. Empty glasses. The food table was still half stacked. There were plenty leftovers. Two hours ago people were dancing and it was full now it was just………….lifeless. She forced herself to get up and started to pick up the empty cups. A ruffling noise disturbed her. It was Tommy holding a garbage bag. He didn't say anything but held it out for her. She threw the cups inside. Not one word was spoken by either one of them. They continued to collect the cups and garbage for what seemed hours. In the process Jude had taken off her heels and was walking barefooted. When finally all the garbage was collected Jude looked at Tommy.

Tommy: "We should head out. It's late."

Jude: "More like early." she said and pointed to the clock hanging on the wall. It read 4:35 AM. Tommy smiled at her and they made they're way to the door. He turned the knob but nothing was happening. This time he tried it with more force, still nothing. Jude looked at him a little panicked.

Tommy: "Jude, the door is locked."

Jude: "What do you mean the door is locked?" she asked not grasping the situation.

Tommy: "What do you think I mean? It's not opening." he asked being reminded of Sadie. She would have asked the same question. Jude pushed Tommy out of the way and tried to turn the knob herself. Tommy smirked. It didn't budge.

Jude: "How can this happen?" she asked a little frustrated.

Tommy: "I can only think of one thing. The janitor." he said and turned towards the door again.

Jude: "He wouldn't lock us in."

Tommy: "We were quiet this whole time. He probably didn't even check if anyone was still inside."

Jude: "Ok so we'll just stay here for a few hours until someone comes to work. It shouldn't be too long, I mean it is Friday morning."

Tommy thought for a moment: "Wrong again."

Jude: "What do you mean?"

Tommy: "Jude, think about it. G Major is closed for three days. Remember the re-modeling?"

Jude: "Ok, Jude don't panic." she told herself although she was beginning to panic a little. Tommy watched her. She was pacing up and down, until she started biting her nails.

Jude stopped and looked at Tommy. She stretched out her hand to him: "Ok give me your phone. We'll just call someone to come and get us. That's easy enough."

Tommy patted his pockets and then remembered something: "Why can't you use your own phone?"

Jude: "And where would I have put it in this thing?" she pointed at her skin tight dress. Tommy looked her up and down and saw how right she was. A needle wouldn't have fit let alone a cell phone. Judeadjusted herself from one foot to the other feeling Tommy's eyes on her.

Jude: "I left it in the limo. Just give me yours."

Tommy: "I can't."

Jude: "Why not?"

Tommy: "Because its in the studio upstairs."

Jude: "What is it doing in the studio?" she asked.

Tommy: "I was in there for the past hour or so. When I decided to come and check on you I left it there with the rest of my things."

Jude: "Great. Just great. So let me get this straight. We're locked up together for what? Three days? In here?" she asked looking around. Tommy wasn't any more happy than she was. Three days with Jude? Who knows what could happen?

Tommy: "At least we're not going to starve." he said trying to lighten up the mood. It wasn't working. They were stuck with each other. Day and night, for the next four whole days. How is this mess going to play out? Let's face it. Too many bottled up feelings are bound to surface.

So there it was. The newest and latest. Thank you guys for the great feedback ya'll have been sending me. I love reading it, as always. I'm hoping to post more really soon. If not than over the weekend for sure. I'm so excited about the premier this Friday, I actually told my friends I wasn't going out until after the show (they had everything planned out for me lol) Anyways…………..

slvrstrchk – I'm sorry you were sick but I'm glad you're feeling better.

Minela