Chapter 28 – Dead End
Tommy licked his lips slowly and Jude instantly knew what he was thinking. He was going to kiss her and as much as she wanted to, she couldn't move away. The sky would collapse, the earth would stop rotating, the flowers would stop growing and the ocean waves would stop hitting the shore before she'd budge. Deep down she wanted the kiss too. Suddenly she felt his hands on her cheeks gently caressing her as he pulled her closer very slowly. As she closed her eyes, her lips brushed gently against his, she smelled his cologne and felt his breath on her face. She'd swear she heard his heart beating faster. Slowly she let her arms entwine him as she pressed her lips against his. He welcomed her touch with open arms and opened his mouth for her tongue to enter. Knowing she was forbidden made it only so much sweeter. Tommy groaned while Jude made sure she ran her arms all over his body. She smiled to herself wanting his so much should have been a crime, and in one way or the other; it was.
Georgia: "Tommy, phone call." she said walking in. Jude and Tommy jumped apart. Georgia stood at the door not moving. She held the phone out to Tommy who just looked at her. Jude wiped her lips. Tommy finally took the phone from Georgia and walked out of the studio, head down. Georgia watched him walk out and closed the door behind him. Jude's heart sped up. Georgia crossed her arms in front of her chest.
Georgia: "Care to explain?"
Tommy walked into Georgia's office looking back for Jude who was not coming out of the studio. He closed the door behind him, sighed and held up the receiver to his ear.
Tommy: "Tom Quincy."
Eileen: "Tom-"
Tommy: "Mom?" he asked confused.
Georgia: "Care to explain?"
Jude stood there unable to come up with the right words to explain the situation to Georgia. How was she to put this in words? She didn't even know herself what was going on. And what was keeping Tommy so long?
Jude: "I. It was nothing."
Georgia: "Yes, so I've heard before but that didn't look like nothing to me. If you two can't keep a platonic relationship then we're going to have to find you a new producer. This can't happen, Jude."
Jude: "I know. No new producer. I promise Georgia, we were just caught up in the moment." she tried to convince her boss.
Georgia: "This happens again and we're looking for a new producer for you."
Tommy: "Mom?" he asked confused.
Eileen: "Yes."
Tommy: "Mom, is something wrong? Why are you calling me at work?"
Eileen: "No everything's alright. I tried your cell phone but you must have changed your number again." she explained.
Tommy: "Yeah, I'm sorry I didn't call to tell you."
Eileen: "I know you're busy."
Tommy: "Yeah, Mom why are you calling?"
Eileen: "Thanksgiving is coming up in two days. Your Dad and I were talking and it'd be really nice to have you boys back home for the holiday."
Tommy rubbed his eyes in frustration. If there was one thing he knew it was that his father did not want them there, especially him. David Quincy had never hidden his disappointment in Tommy or Lance.
Tommy: "I don't think that'd be a good idea."
Eileen: "Oh please Tom, for me. You can bring someone."
Tommy: "Do you know Lance is staying with me?"
Eileen: "Yes, he called me before he came to you. Tom, please come."
Tommy: "I'll talk to Lance."
Eileen: "Great. Will you be brining anyone? I have to tell your father how much food to make."
Tommy: "I didn't agree to anything yet. I'll call you." He hung up the phone and sat the receiver on the desk. Remembering what happened with Jude he rushed back to the studio.
Georgia: "This happens again and we're looking for a new producer."
Jude: "It won't, I promise. It meant nothing. Tommy means nothing to me."
Georgia gave her a suspicious look but left the studio. Tommy had just overheard what Jude said. She collapsed on a chair while Tommy walked in.
Jude: "Tommy?" she said noticing him for the first time.
Tommy: "Yeah. I'm sorry I had to leave you with her alone. What did she say?"
Jude: "She'd find me a new producer if she finds out anything is going on."
Tommy nodded and took a seat in front of the sound board: "Nothing will happen. I mean nothing, right?" he asked not looking at Jude. Instead he focused on the buttons in front of him. Jude dropped her head in embarrassment. She took a deep breath and forced herself over to Tommy's side.
Jude: "You know that's not true." she whispered.
Tommy: "That's not what I heard, Jude."
Jude: "Tommy, what was I suppose to tell her? That I'm head over heels in love with you?" Tommy's fingers slipped off the knobs. His heart picked up speed. Just the thought of Jude being in love with him made him feel uneasy. He summed up all strength left in him and asked.
Tommy: "Are you?" he finally looked at her.
Jude: "Tommy, I'm with your brother." she said and turned her head.
Tommy: "Doesn't answer the question."
Jude: "Would anything change between us if I said yes?" she asked frustrated with this conversation. It was a dead end. They've been there before. Tommy kept quiet. He didn't know how to answer her because he didn't know the answer himself.
Jude: "I didn't think so." she finally said and picked up her guitar. Tommy turned back to the board while Jude began to strum the cords.
A few minutes later Tommy got up and walked out of the studio. Jude watched him walk out but didn't say a word. Tommy headed straight for the out doors. Once in the fresh air he took his cell out of his pocket and dialed a few digits.
Lance: "Hello?"
Tommy: "Hey, Mom called."
Lance: "Why?"
Tommy: "She wants us home for Thanksgiving."
Lance grunted: "Oh no. You didn't tell her we were coming, did you?"
Tommy: "I told her I'd talk this over with you."
Lance: "Oh great. Now if we don't go, it'll be my fault."
Tommy: "That was the idea."
Lance: "I guess we're going then."
Tommy: "Do you remember the last time we tried this family thing?"
Lance: "Wasn't pretty but you know how much this means to Mom."
Tommy: "Ugh. She said we could bring someone."
Lance: "Great. How about Jude?"
Tommy: "You're not serious."
Lance: "Why not? Her family is less then perfect."
Tommy: "Her dad is not David Quincy."
Lance: "Yes, but ours is. How about you invite Sadie?"
Tommy: "I don't know."
Lance: "Well, I'll call Mom and tell her we're coming."
Tommy: "I will never forgive you for this."
Lance: "Yeah, put it on the list."
Tommy hung up the phone and dialed Sadie's number. Maybe this could be his chance to prove to her that he really did care about her.
Sadie: "Well look who's finally calling." she said sounding bitter.
Tommy: "Hey Sadie." He said rubbing his temple.
Sadie: "What do you want, Tom?"
Tommy: "Don't be like this." He said sounding a little aggravated.
Sadie: "I'm not being like anything."
Tommy: "What are you doing?" he asked deciding to switch the topic before he said something he'd regret.
Sadie: "Packing."
Tommy: "For what?"
Sadie: "I'm going to the States over Thanksgiving weekend. I accepted my early accepted and start next week with classes."
Tommy: "You what? When were you going to tell me?"
Sadie: "I really didn't think you'd notice; you haven't been around."
Tommy: "I'm sorry Sadie but you have to understand, work-"he tried to explain but was cut off.
Sadie: "Yeah, work. It always comes before me. Kwest comes before me. Jude comes before me. EVERYONE comes BEFORE your girlfriend. Bye Tom." she yelled and hung up. Tommy closed his phone and put it back inside his pocket. He felt bad but relieved at the same time. At least he didn't have to worry about Sadie in a time like this. He'd deal with her and their relationship if he survived the upcoming weekend. Sighing in frustration with the situation he returned to the studio where Jude was getting off her phone.
Jude: "So what should I bring?"
Tommy: "What? To where?"
Jude: "Your parent's house."
Tommy: "Oh Jude. You don't wanna come, trust me."
Jude: "Yes I do. I want to meet your parents. Maybe your Mom will tell me some embarrassing stories about you."
Tommy: "Jude, are you sure you want to go? It's nothing but painful."
Jude: "Which is why you need me there."
Tommy smiled. He had to confess to himself that even though he didn't want Jude to meet his parents it would be easier having her there. His Mom would want to know everything about her. Not just because she is his artist but because she is Lance's girlfriend. Not his, but his brothers. He watched her pack her things and heard her hum a melody. A smile spread over his face without him even noticing it.
Jude: "Call before you pick me up tomorrow morning. How long is the drive?"
Tommy: "Uhm about three hours."
Jude: "Great, see you tomorrow."
Tommy: "I can't change your mind?"
Jude: "Nope, I'm going." and with that Jude walked out. This was sure to be an interesting weekend.
You guys totally rock. All these replies, amazing. Thank you guys soooooooooo much. I'm so sorry that it took me forever to update. I've been so busy with work for school (graduation is in 4 weeks) Hope you all liked the update. I'm sorry to say that I won't be able to update until sometime next week. Prom is this Friday and I am trying to get all the last minute things. That Saturday a whole bunch of my friends are going to BBQ, then that Sunday we're all going to an amusement park, Monday is Senior cut day...so I'm really really sorry. But senior duties call. I was actually surprised that I could update today. My senior advisor sprung a Banquet on me yesterday and I had to go.
Anyways Sorry for rambling.
Back to my ff. I'm glad you all enjoyed it so much. Sorry I had to leave you with that cliff hanger but I had to keep you interested somehow. ANYWAYS trust me you're going to have to get used to it cuz there's many more to come.
Gotta go. I love you all and all your replies. Kisses
Minela
