Hi, I'm back. I apologize for the delay on this post--my life went haywire this week and I didn't have a chance to edit this next part. On top of that, I ran into my first case of a mental block on this story. I had it all planned out and then suddenly, I realized that I want to change where I was heading, so I've been trying to come up with some new ideas.
For now, I'm happy with the next few chapters and hopefully you all will be too! This one is a bit of a filler but it leads into the night of the Juno's, where there's plenty of drama. I should be posting the next part tomorrow, as there's a small cliffhanger at the end of this part...I know how you all love cliffhangers :-) Thanks again for all of your amazing feedback--you guys have no idea how much motivation you give me and lately, I've really needed it! So onto our next part...ENJOY!
The next couple of weeks flew by until it was the day before the Juno's. Jude was in full preparation mode, working on her album, selecting a dress with EJ, and giving numerous interviews about how thrilled she was about the nominations.
She and Tommy had come to terms with the fact that she was about to be shown dating someone else. They discussed possible scenarios and how she would handle both Josh and the press. She had no doubt that her heart was with Tommy, but she was also excited at the opportunity to meet this famous, gorgeous actor—let alone be seen on a date with him. Tommy was trying to be supportive of the situation but she knew it wasn't easy for him.
Jude headed out of the conference room at G-Major where yet another reporter had asked her for her reaction to the nomination and what her plans were for the big night. She sighed and walked straight towards the kitchen, needing to refuel with caffeine.
"Jude!" she heard as she poured the coffee into her mug.
"What is it now EJ?" she said, annoyed at the constant disturbance EJ was now playing.
"Snippy, aren't we? I just wanted to see which purse you liked more – the solid clutch or the beaded one?" EJ asked, holding up two very similar bags.
"Umm, I don't know, they both look okay…" Jude said indifferently, sipping the coffee. She spotted Tommy across the room enter his office and saw her opportunity to bolt. "Listen, I trust your opinion, EJ, you pick. I need to go work on my new song."
"But I haven't shown you the nail color options yet! Jude!" EJ yelled after her. Jude took off, not listening, and headed straight towards Tommy.
"Hey," she said, reaching the doorway to his office.
"Hey," he said, looking up from a couple of papers on his desk.
"Mind if I hide out here for a few minutes? EJ has been pestering me all day with fashion questions. I'm about to lose it with her."
He smiled. "Sure. Do you want to keep working on your song?"
"Maybe in a little bit," she said, collapsing on the couch. "I need sleep."
"You'll get sleep. After you get your awards," he said, stepping out to lean against his desk.
"You mean after we get our awards?" she clarified, turning on her side to face him.
"They're your awards, Jude."
"They're not anyone's yet, but if there are awards, they're both of ours," she stated firmly.
He shook his head in disagreement but didn't bother arguing. He walked over to the sofa and crouched down next to her. He gently ran his hand through her hair as she closed her eyes. "You'll get one," he assured her softly. "And if not, then they have no taste in music."
"Thanks," she said quietly with a smile. She opened her eyes and looked into his. "Maybe Josh will get sick," she said dreamily.
"Get sick for his date with the Jude Harrison? Never. I'm sure you're the highlight of his year."
"Me? Tommy, do you know who he's been seen with?"
"I see those tabloid headlines, but none of them can compete with you."
She smiled faintly and gave a quiet, "Thanks."
"We should probably get back out there," he said gently, glancing towards the open door. She nodded and sat up.
"Okay, ready to write?" she asked as he stood up and helped her up.
"Sure," he agreed as they walked out and into Studio B.
Finally, after more working and determining fashion details, and even squeezing in a good four hours of sleep, it was the day of the Juno's. Jude woke up so excited she could barely speak. EJ had plans to come over with the stylist in the early afternoon to get ready, so Jude spent the morning relaxing with her mom. Jude's parents along with their significant others were invited but her dad was out of town on business. So she used her dad's ticket for Sadie, who was ecstatic.
Finally, the doorbell rang and the frenzy began. EJ arrived with Hilary, her stylist, and two assistants for makeup and hair. Jude loved the dress she and EJ had picked out—because they had Hilary, she was presented with 3 dresses that all fit perfectly and she got to choose one that she preferred. They worked on her hair and makeup, deciding to go with a more natural look.
At 5:00, Georgia, Darius, Kwest and Tommy all arrived at the Harrison house to go to the awards. Three limos arrived out front, right on time, to take them to the Toronto concert hall, where the ceremony would be held. They all waited patiently downstairs as Jude slipped on one of her shoes.
"Jude, I'm tossing your lip gloss in your bag. Do you need your house keys or can I leave them here?" EJ asked, holding the brown clutch that they had selected.
"Ummm..throw them in. You never know what's going to happen," Jude said with a smile.
"I love your thinking!" EJ exclaimed, handing Jude her bag and walking towards the door. "See you downstairs?"
"Yup, I'll be there," Jude said. As EJ left, she stood alone in her room and looked at herself in the mirror. She was actually happy with her reflection—she had to admit, Hilary was a fashion genius. There was a knock on the door as she turned around.
"Hi Sadie, come in," she said, seeing her sister peek through the doorway.
"Wow, Jude…" Sadie said, looking at her sister before her. "You really look incredible."
"Thanks," she said humbly. Jude looked at Sadie's long turquoise sheath. "You look amazing too."
"Thanks," Sadie replied, doing a quick twirl. Her dress was long and straight made of a light jersey fabric with a braided halter neck. It fit her perfectly and made her blue eyes look brighter. "I'm just trying to look semi-acceptable next to my famous sister and her famous boy toy for the evening."
"Very funny," Jude said, putting her earrings in her ears.
"Are you nervous?" Sadie asked.
"A little. More excited than nervous. I'm trying to not take it too seriously."
"That's good," Sadie replied positively. Just then, there was another knock on the door and they heard a voice.
"Umm…Jude? Can I come in?"
It was Tommy. Jude quickly fastened her other earring and looked to Sadie for guidance.
Sadie walked over to the door and stuck her head out. "Aren't you supposed to wait for her grand entrance downstairs?"
"I was hoping I could see her beforehand," Tommy explained. "Besides, I'm supposed to tell you that Josh is here."
"He's here!" Sadie exclaimed, turning back to Jude. Jude cheered too, but quickly quieted down, remembering Tommy standing right outside the door. Sadie turned back to him. "I'll go meet him. You have two minutes with her, that's it," she instructed, exiting the room. "And don't mess up her makeup," she whispered, heading into the hall and down the steps.
He smiled and lightly pushed the door open, feeling his pulse race in anticipation. He took a step into her room, not looking up while shutting the door, and then noticed her out of the corner of his eye. She was standing near her desk, putting some mints into her bag, and looked up as he entered. She stood up straight and smiled at him as he took in her full appearance.
"Wow…" he muttered, gaping at her across the room.
