Chapter 17

After much arguing and name-calling Jude finally won and was allowed to pick the movie. She chose the movie How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days.A romantic comedy (or as Tommy liked to remind her, a chick flick) with Kate Hudson and Matthew McConaughey. They ate the Chinese around the coffee table and started the movie. Jude had seen this movie a dozen times at least and her mind began to wander until it finally focused in on a certain gorgeous male sitting next to her on the couch. Tommy, who found the movie surprisingly funny was trying very hard not to let Jude know that he enjoyed it and all the while very aware of Jude sitting just inches apart from him on the couch. They were both silent throughout the movie and when the credits began to roll, Tommy looked over at Jude to find that she had fallen asleep beside him.

God, she's even beautiful when she is sleeping. I know I should wake her up but I think I will just sit here for a while and let her catch some ZZZs. She has been working so hard on this album and she deserves some much needed rest.

Tommy just continued to watch her sleep for a while and finally quietly got up off the couch and began to gather the leftovers and dirty dishes from their dinner. He was very careful not to wake up Jude and finally, after doing the dishes and cleaning up the trash, he sat back down beside her. Wow, she didn't even move. She must really be exhausted. Tommy looked around for a blanket or something to cover her with before he left but nothing was in sight. After a few minutes, he decided that he would just carry her upstairs to her room. He carefully put his arms underneath her and holding her close to him, slowly made his way up the stairs to her room. As he opened the door and entered her room Jude began to wake up. In a very sleepy voice, Jude whispered:

J: Tommy?

T: Favorite movie, huh? You slept through most of it.

J: I just couldn't keep my eyes open any more. What are you doing?

T: Well, I couldn't find a blanket or anything downstairs, so I just decided to bring you up here before I left.

Tommy carefully laid Jude down in the middle of her bed and sat down on the edge beside her.

J: Thanks Tommy, I don't know what happened, I guess all those long hours we have been putting in on the album finally caught up to me.

T: Yeah, you've been working double time to get this album finished.

J: So have you, I really think it is going to be better than my first. It wouldn't have been though if you decided you weren't going to produce it.

T: Girl, you make it good, I just help fine-tune it a little.

J: Thanks.

Jude's heart skipped a beat as she realized what a huge compliment Tommy was giving her.

J: So, I guess after tonight you won't be coming over for any more movies.

T: Why wouldn't I?

J: Well, it was kind a boring night. I mean, you suffered through my favorite chick flick, I fell asleep halfway through and now you had to carry me to bed. Not exactly what you would call a great way to spend Friday night…

T: Jude, if I didn't want to be here, I wouldn't be.

J: I know, its just that I am sure you had better things to do than be here with me…

T: Did I say I had other offers?

J: Well no, but…

T: You know, you have got to get some confidence, I couldn't think of anyone else that I would rather hang out with tonight than you. The movie was actually pretty good, but don't you dare tell anyone that I said I actually liked a chick flick. And most importantly, I alwayshave a great time hanging out with you. So enough with the second guessing and apologizing.

J: Ok, but you know I guess there is one really good thing that came out of this weekend. I have got some great blackmail material if I ever need it.

T: Oh really, and what would that be?

J: Oh, I don't know. I can see the tabloid headline now, "Little Tommy Q Loves Chick Flicks".

T: You wouldn't dare!

J: You just never know when that might come in handy.

T: Jude! Promise me. Nothing about the chick flick.

J: I can't make any promises.

Tommy took one look at the grin on Jude's face and began to tickle her mercilessly asking her over and over, "Promise me you won't say a word and I will stop". Jude finally gave in barely able to catch her breath enough to mutter an "I promise". Tommy immediately stopped the tickling and realized that he was leaning very close to Jude with his hands resting on either side of her face. They both froze not knowing exactly what to say or do. Ever so slowly Tommy leaned closer and closer to Jude. Jude couldn't tear her eyes away from Tommy's. They both knew what was happening and seemed powerless to stop it. It was like two magnets being drawn to one another. But at the very last second it seemed as though Tommy realized what was happening and he placed a softkiss on her forehead. He straightened himself up and scooted closer to the edge of the bed.

T: Get some sleep Jude. Tomorrow we don't need to be at the studios and you can just be lazy the entire day.

J: Uh, yeah.

T: Ok, well I am going to get out of here. I expect you to be fully rested and ready to dive right back in on Monday.

J: You have to remind me don't you. The weekends are already too short as it is.

T: Hey that's part of my job. Producer/Slave Driver.

Tommy stood up and made his way to the door.

T: I will lock the door behind me when I leave. Night Jude.

J: Goodnight Tommy.

And with that he stepped into the hallway and closed the door behind him. Once in the hallway, Tommy leaned against the wall for a few minutes trying to still his racing heart and catch his breath. What the Hell was that? This was supposed to a quiet uneventful night and you go and almost kiss her. Again! This can't happen again. I can't stand to see her hurt anymore and I know that is what will happen. I have got to pull myself together and get past this thing with Jude. Come Monday morning things will be different. No more late night work sessions, no more movie nights or coffee breaks, no alone time period. I can do this, we just need to take a few steps back and put some distance between us. These feelings will go away, it's just a matter of too much time together and no other distractions. It will get better. It will. Won't it? Oh man, am I in trouble.