Chapter 18
Monday morning Jude was at the studio bright and early to record with Tommy. She was nervous about her first encounter with Tommy after Friday night. She wasn't sure what to say and figured she would let him take the lead and she would just follow. The minute she entered G-Major, she was swept into Georgia's office to talk.
G: So Jude, how have things been lately? It seems like we have all been so busy that we haven't had any time to catch up.
J: Well, I guess things are good. The album seems to be moving along better and Tommy and I recorded another song on Friday.
G: Yeah, Tommy played it for me this morning, it was fantastic. Just when I think you can't get any better, you surprise me.
J: Thanks Georgia.
G: So, now for the other reason why you are here. It's time to start planning your birthday party. It's just a few weeks away.
J: Oh, um, well. Whatever you want to do is fine with me.
G: Oh, come on Jude, I know how much you love parties and trust me after last year's debacle, we are going to make everyone forget that you ever even turned 16.
J: Yeah, um OK.
G: Jude?
J: Listen Georgia, it is so nice of you to want to plan something for my 17th, but seriously, I would be just as happy if we all just went out to dinner.
G: Oh, Jude. Are you sure you really don't want a party?
J: Yeah, I just don't think that I am up to it, plus with working on the album, tutoring and things at home right now, I think I just want small and intimate. You know what I mean?
G: Say no more Jude, I just want you to be happy. So how about if I plan a small dinner party, close friends and family only?
J: That would be great. Thanks Georgia for everything.
G: You're welcome Jude. You know I would do anything for you. Now get out of here and get to work. Tommy is waiting for you in Studio B.
Jude grabbed her stuff and headed over to meet Tommy. OK, Jude, just keeps things cool. Wait till you can read him and then go with it. Jude stepped into Studio B and was greeted by Tommy standing just inside the door glaring at her.
T: Geez Jude, can't you at least try to be on time?
J: Um, well I was on time but Georgia called me in her office.
T: Well, just try harder. I have got work to do other than just sit here waiting for you.
J: Well excuse me. I am sorry to have wasted your precious time. Next time I will tell Georgia that our little meeting will have to wait, the almighty Little Tommy Q doesn't like to waste his time.
T: Shut it Jude!
J: Fine let's just get to work OK?
T: I have been ready for hours.
Jude dropped her stuff in the corner, grabbed her guitar and headed into the recording booth. Wow this is going to be a long day. So much for everything just going back to the way things were before.
Jude and Tommy spent another 8 hours straight working on her new song. Finally, around 6:30 that night, Jude stepped out of the recording booth and dropped down onto the sofa in the Studio.
J: Oh my God, I thought I would never get that last verse down.
T: You worked hard today, it sounds pretty good.
J: Gee, thanks Tommy.
T: We can work on it a little more tomorrow.
J: Yeah, listen if it is alright with you I am going to get out of here. I am beat and we haven't even eaten all day.
T: I didn't hear you complaining earlier when I asked if you needed a break.
J: I am not complaining!
Jude's voice was becoming louder and louder, as was Tommy's.
T: Ok, Ok, look just get home and get some sleep. We can pick up where we left off tomorrow.
Jude mumbled a forlorn "Yeah" and began to gather her stuff together to leave. As she turned her back and started to open the door, Tommy interrupted Jude saying, "Hey girl. Wait!" Jude's voice was very shaky and she was trying so hard to not let him see her cry.
T: Come on girl, come sit for a minute.
Jude went over to the couch with her stuff still in her hands and sat down as told.
T: Listen, I am sorry for being so short with you today. I am just a little off, that's all. I promise tomorrow will be better.
J: Yeah, no big deal.
T: Come on girl. I really am sorry for snapping at you.
J: It's fine. Can I just go Tommy?
T: Yeah, I will just see you tomorrow I guess.
Jude flew out of the Studio and mumbled a hasty "Bye" before closing the door behind her.
Tommy dropped back on the couch wishing he could just start this day over again. Ok, so much for just pretending things are the same as always. How am I going to work with her every day and pretend that things are just super? God, she looked like she was going to cry any minute, I can't stand that all I do is hurt her over and over. I have to find a way to make it up to her. Her birthday is in a couple of weeks, maybe things will be better by then and in the mean time, I have got to find her the perfect gift.