Chapter 19

The next few weeks were spent recording almost non-stop. The CD wasjust aboutfinished and it looked like the long nights and extra work were going to payoff. This CD was going to be even better than the first. Things with Tommy and Jude were better; at least they weren't ready to bite each other's heads off all the time, but there was definitely a tension in the air, that was about to come to a breaking point.

It wasthe day before Jude's 17th birthday and keeping to her promise, Georgia had made reservations at a very classy restaurant for the small intimate dinner that Jude had requested. Jude's mom and dad would be there, along with Sadie and her boyfriend of the week, Justin. Kat and Jamie were invited to be there too, although Jude wasn't exactly sure how that would go considering Jamie was barely talking to her and Kat seemed kind of distant lately too. Georgia, EJ and Kwest would be there and of course Tommy. The small quiet dinner that Jude had hoped for was turning into more of a daytime drama and Jude was just hoping for a little less drama than last year.

S: Jude? Come on Jude, wake up. JUDE!

J: What do you want Sadie, this is my only morning to sleep in and I plan on taking full advantage.

S: Come on Jude, if I let you stay in bed all day then when will we have time to shop for a new dress for your birthday dinner?

J: Did you say shopping?

Jude was fully awake now at the mention of shopping. As much as she hated to admit it, her and Sadie did have at least one thing in common.

S: Yeah, come on sleepyhead, get up and get ready, we are going shopping!

J: Ok, just give me 5 minutes.

S: Jude, by the looks of things and the smell for that matter, you need at least 10.

J: Get out Sadie!

Sadie quickly scrambled to the door and thankfully ducked out the door just in time to miss the pillow that was flying towards her head. Twenty minutes later, Jude and Sadie were heading down the highway towards the mall. Theya spent hours going through the stores, looking for that one perfect outfit for Jude's birthday dinner. Finally, after much searching Jude finally found the perfect dress. It was a simple black slip dress that showed off just enough skin to be enticing, but not too revealing. It was perfect for Jude and as they exited the store with their purchases for the day and discussing how Jude should wear her hair the next night, Sadie spotted yet another jewelry store she just had to check out.

Sadie immediately fell in love with some bracelet that she just had to have, so Jude started to make her way around the store admiring the items in the cases. She was not really watching where she was going and suddenly she ran smack into another customer.

J: Oh my gosh, I am so sorry. I wasn't watching … Tommy?

T: Oh, uh, hey Jude. What are you, um, doing here?

J: Oh, well Sadie and I were out shopping for a new dress for tomorrow and she just had to stop here.

T: Oh.

Just then a salesperson interrupted:

SP: Mr. Quincy? Here is your purchase. Wrapped just as you had asked.

T: Oh, right. Thanks.

J: So what'd you buy?

T: Oh nothing special.

J: Oh, OK.

T: Listen I really have to get going. Um, I guess I will see you tomorrow at the dinner?

J: Yeah, see you then.

Wow that was weird. Tommy was acting like he couldn't wait to get away from me. I wonder what he was buying? Maybe the salesperson would tell me.

J: Excuse me, Sir?

SP: Yes, may I help you?

J: Well, yes. I was wondering if you could show me what Tom Quincy just purchased?

SP: Oh, I am sorry, but that was a one-of-a-kind piece. He designed it himself.

J: Oh.

SP: Whomever the gift is for is one lucky girl!

J: Well thanks anyway.

Jude made her way over to Sadie, who was finishing up with her purchase.

S: Hey, was that Tommy you were talking to?

J: Yeah, he was acting really strange and apparently bought some piece of jewelry that he designed himself. I wonder who he was buying it for?

S: I have no idea, but you no Tom, he probably has some new girl he is trying to impress. Maybe he will bring her to your birthday dinner tomorrow.

J: Oh, yeah that would be just great!

Jude mumbled that last comment as Sadie finished with her purchase and they made their way to the doors. Suddenly Jude was not really looking forward to her birthday dinner anymore. What if Tommy did show up with a date? I will look like a total loser, not even bringing a date to my own birthday party. I don't even know if my best friends will be there to back me up. Maybe I should have let Georgia plan that big party, at least then I wouldn't have to sit across the table from Tommy and his bimbo date all night.