Chapter 20

It was 5:30, less than 2 hours till the limo was picking Jude up to go to the restaurant for her birthday dinner and Jude was still sitting in her room in a robe with her hair twisted up in a towel. She was beginning to think it would be better to just call the whole thing off. Maybe hiding out till after her birthday was the way to go. God, she just didn't know if she could deal with the drama tonight. Just then, Sadie opened the door and stood with her hands on her hips, glaring at Jude:

S: Jude! Do you have any idea what time it is? The limo will be here in like an hour!

J: Did you ever hear of knocking Sadie?

S: What is wrong with you? It's your birthday and in less than 2 hours all your closest friends and family will be gathered together to celebrate with you. Come on Jude, get up and get dressed.

J: Ugh, I just want this whole night to be over with.

S: It's going to be great, so get up and get rid of that ratty old robe and put on that beautiful new dress that I picked out.

J: Ok, Ok, just get out Sadie!

S: I'm going, I'm going.

Sadie quickly ducked out of the room and closed the door behind her, saying a silent prayer that tonight would go off without a glitch. Jude really just needed a quiet night without any drama. Sadie was worried about Jude lately; the stress of the new album and her parents' relationship and everything was starting to get to her. Please just let her have this one night of fun on her birthday.

An hour later, the house was empty again. Justin had picked up Sadie and her mom about 15 minutes ago and they would be meeting Jude at the restaurant. The limo would be here any minute to take her, a birthday gift from Darius. Jude heard a soft knock on the door and with one last look in the mirror she opened the door to:

J: Tommy?

T: Happy Birthday Girl! You look beautiful Jude.

Tommy leaned in and softly kissed Jude on the cheek.

J: What are you doing here? I thought you would be meeting everyone at the restaurant.

T: And what, let you arrive at your birthday dinner all alone? No way. So you ready to go?

J: Uh, yeah. Let me just grab my bag and lock up.

Jude locked the door and turned to find Tommy offering his arm to her and leading her to the shiny black stretch limo waiting for them in front of her house. Tommy played the perfect gentleman, opening the door for Jude and lending a hand to help her into the limo. Once they were underway, Tommy finally broke the uncomfortable silence that had set in:

T: So, are you excited about the dinner tonight?

J: I guess so.

T: What's the matter girl? It's your birthday, you should be happy!

J: I am, just a little nervous I guess.

T: Jude Harrison, nervous? You have to be kidding me. You walk in front of thousands of screaming fans like it is no big deal and you are nervous about a small dinner with your closest friends and family?

J: I just don't want a repeat of last year. I thought a small dinner party would be safer, but I am beginning to think that wasn't the case.

T: Look, Jude, I will be right by your side the whole night and everyone will be on their best behavior or they will answer to me.

J: Thanks Tommy, I really appreciate it.

T: Anything to make you happy on your birthday!

The rest of the ride was spent in a comfortable silence. As the limo arrived in front of the restaurant, Tommy climbed out in front of Jude and offered her his arm as she stepped out of the limo.

T: Come on Jude, your party awaits you!

Jude looked up at Tommy and smiled. I can't believe Tommy came and picked me up in the limo. Maybe his date cancelled on him at the last minute. Well, whatever happened, I am not going to question it. This is going to be a night to remember, I can just feel it!