Chapter 24

The countdown had begun, 36 hours until Jude's vacation officially started. Working vacation that is. Ever since Tommy had agreed to go with her on the skiing trip, he made sure that everyone in the whole world knew that it was a working vacation only. He called a special meeting with her parents, EJ, Georgia, Darius, even Kwest was there to be absolutely clear that they would be working on songs for the third album and that is the only reason he was going. To Jude, Tommy seemed to be making this out to be a much bigger deal than it was, but hey, if it took all this to get him to go away with her, then who cares. In 35 hours, 47 minutes and 21 seconds her and Tommy would be sitting in the infamous Viper heading North on the highway without a care in the world. But, before any of that was the Release Party and Jude just hoped that it went fast and without any complications so they could just get on with vacation.

Jude was sitting in the lobby of G Major listening the EJ go over, for the thousandth time, the timeline and details of the Release Party. Jude, who was not listening and could care less about what color balloons were going to be released from the ceiling at the exact moment of the announcement of her second album release, was more interested in what bikini she was going to bring along on her ski trip. Hey, it might be the mountains and cold, but who would pass up the hot tub secluded in the back yard of her and Tommy's cabin.

EJ: So what do you think Jude? Should they be green or purple? Jude! Earth to Jude. JUDE!

J: Yeah, um, what were the choices again?

EJ: You know what Jude, I have been busting my back to plan this party and its like you don't even care.

J: Oh EJ, you know that isn't true. I appreciate all the hard work you have done. It's just that I have so much going on right now and I still haven't packed for my trip.

EJ: Ok, your forgiven. How about if we go with purple and if there are any more important decisions, like the color of the drink napkins, I will just go with my gut feeling.

J: You're awesome EJ. What would I do without you.

Jude jumped up from her seat on the couch and quickly hugged EJ.

J: Listen, I am going to get out of here for a while and get some packing done. Call me if you need anything.

EJ: Oh, don't worry I will find you if I need you.

J: I have no doubt about that!

Jude practically floated out of the studios and was just pulling out her cell phone to call Sadie for a ride when she heard the familiar roar of the Tommy's Viper pulling into the parking lot. Jude looked up and smiled as she made her way over to the car.

J: Hey, you must have read my mind. Would you mind giving me a ride home?

T: Aren't you supposed to be planning every last detail of the Release Party with EJ today?

J: She was tired of having to repeat every question to me since I can't seem to concentrate today and she gave me the afternoon off.

T: Well in that case, get in!

Jude climbed into the passenger seat and off they sped towards her house.

J: So? Are you excited?

T: About the Release Party? I guess a little.

J: Oh come on, forget the Release Party, how about the fact that in T-minus 30 hours and counting we will be speeding up the highway for a whole week of nothing but relaxation and fun.

T: Oh, yeah I guess that will be cool too.

J: ARE YOU KIDDING ME?

Jude turned to look at Tommy in the driver's seat and caught his devious grin.

T: Chill girl, you know that I am excited about getting away and working on some new material. You just have to get through tomorrow night and then you don't need to think about the studio or anything else for a whole week.

J: I just can't wait till tomorrow night is over.

T: Are you worried about it? You've done these types of things a hundred times; you are great in the spotlight. I know everything will be fine.

J: I know, it's just that Kat is going to New York tonight for something with her internship last summer and well I used to count on Jamie to keep me company, but things are definitely strained there. Mom and Dad are fighting all the time and I just don't know what I will do tomorrow night if things get too intense.

T: You've got me. Listen, if anything or anyone upsets you tomorrow they will have to answer to me. Relax, I really think everything will be great!

J: Thanks Tommy. What would I do without you.

Sometime during their conversation, Tommy had pulled into Jude's driveway.

T: OK girl, out you go! Get some sleep and get packed because we are leaving directly after the party tomorrow. I don't want to waste one minute of our vaction!

J: Yes sir. Thanks Tommy.

T: For what?

J: For everything.

Jude leaned over and gave Tommy a quick hug before she jumped out of the car and headed into the house to finish packing.