Jude leaned back and fastened her seatbelt. Starting the car, Tommy finally let his laughter escape. "That wasn't funny," Jude remarked.
"Yes it was," Tommy said in a cocky tone. He quickly added, "I'm hilarious!"
She knew he could always make her laugh, but she wouldn't let him win so easily. Trying to hider her smile, Jude said, "You know, I've said it once, and I'll say it again…" Jude paused as she could see the wheels turning in Tommy's head. Wish a slightly seductive tone, Jude finished, "Get over yourself, Quincy."
Tommy scoffed at the statement and went along with his self loving. "I'm awesome and you know it. I'm a well known fact," Tommy emphasized.
"Sure. Sure…" Jude tried to state coyly, but let out a giggle.
"Oh!" Tommy quickly exclaimed. "That's what I thought! Thomas Quincy is a legend!"
Their laughter filled the car. Jude was delighted to be spending her time having fun with Tommy. Tommy was excited that he could finally let himself free with another person, even if it had to be hidden between the two of them. He was happy, and she was happy. The couldn't ask for much more.
As their laughter started to die, Jude playfully threw at Tommy, "I hate you."
"You know you love me," Tommy threw back. He took a quick glance over his shoulder at Jude.
Running her fingers through her bangs, Jude shyly admitted, "I think I do."
Still cocky, but a little more serious, Tommy questioned, "Think… Or know?"
"Know," Jude whispered. She cleared her throat and announced a little louder, "I've known for a while."
Tommy reached over and grabbed Jude's hand, interlocking their fingers. He kept his eyes on the road and kissed the top of her hand. "Good, because I'm head-over-heels in love with you." Tommy looked back at Jude as they shared kind smiles with each other.
Releasing her hand, Tommy pulled into the parking lot of a small restaurant. It was quaint, built like a little cottage you'd find blanketed with snow. Jude stepped out of the car and could smell the refreshing pine scent. "You like it?" Tommy asked.
"Yeah," Jude responded. "But where are we? That was like a ten minute drive."
Tommy smirked and added, "But it was about a five minute drive to the park first."
Nodding her head slightly, Jude sighed. "Ok, so fifteen minutes. Big difference. It seems like you drove across Canada to get to this place."
"We're not that far away." Tommy started to walk Jude to the door, arm around her waist. "I can take you here everyday if you like it."
Jude smiled at the thought of Tommy promising something everyday. They hadn't even been together for half an hour, and Tommy was already thinking about their future. "We'll see," Jude said, flirtatiously inching her face closer to his, then pulling away.
She picked up the pace, and got a few feet ahead of Tommy before he pulled her back to him by the waist. He playfully tickled her while wrapping his arms around her entire body for a hug from behind. They approached the door in this position as an elderly couple exited the restaurant.
Tommy and Jude straightened their posture as Tommy let go of Jude. The man glared coldly at Tommy, disapproval blasting from his eyes. Jude nervously tucked her hair behind her ears while Tommy put his hands in his pant pockets and cleared his throat.
The couple brushed past Tommy and Jude, leaving an awkward silence. "Note to self: PDA, not so good," Jude commented.
Tommy reached around to open the door for Jude. He exhaled deeply and smiled, "Good thing I got that last kiss for the road. It might have to last me a while."
Jude went through the doorway, followed by Tommy. The hostess greeted them and brought them to a quiet little table in the corner. They sat down and started to browse the menu until someone caught Jude's eye. "This isn't going to be easy, is it?"
Tommy quickly took his focus off of the menu and placed it on Jude. He instantly noticed her distracted stare and looked in the direction Jude was staring. "It's gonna be hard," Tommy replied as he picked up his arm and waved at the table across the restaurant.