Instant Star- Rise of The Next Generation
(Author's Note: Wow! Thanks to all of you who left such positive feedback, encouraging me to go on. The same disclaimer applies here- I don't own Instant Star, its music (I wish!) or it characters. However, this chapter does include one new addition to the "cast" which I did create... Big thanks go to my friend RD for helping me with Quest- I guess it takes a smooth guy to really know one! Again, enjoy!).
Chapter 2: Time To Be Your 21
Jude Harrison sat at the antique dressing table, tapping her foot impatiently. It was the evening of her 21st birthday, after all. To commemorate this very special occasion, G-Major pulled out all the stops for her, and was hosting a huge bash at the chicest, most "in" spot in the city, the exclusive Club Nightingale. She waited, restless, as the hairdresser and makeup artist finished their work. When they finally departed, she crossed quickly to the large closet in the room, formerly a spare bedroom which she claimed as a dressing area soon after moving in with Tommy. She slipped the new dress, custom-made for her by her friend Kat off its hanger and carefully stepped into it.
She critically surveyed her reflection in the full-length mirror. The black dress had a strapless corset top and a softly flared skirt that floated about her legs when she walked. She wore opaque black hose and three inch, black silk heels. A diamond star-shaped pendant, a gift from Tommy, adorned her neck and matching tiny stud earrings sparkled on her ears. Her red hair was a little shorter now than it had been when she was still a teenager. It reached just past her shoulders now, curling around her face. Tonight, it had been crimped and then blown out, with the auburn tendrils accentuating her ivory skin casually, but perfectly. Her flawless makeup renderd her eyes huge and limpid, and her lips full and luscious. She grinned as she perused her own image.
"I guess you'll do." she thought wryly. Although she certainly paid attention to her looks, she was not one to become absorbed in her own vanity. She was beautiful, only becoming more so as she grew older; her look maturing and becoming more sophisticated. But somehow she remained unaffected by it. Her glance moved to the clock atop the stereo.
"Oh, no!" she thought. As always, she was just a little bit late. She quickly grabbed a small, jeweled black satin purse and started down the hall...
Tommy paced at the other end of the same hallway. Paced not in irritation or restlessness, but instead in anticipation.
"Jude's 21st birthday" he considered. "It has to be perfect. Everything just right for her". He knew so many of her birthdays had been anything but that. Hell, he had been responsible for a few of those disasters himself! Ever since then, he tried so hard to make her birthdays special. Her 19th had been easy; she had just wanted to spend it with him, and he had happily obliged. For her 20th, they celebrated with a dinner party just for family and close friends. But this one would be different. She was a rock star after all. Her 21st needed to be splashy. It would be huge. Not only were her family and friends invited, but the also whole staff of the record company, as well as numerous other celebrities and industry professionals. Naturally, the press and paparazzi would be out in full force. A total zoo, but both he and Jude had acclimated to that by now.
Unfortunately, they had had plenty of practice with this. Both of them garnered plenty of media attention before they started dating. After they got together, it got completely crazy. They became the media's "it" couple and it seemed every tabloid, every magazine, and every TV entertainment show in the hemisphere needed to comment on their relationship. The headlines ranged from the sweet to the completely outrageous:
"Punk Princess Jude Harrison Finds Her Prince in Producer Tommy Quincy"
"Jude Harrison and Tommy Quincy: Secret Love Affair For Years?"
"Lil Tommy Q's Very Adult Relationship with Teenage Jude"
"Is Jude Harrison Pregnant with Tommy's Love Child?".
Neither one of them could go anywhere or do anything without reporters swarming them. For once, even Tommy was thrown. Previously, he was immune to the things the press said about him. Now with Jude involved, things were different. A private person, he did not like to see the most intimate details of their lives exposed so sordidly; their relationship so cheapened. His protective nature also disliked seeing Jude's image tarnished, even in the smallest way. Ironically, she herself remained unfazed and even amused by it all.
"I mean, come on Tommy. Look at it this way. At least some of them, finally got at least part of it right." she said, surveying the array of papers spread out on their dining room table.
"But it's not all true. And some of it..." his hand gestured to one headline.
"Oh, the pregnancy one. Yeah. It's too funny, I just go to buy baby stuff for dad and Yvette and look what happens. It's all so lame. Does anyone really believe this crap? Especially when they printed the same story about someone else last week. What they don't know, they make up. Come on, Tommy, you of all people know that." she said, trying to soothe him.
"Yeah, but what about this?" he asked, pointing to a picture. In it, Jude, was dressed only a short white silk robe, her every curve outlined, and her hair tousled around her face as if she just rose from bed. Which, in fact, she had, She had ventured outside for just a minute to pick up the newspaper.
"What's wrong with it?" she asked, batting her eyelashes.
"Jude, it's..." he couldn't even finish
"Don't you think I look sexy enough?"
He shook his head. Of course she did. That was the damm problem. She stood before him now, wearing the exact same robe
"Come on Tommy. You know you love it. You think I don't know you have a copy of it hidden in your nightstand drawer."
He groaned. She had him there. Secretly, he did love that picture. Because the real thing was even better and all his. But it wasn't a side of her he wanted to share.
"Ok. You got me. Yeah, I like it. But that's just it, Jude. I like to keep some things private. I don't care if the whole world knows how I feel about you. In fact, based on this, I'd say they already do! But I just want us to have some space. Just be careful, ok?"
Jude nodded. She knew him better than anyone and immediately understood.
"Ok. No more answering the door in my bathrobe." she grinned.
"Yeah. But since you mentioned it..." he smirked, slipping a hand inside its neckline as his lips hungrily crashed down on hers.
Tommy quickly jolted himself out of his reverie.
"Don't even go there now." he warned himself. With difficulty, he cleared his mind of the too-tempting images. This was not a good time for him to be thinking like that. Not when they were due at her very public birthday party so soon.
"The life of a rock star", he mused. He could deal with this. "Besides, I got my own plans for us later." he thought, completely satisfied. Boldly, he had promised her the most special night of her life.
"That's exactly what will happen." he vowed, thinking of the surprise he had in store.
An inside sense caused him to lift his head at the exact moment Jude appeared.
"You're late", he grimaced, trying to look stern. As always, he failed. Tommy just couldn't quite pull it off. His admiring gaze betrayed his true feelings. She was simply breathtaking. Completely and utterly irresistible. He loved her so much. She was worth waiting for. She always had been and always would be.
Jude basked in his so obvious admiration as he slowly drank her in, simultaneously checking him out as well. As always, she could tell precisely what was going on inside him and just waited for him to verbalize it."
"You're gorgeous" he finally admitted.
"You don't look so bad yourself, Quincy" she replied, in understatement. He was, quite simply, drop-dead handsome.
"Is that the best you can say?" he asked.
"Yeah" she teased him. But the look on her face said so much more.
"Come here" he said, and met her lips lightly, teasing her as she had teased him. Besides, he didn't dare smear her makeup.
"We should go" he continued. "If we don't, I'm not going to want to in a few minutes."
"Well, it is my party..." Jude began.
"I know. Later. " he said, insinuatingly.
"Later" she promised him.
Tommy took her hand and led her out into the night, where a long black limousine already awaited them. Half an hour later, they arrived at the exclusive Club Nightingale. As instructed, the driver pulled up towards the back, where the secret "VIP" entrance was hidden. The other guests entered through the front door. Georgia and EJ had carefully planned their arrival with them, hoping that the commotion out front would distract the press and allow Tommy and Jude to slip inside unnoticed. They could then be announced and make a grand entrance once the party was underway. Things didn't quite work out that way. Some of the paparazzi had even camped out by their apartment, and followed them here. Others quickly caught on to the ruse.
It bothered Jude and Tommy not in the least. Tonight, they felt as if they could fly and the force of gravity could never be strong enough to ground them. Tom exited the car and then reached inside, extending his hand to Jude to help her out. She stood beside him, cameras flashing wildly, and reporter's questions filling the air. They just ignored the inquiries. As previously agreed, they would give no interviews now. As a concession to the ravenous media, they did pause briefly for photographs. Tom wrapped a protective arm around her shoulder and she slipped one around his waist, leaning her forehead against his. They looked every inch the storybook couple, radiantly in love.
The moment passed and Tommy again took Jude's hand, turning her away from the cameras and leading her quickly inside the club. Following EJ's instructions, they walked up a hidden back staircase to wait in a private room until Jude was announced. They could hear the sounds of the party coming from below- guests mingling and crystal glasses tinkling. About fifteen minutes went by, their excitement and eagerness growing. It was almost too much to bear. Finally, footsteps in the hall alerted them to the arrival of Georgia and EJ. The two women regarded the glamorous couple with obvious pleasure.
Georgia moved forward to hug Jude. She had grown quite close to her over the years and loved her like the daughter she herself never had.
"Happy Birthday, Jude. You look beautiful."
"You really do, Jude." EJ agreed, squeezing her as well.
"Wow, EJ, thanks!" Jude responded. "Coming from you, that's a real compliment!"
The ultra-stylish Asian woman laughed.
"Taught you everything you know! Happy Birthday!"
Georgia and EJ then exchanged greetings with Tommy, who kissed their cheeks in a gentlemanly fashion.
"Ok" , Georgia went on, getting down to business. "Quest and the DJ are set up downstairs. They know what song to play. I see you went for the obvious. But it's a good choice. Very appropriate.
Jude nodded in confirmation.
"You guys ready?"
"Yes" they both replied.
"It's showtime" Georgia said, leaving the room with EJ at her heels. She headed downstairs, flashing Quest a signal. Quest then reached for the microphone.
"Ok, everyone" he said, and paused dramatically. "Let's give it up for the woman of the night, Jude Harrison". The music started.
"You never lied to me, not once... It's not your fault that I can't trust... It's in my past, it's in my path. And I can't go there..."
Jude gripped her boyfriend's hand as they reached the top of the spiral staircase. Her smile illuminated the room as they slowly started their descent.
" Making a mess out of this game, to see it all go up in flames... so tired of being ruthless and reckless...".
They reached the bottom just as the chorus hit.
"Time to be your 21. To almost be your way too young. Time to crash into the sun. Time to be your 21. Time to dream that love will last. Time to drive my car too fast. Time to walk before I run. Time to be, oh time to be, your 21."
Jude and Tommy stood at the club's main level in the middle of the room. The modern looking space was decorated in gray, ice blue and white. A large dance floor took up the whole back area, and tiny tables dotted the room's perimeter, each with a small glowing candle on it. Soft bulbs from the ceiling provided the only other light in the room.
Immediately, the guests surrounded them, greeting the couple and wishing Jude well. They chatted warmly with everyone, but kept a special watch for the people closest to them. Naturally, Jude's parents' were among the first to approach them. Her father, Stuart Harrison came by with his new wife, Yvette, as did her mother, Victoria, with her current boyfriend. Both beamed lovingly at their daughter, pleased with Jude's success, but more proud of the woman she had grown to become. They moved on to allow other people access. A crowd of other celebrities engulfed Jude and Tommy. It was an amazing party. Everyone who was anyone in the entertainment world had come. Even Shay. He and Jude mended fences long ago and were actually friends now. Time hadn't changed him. Still a huge rap star, he relished his player lifestyle to the fullest.
Soon, Jude noticed two special people trying desperately to get her attention.
"Kat! Jamie!" she screamed delightedly, throwing her arms around her two best friends. Jamie and Kat dated throughout their last year of high school, but separated amicably soon after starting college. Both were now seriously involved with other people. Tom also greeted them with genuine warmth. He had gotten to know them both over the past few years, and liked them. Surprisingly, he even developed a friendship with Jamie. While still a bit awkward, Jamie also was undoubtedly intelligent and witty, and quite knowledgeable about music.
"Almost as good as me." Tommy thought, cockily
The two men now talked, catching up, as Jude chatted excitedly with her closest girlfriend.
"Happy Birthday!" Kat squealed, with her trademark exuberance.
"Thanks! How's NY treating you?" Kat now studied fashion design there.
"Great! I'm having my first real show later this year! You so have to come!"
"I will. That's soooo great! You're going to do so well! I mean, look at this dress! Thanks so much! I love it!" Jude couldn't contain her enthusiasm.
"It just rocks on you! You look awesome" Kat replied.
"Hey, can a guy get a word in here?" Jamie broke in
Jude flashed a huge smile at her longtime friend. "Hey, Jamie"
"Happy Birthday! Quite some killer party you got here!"
"Well, you better get used to it. I see a lot more like it in your future." Jude threw back at him.
Jamie too was finishing college, studying business. He also managed a couple of small local bands and dreamed of doing this professionally after graduation. Jude naturally knew this and planned to help him.
Jamie and Kat introduced their respective dates. Jude was delighted to see them both so happy. Of necessity, they moved on, but only after Jude promised to hang out with them more later.
Eventually, the crowd around them thinned. Jude looked at Tommy. There was just one person still unaccounted for.
" I haven't seen Sadie yet." Jude said. "Wonder where she is?"
They both scanned the hordes of people, looking for her easily recognizable head of bright blond hair. Tommy spied her first. It wasn't easy. She stood with another female, several admiring males blocking her from their view.
"I might have known." Jude smiled.
Jude finally caught her eye and the two sisters drifted towards each other.
"Happy Birthday, kid" Sadie said, hugging her. "I know it's gonna be a great year for you!"
"Thanks" Jude said, returning her sister's warmth
The two women shared fond looks. Their relationship certainly had contained its share of drama and tension. But lately, they had grown closer together, as each worked towards her own dreams. Ironically, Sadie graduated from journalism school, and was now an aspiring television news reporter, currently working at CTV.
"I wondered where you were." Jude replied. "I should have known that was you over there, surrounded by all those hot guys."
Sadie flashed her pussycat smile. The past few months had been rough for her. She had been dating someone seriously for her last three years at school. Six months ago, he dumped her with no warning or explanation, devastating Sadie. Jude tried so hard to comfort her. Tonight, it seemed her sexy sister was finally back in action.
"So, no date tonight?" Jude asked her.
"Naaah! Didn't want anyone to cramp my style!" Sadie laughed. "But I bought a friend instead. Didn't think you'd mind."
"I don't" Jude assured her.
"This is Rachel Taylor. She went to school with me."
Jude surveyed the woman next to Sadie. Rachel Taylor had to be one of the most stunning women she had ever seen, model-beautiful. She was tall, with a flawless figure. Ebony hair spiraled in long rich waves down her back, complementing her mocha complexion and deep, dark eyes.
"Happy Birthday! It's so nice to finally meet you, Jude." Rachel greeted her. "I've heard so much about you."
"Oh, no! Not that!" Jude groaned.
"Don't worry, it wasn't all bad." Rachel jibed back.
"Now there's a surprise..."
"And this handsome guy is Tommy" Sadie introduced. He flashed his mega-watt smile at Rachel.
"It's nice to meet you, Rachel"
"Hi yourself" she replied, eyes wide with female appreciation.
Inevitably, Tommy responded with a quick, almost imperceptible admiring glance. Unnoticeable to anyone but Jude. She was almost used to these moments. She trusted Tommy, but knew only too well how desirable other women found him. They always flirted with him, and sometimes did even worse. He never responded, but that didn't mean a part of him didn't enjoy the attention. Especially from a woman as attractive as Rachel. Fortunately, as always, the instant passed quickly and Tommy's hand tightened on Jude's. He could sense and understand her discomfort. Hell, he didn't like it any better when men came on to her!
"Awesome party you got here, Jude!" Rachel enthused.
"Yeah, some crowd!" Sadie grinned.
"So, see anything you like yet?" Jude asked the two women, so obviously on the prowl.
"This sounds suspiciously like girl talk to me. I'm gonna go talk to Quest. I'll leave you to it. Catch you later."
"Ok" Jude agreed and he walked away.
"Wow!" Rachel said as soon as he was out of earshot.
"Wow, what?"
"You are the luckiest woman alive. He's amazing."
"He is, isn't he?" Jude giggled, warmed by Rachel's cheerful honesty. She knew instinctively this woman would never try to steal anyone else's man.
"Yeah. And so obviously crazy in love with you. But wait..." Rachel's voice trailed off.
"What?" Jude and Sadie asked in unison.
Rachel's look was fixed on someone standing by the DJ booth.
"Who exactly is that?"
Tommy quickly approached Quest at the music station. His friend hovered over the DJ, supervising the music.
"Hey man"
"Hey"
"You know you don't have to do this anymore. You're a producer now. We do have a DJ to spin tonight"
" I know, but you can't trust these kids..." Quest answered distractedly, his attention clearly elsewhere.
"Your girl looks amazing tonight" he said
"Thanks, man." Tom responded, full of pride.
"But who exactly is that standing next to her?"
Tommy grinned impishly. He knew exactly who Quest meant, but decided to play with his friend's head a little.
"You mean the blonde in the red dress? That's Sadie, Jude's sister" he said, rolling his eyes.
"I know who Sadie is. I meant the other chick." Quest threw back at him.
"Oh... her. That's Rachel. She's a friend of Sadie's."
Quest just continued staring.
"Pick up your jaw, man" Tommy advised him.
"She's awesome"
"Really. I hadn't noticed."
"Cut it out, man"
"Yeah. I guess I can see why you might be interested. Don't worry, I've got your back here."
Tommy caught Jude's eye across the room in silent signal. She had already identified Quest to Rachel and clearly the sparks flew there. She turned to the raven haired woman.
"Come on. I think we're being paged. Sadie, you coming?"
"Nope. I know when I'm a third wheel. I think I'll go make myself available.". She set off in one direction as Jude and Rachel went in the other, approaching the two very desirable men in front of them.
They stepped up to the DJ station, and Quest greeted Jude with a kiss on the cheek and appropriate birthday wishes. However, his attention riveted to her companion. Jude immediately noticed this. Over the years, she had grown closer to Quest, especially after he took over the day-to-day production responsibility for her music after Tommy's became an "executive". He was a real sweetheart, and Jude often wondered why some smart woman hadn't snatched him up a long time ago. Naturally, he had a string of girlfriends, but nothing seemed to last. Watching the obvious chemistry between him and Rachel, she wondered if that couldn't change tonight. She quickly introduced them.
"Quest, this is Rachel Taylor. Rachel, this is Quest"
"Ah, yes" Quest smiled ingratiatingly. "Tommy told me about you, but not nearly enough"
"Well, I don't know your story, either." Rachel flirted back.
"Well, then, let's talk."
Tommy and Jude shared a knowing look, recognizing a hint when they heard one. It was clearly time to leave this pair alone.
"Well, I hope you'll excuse us, but I promised Jamie and Kat we'd go hang out with them. You two keep each other company." she said.
Quest and Rachel just nodded, clearly already too wrapped up in each other to really respond.
Jude giggled as she walked away with Tommy. He just looked at her and shook his head.
"Smooth, Harrison. Real smooth." he said.
"Oh, come on Tommy. Don't tell me you didn't see it. They are so into each other."
"Of course I saw it. Hell, he could do a lot worse! And we both know he has!"
She laughed again. It was one of his favorite sounds. He gently spun her around, so she faced him.
"Now that we've settled that, it's time for us. I still haven't danced with my birthday girl."
"Well, I was just waiting for you to ask."
"I'm asking"
They approached the packed dance floor. The DJ noticed them and chose the next song accordingly. Their favorite. The one Jude wrote for Tommy and sung to him that fateful night in the recording studio. As it played, the world faded away. They just danced as closely as possible, each softly singing the words in the other's ear. The song ended and the DJ, noting their moment immediately followed up with another appropriate selection. While the reprise of "Time To Be Your 21 played", Jude closed her eyes and rested her head on Tommy's shoulder. Waves of perfect contentment crashed over her. Tommy felt and reveled in her pleasure; her euphoria echoed his own.
"My songs" he smirked.
"Arrogant, much?" she teased him
"You know you love it." he reminded her
"Yeah, I guess I do." she smiled.
"I love you too, girl. So much. And I have something special for you later."
"What? What is it?"
Tom shook his head. As always, her childlike wonder charmed him. But he wasn't giving anything away.
"Not now. Later. It's a surprise."
"You are no fun, Quincy." Jude playfully pouted.
"You won't say that later." he threw back at her.
She opened her mouth to protest, but he quickly silenced her with a deep, intense kiss. She responded with equal passion and delight. After several minutes, they pulled slowly, reluctantly away. She again nestled her head on his shoulder, feeling his cheek against hers as the song ended.
The remainder of the party passed quickly. They mingled with everyone, as they were obligated to do. However, Jude managed to find extra time to visit with Kat and Jamie. It felt like old times as she partied with her two best friends. She also noticed Quest and Rachel together for the entire night, as well as Sadie dancing and then leaving with a very attractive man she recognized, but could not identify. In the early hours of the morning, the party finally ended. After saying their goodbyes, Jude and Tommy finally slipped away.
He took her hand and led her back to the limousine. After a long night filled with so many people, he was happy to finally have her all to himself again. The night had turned cool and Jude shivered. He slipped an arm around her shoulders as they sat in the car.
"So, how did you like your birthday party?" he asked her. Not that he really needed to. He saw how radiant she looked.
"It was amazing. The most special birthday ever. So much fun! Everyone seemed to think so, don't you think?" she babbled, unable to contain her joy.
Tommy smiled, loving her excitement.
"I guess so. Right now, there's only one person's happiness I'm thinking about."
"Really" she teased him. "Whose is that?"
"You know who" he responded, kissing her quickly. "And it's not over yet."
"Oh, no" she said.
"Yeah. I promised you a surprise."
"Oh, right. I forgot all about that" she answered back, trying to look innocent.
"You did not and you know it!" he said, making Jude laugh.
"Ok, I didn't. So what is it?"
He grinned. Now it was his turn to tease her.
"Nope. You can't have it, till we get home"
Jude pretended to sulk, but leaned towards him. They rested comfortably against each other until they finally back at their apartment.
They quickly walked inside. Tommy felt his nerves start to flutter. He had managed to contain them all evening. The party distracted him, keeping him from dwelling on the very special surprise he had for Jude. Not much unnerved Tom Quincy, but this did. What he had planned was that important.
He took Jude into their bedroom and left her there.
"Wait here for a few minutes, ok"
He left before she could answer. She waited, wondering just what was going on.
"Ok, now!" He returned, draped his hands over her eyes and led her into the living room. Still blinded, Jude sat down with him on what she assumed was their couch. He then slowly removed his hands.
Jude glanced around. Soft light filled the room from strategically placed candles. Their song played in the background and every table had a vase of red roses.
Tommy stared deeply into her eyes as he began to speak.
"Here, I got this for you. It's something I've wanted you to have for a very long time. Something I hope you want, too." He slid a small box towards her.
She reached for it, her hands shaking.
"Did he mean to..., was he... it couldn't be...". Her thoughts raced wildly as she tore off the satin ribbon and silver paper, revealing the small blue velvet box. Her breath caught in her throat.
Tommy watched her face intently as she opened the box, revealing the contents inside. She gasped. He spoke.
"Jude, I love you. So much. You're it for me, girl. You're the real thing. You're even better. You are everything I have ever wanted and never expected to find. All I want is to love you and be with you forever. Jude Harrison, will you marry me?"
Only seconds passed before she responded. But to the man anxiously waiting, it seemed a very long time.
He saw her answer in her eyes first, as she threw her arms around him, so overwhelmed with happiness that she could not speak.
"I take it that's a yes?" he said hopefully.
"Yes! Yes! Of course it is!" she cried out.
"Good. Wait, let's do this right." He drew away from her just a little, just enough to slip the ring on her finger. It was a three carat emerald cut diamond, with smaller diamonds embedded in the platinum band. The cut and color of the stones were flawless. Tommy's discerning eye knew quality. He would not give Jude anything less than the best. That was what she deserved. What he wanted for her, for them, always.
"Do you like it?" he asked her
"Like it? I love it! It's perfect!" she quickly replied. "And I love you! So much!"
She jumped on him, hurling herself into his eager arms. He kissed her hair and her cheek, slowly making his way to her irresistibly soft lips. Their hands caressed each other's bodies as their embrace grew more heated. He pulled her to her feet and they walked towards the bedroom.
Tommy looked at her. He had only one thing left to say
"Remember, I promised you the most special night of your life..."
"Yes"
"Well...", he smiled his most seductively as he opened the door and drew her inside.