Jude picked up on the fact that Tommy chose to ignore whatever happened just before. Not wanting to start anything she might not be able to finish, she went along with it. They talked lightly as Tommy bagged various fresh produce and steered the wagon around the store. He turned to her and asked, "Like anything in particular?"
"Um," She considered for a second. "Anything junk food. Cheese doodles- the crunchy kind of course, peanut M&Ms, oh and my favorite those ice cream cones. Yum." She licked her lips when she thought of it.
Tommy made a face. "That stuff is terrible, I wouldn't think of having it in my house. You actually put that crap in your body? "
"Yeah, so what?" She said indignantly.
Tommy gave her a stern look as he grabbed a container milk. "You should really should think about eating healthier things, Jude" He lectured as they went down the cereal aisle
Jude raised her eyebrows at him. "First, I find out you can cook. Then I learn you have a thing for 80s tunes-" She began but Tommy cut her off with a threatening glare.
"Nobody is to know that, okay?" He told her, referring to the song.
Jude grinned slowly as she thought. "It would kill your imagine wouldn't it? I mean cool producer Tommy Quincy singing a corny ballad, the press would go crazy." She teased as Tommy advanced on her.
"You wouldn't dare." He said, his voice low.
"Hm would I?" She questioned. When Tommy looked as if he'd pounce on, she laughed. "Okay, okay I won't. But," She started as she picked a box of cereal from the shelves. "You have to buy this without some speech about how it's terrible for me. Got it?" She held out the box as Tommy looked at it. He winced as he saw some cartoon dancing on the box promoting the sickly sugary cereal.
"Fine, but you might as well just eat a tube of sugar." He grumbled as he grabbed the box and threw it in and proceeded down the aisle.
Jude went behind him tiptoed a little to reach him, and kissed his cheek lightly. "Thanks Quincy. And I'll think about that whole tube of sugar idea." She grinned as she let go and walked past him to check out oatmeal. "Tommy," She called to him as he drew near her. "I need to get some shampoo, condition, stuff like that. I'll meet you in the front in about 15 minutes, kay?" When he nodded her head she disappeared from the aisle.
Tommy tried to bite back a smile. This would be one hell of a week.
A half hour later Tommy and Jude stood on the checkout line. She had taken longer than anticipated to get her beauty products because she took a detour to the frozen section. When she met Tommy at the front, hands full of items, she plopped them unceremoniously in the cart and smiled. When he had noticed the ice cream cones he gave her a disapproving shake of his head. She managed to con him to let her keep it, using the logic that he picked out everything that he liked. 'Healthy food' She grumbled silently. She surveyed the contents of the cart and looked at Tommy. "You better be able to make something delicious out of all this- stuff." She said the word with a slight sneer as she doubtfully eyed some 'good for you' food she'd never usually touch.
He placed a box of linguini down on the conveyor belt as he looked at her. "Don't worry, when you get a taste of what I make, you won't know what hit you." He slowly smiled as he went to grab the fresh poultry.
She remembered the omelet and nodded her head. He had a point. She left Tommy to unpack the cart onto the belt as she glanced at the magazine rackets where an old gossip rag laid. She picked up and laughed when she saw the date. Almost two months ago. 'Tommy was right about this place' She mused silently. She flipped through the thing giggling at certain things that were so old. She absently caught the couples news and read that Eden and Shay broke up. She had no idea. 'Good for him.' She thought finally. 'Eden is such trash.' She moved on and looked at some of the pictures. She stopped suddenly when she came across a picture of her and Chris. She stared down intently at the photo. Jude figured it was an old picture, taking at some movie premiere. They both looked so happy. Chris had his arm around Jude's waist and she leaned in towards him. They sported megawatt smiles and designer clothes. She brought a finger to the page as she brushed it lightly against it. 'How did everything get so messed up so fast?" She wondered. A week or so ago she was filming a video with Tommy and her and Chris were perfect even though he was in another country. Now, here she was with Tommy in some quiet little town she'd never been to, and Chris was in Toronto looking to ruin her. When she thought of this she remember the note he had sent her. It was just that morning, but it felt like a lifetime ago. He wanted to destroy her, he had stated it in plainly on small white paper in tiny little black letters. It was just that simple for him. The printed words were just as easily typed as the news or something. She had to fight the wave of nausea she felt when she remembered what the note exactly said. She never had someone threaten her before like that. It was so cold and detached, that she still had a hard time believing it was from the same man who had given her that charm bracelet.
Tommy looked at Jude as he handed the clerk his credit card. She was staring at some magazine, her face set stiffly. "Jude, what is it?" He asked.
She quickly looked up at him and shook her head as if to wipe out all her thoughts. She placed the magazine back as she spoke, "Nothing, I was just looking at something. You know this magazine is like over a month old." She gave an empty chuckle as she helped place the bagged groceries in the car. Tommy just stared at her. "What?"
"You sure you're okay?" He questioned suspiciously. One minute she was talkative, and the next she was quiet.
"Yes, I'm just tired. Long night, early morning, you know how it goes." She faked a yawn as they walked out of the store.
Tommy still had his doubts, but he'd let it drop for now. He nodded as he popped the trunk and they silently put away the bags. He walked to the passenger door unlocked it and held the door open for Jude as she climbed in. He pushed the discarded cart onto the sidewalk as he went into the driver's seat.
30 minutes Later
Jude stared out the window the rest of the way to Tommy's house. She was too absorbed in her own thoughts to make idle conversation with Tommy. She hadn't really lied to him when she said she was tired. She started to feel the exhaustion creep in and all she wanted was a nice, big bed. She wanted all the thoughts in her head to stop. She absently wondered how much longer til they got there. Tommy had turned down what seemed to be a million roads. She had watched the endless stretch of green fly by her as she kept her eyes glued on the outside. There were no houses around, at least not visible. It was miles and miles of trees and grass. Flowers danced in patches against the wind. Jude didn't know any by name, but they were beautiful. Tommy started down a long, winding road and Jude watched as a house come into view. She couldn't make out much because sky-high trees with leaves branched out widely obscured her view but she wondered if it was Tommy's. "Is that yours?" Jude softly asked, vocalizing her thoughts. Tommy just nodded as he continued to drive towards it.
As they came closer, the trees started to clear, giving Jude a full impression of the house. She gasped lightly as she took it in. It was amazing. Not in size, though. No, this house didn't need size to be spectacular, although it wasn't lacking in that department. It stood tall and proud, as if it knew it was magnificent. Full, thick trees surrounded the house keeping it separate from civilization, as if it was its own little world. Vast shrubs grew from the ground, adding to the scenery. Lush, perfectly manicured grass blanketed the property save for the charcoal colored rocks that served as a driveway. As Tommy curved around the circular driveway and stopped, Jude anxiously hopped out of the car and ran towards the house to get a better look
The house was made of a dark chestnut wood with a dark colored roof that was in the shape of a lopsided "L". A cobblestone chimney shone in the sunlight and ran from the ground to the peak of the house on the far left corner. And while no smoke came from it right now, she could see herself in front of a roaring fire. A wide wooden porch, low to the ground, wrapped around the front and stopped midway on the sides. It housed a swinging seat and a few long backed chairs. If Jude closed her eyes she could picture herself and Tommy on the swing at night, writing music and talking. Small, matching balconies were perched high on either side of the house. Wide windows filled the front of the place, but were tinted black so no one could see in. A bed of wildflowers stood straight in a line in welcome, just as kept as the grass. The flowers were vivid pinks, purples, and yellows. Jude had to squash the desire to pick a handful of them. She looked back at Tommy who had gotten out of his car and was watching her. She grinned at him and opened her hands wide and spun around on the grass. He laughed at her as she came closer
"It's perfect Tommy!" She began excitedly as she went towards him. "It's so beautiful and serene and perfect!" She repeated the word again. She couldn't help it. Being here washed away any depressing mood she might have been in before she arrived at the house.
"So you like it, huh?" He teased sarcastically.
"Like it? Are you kidding? I love it!" She surveyed the property again, taking in nature. There was a crystal blue lake down the way a little that glistened. "You said you haven't stayed here in forever. How could you stay away from here this long? It's magnificent!" She exclaimed.
Tommy knew why he couldn't come here, but he wasn't about share it. He was hoping with Jude here at his house, he could deal with it. "Well if you're this excited about the outside, I can't imagine how you'll react when you see inside." He joked, pushing his thoughts away.
Jude almost squealed when she remembered she hadn't even seen the interior. She grabbed his hand and dragged him to the front door.
"Wait." Tommy laughed as she pulled him towards the front. "What about our bags?"
"We'll get 'em later." She said quickly as they walked up the sturdy, wooden steps to the porch. She waited impatiently as Tommy fiddled with the key. When he swung the door open, Jude stepped in and gawked at the main room.
The first thing she saw when she walked in were the winding staircases that came from both sides and met in the middle. Off to the side a bit was the living room. She looked up at the ceilings which hung high as fans twirled above her. The walls were painted a pristine white with light wood trim around the doorways and windows. The floors were hardwood and beamed back at her. There was a large fieldstone rock fireplace stuck on the left side that stood grand among the items in the room. Black leather couches and chairs were placed around and near it with a flat screen TV hanging from the wall. Tommy was right, it was updated, but it still was utterly charming and welcoming. A worn afghan blanket hung from the long smooth leather couch and various knick knacks sat on the fireplace's mantle. She walked towards it and toyed with a small crystal elephant.
Tommy leaned against the doorframe and watched her. He hadn't been able to set foot in this house in years without being bombarded with memories that left him feeling cold and hollow. But right here, right now with Jude absently touching one of his mother's things everything felt right. The house no longer seemed empty because Jude was there. She fit in the house; he might even go as far to say belonged. He had his doubts about bringing her to his childhood home, but as she stood there running her fingers along the top of the mantle, he knew he made the right choice.
She whipped around and caught him intently staring at her. She all of a sudden felt self conscious as she plucked at her shirt. 'Why is he looking at me like that?' She wondered nervously.
Tommy broke the silence by clearing his throat. "Ah, how about a tour?" He offered as he held out his arm.
Jude perked up at the idea as she came towards him and looped her arm around the crook of his. "Okay. Lead the way Quincy." She smiled as he took her out of the first room.
A few hours later Jude stood in the bedroom she had deemed as hers as she unpacked the new clothes she had bought. There was a queen size sleigh bed in the middle of the room with a white down comforter and matching silk sheets. The walls were done in wood paneling and the red carpet was so plush it swallowed her feet. Tommy had given her the whole view of the house, leaving nothing out. It was just as stunning as the outside was. She loved the 'music room' as she had dubbed it. It was situated downstairs by the kitchen. It was chock full of instruments, not just guitars. There was a grand old piano painted a stunning black that she instantly was drawn to. She recalled how Tommy was somewhat shock when she admitted she knew how to play it
Flashback(an hour ago)
Tommy opened the door to where he kept all things musical and switched on the nearby light. Jude absorbed the room as she noticed two acoustic guitars and two electric guitars. She saw a set of drums, a cello, and a violin. She raised her eyebrows at the last three as she turned to Tommy. "I didn't know you knew how to play those?" She told him as she pointed towards them.
Tommy shrugged slightly. "I know my way around the drums, but the cello and violin belonged to my mother." He simply stated as he nodded towards the corner. "So did that." Her gaze followed his as she took in the piano. She sighed dreamily as she went towards it and sat on the bench. The piano was beautiful. She opened it up and played a few keys.
Tommy looked at her, and spoke. " I didn't know you knew how to play the piano." He questioned her this time, in mild shock. His mother had played the piano too.
She stopped and turned towards him. "Yeah, it wasn't that hard to learn. I don't play it as often as I like though." It had been a year or so since she had gotten her hands on a piano, even more since one as spectacular as this. This was no rinky dink keyboard.
"How come you don't play it in any of your songs?" He titled his head in curiosity.
She contemplated that. "I honestly don't know." She replied, making a mental note to do so on her next album.
She drifted back to reality as she took out a new shirt from the shopping bag and ripped off the tags. She knew she had fell in love with the place and dimly wished she could live here forever. Never had she stayed at a place quite like this. She had been all over the country, even some of the world, but none of the ritzy hotels compared to here. The whole place was rustic and simply breathtaking.
After they had left the music room, they had brought in all the bags and unpacked the groceries in the kitchen. They then decided to go off on their seperate ways as they settled into their rooms. He had let her pick whichever bedroom she wanted after they had saw all five. She choose the one right next to the music room and Tommy had picked one upstairs. She wasn't sure where he was now, but she heard the sound of a tea kettle whistling loudly, so she figured he was in the kitchen.
Tommy stepped under the warm cascading water as he rinsed himself clean. He needed a shower to clear his head which was swimming in thoughts of Jude. He couldn't get over how perfect she looked in this house, his house. It hit him like a ton of bricks the moment she had stepped foot into the foyer. He was enthralled with the fact that Jude seemed to really like the house. It meant a lot to him. 'But then again, Jude means a lot to me' He said silently. She meant so much to him, more than she probably realized, more than he probably realized. He didn't know how he'd be able to put a cap on his feelings for Jude this week. She'd be in his face constantly. He had to keep telling himself that she just went through a terrible breakup, and she needed time. She didn't need him confessing everything he felt for her now, and everything he felt for her the day he left. He'd have to push it aside again. He'd wait for the right time to talk to her about it, about everything. Even about him being away for 8 months. Right now, he'd give her the space she deserved, and he'd help her through it, only as a friend though. He groaned at that thought. Last thing he wanted to be with Jude is a 'friend'. He'd loathe the word when it was used in reference to his and Jude's relationship. Yet even thought he hated it, he'd do it that way for now. 'Besides, I can always steal a few kisses here and there to tide me over for awhile.' He thought with a smile as he walked out of the shower and grabbed a nearby towel. He was considering all the ways to do that without stepping over any boundaries when he heard the loud hiss of the tea kettle from the kitchen.
He had forgot he had put it on before he went into the shower. He only planned on a quick rinse, but thoughts of Jude distracted him. He muttered curse as the sound grew stronger. It was an old one that had been here as long as he had, and the hum of it could be heard from almost anywhere in the house. He quickly wrapped the towel around his waist and knotted it as he reached for the door handle. He left his clothes in his room, and there was no time to change. He didn't want the bottom of the pot to scorch so he hurried out into the hallway and down the stairs. The whistle of the teapot grew louder as Jude finished putting away her clothes. She sighed loudly. Didn't Tommy hear that? She opened her door and called out his name in case he was in the living room. When she got no answer, she figured he was up upstairs. She shrugged as she walked out of her room to shut off the stove. 'He must have forgotten about it.' She considered wordlessly. Tommy bounded down the stairs, and ran into the kitchen. He was still dripping wet as he picked the kettle up, trailing water all over the floor, and walked towards the draw and grabbed a dish towel to place it on. He walked back and with a flick of his wrist he turned off the stove. He turned around and started to go back to the kettle when Jude unexpectedly collided right into him and he instinctively grabbed onto her to keep her upright. Jude unconsciously grabbed the ponytail holder from her wrist and threw her hair up as she walked out of her room and into the kitchen. She was staring at the floor as she did this, not paying attention to anything around her. She looked up but stopped when she stepped directly into the puddle of water that Tommy had left, sending her skiing across the hardwood floor. She let out a yelp as she made contact with a hard surface. A pair of arms flew out to steady her from falling as she looked up at it. At him. She felt shock and desire course threw her as her body pressed against his bare chest. She slowly glanced down and realized Tommy was only clad in a towel. She gradually brought her head back up as she locked eyes with Tommy, still securely in his arms, and gulped loudly.