Okay, so let me startoff by saying you guys ROCK. I had to work 9-5pm today, and before I left for work I read each and every one of the reviews you left for the last two chapters...it's the first time I've smiled that early in the morning:) Anyway...I also wanted to clear up the time frame here. At this point it's been about a year since Jude won the contest, three or four months since 'Skin', and about three weeks since Jude and Tommy's awkward date. We're nearing the end of the year (and the story, coincidentally...tehe), basically.
I wrote this chapter at work today, so forgive the brevity...but enjoy & review:)
"Jude Harrison, I'd like to present your first completed album!" Marcus announced, brandishing the shiny silver CD.
Jude smiled wider than she thought possible. "Oh my god. Oh my god!" she reached for it, pouting when Marcus snatched it away before her fingers could graze it. "Hey!"
He grinned at her and then sprinted into the lobby with Jude running right behind him.
"Hand it over, Calderon!" she whined, jumping at his raised arm.
"What do I get if I do?" he asked coyly, holding it even higher.
"A cookie? I dunno, just give it!"
Marcus turned to run off again, grunting in surprise when he felt Jude leap on his back and grab the CD from his outstretched arm with a triumphant laugh.
"Ahem."
Tommy stood in the doorway of Studio A, arms crossed. There was a hard gleam in his eyes, and his mouth was turned down in a particularly deep frown. Jude blushed with embarrassment, climbing down from Marcus' back and heading towards Georgia's office. Marcus grinned, patting Tom on the shoulder and chuckling when he shoved his hand away.
"Relax, Quincy. We were just messing around."
"Try not to...'mess around' in the lobby, ok hotshot?" he spat back, pushing past him and heading to the mini-kitchen; looking at Marcus' smiling face was a little more than he could bear right then.
.o.o.o.o.o.
"Georgia's sending out the order for the album covers right now, so all you have to do is start planning for your release party," Marcus said, tossing Jude a water bottle.
"I can't believe I finished a whole album...it seems like I just won the contest last week."
Marcus chuckled. "If last week happened about a year ago, sure." His face grew serious suddenly, and he leaned back in his chair and let out a sigh. "Jude...I know that I didn't come in to G-Major until about halfway through, but I just want you to know that I really enjoy our time together. I've never had an artist as intelligent, mature, and humble as you've been, and it just knocks me over." Jude blushed furiously, whispering "thanks" and sipping her water.
Marcus bent down under the soundboard and grabbed another water bottle. On his way back up a necklace hanging out of the collar of his button-down shirt snagged on the corner and snapped. The chain slid off his neck to the floor along with the ring that was attached to it, which rolled and came to a stop against Jude's sneaker. She snatched it up quickly, squinting at the gold band and holding it up to the light. Marcus grabbed it from her and slipped it into his pocket.
"Oooh, what was that?" Jude cooed as a mischievous grin spread across her face. "A mysterious girlfriend, perhaps? A present from one of your many lovers?" Marcus blushed slightly and stared into his water, saying nothing. "Oh my god, are you married?" she gasped.
"Kind of," he mumbled.
"Kind of? Either you are or you aren't, you can't be-"
He sighed deeply, running a hand down his face. "My partner gave it to me."
Jude paused. "Partner? You mean..."
Marcus nodded. "Jude, I'm gay."
