And so The Big Plan has been set into motion...tehehe. The suspense is killing a lot of you, I can tell. I'd apologize, but it's all part of the story; just trust me. I'm a little sad to say that we're drawing to a close; only two or three chapters left! Anyway, I'm getting sidetracked...we aren't done just yet. Read, enjoy, and review!


"How long are those two going to take? We were supposed to be at the restuarant twenty minutes ago!" Tommy grumbled, checking his watch for the third time in half an hour. Kwest chuckled at his side, leaning against the wall and surveying the G-Major lobby.

Georgia, Marcus, the G-Major staff, and Jude's family sat in the lobby chatting, awaiting Jude and EJ's arrival. The two had been stuck in the wardrobe room for two hours, and EJ had ignored the time completely and shooed everyone out.

"What's the problem, T? You've been more than a little on edge lately," Kwest asked, blinking innocently. A devious smile quirked up the corners of his mouth. "Could it have something to do with our girl of the hour, perhaps?"

Tommy glared at him, shuffling his feet and slipping his hands into his trouser pockets. "You know what the problem is, Kwest. I've been going over this again and again in my mind...I just can't stop thinking about her, man. I can't."

"Some people would call that being in lo-"

"Don't, Kwest. Don't say it," Tommy said, cutting him off roughly.

"Why not? You and I both know that whatever you feel for this girl is more than your usual lust-and-leave-'em. Why can't you just admit it, Tom? You're head over heels for Jude," Kwest sighed. If he came to his senses, maybe he'd quit moping around the studio so much, he thought to himself. Tommy had been moodier than usual lately, snapping at his new artist and glaring at Marcus whenever they were in the same room together.

"What if I do, man? There's no turning back from that, man," he replied, his voice low.

"Maybe you should stop thinking about going back, man. Move forwards," answered Kwest.

The wardrobe room door swung open at that moment, and everyone stirred to attention. EJ stepped out, smiling wider than ever and moving aside to make room for Jude.

From the minute Jude stepped out of the doorway and into the G-Major lobby, Tommy couldn't tear his eyes away. Her petite form was wrapped in a satin-and lace couture gown; a black lace bodice showed off her curves, while the forest green satin halter straps draped low in the front to highlight her decolletage. A full skirt flared out from her hips and came to a stop right below her knees, and her feet were encased in a pair of strappy black heels. EJ had curled her fiery red hair and piled it on top of her head, in addition to dusting her porcelain skin with a golden shimmer. Her hazel eyes were lined with black kohl, and Tommy noticed with more than a little disappointment that those hazel eyes weren't looking anywhere near his direction.

"You might want to pick up your jaw, man," Kwest whispered with a chuckle. Tommy scowled at him, but still didn't take his eyes off of her.

Jude searched the room, looking for Marcus. When is this stupid plan supposed to start? Why hasn't he told me what the stupid plan IS yet?

A light touch on her shoulder interrupted her thoughts and she turned around quickly to see the source, only to find herself face to face with Tommy.

"Jude, you look..." he began, his voice surprisingly timid in comparison to the usually bold man she knew.

"You look absolutely breathtaking," Marcus interrupted, stepping between the two and dropping a kiss on her cheek. He took Jude's arm in his and walked her to the limosine waiting outside, stopping to take her evening bag from EJ. He looked back over his shoulder briefly, winking at Tommy before leaning over and whispering something in Jude's ear.

Tom was pissed. He was beyond pissed, he was furious. Kwest patted him lightly on the shoulder, chuckling to himself and then following the rest of the group outside. "Looks like somebody scooped her up first, man."

"It's not over yet," Tommy growled, fire in his eyes. "Not by a long shot."