Chapter 7

Jude was bored sitting around Tommy's apartment and decided to go and visit the one person she could talk to about anything, anyone, and everything – Mason Fox. OK, so he was supposed to be her replacement, but the two instant stars had a…well, odd love for each other that gave them a deep friendship. She left Tommy's apartment, taking the Viper, and drove to Mason's place across town. She parked the car and went up to the door, and knocked loudly.

Mason opened the door, clad in jeans, a muscle shirt and cowboy hat.

"Do you ever not wear that hat?" Jude asked him. Mason looked appalled.

"No." He said and smiled at Jude. "Come in." He said, gesturing inside. Jude followed him in and he led her into a small den. Jude sat down and Mason next to her. "What's up?" Mason asked in a southern drawl that made Jude laugh.

"Not much. Um…I actually have a favor to ask you."

"I don't do-"

"It's nothing like that…I think." Jude said, looking sort of confused. "Anyway, I kinda sorta told my dad I was staying with you." Mason raised an eyebrow in questioning. "My mom got married to her divorce lawyer, ran off to god knows where, sold the house and left me homeless and alone."

"What about your dad?"

"He's out of town for the next couple weeks."

"You can"

"I already have a place to stay." Jude said and added "Thanks anyway."

"No problem Jude." Mason said and frowned. "So, why did you tell your dad you're staying with me?"

"Because I'm kinda stayin with Tommy." Mason was quite a beat.

"Tommy!"

"Yes." Jude said, wincing.

"Tommy? As in…you're producer and greatest love Tommy?" Jude nodded.

"OK, I can see why you told your dad that…"

"I just…if for some reason he happens to call you and ask for me"

"You're in the shower?"

"And I'll call him later."

"No problem Jude." Mason said, and added "So, you and Tommy…?"

"Nothing's happening Mason. I'm just staying in his guest room for awhile."

"Uh-hu. Sure. I'm not stupid Jude." Mason insisted, knowing very well that Tommy and Jude cared for each other more than they would ever admit to the others' face. Jude sighed.

"OK, so…." Jude got a far-a-way look in her eyes.

"Oooooo, give me all the dirty details." Jude grinned and slapped him on the arm.

"Oh Please. We almost kissed the other night."
"That's it?" Mason said, looking disappointed.

"What?"

"That's like…like…"

"I know." Jude said, looking almost as disappointed as Mason. "I think…we might have…if the damn phone wouldn't have rang." Jude said with a heavy sigh.

"Disconnect the phones." Mason advised.

"Yeah…but there are always Cell Phones."

"Turn it on silent." He said, nodding in affirmation. Jude smiled and laughed slightly.

"Yeah, cuz that wouldn't be obvious." Jude muttered. Mason shrugged.

"You two need to go on a date." Mason stated.

"That was random."

"It's true! No, you two just need to…get it on." Jude looked appalled but said nothing. "It's true! I mean...there's so much…" Mason made a few hand gestures. "Tension that it makes everyone need to get laid."

"Thanks Mason." Jude muttered.

"You need to seduce him." Mason answered.

"And I told my dad I was safe with you." Jude said, shaking her head. Mason just shrugged in response. "Besides, I'm not the…seducing type of Woman. I'd probably trip and fall or stutter or do something so stupid the whole thing would never work." Mason sighed and didn't refute her response.

"Anyway…what's up in Fox-land?"

"Not a lot. Just wrapping up my first album." Mason said, smiling happily. Jude nodded.

"It's great isn't it?" Mason nodded and the two chatted away the day, just talking about anything and everything that came to mind.