Chapter 12

Three Days Later

The last few days were hectic for the couple. Darius wanted them out and about in public places; at clubs, restaurants, parties, everywhere and anywhere you could name, they probably were there or visited briefly.

"Who would have thought dating was such hard work." Mason stated in amusement as Jude finished telling him how exhausted she was.

"It's not funny! I'm boycotting anything resembling going out." Jude stated, lounging across the couch in the G Major lobby.

"So, where is said boyfriend?" Mason asked, noting the absence of Tommy the whole day.

"Probably getting verbally assaulted by Darius for getting us 'the night off'." Jude stated matter-of-factly as she glanced towards Darius's door and back at Mason.

"Nice abuse of power."

"He's the one who got us into this mess." Jude said with a shrug; as if it explained everything.

"You know you like it Harrison." Mason said, winking at Jude. Jude sighed heavily in response. She couldn't argue with Mason on that point. She did enjoy kissing Tommy pretty much whenever she wanted and she loved the way when they were out, his arms would wrap around her and hold her close. It almost felt like it was real and they were a real couple and she was dreading when Darius told them to drop the act and break up or Tommy got bored of her and moved on to the next blonde, probably with a better body than hers.

"Uh-ho. Problems in paradise?" Mason asked.

"No. Kind of…ARG! I don't know." Jude looked conflicted and her eyes pleaded with Mason.

"Come on, talk to Dr. Fox. I should really start charging…"

"I'm glad you don't." Jude said with a smile and Mason shrugged. "It's not.." Before Jude could finish her sentence, Darius's office opened and out stepped a rather rattled looking Tom Quincy. Jude craned her head to look in his direction and she noticed how his blue eyes scanned the lobby and caught sight of her rather quickly. He crossed the room in a couple quick strides and glanced at Mason curiously and back at Jude.

"I see you're still in one piece." Jude stated, smiling at him. Tommy just narrowed his eyes at her in a look of annoyance.

"I have to stay and do some recording so you can have the day off." He stated. Jude beamed happily at him.

"You know you love me." Jude said, grinning cheesily at him.

"Some days." He muttered with a smirk and Jude gaped at him. His smirk turned into a genuine smile and he leaned down and kissed her quickly before pulling away, messing her hair and retreating towards the studio. Jude looked annoyed, but the smile on her face said other wise and she watched him go before she turned back to Mason.

"You got it bad!" Mason said, grinning. Jude groaned and ran a hand through her hair. "You two do make a cute couple though." Mason offered. Jude glared at him. "So, spill oh happy one, what's the problem with pretend dating the guy of your dreams?" Mason asked.

"It's just that. Pretend! How do I know what's real and what's not? Every time he tells the press he loves me, or kisses me, or does something completely random and romantic…like the other day. We were out and he bought me flowers. I know, it's cliché and not the best thing ever, but he got me Daffodils, and they're my favorite. Hell, he couldn't remember what Sadie's favorite flowers were and he always knows what to do, or what to say that makes me weak in the knees. How do I let myself keep falling and now be hurt when this is all over?" Jude blurted, looking at Mason, her eyes pleading for help. Mason looked at her sympathetically. "How do I keep from getting my heart broken?"

"If anyone knew the answer to that Jude, then they'd be rich or completely hateful. I'm sorry Jude, but…I don't know. I guess the best thing you can do is maybe talk to Tommy about it." Jude scoffed.

"Oh, yeah, cuz that would go over so well. This coming from the guy who freaks out every time I mention the fact we kissed in the alley on my 16th." Jude said, rolling her eyes. Mason shrugged.

"You asked my advice, that's what I offer. I think you should talk to him about it. I bet he has similar qualms."

"Oh, right, cuz Tom Quincy is head over heels in love with me." Jude stated sarcastically.

"I think you'd be surprised." Mason muttered as Jude stared at him in confusion. "I guess it really is true; Love is blind." He stated as he glanced at the clock and got up.

"Wait, what!"

"I gatta go record." Mason stated, and walked away from Jude, leaving her contemplating his last words. I think you'd be surprised. What the hell does that mean? Jude wondered.