Chapter IX

It's Show Time The Instant Dating Game Part 1: Pre-Showtime

Friday, September 14th

At the Harrison Home…..

It's 7:00 a.m, "Rise and shine my little bachelorette!" Sadie and Mason happily shout as they barge into Jude's room. Jude quickly pulls the thick comforter over herself with her head shoved under her pillow. In a muffled voice she responds, "NO! It's too way too early! Are you guys freakin' nuts!?" "YES WE ARE!" They quickly reply with even more eagerness to get her out of bed. "C'mon Jude you have to get up so you can get to the studio early so we can leave early for the game show," Sadie firmly explains. "Can I still back out of this nightmare you put me in Mason?" "Sorry hun no can do. Now up, up-up-up!!" Jude finally but reluctantly gets out of bed huffing and puffing dreading what lies ahead of her for the day, "Fine! I'm up! Are you happy now?!" "Yes! Thank you very much," Mason says with a wide smile upon his face.

As Jude lazily strolled to the bathroom to take a shower, Mason and Sadie were raiding Jude's closet pulling out the many outfits they had purchased the other day. They wanted something sexy but at the same time classic but elegant, she was going to be on national T.V. of course. As soon as they found her outfit they placed it into a garment bag for her to change into later and brought a few other necessities. Jude returned to her room and continued with her usual after shower rituals. She got dressed and head out with Sadie and Mason to the studio.

Meanwhile at Tommy's Home…..

Kwest arrives at Tom's house 7:30 a.m. "Yo, T! Get up!" Kwest shouts out as he enters Tom's house with his spare key, stomping his way up to the master bedroom. "What the hell?!" Tom grumbles with his head shoved under his goose down pillow. "It's too early for me to be up!" Tom continues as he peeks at his digital clock on his nightstand. Finally Kwest reaches the bedroom door and barges in and hollers out, "Goood Morning 'Lil Tommy Q!" "Shut it man!!" Tommy quickly replies then continues, "Do you know what time it is Kwest? You know I'm never up this early unless I have, and this morning I don't have to." Kwest chuckles shaking his head responding, "Yes you have to get to the studio early because we're leaving early for the dating show tonight." "Can't you just cancel it?" Tom asks. "No I can't! You were specifically chosen as the bachelor so you can't back out now." "C'mon T, get your ass up, shower and dressed. Oh, and bring something nice to change into later on for the show. Remember you'll be on national T.V." Tom mutters silently to himself, "I can't believe what I'm getting myself into."

At G-Major Studio

Everyone arrived promptly close to 8 a.m. with minutes to spare. As they stepped in Sadie had told both Mason and Jude to get whatever they needed done today so they could leave by 4:30 p.m. to get to the CTV Studios. Mason went to studio B and Jude to studio A where she waited patiently for Kwest and Tommy to arrive. Shortly after the two arrived, Kwest reminded Tommy that they had to leave early to get to CTV Studios then headed to over to Sadie's office to say hi.

Tommy heads over with coffees in hand to his and Jude's studio. "Hey, girl!" he greets and gives her a tender kiss on her lips while handing over her coffee. "Good Morning!" Jude replies with smile. "So what do you have for us today?" He asks. "Nothing, just writing today, but if I finish early enough, then maybe record. We'll see. I have to leave early today though." "Oh, really. Why?" "Mason and Sades are taking me out somewhere today just to hang out." Jude felt bad lying, although knowing what was planned for later. "That's fine. Actually Kwest and I are leaving early, too. He says he wants to hang out too, go to some club I think." Tom responded but also felt bad for having to lie to her knowing he was going on some stupid dating show.

Since Jude's decision when Tommy left for Asia, they have never lied to each other. Even though they weren't in an exclusive relationship with each other, they have always been honest with each other. The only one thing though they had both lied about was their love for each other. They each had their necklaces with the charm that linked their love and hearts together, but neither had ever declared it openly to each other. They both knew they were afraid of something. She was afraid of being hurt, by him, not being able fully commit and someday leaving her all alone, and he was afraid of hurting her just like he had in the past therefore only hurting himself by being alone. The one thing neither realized is they both have changed and grown so much from being apart for so many months in two different countries and even till this day of not being together.

At the G-Major lobby…

Kwest walks into the lobby of G-Major and was greeted the rest of the group who had just some in. Speid and Karma the newlyweds came in hand-in-hand followed by Wally and Kyle. A few minutes later came in Jamie, Patsy, Darius and Pagan. He gathered everyone in hospitality and spoke quietly, but briefly, except for Sadie, Jude and Mason of course, knowing they would most likely tell Jude. "Hey guys! I wanted to tell you to all watch T.V. tonight, a show called "The Instant Dating Game" tonight at 6 p.m." He quickly scans the room to make sure the three excluded from the little gathering and Tom doesn't come in. "Hey isn't that the show from the states with the 1 bachelor or bachelorette and they have to choose a date out of three single people that they've never seen in their entire life and now nothing about?" Karma asks. "Yea that's it!" Kwest replied. "So, dude why are you telling us this?" Speid jumps in. "Well…" Kwest looks around again, "Tom is going to be the 1 bachelor on the show." Wally and Kyle burst out in a loud laughter, but were quickly stopped by Kwest's harsh glare. "Darius jumps in with a quiet laugh so he isn't heard, "And how did you get T to go along with this?" "I didn't right away. I filled out the app then told him about it. I gave him no choice because I was going to send it in whether he liked it or not." "Does Jude know about this?" Jamie asked. "No she doesn't and none of you are going to tell her either!" Kwest quickly shot out. "It doesn't matter what Blondie thinks, they're not together." Patsy stated. "Yea, but we all know how Jude feels about Lord Squinty Frown," Speid countered. "I know how both of those idiots feel about each other, I'm with them everyday. Look this will be good for the both of them. Tom might find someone he's compatible with." The group looks at him like he's crazy. "Ok, ok, I know that Jude and T are actually soul mates, but hey you never know this could work out, if not then maybe those two will realize they're supposed to be together. Have you seen them lately? They act like they're together, go on dates with other people if not they mostly sulk at home, and Tom is not normally like that. This will just give them that extra push that they need." They all look at each other giving Kwest's idea a chance then look back at him. "Ok you guys, so watch the show tonight on the CTV network." They all agreed and left to get back to work.

After the little meeting, Kwest walks into the studio, Tom at the sound board listening to some tracks of another artist and Jude writing in her journal. "Morning Jude!" Kwest says as he walks into the studio. Jude just smiles back, Kwest understanding that she focused on writing at the moment. "So guys, what's on the agenda today?" "Nothing really much today, Jude's just working on a song and maybe record if there's time. We're all leaving early today. She's doing something with Sadie and Mason and you and I are going to that club you wanted to go to." Tom answers. "Club…What club?" Kwest wonders and Tom stares at him with furrowed brows. "Oh, oh, yea that club right." Jude replies with an "Oookay!" then resumed her writing and Tommy just returned to the sound board shaking his head that Kwest almost blew it about the whole dating game show.

In Sadie's office…..

Sadie calls Mason and the rest of G-Major who met with Kwest earlier into her office. One by one they all file in. Mason arriving first, "Sadie, why are we calling everyone here?" "'Cause Mas, I want everyone to watch Jude on the show. I think it will be fun for everyone here to watch, well except for Tom and Kwest of course." "You know Jude's not gonna like this." Mason says in a singing tone. "Uhh, hello! That's why Jude's not gonna find out." Sadie comments back. "Okay, what is so important that you had to interrupt mine and Pagan's conference call?!" Darius asks as he stomps into the office with Pagan behind. As everyone gathers around Sadie's desk, she begins. "The reason I called you all here is because Mason and I want you all to watch the CTV network tonight at 6 p.m." Everyone starts to look at each other in confusion, but keeping quiet. "And why do you want us to watch love?" Pagan asks and Mason responds. "Jude is going to be on a show called 'The Instant Dating Game'." "Dude isn't that what Kw--?" But Speid was quickly cut off by his wife elbowing him in the ribs and secretly tells him to shhh, and then she continues, "Isn't that the show in the states with the 1 bachelor or bachelorette who has to choose a 1 date out of 3 contestants whom they've never seen before or know nothing about?" "Yea that's it! And Jude is one of the 3 bachelorettes." Sadie says. "So how'd you get Blondie to get on the show?" Patsy blurted out and they all waited for a reply. "I filled out the app and Jude just had to approve it and I sent it in. I was gonna get sent either way, so better for her to have looked it over first." Mason answered then Darius continued with a mischievous grin, "Let me guess, you don't want any of us telling anything to Kwest or Tom do you?" "How'd you guess?" Sadie asked surprised. "Well by the looks of who's here, Jude, Tom and Kwest are the ones missing." Jamie pointed out. "Oh, right." Sadie chuckled.

Everyone but Mason and Sadie retreated from the office and they all gathered again in the lobby. Darius begins, "Ok, it looks like both Tom and Jude are going to be on this show and neither parties know that they are the bachelor and 1 of the 3 bachelorettes." "Let's all meet here at 5:30 p.m. and have a 'Jommy The Instant Dating Game Premiere here. We'll order some pizza and Chinese food and have it in the conference room and watch it on the big screen there." Karma instructs. "Dude, this is going to be one hell of a party!" Speid laughs out and they all disperse back to their work.

Meanwhile…..

Tom and Kwest are discussing arrangements on a track they are working on and Jude's cell phone suddenly rings. "Hello!" Jude answers. "Hi Jude! This is Lindsay of 'The Instant Dating Game'." "Oh, hi!" Jude quickly steps out of the studio to continue her phone call. "What can I do for you Lindsay?" "Jude, we need you to come to the studio earlier than 5 p.m." "Oh, what time?" "Just 30 minutes. A few of our stylists and make-up artists aren't in today so we are having you girls come early so we have time to get you all fixed up. Is that alright?" "Yes, I think that should be fine." "Ok, great we'll see you later!" "Bye!" Jude finally says then heads towards Sadie's office. As Jude is walking she sees Darius, Pagan, SME, Karma, Jamie and Patsy walking towards her direction. The all pass by her saying 'Hi!' and giving her wide cheesy smiles. Jude looks at them oddly and just shrugs off what she just passed by. She steps in seeing Mason and Sadie in talking. "Hey guys!?" "Hey sis! What's up?" "I just got a call from Lindsay and she wants at the studio by 4:30 p.m. instead of 5 p.m." Jude starts out and tells them about the shortage of stylists and make-up artists at the studio for the show. "Oh, ok. Well do you think you'll be able to leave at 4 p.m.?" Mason asks. "Yea, it should be fine. I'm only writing today and I already mentioned to Kwest and Tom about leaving early to hang out with you two so I don't think an extra 30 minutes will make a difference." Jude states. Both Mason and Sadie agree and Jude heads back to the studio to continue writing.

Jude walks back to her studio and sees Kwest and Tommy still discussing beats on a track they just laid down. "Everything ok Big Eyes?" Tom asks. "Yea, I just had to take that call and then talk to Sadie and Mason. We're gonna have to leave earlier from what I mentioned to you before." "Why's that?" Kwest asked. "Apparently, Mason scheduled something for us to do earlier than we had expected so we have to leave early." "That's fine since you're only writing today anyway." Tom says.

It was about 1 p.m. and everyone had headed out to lunch. Kwest had stepped out and brought in Chinese for himself and Tommy and Jude went out with Sadie and Mason to the nearby diner.

In the studio with Tommy and Kwest…..

"So Tom, have you thought of some questions to ask the ladies for the show?" "Ya know what Kwest, it isn't exactly one of my priorities at the moment." Tom answers sarcastically. "C'mon T! You have to have some ideas for questions. Let's work on some now and I'm pretty sure the show will have some ideas of questions for you." "Honestly Kwest, I don't' think what I ask will make any difference. What if we don't have anything in common?" "Tom, that's the point of this show, is to find a date with your questions. If you don't like their answers then it's one less point for them on your book." "Kwest, but it's not just about asking questions. What about a spark? You know that special connection with someone. What if we don't have that? You know I've only had one special connection to someone." "Yes, I know Tom and it's with Jude, but look where it has gotten you? Nowhere! If you felt so strongly about your connection with Jude, then you should have done something about it a long time ago." "I know, but it was never the right time or it seems as if something always went wrong." "Well, then maybe it's a sign for you to try something else. At least for now, just give this one thing a try. If it works, then good, if not then I won't bother you ever again about finding a girl." "It's a deal! Now let's get this over with!"

At the nearby diner with Jude, Sadie and Mason…..

The take a seat at a vacant booth at the back of the diner for some privacy and immediately place their orders with the waiter. "Jude do you have any strategy as to how you're going to answer the bachelor's questions?" Sadie asks. "No, I haven't really thought about it." "C'mon you've got to have some idea." Mason buts in. "No, I don't. I figured I would just answer them honestly and whatever comes to mind at that moment." "Jude, you want the guys to like you and pick you, not scare him off," said Sadie. "And how am I going to scare the guy off when I don't even know him. As of right now I probably don't even want to know him." "Hun, you're not exactly the most subtle person when talking. You can be very direct and mean sometimes and we don't want that for the show. You are on national T.V. you know and in front of a live audience." Mason points out. "Look, I'll be nice on the show, but I will be honest with my answers. And if the guy doesn't like it, tough! He has to like me for who I am. After all, this show is based on the character of the person and not their looks." Finally their meals arrive, Sadie and Mason talk about the show and what they might expect from the other bachelorettes and Jude just sits quietly enjoying her meal rolling her eyes at their useless conversation.

After lunch they all returned to work. Sadie was making sure that all her paperwork and phone calls were done. Kwest was working with Mason was making sure his songs were recorded. Jude and Tommy were busy working on her songs, changing lyrics, strumming chords on the guitar or on the piano in the booth making sure the variations and progressions flowed smoothly.

It was a little before and Sadie called into studio A from her office letting Jude know that they would be leaving soon and to be ready. Jude stood up from her chair stretching, working out the kinks in her back from sitting down for the past couple of hours. Tommy just stared at her slim but curvaceous figure. Jude looked back down at him and smiled. He stood up and walked towards Jude wrapping his arms around her and Jude hugs Tom tightly as well. "So do you know where you're going or what you'll be doing tonight?" Tom asks in a soft tone. "I honestly have no idea. This is all Sadie and Mason's doing, I'm just going along with it." "There's no way you can get out it, huh?" "Nope. Apparently Mason has been planning this for the past couple of days and as my best friend he insists that I trust him and go along with this little charade. What about your little club thing with Kwest? You don't sound to thrilled either." "Well, like you, Kwest is also my best friend and has had this planned for the past couple of day also. So of course I don't want to disappoint him." "Aren't we lucky to have such great friends." Jude states scornfully while rolling her eyes and Tom just quietly laughs in agreement to her comment. "So, I'll see you tomorrow so we can record?" Tom asks. "Yea, tomorrow." Jude replies, then Tommy leans forward placing a lingering chaste and sensual kiss upon her lips. They slowly pull away and Jude smiles leaving the studio.