Chapter IX
It's Show Time The Instant Dating Game Part 2: Memory Lane & Lessons
At CTV Studios, 4:30 p.m.
Jude entered CTV Studios with Mason and Sadie by her side. They were immediately greeted by Lindsay and Steven Shue the producers of the show. "Hello! I'm Lindsay Shue and this is my co-producer Steven Shue." "Hi, I'm Jude Harrison and this is my sister Sadie and my best friend Mason Fox." The group all took turns shaking each others hands. "You both have the same last name. Are you…" Sadie began, and then Steven continued, "We are husband and wife." "Oh, ok." Sadie ended with a smile.
Lindsay showed Jude, Sadie and Mason to the dressing room and began, "This is the dressing room where you will be getting ready in. As you can see our stylists are preparing for you all and the other 2 girls should be here shortly. The stage and audience seats are just on the other side of the wall over there. This is Thelma and Louise our stylist & make-up artist, and they both can do either task." Lindsay introduced. "Hello!" Thelma and Louise said cheerily. Lindsay continued, "The bathroom is just back there in the corner for you to change into your clothes for the show. Do you have an outfit? If not we have some here that our stylist had brought in." "We actually have something for her to change into." Mason quickly pointed out showing the garment bag he was holding. "Ok, great! Have a seat and your hair will be done & make-up touched-up." "Thank you!" The trio replied.
"Now Jude, I will need you stay in this dressing room until the show starts. Mason and Sadie you two will be able to step out at anytime. There are refreshments in here as well as outside in the middle of the lobby, but we ask that you do not go to the other side of the lobby because that is where "the bachelor" is at along with his companion and they are going to be given the same instructions as you." Steven instructed to them. "Great!" the two replied. "So we'll leave you all now and when we're ready we'll come and get you. And remember Jude do not step out." Lindsay stated lastly and left the dressing room.
Jude quietly sat in the salon chair as Thelma did her hair and Louise heightened her make-up, so when the cameras shot her beautiful features would stand out. Moments later, 2 new people entered the room with their chins and noses in the air as if they owned the place. Jude looked at her big sister and Mason and just rolled her eyes. When she was done, Jude stood up and politely introduced herself and extended her right hand out to greet and shake. "Hi! I'm Jude!" She avoided saying her last name hoping they won't realize who she is. "Hey, I'm Tiffany!" The young blonde scoffed as she introduced herself. 'What a bitch!' Jude thought. "Hello! I'm Caitlin!" The brunette immediately responded in a cheery tone. 'She's not bad.' Jude thought as she reached out her hand again to be shaken. The two girls immediately took a seat in the salon chair so they could get fixed up as well and Jude retreated to the restroom to change into her outfit.
As soon as Jude was done changing, she stepped out into the dressing room and all eyes were focused on her. Sadie and Mason squealed as they approached her. "Jude you look great!" Sadie commented. "You look marvelous, just simply marvelous!" Mason said right after trying to imitate Billy Crystal. And Jude just smiled giggling at Mason's antics. "What Harrison?! I only speak the truth, you look beautiful!" Mason commented again.
"Wait! Harrison? As in Jude Harrison?" Caitlin asked, then Tiffany snapped her head quickly to look at Jude. "Uuhh, ya that's me." Jude answered shyly. "Oh. My. Gawd! Shut! Up!" Caitlin exclaimed, "I am a big fan and I love your music!" Tiffany continued. "If you're 'The Jude Harrison' what are you doing here?" Tiffany questioned harshly. "Well, I kind of don't want to be here, but my best friend here Mason and my sister Sadie really wanted me on the show and there was no way in hell they were going to let me walk away from this, so I just gave in." Jude replied politely. "Whatever! Or maybe there's not a single guy out there that wants to go out with you." Tiffany stated grinning.
Sadie was appalled at Tiffany's comment and started to rush towards her, but was immediately stopped by Jude and said "Sades, just it go, she's not worth it." "C'mon Jude just let me at her, it'll be justifiable homicide! And I don't think anyone will miss the skank." "No, Sadie!" Jude repeated and Mason stepped in pulling Sadie to the side and said "Hey, I feel the same way as you do. If you're still up to it, then wait till after the show and we both can get the wannabe 'Barbie' after the show." "Fine!" Sadie huffed.
Tiffany and Caitlin stayed seated in the salon chairs, Caitlin just smiled at the support Jude had, and Tiffany just looked and snapped her head away with a "hmmpf" coming from her loud enough so they could all hear. Louise who was working on Tiffany heard her little attitude and pulled at her hair hard while the brush was tangled in it. "Ow! What the hell?!" Tiffany yelled. "Oh, sorry honey, that's what happens when your hair's all nappy." Everyone smirked and giggled loudly at Louise's comment. "My hair is not nappy! It's as soft as silk." Tiffany stated. "You just keep tellin' that to yourself sweetie, it's all a lie." Louise commented back and Tiffany just gaped at her comment. Everyone was in shock at Louise's comment but just kept quiet because they all noticed that Tiffany was the only one who wasn't making the effort to get along. "Hey, how come you two didn't bring anyone?" Jude asked. "Well most of my friends and family are on vacation or couldn't make it, but it's ok, I like the peace and quiet." Caitlin nicely answered. "I didn't want to bring anyone. They'd just be in the way and cramping my style," was Tiffany's answer. Everyone in the room just shook their head at Tiffany's remark and just couldn't wait for the show to begin so no one had to be with her much longer.
At CTV Studios, 5:00 p.m.
Tommy and Kwest walked into CTV Studios. "Welcome to CTV Studios and to the show!" Steven began as he walked toward the two with Lindsay by his side. "I'm Steven Shue and this is my Co-Producer Lindsay Shue." They all reached out and exchanged handshakes. "Wait. 'Shue?" Are you two…?" Kwest began to ask and was answered by Lindsay "Yes, we are husband and wife." "Cool." Kwest commented, then asked, "And how does that work for the two of you? I mean being husband and wife and working as Co-Producers." Kwest asked right after and thinking 'This will give me a better perspective on Jude and Tommy. Knowing them, they will eventually get married.' Tommy looked at him with strangely and thought 'What is he doing asking something personal like this?'
Steven replied "Well…we were friends first, but we really didn't get along. We were constantly at each others throats." "Really. Why's that?" Steven continued, "When we first met I was working as an intern assistant to the producers at a studio in the states, and she was also working there as an intern but for high school credit." "Wait. You were an intern and she was still in high school. If you don't mind me asking, how older were or are you?" Kwest asked curiously and Lindsay continued, "Well at the time Steven was 24 and I was 16, so now I'm 26 and Steven here is 34." "So how was it working together and how did you end up here still together and married at that? And what about the age difference?" Kwest questioned even more intrigued by the couples relationship.
Lindsay looked at Kwest oddly and had to ask "Kwest, not to be rude and really I don't mind, but what's with all the questions?" Then Tommy had but in also, "Yea! What's with all the questions?" Kwest glared at Tommy but turned to reply to Lindsay, "Well I have these two close friends, they work together I mean practically hand-in-hand, joined at the hip work together. And like you and Steven they have an age gap but of 6 years, but are both of legal age. They were and are still like the two of you, they're best friends but fight like cat and dog sometimes, but then they can't seem to live without each other and won't admit they even love each other and I know they do. Hell, I think the whole world knows that they love each other. They just won't tell each other.
"Oh, ok." Lindsay said. "Well, like I said we were friends in the beginning but fought all the time. Our age was an obstacle of course but we were always friends and that was most important at first. No one could ever stop us from being friends." Steven looked at his wife with love and said, "I think I fell in love with her from the moment I laid eyes on her." Lindsay smiled and rolled her eyes and replied "Whatever Sparky!" Tommy and Kwest just looked at the two and lightly chuckled.
Steven continued again, "Seriously though, it was hard to be together because of our age, but there was something about her. We had this amazing spark between us and major connection. Once she turned 17 we started to go out on dates together, but kept it on the friendly side." Lindsay took over, "Once I turned 18, is when we were more serious. That's when we actually became BF and GF." "And how'd that work out for you?" Tommy decided to ask now becoming more interested. Lindsay looked at Steven with a small smile but he could see the slight sadness in her eyes and he spoke. "Well, like any other couple, we had our fair share of problems. There were friends and family that disapproved of us and some that were really supportive. Lindsay was still young and I felt she still needed to experience life and she did, but because she got into this business at an early age she grew up pretty quick, but was still youthful at heart, and that's what I love about her, she kept me grounded and taught me how to enjoy life. She was more of an adult compared to other women I had dated that were close to my age. We were together and there were times we had broken up, but we were always there for each other no matter what and I think because we truly loved each other from the very start that's what always brought us together. Despite we had dated others; our love always brought us back to each other. We were and are best friends and we always had the key to each others hearts and I think that's why we never let anyone else in."
Steven hugged Lindsay and kissed the top of her forehead and then she continued, "He's right ya know. The times we weren't together, I did date, but it never felt right." Then she shook her head and laughed. "Another reason it was hard for me to date was because Sparky here was over-protective and jealous." Kwest then laughed, nudged Tommy on his arm and smiled, then Steven asked "What's so funny?" Kwest replied, "Your wife's last comment is exactly how my friend is with his girl, that's not even his girlfriend. See, every guy that this girl is with my friend wants to basically beat the crap out of every single one of them." Lindsay laughed and continued, "That's exactly how Steven was with every guy I went out with and they were only dates nothing serious." "I was not!" Steven retorted. "Sure, whatever makes you happy hun," and Lindsay smiled.
"So how did you end up getting married?" Kwest asked. "Like your friends, it was hard for us to admit that we loved each other. But remember, even though it was never said at that time, that just meant it wasn't time yet, but the love is always there. When both are ready or at least when one of them is ready to confess their love, then the other will too, or at least they should. It's just a matter of time and only time will tell." Lindsay said.
"Ok, we've been out here for awhile now. Let's show you to the dressing room." Lindsay said and Steven continued. "Now that door over there" pointing to the girls' dressing room "is the bachelorettes' dressing room, this here is the lobby with a table full of refreshments and there is your dressing room which also has refreshments." They all step into the room. "We are going to call one of the stylists in here to do your hair and touch you up with make-up. And did you bring a change of clothes with you? If not, here is a rack of clothes for you to choose from." "Um, is the make-up and hair necessary?" Tommy asked and Kwest snickered at his question. "Well, not really. If you don't want your hair done that's fine, but the touch-up on make up is necessary, at least for powder on your face to reduce any glaring the cameras might get when the lights are shined on your face." Lindsay said. "Oh, alright. I can deal with that. But that's it, powder only." Tom firmly stated and the two producers lightly laughed. Then Lindsay continued, "Tom, you must stay in this room until the show starts, and Kwest you are the only one who can step out at anytime, but only until the refreshment table out in the lobby. Tom, we will come and get you once we're ready." "Okay, thanks." Tommy and Kwest said together.
Back at G-Major, 5:00 p.m.
(Sorry everyone, I kind of forgot Portia was still around & I had mentioned her in the beginning too. She's not that important me, but I will a little use of her here.)
Darius calls everyone individually to meet him in his office. Everyone arrives and gathers around Darius' desk. "Ok everyone; we have 1 hour till the show starts. Everyone will have a little something to do. Portia, I need you to call Jude's parents and let them know what's going on and invite them over here to watch the show, then set up the conference room and make sure we have everything we need for food and drinks. Karma, help Portia and order the pizza and Chinese food for pick up at 5:30 p.m. Speid, Wally and Kyle leave here in 15 minutes to go out to buy drinks and pick-up the food. Then we all meet back here at 5:45; remember the show starts at 6:00 p.m." Everyone nods in agreement to Darius and their given tasks and leave to complete them
At CTV Studios, 5:30 p.m. in Tommy's dressing room
Tommy had just stepped out from the restroom and changing into his outfit. He chose from his wardrobe at home black slacks, freshly pressed with sharp creases and a soft blue button down dress shirt which brought out the blue in his eyes. Kwest was at the refreshment table station in the dressing room and Tommy took a seat in the salon chair. Moments later, Thelma had entered the room. "Hello!" She greeted and both men had approached her and shook her hand and gave her a 'hello' back, and Kwest had introduced themselves, I'm Kwest and this is Tommy." "Well, aren't you a handsome young man!" She said and Tommy blushed with a slight grin and said 'Thank you.' "So you are the lucky bachelor, huh?!" Thelma asked excitedly and Kwest quickly replied "Yes he is!" "So what did you need done?" Thelma continued as she guided Tom back to the salon chair. "Just powder touch-up please," Tom replied. "Don't want anyone touching your hair, huh?" She asked the smirk. "No it's not that." Tom said politely without trying to give a clue that he doesn't like anyone touching his hair. "Sure it is sweetheart, whatever you say," Thelma said smiling shaking her head. "What?" He asked and Thelma replied, "Honey, I know guys like you who take pride and joy in their locks. I bet you claim to never have bad hair days, huh?" Kwest turned his head looking at the two and laughed at the comment. "Plus I can see how much mousse and gel you used." Thelma tapped the tips of Tom's hair lightly noting the softness of his hair but still stiff it wouldn't even move and she smiled.
"Hey T! I'm gonna step outside to see what other kinds of food they have." Kwest called out and Tommy nodded with a small smile knowing his friend was always hungry and had quite an appetite.
"Jude, Sadie and I are going to the refreshment table in the lobby to see what they have." Mason said and Jude replied with a simple nod, "ok."
Kwest was looking down at the full spread that the studio provided. Mason and Sadie were walking towards the table talking about the recent incident in the dressing room. Then Sadie spoke up to Kwest not knowing who he was right away, "Hi! Do they have anything good?!" Kwest replied but thought 'that voice is very familiar,' "Yes they have a lot to choose from." Then he immediately looked up in disbelief, "Sadie, Mason what are you guys doing here?!" Sadie approached her boyfriend kissing him on the cheek. "What are you doing here?!" Mason also asked. "I asked you first." Kwest said and Sadie replied, "Jude's one of the three bachelorettes for this show. Now your turn." "Well…Tom is the bachelor for the show." Kwest replied. "Wait. So both Jude and Tommy are on the show?" Mason jumped in, then the trio just turned and looked at each other astonished about the situation that they put their friends in.
"Does Tom know that Jude is on the show?" Sadie asked and Kwest spoke, "No. You know T would throw a shit fit if he knew Jude was doing this. He already throws his silent tantrums when he finds out about Jude's dates. Wait, does Jude know that Tom's on this show?" "No. You know what would happen if Jude found out. First she'd vent out to either Sadie or myself and say what a whore the girl is that Tom has a date with, then when she's done she's start sulking around." Mason said. "True. I see the sulking part when she's in the studio when it's just us two."
"So what do we do?" Sadie asked then continued, "I mean I would be happy if they chose each other, but I don't think it's a good idea if they both found out that the other was on the show, especially since Jude knows who her competition is." "Well, you don't have to worry cuz no one sees each other remember. It's all by voice. Tom will ask the questions and the girls answer the questions." Mason reminded them. Then Kwest interrupted, "Wait, by voice? That's not gonna work." "Why not?" Sadie asked. "Hun, they are both performers. They know each other's voices on and off the mics. There's no doubt they will recognize each other." Kwest pointed out. "You're right. So we have to fix this right now!" Mason interjected. "Let's go talk to Lindsay and Steven the producers.
The three sought out to find the couple. They spotted them near the wall where the show would take place just on the other side. "Hey guys! What's up?!" Lindsay said happily, and then Kwest began, "We have a big problem." "Why? What's the problem Kwest?" Steven asked, then Mason explained the situation to them that just occurred about their best friends. "I thought their names sounded familiar," said Lindsay and Steven agreed. "It just didn't occur to me because we don't really hear about them in the States too much." Steven commented.
Lindsay and Steven thought hard about the little dilemma. "I got it!" Lindsay exclaimed and whispered the solution to Steven. "We'll be right back. We need to talk to a few people, but I think we solved the problem and I don't think it will be a problem." Lindsay and Steven left to speak with the Executive producers and sound technicians.
Meanwhile at the dressing rooms…
Tiffany and Caitlin decided to step out to the lobby and Jude spoke, "You know we were told to not step out of this room." "Who cares Miss Goody-Goody! No one tells me what to do!" Tiffany snapped and stepped out with Caitlin behind her and said "Ya gotta live a little," then shrugged her shoulders. After a couple of minutes the two girls returned each with a plate of food that they did not have in the dressing room.
Jude looked at the food they brought in and what they had in the room and saw more choices so she decided to sneak out and get some on her own. She opened the door looking to her left and right making sure no one saw her then wondered where Mason and Sadie were, but decided to shrug it off, walked to the table grabbed a plate and started picking up some fruit, cheese and crackers and small meats, then she accidentally knocked over a stack of napkins and had to bend down to the floor to pick them up.
Tommy was sitting in the dressing room by himself since Thelma had left because she was done and Kwest left too, he decided to be the rebel that he is and step outside for a bit. He poked his head out of his dressing room, wondered where Kwest went and saw the arrangement of food in the lobby and the back of a young blonde hunched down near the table picking up the napkins that had probably fallen. He slowly walked to the table, then with his back turned to the young blonde and started picking up food and placing it on his plate.