.11.

Whispers

Jude snuck in through the back entrance of the studio. She had learned not to long ago that was not only the easiest way in, but also the most inconspicuous. Jude had a lot on her mind about her album, among other things. She wondered if she should of headed to the rehearsal space, but remember Spiederman and the guys had basically taken over the entire building for their place of living. They would have murdered anyone who would have thought of making ANY noise before a certain time. She sighed in amusement. Her men were always going to be boys.

With her guitar strapped to her back, she crept down the halls of the smaller studios. She had wrapped her hand around a doorknob when a sound of a piano peeked her interest.

In a studio at the end of the hall, someone was playing piano. Jude was confused by this. She had checked the studio schedule. The entire row of smaller studios were supposed to have been empty. Jude placed her guitar down and stepped toward the studio at the end of the hall.

Jude peeked through the window and grinned. She eased the door open with no problem and leaned against the door frame watching the musician.

"Just can't stay away, can you?" She commented once the musician had completed their piece.

Tommy jumped at the sound of her voice. He turned to her and smiled. " I guess not."

Jude nodded and entered the studio. She closed the door behind her.

"So, what cat dragged you back here, Quincy? Daddy and me classes not enough for you?" Jude teased. She perched herself on a stool closest to the piano.

Tommy rolled his eyes. " In fact, it is. Got to love Ava and a bunch of other toddlers squealing "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star. My little girl is going to be a super star."

"Aw, just like her daddy."

Tommy shrugged and played a few chords.

"Whatcha working on?" Jude asked, excited and curious to know what was to come from her mastermind.

"Don't tell anyone. . But, I've been writing," Tommy confessed. Jude eyes widened. " I KNEW IT!" she cried out. "I knew you could not stay away from this or music for long. When are you coming back?"

Tommy shook his head. "Jude, I'm not coming back. This isn't the place for me anymore. Not like this. I told you, I need something more."

"What is more? Daddy daycare? Restoring old cars? What? You cannot possibly be happy doing just that!"

"Are you saying that I am unhappy with my family?"

"No, I am saying you're unhappy playing desperate househusband!" Jude slapped her hand to her mouth. This was not exactly how she had planned her next conversation with Tommy. She sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.

"I am sorry. I am so sorry. I didn't mean it the way it probably sounds. Music is in your blood and I cannot imagine giving that up."

"Well, I'm not. In fact. . I was just offered a job as a music director for an Indie film. Paegan and Jamie just invested in a production. Paegan asked me to join the crew. I accepted."

"Oh."

"Yeah, well if you'll excuse me. I am going to be late for "daddy day care," Tommy snapped. He rose to his feet closing the piano.

"Tommy, wait. This is so not how I wanted this conversation to go. I wanted to talk to you about what I found out about- -"

"I told you to leave that alone!"

"I know, but-"

"No buts, Jude! I told you to stay away from Hunter. It is NONE of YOUR business."

"When it involves you, this company and everyone else, it is my business!" She retorted.

"Jude, need I remind you that this is my wife's company. The company in which you are employed. What happens between the higher ups.. What happened years ago is none of your concern. Stay out of it."

"So I am just supposed to shut up and sing?"

"Yes."

.IS.

Jude slammed the door to the studio. She carelessly tossed her guitar on to the stand. She was mad.. She was more than mad. In fact, she went from mad to infuriated, totally skipping angry. How dare HE talk to HER like THAT! Who the hell did Tom Quincy think he was talking to her like that! " Need I remind you that this is my wife's company. The company in which you are employed."

Jude let out a growl of anger and marched up to the drum set. With a shriek, she let all her emotions go at the drums. So much to the start of a really good day.

.IS.

Tommy, himself, was just as angry. He had stormed out of the studio, something he hadn't done in ages. Tommy had not planned on his time with Jude going THAT way. He had looked forward to sharing the news with his best friend about the Paegan deal. He had been ecstatic over the news. It was going to be something new. Something he had always thought about doing but never took the plunge. He had wanted to bounce ideas off her, not snap. But that was Jude, always poking her nose where it wasn't concerned.

Tommy sighed and slipped into the driver seat of his range rover. He was too harsh with her. He had been internalizing so much and just let it go on her. He was wrong. He would have to apologize once the steam cooled. Until then, Tommy had a date with a little blue eyed girl.

.IS.

Samantha sat in her kitchen opposite Portia. The two women sat in quiet, sipping their tea. Between them stood a baby monitor. Portia had popped over as soon as Tommy had left, bringing Darien with her. Now, all three of their children napped, while the two mothers took the time for themselves.

"Are you sure its over?" Portia asked for the second time.

"I had a driver take him to the airport this morning. His belongings were being shipped over this afternoon."

"Did you have a chance to have someone go through them?"

"He met me at the office last night to destroy all the items that needed to be," Samantha replied. She placed her cup on the table and smoothed over hands over it.

"He signed the order, promising to stay away from all of us. And I signed the agreement of 150 grand a year for the next five years.

"You're being too generous with him."

Samantha looked at Portia hard. "Am I really, 'Tia?"

Portia pondered this. "Are you certain that everything will remain between those involved?"

"The only parties involved are you, me, Darius, Hunter, and Angie. Do you really think any of them will talk? Hunter will never go back to jail. You know how miserable he was there."

Portia sighed, " what did you do with all of his letters?"

"He thinks I burnt them."

"And in actuality?"

"There in another name in a lock box in the states."

"Does Tommy know anything about--"

"Tommy is better off not knowing anything, don't you agree?"

Portia nodded. "So what do we do now?"

"We move on."

Tommy really needs to get a grip with himself. Jude was just being inquisitive and it blew up in her face. Those two just cannot call a truce. Must be all those unresolved issues between them. Don't you get the feel of so much more between when they argue?

And just WHAT exactly is Portia and Samantha hiding? Here is a clue: Hunter's letters will come back. But will Hunter? We'll see. After all he did have a line up of all the gang on his wall. He is so creepy, yet so hot. It is truly conflicting.

Anyway, I would like to take them time to thank all of you who have reviewed. You know who you are. If you have not recieved a personal thanks yet, you will!

Thanks again for reading. PLEASE review.