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Chapter 17

Quality Time

Portia linked her fingers through Tommy's as they walked into the hotel. She felt the absence that she had not seen earlier. She turned her head towards him and he didn't notice, seeming distracted.

"Where's your wedding ring?" He looked down at their joined hands and shrugged.

"You know Darius doesn't like me wearing it." She stopped walking before he did and he turned for their confrontation.

"Since when do you listen to Darius?" Tommy looked into her eyes and finally nodded.

"You're right...As always beautiful." And he gave her a small peck on the forehead as they continued up to their room.

They entered the room to see Portia's luggage placed discreetly to one side. When she had come up earlier to freshen up she had not realized that none of Tommy's things were here. Tommy walked over to the couch and sat down, flopping his feet on the coffee table. He reached for the remote and had the T.V. On leaving Portia to unpack her things.

"Where's all of your stuff?" She asked and he looked up at her with an unreadable expression.

"I didn't have time to bring it up from the bus this morning." She nodded accepting his answer as she unzipped a suitcase.

"Don't you think you should get it? We have dinner in a little while..." He stood up quickly, knowing this was the opportunity he had been waiting for.

"I'll be right back." And he headed out before she had a chance to say anything else.

Reality Intruding

He went to the bus first to find a suit to wear from his suitcase and then he went up the 7th floor. They were lucky Boyz Attack had all been put on the 10th floor. When Tommy entered her room, his eyes went immediately to her sitting on the bed, staring at the T.V. Her startled gaze jumped to his as he walked in and sat down beside her. His hand covered her fingers and he searched her eyes to try and figure out what she was thinking.

"I don't know if I can do this tonight..." She finally said as her eyes closed, shutting him out. He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand.

"I'm sorry..." He whispered and pressed his lips to her softly. Her arms flew around him in an involuntary gesture and he held her breathing in her unique scent. "Are you okay?" He asked. She nodded. "Because if you don't go it'll look suspicious."

"I know..." She let her arms fall from around him and he stood up. He went over to his bag that he had placed in the room earlier and rummaged for his shaving kit. He opened it up and took a ring out. He turned and showed it to Jude.

"She asked..." Jude nodded jerkily.

"You better get going." He walked over and gave her one more kiss, resting his forehead against hers.

"I love you." He murmured before standing up again. Tommy took his things and walked out with guilt gnawing at his stomach. It was like nothing he had ever felt before.

Always the One

She exited the elevator reluctantly. She had waited as long as possible, before making her way down to the lobby. It was exactly 8 as her heels found the marbled floor. She self-consciously, made her way towards the foyer, as two men gazed at her mesmerized. She had on a silver blue silk dress that matched her eyes to perfection. It had a cowl neckline, tight in the bodice and flaring out at the skirt to below her knees. On her feet were a sexy pair of silver high heeled sandals, with straps wrapping around the ankles. Her hair was pushed back, revealing her slender white neck. Tommy had never seen her dressed up before and it was almost like a shot to the heart. She walked up to them, standing beside Chaz. Chaz took advantage of her proximity and placed his hand possessively on the small of her back, her bare back. The back of Jude's dress was made up of only two crisscrossed straps to hold the bodice in place. She had to fight the natural urge to step away from him. Tommy saw the touch and was ready to rip Chaz's arm out. Tommy's hand tightened involuntarily.

"Baby if beauty were time, you'd be an eternity." Jude looked at him not quite believing he would say anything so cheesy and had to laugh. Chaz kissed her cheek as they turned back to the other couple.

"You guys are so cute." Portia said.

"We should get going." Tommy said glaring at Chaz behind Portia's back. They went outside to meet the 2 cars Chaz had hired. Tommy watched as Chaz helped Jude into the first one.

Champagne, Subterfuge and Soufflé

They were seated at the best table in the best restaurant in the city. The paparazzi outside had snapped pictures of the 2 couples coming in and were waiting patiently for them to leave. Chaz sat down beside Jude with Tommy across from her and Portia across from Chaz. Chaz immediately ordered 2 bottles of Dom Perignon. Jude quickly took a sip as it was served by the waiter. Chaz and Portia held up the conversation after they had all ordered. Jude and Tommy both tried hard not to look at the other. Jude found herself taking a another drink of the bubbly beverage as she listened half heartedly to Portia talking about Paris.

"Jude you have to taste this it is amazing." Chaz moved his fork in front of her mouth with a piece of salmon on it. She tried to turn her head.

"No thanks. I'm good."

"Oh come on this is the best salmon I've ever had." He waved the fish in front of her face again.

"Leave her alone man. Jude hates fish." Tommy finally said. 3 pairs of eyes turned to him at his outburst. Portia of course wondered why Tommy would know something like that, when he couldn't even be bothered to remember her birthday. Chaz put his fork back on his plate and looked embarrassed.

"Really?" Jude gave a small nod. The tension was palatable as the they all turned their attention back to their various meals. Jude took another gulp of champagne, picking at her food, but not actually eating much. Tommy frowned at her, noticing the amount she was drinking. Chaz refilled her glass and she gave him a small smile.

"So did you catch our new dance routine today? I think it's better than the old one." Jude coughed on the liquid she had just brought to her mouth as Tommy looked at her amused, waiting to hear what she would say. She bit her inner lip, trying hard not to laugh as she caught the sparkle in Tommy's eyes.

"I need to use the restroom." She blurted out and quickly got up leaving them, practically running towards the Ladies room. Chaz gave them a baffled look, not understanding what had set her off.

"I'll check on her." Portia volunteered and got up to go after her.

Jude stood in front of the mirror and burst into hysterical laughter. The tension of the night had taken its toll on her, combined with the champagne she had drunk. The door swung open and she saw Portia walk in. Portia stood next to her and took some lip gloss out of her purse to freshen her make up.

"What's so funny?" Jude explained how she had never actually been able to watch the Boyz perform. Portia started laughing too.

"Not once? You've been on the road with them for months!"

"I know I know. Just don't tell Chaz." Portia nodded and looked over at her.

"So you and Chaz huh? You don't seem like the type to date him. You know he's got a reputation?" Jude shrugged.

"I really didn't plan on getting together with anyone one this tour." Jude said truthfully. "I even promised myself I wouldn't get involved with another industry guy." Recognition dawned in Portia's eyes.

"Jude Harrison... I knew your name sounded familiar."

"What?!" Jude fairly squeaked. What could Portia have heard all the way in Paris?!

"You were Shay's girl." Jude's shoulders relaxed.

"Yeah a longtime ago..." Portia put away her make up and started to wash her hands.

"I forgot to mention I love your dress." Jude looked down at the dress Sadie had bought for her.

"Thanks. My sister got it for me. I don't have any fashion sense. I like your necklace." Jude admired the gold chain with a round pendant hanging off of it, around Portia's neck. Portia touched it briefly.

"Traditional Quincy guilt gift." Jude's eyes widened. "First time he cheated on me..."

"Don't you worry? I mean with all these groupies hanging around?" Jude finally asked.

"He might flirt with them, hell he even might sleep with them, but I'm the one he comes home to." Jude's face grew pale at the other woman's words.

"We should probably get back out there before they come in looking." Jude said and they made their way out to the table.

Tommy watched Jude closely as she became more giggly as the night progressed. Chaz kept his arm on the back of her chair and made sure to fill her glass when it was half full.

"Mmmm this soufflé is so good." Jude practically moaned as she put another bite to her lips. The action distracted both Chaz and Tommy.

"It's just dessert Harrison." Tommy said trying to stop her from her sexy little moans. Portia wondered why Tommy called Jude by her last name.

"How can you say that? Have you ever had it?" He shook his head. She looked at him in surprise.

"But you're French Quincy." Before Tommy could reply Portia spoke.

"How did you know Tommy was French?" It took Jude a moment to formulate a reply. Although she wasn't really as drunk as she appeared, the alcohol had slowed her responses.

"My sister Sadie is obsessed with Tommy Q. She must have told me..." Portia knew that Tommy had kept his past out of the media. No one really knew his background. "I mean she knew about your marriage and everything." Jude continued to over share. When lying less is better Jude. She mentally kicked herself.

Jude was a little wobbly by the end of the dinner and Chaz had his arm around her to keep her walking straight. As they walked out front the cameras almost blinded them with their flashes. They stood waiting for their hired cars as Chaz held onto Jude a little too closely. The first car pulled up and the driver got out to open the car door.

"I uh need to ask Chaz something." Tommy said to Portia and walked over to them. Jude had already gotten into the vehicle when Tommy made his way over.

"Don't touch her Chaz." Tommy warned through clenched teeth. Chaz smirked at him.

"You're wife's waiting for you Tommy." Chaz got in and shut the door leaving Tommy standing on the sidewalk. Portia came over a minute later. She linked her arm through his and leaned against him.

"They make a cute couple don't they?" Their car pulled up then, saving Tommy from answering.