Here's the next chapter. Rating will change in next chapter instead of this one. As always I own nothing.

Chapter 19

Tommy was leaving the studio later than he wanted to. He was tired from his trip. He wanted to get home, cook dinner, and spend time with Jude. He was heading for the door when Darius stopped him.

"T, how are you doing today?"

"Good, D. Glad to be home."

"Look if you feel like you need some time off."

"Jude and I are just ramping up."

"Yeah, about that."

"What?" Tommy knew exactly where Darius was taking this.

"Man, I haven't ever said anything, but she's seventeen years old."

"You may have never voiced your opinion, but your actions have been loud and clear."

"What do you mean?"

"D, I have always done what you have wanted me to do. I jump on a plane to fly to Montana on a moments notice. We've always done things your way. We keep our personal relationship out of this place as much as possible. And in a week she'll be eighteen. Outside of this, we are none of your business."

"She's still my artist."

"But she's my girl." And with that he walked away.

He had a couple of stops to make to get things for dinner. He didn't get to cook often, but it was something he loved to do, especially for Jude. She would try anything at least once.

He couldn't help but think about his talk with Darius. He wondered how he was going to react after her birthday. Tommy had learned a long time ago not to let Darius control his life. Five years to be exact. This year was different. He didn't want to shut down. He knew Angie would want him to be happy, and with Jude he was happier than he'd ever been. Jude made him want to be a better person. Sometimes, though, his past mistakes helped Jude do the right thing.

They were hanging out at her house. Her mom was still not home, and Sadie was at Kwest's. "So he wanted me naked in mud." Jude said laughing.

"Does he know you are only seventeen?"

"I don't think he cared. And Darius wasn't much better since he wasn't discouraging him. Then Portia huffed and followed him out of the room."

"Don't worry. If you want me to talk to Portia." There was no way he was going to let his girlfriend be naked on her album cover.

"No, I can stand up for my self."

"Okay. So, you want to talk about your music test? Jude, I know math is not your best subject, but music?"

"I'm so busy that school is like the last thing on my mind. Dad says we can get me a tutor so I won't have to worry with school, school."

Tommy didn't like the sound of that considering he didn't finish school him self. He almost felt like a hypocrite if he said something, but he couldn't help it. "You know I always wish I had the whole high school experience to look back on, but if that's what you want to do. Who am I to tell you not to?"

The next day Tommy went to talk to Portia. "Hey can I talk to you."

"Okay."

"Look Jude was really excited about Tad Thompson doing her album cover."

"Yeah, but she didn't like his ideas."

"Portia, come on. She's seventeen. She is not going to be naked in mud on her album cover. First her parents would never go for it."

"Her parents have agreed to worse things."

"What is that supposed to mean?"

"Come off it, Tommy. You know exactly what I am talking about. They don't seem to mind her dating her much older producer."

"This has nothing to do with me. Just see if you can get him back."

"I'll see what I can do."

That after noon they went to a public school to hand out instruments to elementary students as damage control for Jude's music grade going public. Tommy just watched her wondering if she was actually learning a lesson. He realized Jude didn't understand what a role model she was. She even told a little ten-year-old girl to get used to people not liking her songs. It was all he could think about on the ride back to G Major.

When the bus stopped, he was brought out of his thought when he heard Portia say the photographer was back on for Jude's album cover. He looked up and Jude had moved to the seat in front of him.

"I saw a teacher get swoon-ish when she saw you in the gym, I swear."

"Hey kid get used to people not liking your stuff?"

"Yeah, I had to get used to it."

"You are a rock star, that kid is ten."

"Okay be nice. I've had a rough week."

"Hey get used to it."

"Come on Tommy, what was I supposed to say?"

"Do you remember back a few months ago when you begged Darius not to take me off your album?"

"Yeah."

"DO you know what you need me?"

"I have a few ideas."

"Because I always pull you through. I always keep you going. That little girl is going to quit, Jude, because no one told her to keep going." He hated being this harsh to her, but he needed her to see that these kids look up to her, and take what she says to heart.

The next day he looked for Jude everywhere. He actually wanted to apologize and make sure she was okay. He thought maybe he should have explained everything to her in a less harsh way. She wasn't at home or at G Major. Spied said she wasn't at school. He decided to get some work done on Mason's album.

"T, have you heard from Jude today?" Darius asked walking into studio A.

"Nope. Can't seem to find her."

"Well the music teacher from yesterday called and said she was in his class again. Apparently, she wanted to make up for yesterday. He said she was writing a song with the kids." Tommy couldn't believe the smile that was on Darius' face. "You didn't know anything about this?"

"No, but it doesn't surprise me. D, I have been telling you she's a pro now." Tommy was so proud of her. He knew she would do the right thing.

He couldn't wait to see her and get back to work the next morning. He watched her with the little girl, and saw a different Jude. One that knew and respected that kids looked up to her.

"So, Darius wants this song on the album." He said walking into studio A, where she was waiting for him.

"Nice."

"It was nice of you to go back to that school."

"Hey it was nice of you to call me on it. Oh, and I'm going back to school, school instead of getting a tutor. I thought about what you said, and I guess having the high school experience will be good for me in the long run."

He couldn't help but smile. "So, are you ready to do this?"

"Are you ready to show me how it's done?"

"There are a lot of inappropriate answers to that question."

"Don't okay. We're at work. Professional remember."

"Alright, but why don't you come over tonight. Bring your laundry, I'll help you with it."

"Okay. Cook me dinner?"

"Anything you want."

"Okay."

She was always amazing him. Five years ago he never thought he'd love again. But Jude was it for him.

When he got home, he had to rush. He knew she'd be there soon, and he had to get dinner started. Every few minutes he'd think back to Angie. His life had changed so much since her death. Back then he was a cocky boy bander. Now he was a semi successful producer. Maybe he was still a bit cocky, but he knew how to appreciate the things in life now.

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