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Chapter 36
With a fake smile plastered on her face, Jude greeted everyone. She knew if she quit smiling then she'd crumble. It was supposed to be Tommy's hand in hers instead of nothing.
While she was dancing with her dad, she tried not to let him see that she was bothered by something. "Is Tom running late?"
"He said something came up, and he wasn't going to make it." She said sadly. She couldn't lie to her dad.
"Really?" Stuart said sounding completely shocked.
"Yeah. It was last minute."
"Jude I'm sure it was something major if he would miss this." She could tell he was trying to be supportive, but she was having a hard time feeling positive without Tommy.
When Darius called her on to the stage with the announcement of how well her album was doing, she felt it was forced. Like she was the only one that didn't know something. Then the band started playing the music for Love To Burn. She hadn't had a chance to tell them she was changing the song. While singing she remembered her last show before Tommy came home from Montreal.
She had just arrived at the venue. This was the last show of the week and she couldn't have been happier. A show a night was almost too much especially with out Tommy there. He was her support system.
In her dressing room was a huge bouquet of red roses. She could tell it was more than just a dozen. The card simply said, 'I love you. See you tomorrow. Love, T.' It made her smile. She missed him like crazy. She hated doing shows without him in the wings watching her.
She had the best show of the week. Thinking of seeing him the next day really boosted her energy level.
"Wow, Dude! You blew them away." Spied said as they left the stage.
"Yeah, Jude, that was out best show all week." Kyle added.
"Squinty must be coming home soon." Spied laughed.
"For your information, he is coming home tomorrow."
"That must have been who those roses were from." Wally commented.
Jude just beamed. "Maybe." Just then her phone rang. "They are beautiful." She said flipping her cell open.
"I'm glad you like them. So how was your show?"
"Really good. I think I had extra energy thinking about tomorrow." She said lounging on the couch in her dressing room twirling a rose in her hand.
"What's tomorrow?" She could hear the laughter in his voice.
"I get to see you."
"Oh yeah. I'm looking forward to that too. It's been a long week. Hotel beds aren't as comfortable as they once were."
"I don't think they were ever comfortable. You were just too drunk to care."
"You're probably right. I wish I could have been at your shows this week. I don't like missing your performances."
"I know, and I don't like when you miss them either. I'm so used to being able to look over and see you."
They talked until security knocked on her door telling her it was time to go. She called him back after she got home and crawled into bed.
"So, is Sadie home?"
"Nope. She's stayed with Kwest every night this week."
"So, you've been staying by yourself?"
"I think I can handle it I an almost eighteen."
"I know girl. I just wish I was with you."
"I still have part of you. I still have your leather jacket. I've been sleeping in it every night so your smell surrounds me."
"I don't have anything of yours."
"Sure you do, my heart."
"I love you girl."
"I know Babe." She started yawning. "I love you too."
"You need to get some sleep, Harrison."
"I want to keep hearing your voice."
"Okay." That was the last thing she heard before falling asleep.
Her heart was breaking the whole time she was singing the song.
Tommy had decided he was going to pay Hunter off. He had plenty of cars, so all he needed to do was find a buyer. After a few phone calls, he set up a time for a switch off. Hunter couldn't refuse cold hard cash.
He didn't know if Jude would come over after the party. She'd probably be so pissed that she wouldn't want to see him for days. Just in case he finished his closet and dresser for the proposal.
She sat down hoping no one would question why she looked so lost. That song took all her strength to sing with a smile. It obviously meant nothing.
"Where's Quincy?" Spied asked sitting beside her.
"I don't know. Said something came up. He promised me this night wouldn't turn out like every other birthday. Then he pulls this. I'm done. Every time I feel he's truly changed, he does something."
"Relationships are hard, Dude." She could tell he was staring at Karma.
"You and Karma, huh?"
"Yeah… I mean no."
"Don't worry, Vin, I already figured it out. Don't let her bring you down. But if you really care about her, tell her. And don't stand her up on the biggest night of her life. I gotta get out of here."
Jude needed fresh air. She willed her self not to cry. How could Tommy break his promise? He said they'd dance and nothing would change that, but obviously something did. She ran into Jamie in the lobby.
"Hey. I know everyone you care about is in there, but…"
"Get me out of here." She pleaded.
He called Kwest to check on the party. He needed to know Hunter hadn't done anything.
"Hey, Man." Kwest answered.
"How's the party?"
"Jude's been pretty devastated all night. I can tell by just watching her."
"What about Hunter?"
"I saw him lurking around at the beginning of the party. Even walked Jude in, but I haven't seen him in awhile."
"He walked her in? How did that happen?"
"I don't know, man, but she walked away from him and told Sadie she was getting a weird vibe from him. So I don't think you have to worry about her not keeping her distance from him."
"Good. What's she doing now?"
"She walked out of the ballroom a few minutes ago and hasn't come back."
"Kwest you have to find her."
"Don't worry, T. I will."
Tommy threw his phone down and ran his fingers through his hair. Jude had to be okay. He grabbed another beer and his guitar and went up to his room.
Okay so there was only one review since my last update. I hope everyone is still interested. Keep letting me know what you think. I love reading the reviews. Actually they drive me to want to write more. Only two more chapters to go. Will it be happily ever after? Come back and find out.