Author Notes: I know a lot happen in the last two chapters, but the next chapters will follow the episodes more closely—well almost. Not so happy about the chapter, mainly because it is the leftover from chapter nine and I just couldn't get it to come right. But after a week of writing and rewriting it I am going with this edition.
Pairing: Jude/Tommy; Kwest/Sadie
Summary: Tommy and Jude are out as a couple.
Disclaimer: I do not own Instant Star or its characters.
Rate: PG-13
Season: 2
Category: Romance
Spoilers: No Sleep Til Brooklyn Part 1 & 2
*************************
Monday August 14, 2006
Jude smoothed down the shirt that she was wearing as she walked into G-major, stopping when she saw Sadie. Then she remembered that Tommy had mentioned that Kwest got Sadie a part time job at G-Major. She would be helping the receptionist out three days a week, and working as the receptionist on Saturdays. Their current receptionist, Marianna, had complained to Georgia about the overload in work, so she in return agreed to hire an extra pair of hands. Kwest of course took no time in recommending Sadie when the past two part-timers quit after only about a month each.
Walking past her she smiled, Sadie would do fine here. For two summers she worked at their dad's office so she was familiar with the work and etiquette. Plus she already knew a good number of people here, and being Kwest's wife and Jude's sister would get her accepted right away. Well sort of, Marianna would be the opposite because she hated musicians and anyone related to them. It was the main reason Georgia hired her because she didn't have to worry about her pitching anyone. But Marianna was also the reason the other two quit, they just could not work with her. Jude only hoped Marianna was ready, because Sadie had never quit at anything in her life.
"What's going on," Jude asked Tommy who walked up to her. She did not miss his gloomy expression, as she knew it must be the fact he had been in meetings since eight this morning.
"Georgia's left G-Major," Tommy explained softly rubbing his eyes, the last seven hours had been the worse and most stressful since before last year's Instant Star Competition. He wasn't sure the meetings were ever going to end, and he still had this one and one more.
"Georgia owns G-major how can she just leave it," Jude questioned confused, as far as she knew Georgia loved G-Major. She had spent everything she had to get it up and running.
"She sold 50 percent to me, and the other half to Darius," Tommy explained smiling grimly as he said it. Jude could tell that Tommy didn't have much choice in that decision. "Darius wanted to fire EJ but I stopped him, she's good at her job."
"What does this mean for me," Jude asked scared, she could only image what things Darius would do now. Georgia had been her voice, Tommy told her that more than once.
"Nothing," Darius said coming up from behind her happily. Jude was his current superstar, Shay tour had turned into the Jude tour by the fourth week. "You have three number hits and a number one album that just hit gold."
"What," Jude gasped looking up at Tommy who smiled softly nodding. Tommy had wanted to call her but he knew Darius would kill him if he blew his horn. "Why didn't you tell me?"
"Because he's not your manager," Darius told her guiding her away from Tommy. Darius wanted to make sure that Jude knew who was really in control of her career, which one would be doing everything in their power to make sure she stayed on top.
Tommy shut the door as EJ and Portia walked in, EJ who was visibly showing her sadness over losing Georgia. Darius took the seat that used to be Georgia while Tommy took his tradition seat on the couch to the side. The rules were the same, now he and Tommy had to agree on anything that dealt with Jude. This just meant that if Jude didn't like it Tommy wouldn't agree to it. Tommy would never want her to do anything that she did not want to do. But it also meant that Tommy would have to take more of an interest in G-Major business, which led to his day of meetings.
Portia took her normal stance of standing behind of Jude. Portia was there for Jude from emotional support to fashion she would always be by her side. EJ took her normal seat which was by Darius who she just gave a passive look. She knew he didn't want her to stay. It had nothing to do with her but she was loyal to Georgia. She had known Georgia for years they had started this record company together so it shocked her that she sold it to Darius and Tommy. If Georgia had a real plan she would be gone but she didn't and EJ loved her job too much to just leave it for nothing. Especially now that Jude was taking off, things were just starting to get good around here.
"First of all how did your photo shoot go," Darius asked smiling; he knew it went well because he called them before, during, and after.
"Great as far as I know," Jude shrugged smiling; she did not like it when all the attention was on her like it was right now. Everyone, Tommy EJ and Darius were all looking at her, watching her, judging her.
"Andre Mendez has asked for you and SME to be some of the faces of his new hair product and make-up line for young adults," Darius smiled getting her to look up smiling as well. Portia smirked she knew that Andre had talked to him about something.
"You're kidding me," Jude laughed looking at Tommy who just grinned at her. Jude didn't realize she had made that good of an impression on him.
"You made a good impression with him," Portia smirked as if reading her mind. She knew from experience that Andre didn't pick just anyone to model for his products. "He has several ads ready for you and the Spiederman boys we just need to set up a time."
"I'll release an official statement," EJ said getting a nod from Tommy and Darius.
"So is there anything else we need to discuss," Darius said looking straight at Tommy. Darius knew when Tommy had been dating his sister, Darius knew when he began his affair, and he knew there was something going on between them. But this time he refused to just watch, Tommy Q would not destroy Jude Harrison.
"Jude and I are um…we're," Tommy began but stopped then he looked up at an amused Darius. He hated it when Darius gave him that look; it made him feel like he was a teenager again. "Jude and I are dating, and have been for over six months now."
"What," EJ exclaimed standing up. This was mind blowing this could have sky rocketed her career long ago; he was so much bigger than Shay Mills. "And you're just telling us now."
"I don't think there is any need for yelling," Portia sighed rolling her eyes at the woman. "Just release a statement that confirms their relationship."
"There will be no mixing personal lives with professional," Darius snapped, looking at Jude. He would give her credit where it was due; she had done a good job at keeping her relationship with Tommy under wraps. "You two have done a good job at keeping it quiet and maintaining a professional front let's keep it that way."
"You have my word D," Tommy vowed looking at Jude who nodded. Then he looked back up at Darius who had the look in his eyes that always made Tommy's blood turn cold. Tommy knew that he was not going to get off easy with this.
"I need to speak with you alone for a moment Tommy," Darius said not taking the smile off his face when he looked at Jude. "You keep up the great work."
Jude followed Portia out as EJ went straight to work on the phone calling all the major places to confirm that Jude Harrison has been dating Tommy Q for over six months. She began to go on about the reasons as to why they remained quiet. Jude shook her heard as EJ then began to go on about her and SME becoming part of Andre Mendez line of hair stylist products and make up. She looked at the door, Darius and Tommy had been in there for over ten minutes and she heard nothing.
Portia watched as EJ had almost all the major newspapers, magazines, and media on speed-dial. With one touch of a button she was talking to someone new in seconds. EJ was good at her job, just like she was good at her job. Portia made it her business to know fashion, to know what was in and what was not. That was the difference between them, EJ only thought about what was in now and not the trends that were waiting to come out. Jude was that trend, she had spirit and fire that people wanted to see. Jude was the kind of person that started trends.
******
Kat looked around the room that was hers for another day or so before she returned home. She was so tired but it was a good tired because she was working hard. She had spent the entire summer learning from real designers. Spending her nights imaging what it would be like to one day have someone like her wanting to learn from her. Falling on the small bed she groaned out loud as her phone rang; it was her cell phone so that was a plus. This meant that it was someone she wanted to talk to and not someone from work.
Picking up the small phone she smiled as she saw the name Jude on it. They had lunch at the beginning of her tour when she did her show only an hour away from where she was staying. Both of them completely over the moon about the fact they were living out their dreams. She was on a real tour with her album just being released while she was working with real designers that picked her. And many of them told her she had a chance to make it, if she applied herself.
"Hello," Kat mumbled into the phone tiredly.
"You sound tired," Jude grinned into the phone as she sat down on the couch waiting for Tommy, who was now meeting the new guy, Liam. She was getting worried because she hadn't seen Tommy since their meeting an hour or so before.
"I am tired," Kat laughed glad to hear her voice. She knew Jude's tour had ended but she also knew her label would be pulling her in different directions. "Why do you sound so happy?"
"I wanted to tell you in person but EJ told the entire world so it's probably going to be on tonight's news," Jude groaned, sometimes she really hated being famous. Okay she only hated it when it enabled her to tell her friends something like this in person.
"What is," Kat asked worried, imaging the worse as she went to the counter to get herself something to eat. They had been working overtime for a fashion show next week, so she hadn't ate in several hours.
"I've been dating Tommy for over six months," Jude told her waiting for Kat to scream or freak out in someway. She got worried when she said nothing; Jude began to frown when she didn't even hear her breathing. "Kat did you hear me."
"Tommy as in Tommy Q," Kat asked already knowing the answer, going for a fork. She could not believe this, not only did she get to work with him she was now his girlfriend.
"I'm sorry I wanted to tell you, but he was afraid it would get out and he was worried that people would not react well," Jude began going on. Kat sucked in a deep breath, she could handle this she could handle this. Jude was a famous musician so of course she was going to date other famous people. "I am so sorry; don't hate me for not telling you sooner."
Kat could not think right now, but it did start to make sense. All the times she had tried to get her to date after Shay and she refused, she refused because she was dating Tommy Q. All the times she said she was with Sadie or she had plans with her parents that neither she nor Jamie knew about. How many times did she use the excuse Tommy is a perfectionist that was why they spent so much time together. Kat could almost laugh; she had been so blind to the fact that her best friend was dating another guy.
Jude gave her friend a moment she could heard her messing around with what sounded like dishes. She knew that this was a lot to take in, Jamie just starred at her for like five minutes. Jude looked around G-Major, she saw that Darius's door was opening which meant Tommy was coming out of his meeting with the new guy Liam. Liam was taking over Georgia's spot—well sort of. Liam would deal with the business area of G-Major, while Darius and Tommy would deal with the rest. This was good because it did not look like he was a music lover at all. Jude could tell that neither she nor Tommy were going to like him very much.
"My best friend is dating Little Tommy Q," Kat mumbled out in complete shock starting to walk towards the couch.
"He hates being called that," Jude laughed as Tommy walked out with Liam, who looked liked he was in pain. He had on this tight face as Tommy and Darius explained something to him. Though Jude did not miss the look he shot towards her sister who was at the front desk.
"Sorry I'm just…wow this tops anything you could have told me," Kat laughed nervously as she tried to joggle her plate and glass of water.
"While in Rome Sadie got married to Tommy's best friend Kwest," Jude smirked into the phone, and then heard a crash. "Kat are you alright."
"I just dropped my dinner no worries," Kat muttered, which made Jude laugh. This was the same old Kat she remember, she only hoped that nothing changed too much between them. "Jamie isn't dating anyone connected to Tommy is he?"
"He is as far as I know still single," Jude confirmed laughing again as she heard Kat's sigh of relief while muttering a word that sounded like good. Picking up her plate and glass Kat could not resist, she just had to know.
"So is Tommy a good kisser," Kat asked eagerly, getting a laugh from Jude who tried not to blush as Tommy eyes met hers.
******
Tuesday August 15, 2005
Instant Romance
Tommy Q and Jude Harrison Dating!!
Jude looked at the cover of the newspaper in front of her, unable to believe her eyes. EJ had confirmed their relationship yesterday yet here it was in black and white. The picture of them on the front page was taken at one of her shows. She read the article trying not to laugh, it was a somewhat small article but it still made front page. She knew that EJ would be talking with them about doing an official interview and getting some 'better' or recent pictures of them out there. Of course if EJ had her way all pictures of her red hair would be burned out of existence.
Walking up stairs she decided not to bother her mother, who was sitting at the dinning room table eating. She was having a hard time as it was. Dealing with her dating Tommy was one thing, but than add the fact that Sadie eloped was just too much. Shutting the door to her room she grabbed her cell phone, Tommy had been expecting this. Falling on her bed she could hardly believe this made front page so soon. It was just confirming they were dating it wasn't like when Shay humiliated dash dumped her at her birthday party.
"Happy birthday," Jude greeted into the phone getting a laugh from Tommy. It had been awhile since someone genuinely cared about his birthday. Kwest always took him out for lunch, but that was about it. "We're on the front page by the way."
"I am Tommy Q," Tommy reminded her. He knew that people would be eating this up he knew to prepare for the camera attacks. "They're probably starting the count down to your heartbreak as we speak."
"Heartthrob Tommy Q has managed to steal another heart, but this one belongs to the original Instant Star Jude Harrison," Jude began rolling onto her stomach. Why they used the word original was beyond her, the three finalists hadn't even been picked yet. "Jude's publicist EJ Li confirmed yesterday that the two have been in a committed and exclusive relationship for over six months now."
"I got the article now," Tommy sighed going back to his table for his coffee. He glanced over the article taking in the main points; shocked there was no mention of their age difference. "No mention of the seven year age difference, but there is a mention of Portia."
"Remember we're having lunch with my dad on Thursday," Jude smirked putting the newspaper down, laughing when she heard his groan. "And there is no way out of it besides being hospitalize, and then my dad will need written proof from your doctor."
"What if Kwest can't get off," Tommy asked worried about being alone with Jude's father. He knew that Stuart loved his children, to him the sun set and rose to them.
"Kwest talked to Darius this morning, he's going to stay late to make up the extra time he's taking for the lunch," Jude told him laughing softly. Tommy was really hoping to get out of this since he had never actually been in this type of situation before. "But nice try, babe."
*************
Kyle hissed in pain as he put an ice pack on his side, then he smiled briefly when he saw the newspaper. He knew that they came out yesterday to Darius. Sucking in a deep breath he hissed again as he shifted to the side, trying to push the shots of pain out of his mind. He knew better than to talk to his dad after an all nighter, but three months away had dulled his memory he guessed. Lucky for him he was still too drunk to really see so when he kicked the chair Kyle made a sound that made him think he hit him so he left for bed laughing. So Kyle managed to get away this time with only a one kick to his side.
Walking slowly to his room he let out a breath when his father made no sounds as he walked pasted his room. Then he grabbed his jacket and slowly made it pasted his room again, letting out his breath again. Opening the front door slowly he shut it just the same as he ran away from his house as fast as he could. He pushed the pain away because he needed to get away. His father would be passed out until at least three in the morning, and at that point he wouldn't remember anything. He'd take a few more beer and pass out until at least noon, and he would be home by that time.
He never looked around because everyone around here knew what happened to him, and a few of them tried to help. But it never worked each time they would send him back and it was worse then before so people stopped calling. The main problem was his father's best friend Harry and their gang. They would claim that Calvin Walsh was a loving father who was trying to raise his son after they were abandoned. They would tell them that the neighbors didn't like Calvin because he didn't have a job like an accountant or a teacher and they bought the lines. This was because none of them knew the truth because the abuse and drinking didn't start until after his mom left when he was thirteen.
"How was your summer Kyle," an elder woman asked coming out to get her mail. It had been so nice to see him when he came back he looked so healthy and happy, just like before. Now she could see that a few days back had brought the pain back, a pain she wished she could take away.
"It was the greatest Ms. Hendricks," Kyle smiled softly opening the mail box for her because she always had a hard time with it. She smiled and nodded as he walked off, moving more slowly now.
"That poor boy," Ms. Hendricks muttered as she walked back inside. She had hoped that a summer away would remind Calvin how precious Kyle was, but it was obvious that didn't happen.
Kyle would not go to Portia's; he would not burden her anymore. She had been such a good friend to him, helping him when ever he needed it but he could not keep doing this to her. So he took a left and decided to go where he used to go, Wally's. Walking down the streets he knew his movements were getting slower, as the pain started to increase with each step and breath. Looking to the side he saw a phone, he would not call her. Wally would be more than happy to take him in for the night but if he went to Wally's that meant they'd end up at Spied's. Holding his side he knew he was in position for that.
Moving to the side he picked up the phone to call Wally, sighing when he got no answer. He then tried Spied's, maybe he could tell him where Wally was but no answer there either. Leaning back he saw a few cars drive past him, closing his eyes he was finding it hard to breathe now, he just needed to rest. He hadn't taken any medicine for the pain, so it was starting to take over. Sucking in a deep breath he dialed the familiar number. Frowning when her voice came onto the phone, he really did not want to bother her anymore but he could not back home yet.
*************
Vicki walked around the house she was still trying to process all of this, she really was. In her hand she held a picture of Sadie dressed in that white dress. The dress was not a wedding dress but just a white summer dress she bought from some store. Her hair was done up with flowers while Kwest wore a pair of slacks and a white dress up shirt. This was their wedding picture, them standing in front of some church in Rome. Their arms wrapped around one another as their bodies molded into each other perfectly. Tears filled Vicki's eyes; her baby had gone off and eloped with some guy that she barely even knew.
Stuart watched as Jude rushed into the arms of Tommy Quincy. Jude had managed to talk him into not making Tommy come in, claiming he was nervous as it was. The lunch date on Thursday was fast approaching and he could tell by the look in Tommy's eyes he was afraid. Though he knew it was wrong he actually felt a pleasure out of it. This also let Stuart know that Tommy was serious about Jude, that he really wanted to make it work. He waved them goodbye as Jude got into his blue viper. Stuart looked down at his watch, he was going to call exactly at midnight and if Jude was not home Little Tommy Q was a dead man.
Stuart could hear Vicki walking around crying, she was not taking Sadie's marriage to well. Actually she was not taking anything to well. Stuart had noticed his ex-wife's distant behavior since his return. She walked down the stairs holding the picture of Kwest and Sadie that she refused to frame. Sadie had sent it in to be resized, so he was expecting his any day. The one in her hand was the smaller version, but Sadie had hoped she would frame it until they got the bigger one. Vicki refused, just like she refused to accept Kwest as her son-in-law.
"Is Jude gone," Vicki mumbled glaring at her ex-husband who she had hoped would have left with their youngest daughter.
"She has a date with Tommy," Stuart sighed walking towards her, after more than twenty years of marriage he knew something was wrong with her. And he knew it had nothing to do with him. "I guess it's his birthday today, and she wanted to spend it with him…I told her she better be home exactly at midnight."
"I wanted to forbid her to see him but," Vicki began stopping to look at him. This was so easy she could almost forget they were divorced that he destroyed her—almost. "But that would not stop her from seeing him, heck she's been dating him for months in secret as it is."
"Jude has a mind of her own," Stuart laughed going to seat on the couch. How he missed this, how he missed being in the center of his children's lives. "I forgot how beautiful she looks as a blonde…she and Sadie look so much alike."
"They're all grown up Stuart," Vicki whispered looking at the picture in her hand of Sadie and Kwest again. She had lost her babies and there was no getting them back. Don was right; right now she had to worry about herself because soon she would be all alone.
"Jude isn't grown up yet," Stuart objected looking up at his ex-wife. Sure he would admit that Jude was growing up and she was turning into an incredible young woman but she wasn't there just yet.
"Yes she is Stuart," Vicki argued meeting his gentle yet confused eyes with ones of determination. "Jude doesn't need anyone anymore, you and G-major made sure of that."
*****
Tommy had to put in a CD because every station was talking about them and their relationship. Most of them were bringing up Shay, who at the moment was not doing so well. His tour quickly turned into her tour, everyone wanted more Jude. This pushed Darius to do an America release, which was set for September 5. Shay on the other hand was taking a year or so off. Darius decide he needed a little break to reinvent his sound. This came from the fact that his only hit off his album was the one Tommy produced.
Jude sighed when they pulled in front of his house shaking her head in disapproval. He went over to open her door smiling as he helped her out. She looked beautiful tonight. She had on a beautiful black dress that went to her knees. Her now blonde hair was down, the blonde somehow brought out the bright blue color of her eyes. Her normal bracelets and watch were replaced with the charm bracelet he got her for her birthday, and of course she had her trademark star ring on. Taking her hand he pulled her towards his front door.
Walking in Jude smiled at the candle lit dinner waiting for them. She smiled as she heard a car drive off, and she figured it was whoever created this meal while Tommy was getting her. He held out the chair for her that she sat in; then he went over to his chair. To her delight it was at least Tommy's favorite meal, since this was supposes to be his birthday dinner. She picked up the napkin giving him a playful glare as she eyed the food in front of them. She had told him she wanted to take him out for his birthday and he claimed to know the best place.
"This was supposes to be your birthday dinner," Jude told him taking a bite of the salad in front of her. She was not going to let him get off easy, she didn't know what to get him since he had everything a guy could want.
"Back home birthday dinners were spent at home," Tommy explained softly remembering his birthday dinners as a child. His mother believed that a birthday was something for the family to celebrate not just that one person. "Not at restaurants or clubs; my mom always made me this very meal every year."
"That sweet," Jude sighed smiling widely. She watched Tommy for a moment as he ate the meal she was sure he cooked himself. "You never did tell me what you wanted for your birthday?"
"I have everything I could ever want," Tommy told her honestly smiling when she smiled at him. He knew she was going to kill him but he had a plan. "But I did get you something."
"I think you're confused Quincy," Jude laughed as he stood up from his chair. This was just like Tommy, not to want anything for himself but to get her something instead. "See on your birthday you receive the gifts, not give them."
Tommy shook his head laughing, he took her hand and led her away from the table he could not do this here. He took her out his back way to the patio deck, and motioned for her to seat down. Jude watched him as he felt his pocket then mumbled something under his breath as he went back inside. A few moments later he walked back out slowly. The last time he was this nervous was when he told her about Angie. Jude watched him curious, because he was starting to make her nervous.
The sun was setting giving the sky behind them a red-gold look yes Tommy knew this was perfect. This was the kind of moment that stuck with you forever. No matter how many years passed she would always remember this moment. Jude shifted back and forth as he walked towards her even slower. Getting on his knees he settled himself in between her legs getting her to smile. She caressed his face watching him as he closed his eyes at her touch. Then he opened them, looking up at her with all the love he had inside of him. When he did this she saw everything he could not say to her, because it was okay that he couldn't. She did not need him to say anything she knew exactly what he felt when he looked at her just like this.
"I wanted to do this the night you got back, but I left this here," Tommy explained nervously lifting up the small black velvet box. She looked down at the box then back up at him nervously. "You know how many women I've been with, you know everything about me…when you were gone these last three months it was harder then I expected. I didn't know how much I'd come to rely on you…I missed you more than I have ever missed anyone."
"I missed you too," Jude whispered smiling softly, getting him to smile wider. He took her hand placing a kiss in the palm than he flipped it over, as he looked her in the eyes.
"I came to a realization," Tommy sighed putting the small box in her palm he watched her eye the box curiously. He stopped her from opening it; she looked down at him confused. "I want to give you the one thing I have never given any other woman."
"What," Jude muttered softly she was getting more confused by the second. She gasped as he opened the box to reveal a beautiful white-gold chained necklace with a heart shape charm on it. Looking down at it she laughed softly when she saw "Tommy" engraved on the small heart charm.
"My heart," Tommy whispered almost to the point she could not hear him. His eyes met her and he could not help the tears the filled his, because he never thought he'd be here again. "You have my heart Jude Harrison, and I want everyone to know…I love you."
"Oh my god," Jude gasped shocked she didn't know what to say or even think at this moment. She could not help the tears she looked down at the box then back up at him. "I love you too."
Tommy opened his mouth to say something only to have Jude wrap her arms around his neck pulling him closer. Tommy smiled as her lips touched his, than groaned when she straddled his lap. Wrapping his arms around her waist he returned her kiss. He put every ounce of emotion he could in that kiss, allowing his lips to bare the part of his soul he could never express. Jude moaned as she tasted the salt from either the few tears he shed or the ones she shed. Because she honestly didn't think he would say those words to her for a long time.
Pulling away from him she moved away slightly to take the box from his hand to look at it once more. Tommy slowly took the necklace out of the box, getting her to smile wider. She turned her self around while lifting her hair up so that Tommy could put the necklace on her. She watched as the heart charm came into her view smiling as she saw the name Tommy again. The moment she felt his hands on her hips she turned back to look at him smiling. He bent forward to kiss her again gently.
"So how does it look," Jude asked him looking down at it then back at him.
"Perfect," Tommy told her softly standing up and helping her to stand up as well. He took her hand and led her back inside his house he could see someone on the other side of his fence.
"We should finish our meal my dad will kill you if I'm not home on time," Jude told him innocently as Tommy shut the door to his patio. Tommy turned to look at her a little taken back.
"It's only eight-twenty," Tommy told her looking at his watch, knowing she didn't have to be home until midnight since it was still summer. Then during the school year it was eleven.
"Yes but you still need to unwrap your present," Jude replied innocently walking away from him. Tommy looked at her confused because he would have sworn she said she didn't get him anything. Then he stopped and laughed as he rushed towards her only to have her giggle as she turned towards his bedroom. Yep he really did love this woman.
***********
He looked good no correct that he look amazing, Tommy had gone over every piece of clothes to find the perfect outfit. He was not going to this lunch unprepared or unplanned. Smoothing out his jacket he sucked in a deep breath as he saw Jude waiting for him. She of course looked beautiful in a light blue dress; he smiled as he saw her move a piece of hair out of the way to reveal her charm bracelet. She had been wearing it more often now since they were out.
Stuart could tell they were being watched, and he knew it was either Sadie waiting for Kwest or it was Tommy. He was vouching on Tommy since Sadie said she and Kwest would be arriving together. Stuart wanted to make this painless, but at the same time he wanted to get his feelings across. Jude was his little girl and she deserved a man that would give her the world. Jude eyes looked up yep he was right it was Tommy. Jude stood up walking over to him giving him a small hug; Stuart bit back a laugh as Tommy visibly stiffened.
"Good afternoon Mr. Harrison," Tommy greeted as he pulled Jude's chair out again for her to seat in it. Stuart marked down that he did at least have manners.
"Good afternoon Tommy," Stuart smirked, he refused to allow him to call him Stuart until he decided if he was serious or not. "Did you find the place alright?"
"Yes sir," Tommy nodded taking his seat looking over at Jude when she took his hand in hers. He could do this, he was Tommy Quincy, he had faced the worse of critics and the cops on more than one occasion he could face Jude's father.
"Jude honey I need to speak with Tommy alone for a moment," Stuart said softly trying not to show his pleasure that Tommy was beginning to look a little green.
"Why," Jude asked looking at Tommy who was not looking so well. She knew that being alone with her father was like his greatest fear right now.
"It's okay Jude," Tommy said weakly, he had to get this over with. He knew that Stuart wanted the facts, wanted to know why he a man of twenty-four wanted to date his teenage daughter. Plus his reputation was not the greatest and of course he earned it, Jude knew that for herself.
"I'll wait for Sadie and Kwest," Jude sighed not liking this one bit; she gave one more look to Tommy before standing up.
Jude pushed her chair back into place not missing the fact that Tommy had shifted in his seat, he was nervous. Jude walked slowly away from the table, she did not want to go, and she did not want to leave Tommy alone with her father. There was nothing she could hear, neither one of them had said anything. She knew her father was waiting for her to get out of ear shot. Opening the door to the restaurant she watched them as it closed, she did not like the look of this at all. She could only imagine the headlines this would make.
Stuart waited as Jude slowly made her way out of the restaurant he needed to ask Tommy a few things and Jude would not allow it. He needed to know the truth about who Tommy Q really was. When he saw her outside he shifted to look at his little girl's boyfriend. It was bad enough when Jude was dating Shay Mills but at least was her own age. Tommy Q was not the guy he had imagined for Jude.
"Okay Tommy I need to know a few things from you, and I need the honest truth," Stuart stated his eyes cold and determined. Tommy said nothing he decided he would only say what he needed to say no more, no less. "Do you have family Tommy?"
"Yes sir," Tommy nodded taking a drink of water, he had a feeling this was going to be the longest moments of his life. "My parents are still married and I have two older brothers, one younger brother and a little sister."
"Sadie tells me you were married at one time," Stuart inquired getting an apprehensive look from Tommy.
"Yes," Tommy nodded awkwardly, because he knew it would also be uncomfortable for Stuart. "I was eighteen when I got married, it was a rash decision made without the needed thought that should have gone into it."
"Is that why you two divorced," Stuart asked eyeing him carefully.
"No sir," Tommy sighed rubbing his eyes he really did not want to get into this. Stuart felt bad for making him feel so uneasy but he needed to know the man Tommy Quincy really was. "I was young and I made some mistakes…one being that I started to date a woman from my hometown. I broke it off but Portia and I could never get over the effects of the affair."
"Tell me Tommy, why should I let you date my daughter knowing what you just told me," Stuart asked trying not to sound judgmental, because he had no right to judge on the matters of adultery. He was guilty of the same thing except that his wife never gave him a chance to fix the mistakes he made, because he would have.
"I love Jude," Tommy explained softly looking over at Jude standing outside. Her blonde hair moving as the wind outside moved it back and forth; right now she was on the phone probably with Sadie. "I've made mistakes but I've learned from them and I know how precious Jude is, I would never hurt her. To be honest I don't know why she wants me, she could do better."
"There will be rules Tommy," Stuart told him sternly his eyes going towards Jude as well. It didn't take a fool to see Tommy was sincere about his feelings but he was her father still. "Jude deserves respect and honestly, she deserves to be loved and wanted, but most of all she deserves to be happy. So at any time I feel you are not respecting her boundaries or that you are taking advantage of my daughter's sweet and naive nature I will crush you. Do I make myself perfectly clear?"
"Perfectly," Tommy nodded looking up as he heard Kwest and Jude's voice. He looked up to see they were entering the building, Jude was of course looked like she pushing them to move faster.
"Tommy I also want you to know that I like you, you seem to be a decent and honest young man," Stuart smiled as Jude came to the table. "So as long s you keep that up I see no problems with you dating Jude."
Jude smiled as she heard her father's last statement; Tommy looked up smiling as well. Though Kwest and Jude both knew it was a forced smile, Stuart had done what she knew he would do, he interrogated him. Tommy stood up pulling Jude's chair out again, this time taking comfort in her holding his hand. Stuart picked up his menu reading it even though knew he the menu by heart. Tommy just took another drink of his water getting a look of sympathy from Kwest.
Soon the waitress came over, stopped dead in her tracks as she saw Tommy and Jude both. She quickly recovered and took their orders, then rushed back in the kitchen. Kwest held Sadie's hand waiting for Stuart to ask him a question or even look at him at all. Tommy on the other hand was wishing that Stuart would just stop looking at him. Jude held his hand tighter as Stuart would glance up at him and then at Jude every few seconds.
"I want your recording schedule when you get back into the studio," Stuart began, it was better now to get the rules out. "And we need to be told in advance of any changes, for now I will take your word but if I should find out you used it as an excuse I will only accept changes from Mr. Mills himself."
"Okay," Jude agreed, she and Tommy had never lied about recording time. Mainly because like her father brought up, it would be easy to find out she lied.
"Since you two have been dating for awhile now, Tommy is aware of the Harrison dating rules," Stuart sighed taking a drink of his water, waiting for them to bring his ice tea. "And as far as I know you've never broke curfew or given me a reason to not trust you."
"Do I sense a but coming on here," Jude grumbled seeing her father was leading somewhere.
"No," Stuart laughed looking at Tommy who still looked like he was going to be sick. "I want you two to be as normal as you can be given your profession, and I'd like it if both you and Kwest here would consider me a friend."
"Thank you Mr. Harrison," Tommy said starting to feel a little better, but he did not know if he would be able to eat his entire lunch.
"Please call me Stuart," Stuart laughed getting Tommy to smile somewhat, then he turned to Kwest smiling. Kwest on the other hand was beginning to regret his wishes for Stuart to pay attention to him. "So Kwest is there a reason you pushed my daughter into marrying without her family present."
TBC