Jude/Zero[Gideon] centric spin on 'Behind The Back'~S2 E3
Jude was sitting at his desk at the agency. In the bullpen. As a junior agent, even one who was the liaison with Devils Arena, he still was consigned to the chaotic, noisy atmosphere. Jude leaned back in his chair, glanced around, and looked at the constant hum and hustle. He could see Jesse Reade talking to one of the other junior agents. He had a bit of a pit in his stomach. Reade was his coke connection, who had helped him score for Derek. He wasn't particularly worried about the Australian, who for all his dirtbag moves, tended to be very discreet and self-preservation was the name of the game when it came to the agency. There was the equivalent of a thin blue line for Hollywood sports agents…
'Umi. 2:30' That was it for the text. No explanation from Zero as to why he wanted Jude to meet him at the upscale, L.A. Japanese eatery.
He took a breath and pondered ignoring the summons. It had been a couple of weeks since Olivia's funeral. Shit had hit the fan. He'd gotten a black eye. Zero had slept with Jelena. Chase Vincent had been arrested. Oscar had him working with the agency to bring some Hollywood distraction to the Devils Playground, so that his investors would hopefully forget about the Hollywood Arena debacle. It was like an episode of a nighttime soap.
Of course, Jude went. He sat across from Zero. A dish of Shabu-shabu between them. He listened as the other man expressed his frustration about his relationship with Jelena Howard. Zero felt dismissed and disappointed.
Jude could see that for someone like Zero, with his ego, he was not used to women saying no to him. Or anyone, for that matter. Jude had been around enough powerful men to know that the hit to their pride could be massive.
"I've done everything I know, to make her fall for me. But damn, it it's like talking to a mountain! She can't fuckin' move on from Terrence Wall!"
"Hey, I wish I could help…but, I haven't been out on a date in months. My college girlfriend broke up with me because she said, "I keep everything inside. I was secretive."
"What secrets do you have?" Zero seemed to momentarily forget about own his troubles as he looked at Jude appraisingly.
Jude wasn't sure if Zero was mocking him or was genuinely curious.
He shook his head, stared down at the hotpot for a moment, before looking up. "None that I can think of …that's the problem."
"She also called me clingy!" He angrily tossed aside one of the sleek, black chopsticks he'd been gripping.
"Well…? Listen to me," started Jude. "I think you have got to relax when it comes to Jelena."
Zero's eyes narrowed.
Realizing he'd gone a touch too far. Jude softened his tone. "I don't know a lot about women…or anything. But I know needy, and most people don't like it." Yeah, he knew that from personal experience. "You'd be better off focusing on getting on Terrence's good side, and if that means cooling it with Jelena…" Jude knew that was a useless suggestion. He could see it on Zero's face. He had fallen for her. Hard.
"I already talked to Terrence. And I quote, it's "ancient history." Of course, neither Zero nor Jude believed that.
"Okay, the agency wants me to come by during the publicity shots for the Devils' website in a couple of days, sort of report back to make sure the Devils are treating Derek and you right. Let me work on it, and we'll talk then. Strategize a little more. Derek. Terrence…Jelena," he said, tone friendly. He then realized; he did consider them friends. Of a sort.
"Thanks, Jude. You're always there for me when I need it."
Jude recognized the sincerity in that statement. "Team Zero." Jude said, a soft smile on his lips.
~~~
"These shots are for the website, so look sharp," commanded Ron, the photographer. "There we go, there we go. Arms are still. Look at that bad boy."
He was referencing a handsome Terrence, holding two basketballs in each outstretched hand. The click and flash of the cameras echoing and illuminating the court.
All the players and dancers were there. The usual suspects. Derek, Jelena, Ahsha, Kyle, etc.
Both Derek and Jelena looked far from pleased.
There was an unusual amount of tension. Coming from various parties within.
Zero and Jude stood side by side. Slightly leaning into each other. Zero's muscular arms crossed, while the taller man's hands resided in his dark blue suit pockets.
"I can see Derek and Terrence are on shaky ground," observed Zero.
"Now, do you see why I sold you so hard on L.A.?" Jude knew he was being smug, and he didn't care at that moment. "It's a land of opportunity."
The two of them looked into each other's eyes, smiled, and understood perfectly. They were a team.
"Come on. Zero, get in there, buddy. Let's get a ball each. There we go," called Ron.
With that, Zero gave him an affectionate pat on the back, and went out onto the court, to stand next to Terrence.
Jude smiled after him.
"Zero, Zero, Zero. You know the score. And it's way more than zero. Come on, Derek. In you come, let's go, come on…"continued the photographer.