6
Jude
Sittingnext to Zoey on the plane to Seattle was surreal. They spent the past three days together and there was so much to talk about and share with each other that they hadn't even slept together yet. Not that Jude didn't want to. He wanted her more every day, but it wasn't as important to him as getting to know everythingabouther.
As they walked through the airport towards baggage claim, Jude kept his arm around her shoulders. Spotting a man in a dark suit and cap holding a sign that read ‘Jude Morrison,’ Jude squeezed her closer to him and kissed the top of her head. He remembered seeing drivers at the airport when he was a kid with their signs for the important people they were picking up. Now he was that importantperson.
They slid into the back of the black Lincoln Town Car and the driver eased into traffic before looking in his rearview mirroratthem.
“London Bridge Studios?” heasked.
“Yes,” Jude answered before turning to Zoey. “Everything’s moving so fast, it’s justincredible.”
“Are you sure you’re okay with auditioning right away?” sheasked.
“Honestly, I’d rather play before anything else. That’s where I’m the most comfortable. Having to meet the guys and see how we get alongintimidatesme.”
He laughed, but it was true. He was always more comfortable talking to girls than other guys. The only guys he ever felt comfortable with were Ron and Derek. His mother used to tell him everyone was jealous of him, but after years of her lying to him, he knew that couldn't be true. Why would anyone be jealous of him anyway? He was just some guyfromOhio.
“The past few days sped by so quickly. I’m glad Richard was able to wait so I could come along. I felt bad having to work the rest of the week, but I couldn’t justleavethem.”
“I had to talk to Ron and Derek anyway. That wasn’t fun, but they took it pretty well. Ron thought it was a no-brainer. Derek seemed more upset by it, but he’ll getoverit.”
“What are they going to do now? Will they get anotherdrummer?”
“Nah. Just before I left, Ron told me they really didn’t think music was for them. They love playing, but they’re just not goodenough.”
“Are they goingbackhome?”
Jude laughed. “I asked that, and Derek’s response was ‘no fucking way.’ They’ll figure something out. And if I really do hit it big, maybe they can help on tour. Youneverknow.”
The car pulled into a parking lot and stopped in front of a long white warehouse. As they opened the car door, Richard Black stepped out of the building wearing khaki pants and a tweed blazer over a light blue button-downshirt.
“Did you have a good flight?” Richard asked. “Sorry to rush you into the studio so quickly, but I only got this place for two weeks and I want to make the most out of it as possible. The guys have been working on some songs. Cade came with lyrics so we were able to get those parts down already. I know you'll blow them away, so let'sdothis!”
Jude wanted to say something but didn't. He tried focusing on the positive things Richard said but couldn't. Zoey pulled him back before entering thebuilding.
"We'll be right there, Richard," she said. Once he went back inside, she looked up at Jude. "What just happened? Areyouokay?"
Jude wondered how she knew. He was so used to hiding his feelings that he never thought anyone would be able to see when something waswrong.
"What do you mean?" he said. "Everything's fine. Greatactually."
"Do I look stupid? Don't give me that bullshit. I saw that look just before. I felt you tense up. What'sgoingon?"
"It's stupid. Let's just goinside."
"No Jude, it's not stupid. If something's bothering you, tell me. Not just because I'm helping Richard, but because I'm here with you andforyou."
He searched her eyes for an answer and found it. She meant every word she said. Kissing her forehead, he then wrapped his arms around her and held herclose.
"Don't laugh, but I think it's my ego. I mean, they started without me and two of them had to be convinced to even meet me. I'm just some monkey playing a drum. They don'tneedme."
"No, that's not true at all. Don't think that way," she said. "Richard said it himself, there's limited time at this studio. Think of the great stuff that's already been recorded here. Not many people can say their first time in a studio is at one like London Bridge. There'shistoryhere."
"I know. And I'm grateful to be here, but I still feel like I don't addanything."
"Have you ever tried writing? It might be too late now for this record since we're already here and all, but maybe if you did some writing you'd feel more like a part oftheband."
