“Do you envy what happened with Donna?” Cadeasked.
“Hell no,” Stone said. “She caused enough trouble without my having tomarryher."
“I think Donna was the only part of my story that was 100%,”Zoeysaid.
“Mine too,”Judesaid.
“Why even bother with the charade? I don’t get it,” Cade asked. “Seems like a lotofwork.”
“Just to fuck with him really. Olivia and I have been talking about getting married for a while now, but every time we made the slightest step towards it, one of those damn paparazzi would get wind of it. When Richard told me he was thinking about a documentary before we announce our reunion tour, I figured that was the best way to do it. They’re like dogs, so I gave them something to chew on while Olivia gets to have the private wedding of herdreams.”
“You know they’ll find out,”Cadesaid.
“I know, but when they do, it’ll be in the past. Nothing for them to ruin. They can try to get their hands on photos or whatever, but it’ll beoldnews.”
“You’re not worried they’ll think you’re some kind of drunk, drug-addicted…never mind,” Zoey said laughing. “I don't know what I'm thinking. You’re a rock star, you’re supposed to belikethat.”
“Things aren't always as they seem,” Jude said. “And I've done the charade long enough that they'll believe it. They love the circus, so they’d rather have that story than the realboringone.”
“Well, you need to get ready. I’m going to check on Olivia to see if she needs any help. There’s too much testosterone in this room for me anyway,” Zoey said as she headed out of theguesthouse.
“Hey Zoey?” Jude said. “I really am sorry about the stupid things I didbackthen.”
“Gimme a break, Jude. We were young, we both did stupid things. At least we were able to be adult about it and stayfriends.”
Cade closed the door behind Richard, Matt, and Stone, who all left with Zoey. Jude entered the bedroom and unzipped the garment bag holding his blacktuxedo.
“Wow, a tux,” Cade said. “I have to admit I’m surprised anyone could get you to wear something other thanjeans.”
“She thinks I’m wearing jeans, but I wanted to surprise her. The boots stay though. I have to stay true to myself," he said as hegrinned.
“This is probably the wrong time to bring it up, but I really wanted to talk to you aboutsomething.”
Jude’s brow wrinkled as he looked at Cade. “Everything okay? You’re not usually soserious.”
“It’s about Zoey. I don’t know if you remember that talk we had years ago. It’s got to be at least tenyearsnow.”
“When you were such an ass that you told me you were in love with mygirlfriend?”
“So you do remember,” Cade said as he grinned. “I meant every word of it. I still do. Jude, you have no idea how much I tried to get her out ofmyhead.”
“Well, I remember the show tent. If that was any indication, I’d say you tried a lot,” he said,scoffing.
“You weren’t so innocent either,” Cade said. “I’m not saying you needed to be. But don’t give me grief for having a good time when we both did things on tour that any interviewer would love to get hispawson.”
“Yeah, good times," Jude said, thinking about the tours after he and Zoey split. "Remember that time you jumped from the hotel room into the pool? Never mind, that was Matt. So what doyouwant?”
“I just want to make sure you’re okay with it if I goafterZoey.”
Jude laughed. “Yeah, good luckwiththat.”
“What’sthatmean?”
“You’ve known her longer than I have. She doesn’t give a crap what I think, youknowthat.”
“I give a crap what you think. I’m asking you as my bro if you’re okay if I go after your ex. I love her. I’ve never loved anyone else in my entire life. I know you don’t have those kinds of feelings for her, but you’re still friends and she's still your ex. Are you okaywiththat?”
“Go for it. Zoey and I have long been over and if you think you’re man enough to make her happy, then I wish you luck. I’d love to see two of my oldest friends get together. I'm surprised you waitedsolong."
