It was almost 2 o'clock in the morning and the once packed MTW hall was now only occupied by members of Hit List, close friends and a few random guests. It was clear the young group did not want the night to end and they were content to live in just this moment. Tom was sitting at what had been Bombshell's table and was listening to Jessica and Bobby engage in friendly conversation with members of Hit List's ensemble. At Ivy's urging, he had stayed behind to talk with Julia and Sam. The conversations while not completely resulting in what he wanted; left hope for friendship. Neither Julia nor Sam was ready to automatically resume the close friendship they once shared; but both were open to working on regaining trust. It was the most he could ask for and he wasn't about to take it for granted.

"A penny for your thoughts," a familiar blonde actress offered.

In deep concentration Tom had missed Ivy's return to the table. "Trust me they aren't worth that much," he joked. "I'm just sitting here trying to wrap my head around what I'm seeing."

"What do you mean?" she asked in confusion.

"How do Derek Wills, Jimmy Collins and Kyle Bishop manage to work so well together? I mean let's face it, Kyle and Jimmy aren't the type of people you would normally find in Derek's circle of colleagues," the composer finished.

Ivy laughed, "That's simple, Karen and Julia," she replied. "According to Jimmy, he and Derek butted heads on everything at the start. He thought Derek wanted take over his show and Derek thought he was an arrogant prick. It was Julia and Karen who sat the two down and made them realize they were after the same thing. From that day forward they focused more on Kyle's concept and how they could use dance and music to make it come to life rather than egos. That doesn't mean there hasn't been a fair share of arguments; but once rehearsals are over, work stays at the theater. Sam said that is the part he has enjoyed the most," his leading lady summarized.

Tom was impressed. Derek had never been a director to compromise at least in his opinion. Perhaps Julia had been right in that regard too; he was so tainted by their past history he wouldn't allow himself to see the changes in the director's personality. He was about to acknowledge as much when their conversation was interrupted by Kyle's laughter. "Do you remember when we arrived to set up for the Fringe," he asked. "Derek was so pissed when that woman told us to keep it down."

"Yeah, but not as pissed as when Karen spilled paint on his jacket," Jimmy added. "What was it that you said again," he looked to the director, "my bloody bathroom is bigger and nicer than this space maybe we should hold the show in there," the composer mocked in his best British accent.

Everyone laughed including Derek. "That was my favorite jacket," he defended.

"Look at us now," Kyle said, as the group reflected. Ivy, Tom, Jessica and Bobby could only look on in awe at the obstacles their friends had overcome to reach Broadway. Once again the silence was broken but this time by the sound of the piano.

"Here is to singing as loud as we want," Jimmy said as he began to play a melody.

The Bombshell trio moved to seat next to Julia "what's with the song?" Bobby asked the red head.

"It's the song they playing around with when we were working on sets for Fringe," she smiled fondly.

"I know this song," Tom said "This Will be our Year, by the Zombies, right?" he looked to Julia who nodded yes.

Jimmy began singing:

"The warmth of your love is like the warmth of the sun and this will be our year took a long time to come." Tom watched as Kyle, Karen and Ana all laughed as if they in on some secrete. Karen was the first to stand and turning to Derek extended her hand. Understanding her request he rose to his feet and pulled the actress close to dance. Ana and Sam followed suit as Jimmy continued with the next verse.

"don't let go of my hand now darkness has gone and this will be our year took a long time to come."

Sam took over:

"and I won't forget the way you held me up when I was down and I won't forget the way you said, 'Darling I love' You gave me faith to go on," he sang as he continued to lead Ana around the stage.

Tom noticed Ivy looking a Jimmy and rose to his feet. He took his leading ladies' hand and walked her over to where her boyfriend was playing. Sitting next to Jimmy his hands moved over the piano keys letting Jimmy know he would continue. The young man smiled in thanks and grabbed Ivy in his arms to join his friends.

The group continued to sing along with Ana and Kyle each taking one of the next two verses. When the song was close to its end, Karen's voice could be heard:

"And I won't forget the way you held me up when I was down and I won't forget the way you said, 'Darling I love you' You gave me faith to go on…" waving her engagement ring as she wrapped her arms around Derek's neck for a kiss. He smiled in pure bliss as everyone else laughed.

The five singers stopped dancing and waived their fellow Hit List friends to join them for the song's final verse. In unison the young group belted out:

"Now we're there and we've only just begun and this will be our year took a long time to come…Yeah we only just begun, yeah this will be our year took a long time to come."

When Tom played the last key, his mind was made up. He needed to make things right with Derek and Karen. Rising from piano he walked over to the couple who were laughing with Julia and Leo.

Karen was the first to see him approach and with a warm smile greeted "Hey Tom, I'm glad you could make it tonight."

Not expecting such a welcome he paused for a brief moment, "Uh, thank you for the invitation. I was wondering if I could have a word with you two. Skeptical Derek looked to Julia who nodded in approval.

"Sure," he answered.

The trio walked over to an empty table and once situated the couple waited for Tom to begin. Taking a deep breath he started to speak when he was interrupted, "Look Tom why don't we make this easy for everyone. You were an arse and I didn't help matters by being a smug prick. Unfortunately, Karen and Julia ended up paying the price when our inflated egos got the better of us. So if it is your intention to apologize save your breath when it comes to me but I do believe you owe one to Karen."

Tom and Karen looked at the director in shock. Tom had expected a fight so he was thrown by Derek's attempt to take some blame. Regaining his composure he looked to Karen, "I'm sorry for everything. I was so wrong to let my insecurities cloud my judgment and jeopardize your career. I don't expect forgiveness I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

The young actress gave a slight smile. "I'm not going to deny I was hurt by your accusations because I think it's the questioning of my loyalty that upset me most. But I know firsthand how easy it is to let insecurities and jealousies get the better of you so I forgive you," she stated; recalling her recent outburst with Ana and Derek. "As far as a friendship, that depends on your relationship with Derek."

The composer was amazed by the brunette's honesty and maturity. "I would never ask you to compromise your relationship. When I say I would like to try for a friendship, I mean with the both of you," he finished looking to the director.

"Gods knows I've made a million ill-advised decisions in my life so who am I to judge you. But if we are being completely honest with each other; no matter how hard we try I don't think we will ever fully trust," Derek chuckled. "We can however try to be civil for the sake of those around us."

"I can do civil," Tom answered. "Thank you."