"Are you sure this the right place?" Jimmy asks stepping out of the cab.
"Yup, have the address right here; but I guess there's just one way to find out hit the buzzer," Kyle replies as the two are now standing at the building's door.
The buzzer notifying the Wills of a visitor's arrival can be heard throughout the apartment. "I'll get it Dad," Dustin exclaims from the couch.
"I can't believe you forgot to reset the alarm," Karen says to her husband who is racing down the stairs pulling a t-shirt on along the way.
"I'm sorry, Love," he replies back. "I can't help I was distracted," he smiles thinking back to their morning pleasures. "I'll start breakfast."
Kyle and Jimmy are buzzed in and given an access code for the elevator. Walking down the hallway pass the studios; Jimmy lets out a low whistle. "Wow so this is what serious money gets you," he says.
"Come on, we haven't done bad for ourselves," Kyle replies.
"I agree, I just mean this is what four combined Tony awards, two albums and two Oscar's buys."
"Well when you put it that way, you have a point," Kyle laughs pushing the elevator button.
A few minutes later the doors open into a foyer. "Hello," they call out.
"Over here," they can hear a young boy call out. Following his voice they enter the living room and are greeted by a young boy and girl sitting in front of the television giggling at what looks to be cartoons. "Hi, I'm Dustin and this is my sister, Rose," they both wave. "My Dad is in the kitchen," Dustin instructs pointing in his father's direction.
Laughing at the blunt yet polite greeting, Kyle and Jimmy walk towards the kitchen following the smell of coffee. "Derek," Jimmy greets trying not the startle the director whose back is facing them.
Turning Derek smiles "hello Jimmy, Kyle" he offers a hand coming around from behind the counter. "Can I get you a mug of coffee?"
"Sounds great," they reply in unison.
"I apologize for Karen's tardiness, as according to my wife it's my fault she slept in," he grins.
"Hey, I can hear you," a soft bubbly voice says from the entry way.
"I have no doubt Love," Derek answers.
"Hi guys," Karen greets Kyle and Jimmy, embracing both in a hug.
"Hello gorgeous," Kyle answers.
"So, are you excited?" Jimmy asks.
"I can't wait; I haven't been this anxious to start a new show in a long time. And I really want to thank you for agreeing to my request to not open the first show on Broadway."
"This girl Ivy must be a good friend for you to pass up the opportunity for a Tony," Jimmy replies. "But hey, this is a small concession for us to make if it means we have you on board," he finishes pulling out a contract for her signature.
"It's about me," Karen answers as she puts her signature to paper. "It's something I have to do."
Derek looks at Karen and can see, she is uncomfortable with the comment Jimmy made regarding being friends with Ivy. He knows the magnitude of what she is giving up seems crazy to some, but he understands; for his wife it's more about finally closing the door on the past. For Karen, her act isn't done out cockiness; she doesn't assume she will automatically win a Tony, but it's about presentation. Coming onto a show will appear to Ivy that Karen is trying to one up her. She wants Ivy to have her chance and if it works out great.
Wanting to change the topics Derek announces "breakfast is ready."
"Dustin, Rose, come on it time to eat," Karen calls.
Kyle and Jimmy make their way to the table and Dustin and Rose join. The little girl makes a decision to sit between the two new boys and Derek can't help but roll his eyes. "Love, you need to talk to your daughter. She is only three and already a flirt. At this rate she is going to give me a heart attack."
The three laugh at his reaction while Rose is completely oblivious simply giggling and laughing along. "So aside from the new show, how are you two?" Karen asks. "Is there a significant other?"
"Always tactful Love," Derek chuckles.
"What, it's just a question between friends. It's been awhile since we last talked," she smiles.
"No one for me," Kyle answers. "But Jimmy seems to have been hooked."
"Really," Karen asks raising her eyebrows.
He laughs and a shy smile crosses his face. "There is a woman I am getting too know and I like her a lot. Maybe, someday I want to have what the two of you have here."
"I'm happy for you. I can't wait to meet her."
Kyle laughs earning a questioning look from the others. "What's so funny?" Jimmy questions.
"Look at us, who would have thought you and Derek would be sitting in the same room laughing and having a good time. We've come a long way, that's all."
Shaking his head Jimmy grins, "Let's say I've grown up since HitList."
"And I'm not as much of a prat," Derek adds.
"To new beginnings with my boys," Karen interjects raising her juice.
Clearing his throat Derek says "I hope you were referring to Kyle, Jimmy and Dustin, Love; because I'm all man."
Not able to hold her laugh, Karen spits her juice out. "I'm sorry babe, of course you're my man," Karen replies leaning into Derek and kissing his lips.
Glancing at Jimmy, Dustin shakes his head and remarks "this is what I have to witness every day."
The four adults laugh and the rest of breakfast is spent is great conversation covering both professional and personal aspects of their lives.
Finally after several hours, Kyle and Jimmy stand to leave. "Your place is amazing," Kyle says.
"Thanks," Karen answers.
"I love the studios," Jimmy adds.
"Well whenever you want to use them, just call. If they are free, they are yours," Derek replies. "I'll walk you out and let you take a look and see if they will work."
"Sounds good, we might just take you up on the offer," Kyle replies.
"Can I go too Dad?" Dustin asks.
"Sure, come on son."
The four enter the elevator and Dustin is the first to speak, "are you my Mom's new boss?"
Kyle and Jimmy look at the young boy, "I guess you could say that."
"When she starts practicing, can I visit sometimes?"
"Sure, I think that can be arranged," Kyle responds.
"Awesome!" Dustin exclaims. "Did you hear that Dad, I get to see Mom in her new show?"
"I did buddy and I bet mom will like that," Derek ruffles his son's hair.
Kyle smiles at the father and son. As the door opens Dustin grabs his hand, "come on I'll show you the studio," his excitement growing.
Dustin opens the first studio and is surprised by who he sees, "Uncle Kevin, what are you doing here?"
"Hey D, I came by to practice for a little while."
"This is Kyle and Jimmy," the young point says pointing to the two men. "They're Mom's new boss," he grins.
"Hey," Kevin extents a hand. "It's nice to meet you; I'm a big fan of your shows."
"Thanks," Jimmy answers.
"I'm sorry I didn't mention I'd be coming in this morning, I didn't think you'd be using it," Kevin says to Derek.
"No worries, we aren't going to use it, I'm just showing these two around. Take your time."
"It was nice to meet you," Kyle and Jimmy state. "Derek, we can let ourselves out. Thanks for breakfast and we really will consider your offer of using one of your studios."
"Just say the word and it's yours."
"Dustin, it was nice meeting you," the two men smile. "We look forward to seeing you at your Mom's rehearsals."
"I can't wait," he waves back. The two men close the door and Dustin hears his father call him. "Son, why don't you go back upstairs and I'll be up in a little while."
"Yes Sir."
When Dustin leaves, Derek glances at Kevin who is in the process of taking off his dance shoes. "So, what are you really doing here on a Saturday, Kevin?"
"Like I said, I wanted to practice the intro scene of Act 2."
Derek laughs, "You know one of the things I like to think I do really well is observe people's behavior and habits." Kevin avoids the director's stare and continues to pack his things. "Were her actions really that bad?" Derek's words break the silence.
This time his words catch Kevin's attention and the young man's lips turn slightly down as he begins to speak. "I just don't know if I'm cut out to handle all her insecurities and the irrational reactions they can cause."
Derek laughs, "Let me guess, Karen's new role?"
Kevin nods yes.
"Look, I'm not one to make excuses and especially for Ivy. However, you have to understand that in this business there are three types of people. Those who work in the business because they love it but they accept the fact they will never be a star; those who almost have star quality; and then those who are naturals. You and Karen are naturals. Yes, you work hard but you also have Gods given quality that people are drawn to you. And because of this gift, you can remain true to yourself and true to the art. I am not saying you don't work hard, but to the outsider it looks as if things come easy for you. Ivy on the other hand, falls into the middle category. And the longer an actor in that category stays in the business, the easier it is for them to lose who they are. I mean imagine constantly being on the cusp of obtaining your dream, only to be told you just were quiet good enough to be the star; yet knowing your better than the ensemble."
Kevin gives Derek a thoughtful but sad smile. "But you and Karen sought Ivy out for this role; shouldn't that be enough for her to realize she has nothing to prove?"
"Yes and no. Until this show is on Broadway, Ivy will always have something to prove to herself and she will remain in fear of having the role pulled from her. The fear is what drives her to moments of both greatness and foolishness. They come together. The question is do you care about her enough to accept both."
"Where do you fall in these categories?" Kevin asks.
"Let's just say I'm grateful everyday that Karen loves me in both my moments of greatness and my moments of foolishness," Derek grins. "When everyone else sees the Dark Lord, Karen sees a man trying desperately to overcome demons from his past and not to fail as a father, husband, director and choreographer."
"Thanks," Kevin says as he stands to leave. "I my foolish girl to find."
Derek smiles and with a pat to Kevin's back follows him out of the studio.