A/N: First of all sorry to all the readers and fans of this story for the delay. Have been doing lot's of volunteer work for the storm and missionary work with my company. So thank you for coming back to read again.
Just to recap this story is about the choices that Derek Wills makes and the outcomes.
Feel free to leave constructive criticism, reviews, follow and favorite if you feel so inclined.
I know present Chapter 4
"Derek must you insist on sleeping with every woman you direct?" Eileen said pleasantly while taking a seat beside the director.
He didn't take his eyes off the stage while he contemplated what type of response he would give her. In fact he couldn't take his eyes off Karen. She was dancing across the stage singing History is Made at Night. She was intoxicating; he could tell she was bringing the same energy from last night.
"Derek." Eileen called again, trying to gain his attention.
"Don't worry Eileen, I'm not shagging her." His tone was dry. He couldn't admit how much he wanted to sleep with Karen; that would cause problems for everyone.
"Look Derek I understand that she is a beautiful woman, and you can't help yourself around those types, but this production has been through enough." She was smiling as she spoke, but her tone was not to be mistaken. She was serious.
"I am an Adult, and bloody-" he started to lose his temper but was cut off before he could.
'I know you Derek, we've worked together many times through the years. If you think for one second I'd believe that you haven't made a pass at the young woman, you'd be the fool. However, you are an adult, whom is working on my production. I don't need any more broken hearts….You've done enough with Ivy." Eileen patted Derek on the back and then proceeded out the theater.
Derek knew that Eileen was looking out for the production, but her sheer audacity infuriated him. She was one of the only people with the gull to speak to him in that manner. She was also one of the few people he would allow to speak to him in such a way. Eileen was right about two things, Karen was beautiful and he had made a pass at her. Unfortunately, or at least to assume it was unfortunate, she didn't fall for his charms. Now that he thought about the circumstances he was glad that she hadn't. He found Karen refreshing, intriguing and sexy to say the least. He wanted to get to know her, which was saying a lot. Derek didn't take the time to learn anyone. He kept a tight inner circle of people he considered friends, and he rarely mixed his business and personal life. Although he didn't mind finding pleasure while conducting business the way he did with Ivy.
Rehearsal continued on and Derek discussed several changes that would need to place before the next performance. Overall he was excited with the way previews were going. With Ellis gone Eileen was working double time, and Derek hadn't been able to address things with her. He was curious as to what objections Eileen would present for keep Karen as the lead. He also wondered how Tom and Julia felt about the situation. Karen was Marilyn, and it was plain for him to see. He needed it to be clear to the rest of the team as well.
Right before the preview that night Derek stopped by Karen's dressing room. He knocked on the door and called to her.
"Are you decent?" His charm surpassed the barrier of the door and he amused himself with the tone.
Karen opened the door in a red silk robe draped over her opening number dress. Her stage make-up was heavy, but not thick enough to hide the flush on her face. Derek felt his stomach turn and tighten in a knot. He bothered him to see her look so upset. She smiled at him, but he could see the sadness in her eyes. He walked behind her as she made her way to the mirror. The room was empty to Derek's surprise, the cast, and the staff, everyone had vacated.
"You are going to be devastating tonight Darling, you really are." He whispered placing his hands on her shoulders.
Karen didn't turn to look at him, which was probably the for the best, but she glared at him in the mirror.
"Thank you, but you don't have to do that you know" she responded with a smirk.
"And what would that be love?" he questioned pretending to not to understand the implications against him.
"You know, giving me the Derek Wills star treatment. I know that a lot is riding on this performance, more so for me than for you…I just need somebody…no I need you to believe in me Derek." Karen sat in the chair beside her, never taking her eyes off of Derek in the mirror.
For a split second, Derek was baffled. For the first time since he could remember a leading lady in his production cut through his techniques without screaming and shedding a tear. It was really unexpected to say the least; all she wanted from him was a bit of faith. Usually women wanted the part, then the attention, then the companionship, the love and before he knew it they were having an emotional breakdown. But not Karen, she wanted the one thing that he has had for her all along.
"You're hear because I believe in you Karen. Now give me your phone." Derek grabbed it from the charger before she had a chance to protest.
"Give that back!" Karen laughed turning to take the phone from him. She reached towards Derek's arm held high above his head.
Derek and Karen tussled over the phone for a moment. He tickled her torso every time she reached for the phone and they laughed until finally he realized how close they were to each other. Suddenly they were pelvis to pelvis with Karen body leaned back on her vanity. Her breathing was labored and her large brown eyes enticed the director. He searched for the right exit in his mind, but he couldn't stop starring at her lips they shimmered with a pink gloss that called for a kiss.
"Derek…..Derek….Why do you need my phone again?" She spoke softly; careful not to move.
He looked at her for a moment longing to kiss her and make passionate love to the tender spirited woman in the dressing room, letting the show be delayed for twenty minutes of passion. He couldn't take advantage of the young woman, which was out of his character. He could take advantage of any situation.
"Yeah…..Don't want you coming back to missed message and stressing the inevitable between the scenes." Derek replied quickly removing his body from hers. He rubbed the wrinkles out of his shirt.
"Fine, but if you don't mind, I need to finish getting ready." Karen said with a slightly uncomfortable smile.
"Of course love" Derek walked towards the door and then paused.
"When you go out here tonight do this for you…you deserve it." He said without turning around. And with that he exited her room.
Derek shut the door behind him, and once on the other side his smile was greeted by a slightly disgruntled Tom.
"Ivy called me, asked if you were okay…..turns out she has been texting you all day, but you have failed to respond, breaking her heart yet once again. You really are something Derek…..She hasn't even been in the hospital 24 hours, and here you are frolicking with Karen. You better hope Ivy doesn't find out about this." Tom scolded.
"Who's going to tell her Tom? You?" Derek chuckled at the thought of Tom potential threat.
"No, I prefer not to talk about your revolting relationship with my friend. But really whatever you have going on with Karen needs to stop right now. "Tom attempting t chastise Derek was amusing, but Derek didn't have time for the games.
"Nothing is going on here Tom. The girl is going through a tough break up, and I wanted to make sure she was okay. I am going to take my seat for the show; I propose you do the same. Well then." Derek responded and left the composer standing there.
The preview was phenomenal. Derek did not make one not e in regards to Karen's performance, although he had several for the dancers in SMASH. That number just wasn't as magical without Karen and Ivy. However Anna Vergas was a quick learner the dynamic was just off.
Derek figured he would go back up to the hotel for a quick shower and grab a bite to eat before heading to the hospital. He felt the responsibility to be there for Ivy, after all he did have somewhat of a relationship with her, even if he wouldn't personally use that term. Derek's plan of a long hot shower and a fresh change of clothes were relieving. He grabbed a white undershirt and a pair of Armani briefs before looking for clothes. He laughed as he ruffled through his wardrobe of traveling clothes. Karen was right somewhere along the way he lost all fashion sense and settle for clothes that belong in his father's closet. Nevertheless he grabbed a pair of black sweats and a black thermal. He went to grab his jacket and was shocked by the appearance. It was long enough to be a drape. He immediately balled it up and tossed it in the waste basket.
Derek opened his hotel door to a very unsettling sight. It was Ivy standing there in a pair of sweatpants and oversized that must have belonged to Sam. Her eyes face was slightly swollen, an obvious result from the fluids in her body. Derek new this was trouble, Ivy wasn't supposed to be out of the hospital for two days.
"Ivy….I was just on the way to see you." Derek said trying to regain his composure.
"My mom came to check me out; I am leaving for the city tonight. I just wanted to know where we stand before I left." Ivy smiled a stiff and broken smile. Her smaller eye twitched as a notion of how uncomfortable she was.
"Ivy let's not do this now, not here." Derek didn't know the answer to that himself. But he realized at this moment he would have to make a choice. If he told Ivy what she wanted to her he would be forced into an uncomfortable position. He wasn't looking forward to that prospect at all. But if he told her how he really felt, how he had a fondness for Karen Cartwright he might cause the girl to have another mental breakdown.
"You and I are going to have on something's when I get back." Derek said and he kissed her on the forehead.
Ivy wrapped her arms around him and smiled.
"I have to go now. I'll see you in a couple weeks" she smiled and headed down the dim lit hotel highway.
Derek felt his stomach drop and his head began to pound. He felt as if he had just made a huge mistake. The feeling didn't last long because suddenly his pocket began to vibrate. His phone was in his hand, so he was confused for a moment. Then he recalled that he had Karen Cartwright's phone.
What do you think about his latest choice with Ivy? Would you have made a different one?