Thank you guys so much for contiued support of my fan fic. I am enjoying writing so much. This chapter is meant to fill in sometime and bring some relief to the situation. I will be updating soon, and the drama will be sure to follow. I hope you enjoy, and please review. Thanks.
"So you are telling me that you have a twin brother, who would've thought." Karen looked up at Derek as they walked down the hall.
"Yes love, I haven't begun to tell you the vast secrets of my deep and dark past." Derek looked at her from the side to see if he could get a laugh. He was successful.
"I am so confused...how...what?" Karens mind moved faster than her mouth. She was perplexed by the whole situation.
"Well darling, it's really quite simple. Ivy stole Eric's number out of my phone, and invited him to Boston. He travels in-between countries so often, I never get to see him. Turns out, he was excited about the show." Derek spoke matter-of-factly.
"Oh" was all that Karen could say. She wondered if Derek had told Ivy about his brother. How did she get him here anyway.
"No Karen, I didn't tell her about my brother." He looked at her in a way that said he was reading right through her.
"Turns out I happen to keep pictures stored with my contacts." He went to her number and showed her the picture. It was the same picture he had framed for her. Then he went to his brother's picture.
"Are you guys close?" Karen said, trying to focus on the topic at hand, and not be by how sweet Derek was.
"We used to be, when we were boys, but as we got older, not so much. We are trying to work on it now. I don't know how successful we'll be. I don't mean to sound cliché, but he really is my "evil twin" brother you know" Derek smirked.
"If he's the evil one, he must be really mean,"Karen gave a chuckle and continued " I mean really really mean! The meanest", Karen looked at Derek he wasn't smiling.
"Are you trying to say I am horrid Ms. Cartwright." before she could develope a smart remarked he looked down the hall towards the sound of loud talking and off key singing.
"I suppose telling the ensemble about your plans to run off and wed me aren't included in the taking in slow plan." Derek joked with Karen.
"Probably not." She said, panicking a bit.
"Well then what do you suppose we do." He asked mysteriously as if he had something up his sleeve.
"Well, Karen, are you sneaking off somewhere?" Bobby said slurring every word.
"Yeah, Iowa, are you doing on a secret rendezvous?" Jessica sounded like a little girl when the words left her mouth. They were all obviously drunk.
"No, I was just going to get a drink out of the vending machine, do you guys want anything?" she knew she wasn't the best a lying, but she was really thirsty, so maybe they brought her story.
"Were good, we've got lots of goody in this bag" Sue opened a huge brown bag with a smile on her face. It was full of vodka, rum, and mixers.
"You guys are such animals" Karen laughed at them. She was so nervous that someone might say something about Derek, maybe they were too drunk to care. It was then that she looked to the left where he had stood, and he was gone. She wondered where he went.
"Did you lose your puppy?!" Dennis asked howling at the howling at the ceiling.
"You guys are going to get us kicked out." Karen laughed.
"Well Karen if they ask us what that noise is Bobby will have you tell them", Sue pointed to Bobby, and suddenly he began to perform.
"See I never met a Wolf who didn't love to hoooowwwl, and I never met a wolf who wasn't on the prowl," Bobby sang loudly and the gang started performing what looked like a disassembled line dance.
"You guys are wired." Karen giggled and place her hand on her chest.
"Don't worry Karen, we are all going to my room, so you are off the hook tonight. But tomorrow, tomorrow we are coming for you Iowa. You can't let Dev problems stop you from. Partying with us." Dennis said as they continued down the hallway.
Karen could look for Derek now that her wild friends were well down the hall. She turned to the left and looked at the door that housed the vending and Ice machines. She opened the door and was suddenly pulled in by the waist. Derek pulled her against his body and kissed her with passion. The creases in his lips explored hers as they held each other tightly. Her lips were sweet like warm honey and brown sugar. He sucked on her bottom lip and tugged it slightly. His hands traveled up her spine and gave her chills. Finally he pulled away and looked into her eyes. Their breathing was labored.
"Sorry, I just missed you" he said gasping for air.
"Why would apologize for something that great?" Karen smiled.
"You should be sorry you stopped." Karen said looking at Derek, eyes full of lust.
"Darling, I amso sorry about that." He leaned in and kissed her again. This time the kiss was deep and sensual, and just as their lips started a groove the door to the room they were in flew open.
"Oh my God!" Julia's mouth hung wide open.
Derek and Karen jumped apart. Karen pulled her white tank top down, it seemed as though it had risen during the peak of passion.
"Sorry, wrong door," she said as she quickly shut the door. They heard her footsteps walking down the hall in haste.
"Maybe we can continue this in your room." Karen said longing to feel Derek, all of Derek.
"I don't think that's a good Idea love. As mush as I want to take you. It wouldn't quite be taking it slow." He pulled away from Karen. He didn't want to, but he wanted her to know that he respected her. He didn't want her to think he was just a horny man who would do anything for a piece of her. She was much more than a piece of anything to him. Much more than his star.
"Jewels, I got her as quick as I couuld" Michael Swift said as the door was flung open for a second time. His eyes widen as he realized it was not Julia in the room waiting for him.
"Yeah, yeah we know wrong room," Derek couldn't help but finish the sentence before Michael even started it.
"Thanks" Michael said with a smile. They could tell he was questioning their whereabouts, but he just shut the door.
Karen and Derek broke into a simultaneous laugh when the door shut.
"I guess someone had the same idea", Karen said breaking the symmetry.
"I think you should get back to your room and get some rest, love." He said looking at her with care. he looked her up and down, and licked his lips. It was devastatingly sexy. "Lord knows what I'll do to you if you don't"
"Maybe you right." She replied in agreement. She didn't want to, but deep down she knew it was best.
"Goodnight love", Derek kissed Karen on the lips before he turned and walked away.
Karen stayed in the Ice room for a moment. She placed her hand on her lips and quivered with pleasure. Derek was an amazing kisser. His lips were soft and supple, and the feeling of his hands across her body made Karen relish in delight. She loved the way that he respected her even more. Karen said she wanted to take it slow, even though she regretted it now, and he stuck to it.
Karen walked back to her room and let herself in. She was glad that she remember her keycard. She laid in her bed and thought about how glad she was that her life was taking a new direction. She had been faced with a very ugly reality of an unfaithful boyfriend and a vicious chorus rivalry. But Derek was slowly making it all better for her.
Karen walked down the hall to her dressing room. Today was an "off" day but Eileen decided with all the changes going on in the production the group needed a short rehearsal. Karen was thinking about last night and the kiss she shared with her guy. She was in a daze as she walked smiling down the hallway. She let out a little chuckle replaying the situation in her head. She was amused by Michael and Julia. She knew that there had always been chemistry between the two of them, but she never would have thought they were hooking up. Especially because they were both married. Suddenly a tense sounding voice made Karen stop in her tracks. It was Derek.
"Ivy I can't believe you called my brother here. Especially to use as your pawn."
"Whatever do you mean Derek?" She said innocentll. As if she really had no clue.
"Bloody hell Ivy, don't play dumb! I spoke with him after the show. He wondered why I didn't know he was here. He also told me the amazing day he had with you." Derek was angry and rightfully so.
"Are you jealous?" Ivy said dryly.
"No Ivy, I am ticked off. You tried to hurt Karen and you used my brother. I am not jealous, you are an adut do what you please. But I will tell you this Ivy, you can rant and rave about how unsatisfied I left you in every rehearsal from her to hell, but you will never even attempt to hurt Karen again."
"So this is about your little girlfriend" Ivy was pissed. "Screw her and screw you", she yelled as she turned to walk out of the door.
"Just know this Ivy, if you so much as attempt any type of stunt that will negatively affect this production or Karen, I will make sure you can't even get casted as a volunteer extra in a concert scene for a movie." Derek's words were harsh and true. He really was a powerful director. People feared him as much as they respected him.
'Is that a threat." Ivy's eyes cut back to him challenging his words.
"No dear, that is a promise. Oh, and I expect your resignation when we get back to New York. Not a moment before, nor a moment after . And Derek walked out of the room. He spotted Karen as he turned the corner into the hall.
"Hey love, are you ok." He kissed her on the forehead.
"Yeah, I'm great." She said looking at him with admiration. She was ecstatic about the conversation she just heard.
"See you in the theater", he said as he shrugged away his attitude and continued down the hall.
"You Bitch",Ivy all but spit the words at Karen as she walked by her.
Karen just continued to her dressing room. If Ivy only knew what Karen would do to her, she would think twice before she acted. Karen tried to stay to herself, and be positive at all times. But years of Karate and kick boxing had sculpted her into the prime fighter, if it ever came to that. Besides, it seemed as if Derek was doing all the fighting for her.
Karen thought about her plans for the day. She had spent so much time with Derek in the past three days that she had neglected her friends. She didn't want them to think she was becoming a Broadway star that was too good for the likes of them. She thought about what she could do for them, how she could show them a good time. She knew she would think of something good.
She went down to rehearse. Everything went accordingly, and Karen ignored the cutting eyes from Ivy. She was so childish. Karen initially felt bad for her. She never wanted to take anything from her. She simply wished they could be friends one day. She had no reason not to like Ivy. She used to admire Ivy. Ivy was talented, and beautiful and a broadway veteran. Why wouldn't Karen like her? But Karen was no longer under a delusion. She no longer searched for the good in Ivy; if there was such a thing.
"So...Karen are you done ignoring us?" Dennis said as rehearsals wrapped. The group was walking to the door obviously with some plans.
"Oh no...I need a few more hours, meet me in my room at seven", and she ran out of theater.
Karen headed back to the hotel with lots of bags. She was so excited about the plans she had for her friends. She definitely was going to show them what partying was. She bought twister, bop-it, and Monopoly. She also purchased dance dance revolution. She knew that they would think these were juvenile games. But once she got them going on shots, she knew they would understand what a blast being elementary could be, and she couldn't wait.
Karen went into her room and set everything up for her friends. She was excited, like a little girl having a sleep over for the first time. Just as she suspected her friends were late. So she took a moment and looked at her phone. it was as Derek knew she would be picking her phone up at that very moment, because a text message came in from him. Hey Karen, I know you are having a date with the girls (yeas I included Bobby and Dennis); but I just wanted you to know I missed you. Call me later. Derek. Before she could reply the door opened.
"Iowa are you ready to part-" Bobby's words trailed off as he looked around the room.
"Um this is a little junior high don't you think?" Jessica said sarcastically.
"I thought I told you guys to dress comfortably" Karen laughed at her friends. Their expressions were priceless. She snapped a picture with her phone. They were dressed in club attire and looking as if the walked in on their parents having sex.
"Chill, you guys are going to love tonight. I promise." Karen smiled as she pointed to the counter of the kitchenette where all of the alcohol was.
"Now you are talking Iowa", Sue said as she walked over and started to examine the goods.
"Oh Karen I hope you don't mind we invited Tom and Sam" Dennis said grabbing a handful of pretzels.
"Not at all, the more the merrier" Karen smiled. and the night began.
The group was having some much fun drinking and acting like clumsy fools. They twisted and fell and shouted and danced. The music playing on dance dance revolution attracted people from the hall. Before Karen knew it her room was filled. Tom, Julia, Michael, Sam and even Eileen where enjoying the festivities. And everyone was a good time bonding. Karen was happy to see her friends experiencing her type of fun. She was also glad to spend time with them, but she missed Derek. And as he crossed her mind he appeared in the doorway in true Derek fashion. He knocked on the open door frame.
"Knock Knock" he said slyly as he leaned against the door. He looked amazing. He wore a pair of dark denim stone washed jeans and bright white v-neck t-shirt that hugged his body.
"Oh my gosh" Bobby mouthed at Karen, he couldn't believe his eyes.
"Mr. Wills, what brings you to my humble abode?" Karen said with a smile. She winked at him in hiding.
"I was on my way out when I heard all of the rift raft from the stairs. I decided the party must be here, so I decided to take a look." Derek explained. "May I" he said implying he wanted to join them.
"I don't know..." Jessica stalled in a excited tone. Derek had never partied with them. But as soon as he pulled a full bottle of scotch from behind his back she snatched it "enter at your own risk." she said as she stumbled off.
Karen was so happy to see him. And she wondered how she would hide her excitement in her intoxicated state. Derek walked over to dance dance revolution and looked at Bobby with a challenging glare. The two men began to duel it out, and everyone was in awe of Derek's moves. No one had ever seen him in such a relaxed state, it was simply unheard of from Derek Wills.
"Karen, can I have a word with you" Julia asked as she pulled her to the kitchen area.
"You two...you are a thing?" She motioned to Derek with her eyes.
"Um..." Karen was nervous. She didn't want the great Julia Huston to think less of her. She had really grown to love her. She had been such a gift to her during this process.
"I think it's great. I think it's beyond great. He's never been so..." She pointed again. "I just wanted you to know I think this is good for him, and you."
"Awe, thanks Julia. I just don't want everyone to hate me." Karen replied.
"People will have their opinions, but as long as it makes you happy, go for it. You never know what can happen. Besides we all knew nothing serious would ever happen between him and Ivy." Julia gave Karen a supportive pat on the arm and walked back to the living room area to join a round of twister.
Karen felt great the night had been a success. Everyone had time to bond with each other. And she got to enjoy their company. She especially loved spending time with Derek. And everyone was too drunk to notice the little touches and looks between the two of them. Everyone started to leave the room around three in the morning. But Karen and Derek sat on the couch talking about Bombshell. That was the safest thing for them to talk about around everyone. Besides she loved talking to Derek, it came so naturally. And picking his brain about show business was a bonus. She kept looking at his smile as he talked, what a beautiful smile. But she knew she was drunk because she kept nodding off.
"Alright Karen into the Bed." He said as he stood up.
"I guess I was falling asleep huh?" She yawned as she stood up too.
"Yes, at first I was offended, I was boring you to death. But then I thought of course you couldn't be bored with me, it must be all the liquor, you bloody booze hound." he chuckled as he made his way to the door.
"I'm really glad you came Derek, it was the best surprise of the night." She said as she stumbled past pizza boxes and booze bottles. She looked around, everyone was sleep around her. They were going to have big hangovers.
"I couldn't bear to stay away, I really missed you love",,he stated as he pulled her in by her waist. Karen was standing on her tippy toes. He leaned in and kissed her. He tried not to do to much, he had taken enough cold showers after his meetings with Karen, but her lips felt so good.
She pulled away after about thirty seconds and looked him in the eyes. "See you tomorrow, Mr. Wills."
She gently shut the door and went to lay in her bed. little did she know, one of the castmates seen here affectionate display, and she would have to answer in the morning.