"That's great. We'll call that a day guys." Derek said in a nonchalant tone, barely looking up from his Mac Book laptop. "Be here tonight, by 6pm. Linda will directing in my absence." Derek announced which shocked the entire cast. Derek had never been known to miss a day of a production.
"Derek, a word please" Eileen was hovering his shoulder.
He didn't even seem to notice her arrival, how ever he willfully obliged and followed her mindlessly to the lobby.
"Have you heard anything?" Derek asked with a glint of hope behind his grimace.
"No, but Derek we have a show to worry about. I'm sure Karen is fine. Her agent said she would be in touch by rehearsals in New York. Right now we need to talk about Ivy. Her rehearsal was noticeably off. She was missing steps and out of tune. And you didn't say a word Derek. You need to start focusing on Bombshell and less on Karen." Eileen's smile remained plastered across her face as she spoke direct.
"Eileen, I just, It's been three days, no one has seen nor heard from Karen." Derek was uncharacteristically worried. "For the last time what in bloody hell is going on here?" anger over took his town and all sense of his being.
"I can't say Derek. All I can tell you is that she is fine. Now you need to be here tonight and make sure everything goes the way it needs too."
"I can't promise you that Eileen. Once I find her, I'll be here. " Derek turned to walk away.
"Damn it Derek. You listen to me. This is my production, and I can't have you frolicking around the country looking for a young woman who doesn't want to be found. You-" Eileen paused mid sentence the expression on her face dropping. Suddenly the corners of her lips turned up "You didn't!"
"I beg your pardon?" Derek was good at ignoring the obvious.
"Oh don't play coy with me Derek. I've known you for far too long. You've slept with her? I can't believe this Derek. You have something to do with this mess don't you. Derek this is not acceptable!" she stressed the words as if she knew they would fall on deaf ears.
"Oh give me a break Eileen. I haven't shagged the girl. I wont break your star. We are just, well. We are friends" Derek held back his last sentence.
Eileen could help but let out a hefty laugh. The live of the laugh was short-lived. "Derek you are incapable of having young attractive female friends. Don't play games." she hissed at him.
"The what are we love?" he grinned knowingly annoying the older producer.
"I'm your friend Derek, but that wont stop me from getting rid of you if you screw up this production." She was serious and her face matched the tone of her words.
"Eileen, you know the worth of this production. You've said it yourself Ivy is a girl who can carry it, and she will. Tom and Julia have written a phenomenal show, and tonight's preview will showcase it. I am going back to the city, and I will be back first thing tomorrow. We've only got one more week." And with that Derek was off.
Returning to the city was an uneventful task to say the least. Derek was used to running in at out-of-town at the beckoning call of a new opportunity. But he wasn't too familiar with leaving a show to chase a star, not just a star a woman. Derek tried to think why Karen would just run away from all of her dreams. He scraped each crevice of his brain trying to remember if he said or did something wrong. But he was sure he hadn't. Karen had seemed so comfortable with him on there outing. Why would she just leave town?
Derek pondered with every inch of his brain as rode in the back of what had to be New Yorks smelliest taxi. In fact the smell was so revolting, he gaged upon entrance. Usually he would refuse to ride in something so substandard, but he was in such a hurry to get to Karen's apartment that he tolerated the ruthless ride. The cabby drove like most cabby's in New York, fast and furious. He screamed at traffic and bent corners extremely sharp. But for a $10.00 fair what could he expect. The drive from his place to hers was seven minutes. He recalled from his last visit when she opened the door prancing around in modest lingerie. Quickly he shook the thought from his head and paid the driver of the car. He didn't ask him to wait knowing that this would be a long visit.
Derek ran out the car and up to the stoop that stood as an entry way to her building. He scanned the directory on the side to make ure he remembered the right apartment. Up the stairs he went with such haste that he would be sure to knock down anyone in his path. When he got to her apartment the door was slightly cracked. He knocked on the frame to be polite, but when he didn't receive an answer he hoped that she wouldn't be too upset with him barging in. And so he entered the premises and shocked by the condition of the apartment. It was completely empty. The hollow apartment which once hosted the young star was a ghost town. Not a single dish, picture, nor light remained in the vacant apartment.
Oh bloody hell! Where could she be?
Derek went into the bedroom to make sure he wasn't being deceived. But the room was a vacant as the rest of the apartment. He shook his head in disbelief. He grabbed his phone out of his pocket and placed it in his broken began scrolling through contacts. He ran his free hand through his salt and pepper hair. He hadn't slept in days worrying about Karen. He knew her phone was disconnected but searched desperately for anything. Suddenly he remembered, He had the Cartwright residence phone number. He searched for the phone and called her parents secretly wishing Karen would answer the phone. He wanted her to be safe visiting home in Iowa. His wish would not be granted as Roger Cartwright picked up the other line.
"Hello." he sounded as if he was expecting a call..
"Hello, Mr. Cartwright this is Derek Wills, Karens director."
"Derek, of course I know who you are. Is everything Ok? Did something happen to Karen?" he asked in a gasp trying to stay calm in front of his wife.
"Well sir, I was hoping you could be of some assistance in that department. We haven't seen Karen in three days. Her phone is disconnected." Derek tried to allow only his professional concerns sound.
"We've barely walked to her since the incident." Roger stated sounding more relaxed than before.
"You haven't talked to her since the hospital?" Derek questioned wondering how that could be possible.
"No, since Dev...Since...the suicide." Roger was saddened by the death of a man he once cared for like a son.
"Suicide? What in Gods name?" Derek was utterly confused.
"You didn't know about the Suicide? Dev killed himself in Karens hotel room before she left boston." Roger was certain she had to tell someone.
"I had no idea, seems no one sought fit to tell me. I'm in New York in her apartment, and everything is gone. Do you know where she is staying. I need...We need to talk to her about the show." Derek responded attempting to sound professional once again.
"I'm not sure, but she is working at the café, I've got the number if you want to call. It's (212) 777-1447" Roger was forthcoming with the information. He liked Derek.
"Great. Thank you Roger." Derek said hanging up the phone as fast as he could.
A sense of relief filled Derek as he realized Karen probably wasn't any danger, and that she didn't leave because of his actions. But he was immediately taken over by feelings of rage and confusion. No one tole him about the incident. He wondered why Karen didnt seek him out. The poor girl was probably suffering and feeling guilt over the entire situation. Derek couldn't believe that the little prick she called a boyfriend put her through that much pain. He was truly a selfish and controlling animal. Derek typed the number in his phone's google search bar. He didn't want to tip Karen off that he was coming, for fear that she might leave. Cafe Orlin he recalled her saying she worked in a café, and now he knew exactly where to look for her. He exited her apartment at a quicker pace than he had entered.
The ride to the cafe was a little longer than Derek expected, but with midday traffic, there was nothing he could do. He was somewhat satisfied that the ride was more pleasant than his last. The cab was clean, and the driver a very cautious older man. Derek kept looking down at his arm. It was if the brace supporting his broken bone disgusted him. And as soon as the thought crossed his mind, it was gone, along with his brace. Derek really was stubborn, and no brace would hold him back for long.
Before he knew it he was at the cafe. It was just after the lunch time rush, so he was sure Karen would have time to talk. He glanced at his reflection in the window, an rubbed his hands against his casual wear. He was wearing blue jeans, with a loose fitting denim shirt. Not his usual dark director sweats, which were quite comfortable. As he finished his look over, he spotter her. He didn't want to alarm her so he turned his head the other way as if looking at something interesting across the street, and made his way into the cafe.
Derek walked straight over to Karen before she could even turn around to spot him. He took in her essence, pure and bewildered at the same time. He noticed her curved in her uniform, they distracted him from his original mission.
"This time you were a lot cleverer, you must not have wanted anyone to find you." Derek smirked.
"Derek! What are you doing here?" Karen was she was shocked, and busted.
"Can I have a word with you love?" he pleaded with his eyes, but reverted to using his director voice.
"I have a lot of work to get done." she said timidly avoiding eye contact.
"it'll only be a moment. I'll even tip you." He chuckled as she reluctantly nodded in agreement.
Karen led him to a tree right in front of the restaurant. She often came out here for breaks to people watch, one of her favorite activities in the big city.
"Well you've found me Mr. Wills" 'she stated with a half-smile.
"Indeed I did. I was worried, about you." he sweetened his voice to tone he only used with people he cared about. Karen noticed the change.
"I don't know. I'm just trying to stay busy. I'm sorry I didn't tell you Derek. " Karen felt a tear stream down her cheek but quickly wiped it away and smiled.
"Don't be, I just wanted to make sure you were ok. The rest we can talk about another time." he stated.
"I only have a few minutes before I have to go back." She reminded him.
"Well than I guess I better get going. I am going back to Boston in the morning. Can I see you tonight?" he was hesitant in asking.
"Yes. That would make me happy." Karen smiled and her eyes lit up as she took in every action and word of the director. She liked him so much, even though she hated herself for linking him that much right now. "You can put back on our brace too, unless you want to be permanently crippled." She added in noticing his arm wasn't protected anymore.
"Of course, well then I will pick you up?" He inquired, the hidden question being where was she staying.
"I'll meet you at your place." Karen said as he got up to walk off.
"Derek?" she said softly. he turned around meeting her eyes "Where is my tip?" she continued.
He walked back and place a kiss of her forehead. "Come back to Bombshell and you wont need one." he whispered and turned to walk off. He had a noticeable pep in his step.
Kare reveled in the moment pulling a stand of her hair behind her ear ans twisting it like a little girl. The she bounced back into the café. She didn't want anyone to find her, but she was glad he did. Derek was the one person she wanted to stay away from. But he was also the ne person who could put a smile on her face. Her feelings for Derek were growing, but murkier by the sudden death of Dev. Dev's reason for taking his own life were mind boggling to Karen. She didn't even know the extent of her feelings for Derek, and she definitely didn't know months ago as Dev refered to in his letter. Karens mind was racing so fast that she didn't even notice her manager trying to get her attention.
"Karen, Karen, Karen!" he was yelling, practically begging for a response from her.
"I'm sorry. I was-" she tried to explain.
"Karen you need to go home, right not." he demanded.
"Why? I was only outside for a few moments." she was confused by his statement.
"Karen you have picked up five eight-hour shifts in three days. You need to rest, plus I just came across this." he said spanning a newspaper across the nearest table. He pointed to the small obituary in the left hand corner with a picture of Dev. Karen wash shocked by the photo, she'd taken that picture of him. She couldn't move for a few seconds, and then she looked her young short manager in eyes, knowing he wouldn't change his mind not matter what she explained to him.
Karen was halfway to her hotel when she picked up her phone and thought about calling Derek. She had forgotten that she had disconnected the service. So she continued walking her thoughts consuming the last of her positive energy. Images of Dev were rolling across he brain, good and bad. It seemed as if they had spent so much time fighting in the Dev past months that she'd let herself forget about the good times. They had a lot of good times. But Karen was more so intrigued by his attitude towards Derek. How could Dev know she had feelings for Derek before she even knew? Suddenly the images of Dev arguing with Rebecca, and arguing with Derek were at the forefront of her brain. He had been so protective and possessive of Karen. How could someone so loving, be so dark and evil. Karen just couldn't understand.
She made her way to her hotel which wasn't the Ritz, but it would do the job. She need to find new place to stay. She could bear to stay in her apartment any longer. She moved all of her belongings that she need into the hotel, and sold the rest. She knew she would need the cash, and could always buy new things. Besides she couldn't imagine ever using most of it again. She couldn't sleep in a bed she once owned, that would be too surreal. She settled in her room and once again began to cry. Crying was a new found hobby of the young woman. She couldn't help it. Her once happy life was slipping away before her eyes, and she couldn't do anything about. Karen's life was far from perfect, but she tried to make the best of every situation. She had put just about every dollar she earned into acting classes, an agent, headshots, and high rent in New York to always here no. She didn't have enough experience. How could anyone expect her to have experience if they never gave her a chance. She loved working on Bombshell but was starting to wonder if it was worth the pain it caused her. her boyfriend cheated on her, she was humiliated by the ensemble, tortured by Ivy and the last straw was Dev suicide. The only good thing that came out of the situation was a new friendship with her clique and then there was Derek. Derek always been around. But never did Karen see him as more than an overbearing tyrannical work obsessed director. Now he was her only piece of sanity.
Karen got up to wash her face and shower. She scavenged through her bags to find clothes to wear. She wasn't sure if they would be staying in or going to dinner, so she picked a suitable outfit for either. Plus she wanted to look nice for Derek. So she grabbed a sunflower yellow sundress out of the bag. It had thick straps, sweetheart neckline and large white polka dots. She sat the dress out along with a pair of strappy shite sandals. After showering and getting ready for her meeting with Derek, she called her cell phone provider to reinstate her service. She wasn't ready to talk to anyone. But she wanted to call Derek and tell him she would be on her way. She had mixed emotions about going to see Derek. She remembered their day together, the day before Dev took his life. She remembered their conversation, the way his hand rubbed her leg and how he smiled at her. She was happy with him. After all he tried to save her from the disaster Ellis caused, and stayed in the hospital with her everyday until she woke up. He must have some genuine feelings for Karen. Which was also a fear of hers. He seemed to have genuine feelings for Ivy at one point too. Maybe Karen could find a way to bring that to his attention without creating a problem.
As soon as she finished with the service provider she dialed Derek's number. He answered after two rings.
"Ms. Cartwright I was waiting for your call. I thought it would be a few hours before you got out. " Derek sounded presently surprised.
"They sent me home early. I can wait a few hours before I come over if you want." She silently hoped he said no.
"Yes, that will be great. If you want to make me go insane. You get over here now. And that is not a request love." he stated. She could hear his smile through the phone.
"Well good, because I am outside." She laughed, not realizing herself she had made it all the way to his place. The walk wasn't long, and talking to the agent on the phone occupied most of the time her thoughts didn't.
"Perfect, let yourself in." he hung up before she could say another word.
Within two minutes Karen was outside Derek's. Smoothed her dress and ran her fingers through her naturally curly hair. She hoped he'd like what he saw. She opened the door hoping to see Derek standing there, but he wasn't. His downstairs was huge, and open for the most part. She remember the first time she was in his apartment and tensed up as she looked around. She walked to couch where she once enticed Derek to the point of explosion. She ran her fingers along the arm of the couch recalling the night, his shirt, and an incredibly steamy version of happy birthday.
"That's my favorite couch" Derek said sarcastically.
Karen looked at the long lean figure coming down the stairs. He had clearly just got out of the shower. He had on a black v-neck t-shirt and black sweat pants. He looked amazing and so fit. She could see how the years of dancing had formed his body. Derek was extremely attractive.
"Really, why?" She smiled knowing the answer so well.
"Oh I think you know" he aid in a familiar tone, looking at her the way he did in her apartment. Examining her every curve. "You look terrific" he said as he made his way across the room and embraced her.
"Thanks," she let out in a shy tone.
"So love, are you hungry?" he asked.
"I could eat," she smiled as she watched his face light up with an idea.
"Great because I think we should cook." he smiled a wide and sly smile.
"Can you cook?" the words sounded foreign leaving her lips.
"Can you?" he shot back the question.
"I guess we'll see." Karen laughed.
She walked into the kitchen and started searching the cabinets looking for something they should create. She ws excited, Dev never wanted to cook with Karen. He believed that was a woman's job. She enjoyed cooking .
"What do you want to make?" She asked turning around to look at Derek who had a puzzled look on his face.
"Your the first woman who has ever prepared anything in my Kitchen. You're not shy about it are you?" he chuckled.
"You invited me in, so if you want to eat, you better get over her and help me out." Karen reciprocated his laugh and continued rifling through the cabinets.
"Yes Ma'am" Derek obliged. It was comical to Karen, he was being such a 'good boy'
She searched his fridge and found New York Strip steak.
"This will be perfect." She said pulling out the steaks and a cutting board.
"Yes this will be" he said in a sly and mysterious tone. Karen didn't pick up on his demeanor.
She started cutting onions on a cutting board, just the way she'd seen on television careful not to make her eyes water. Derek's apartment was like a supermarket. It contained everything she need to make a meal. She watched as Derek watched her, she felt shy and embarrassed for some reason. She began to blush.
"Why are you staring at me?" She asked in a shy manner. She was giggling as she tied her hair into a bun.
"Well what do you suggest I do Ms. Cartwright." He said getting closer to her.
"How about you get out of my Kitchen!" she said tossing a glare at him.
"Your kitchen, huh? I like the sound of that." he smiled cunningly and grabbed an apple of the counter and took a bite never taking his eye away from Karen.
He walked up behind her as she was seasoning the meat, and put his hands on her hip. She turned towards him startled the same way she had been the night of her preview. She stared into his glass green eyes. His eyes were truly mesmerizing. She breathed in his breath, her chest heaving against his, their pelvis' nearly touching. And in that moment she felt her knees buckle a bit beneath her. She was shaking with anticipation. His grip was firm yet tender on her body. His thumbs traced the outline of her shape, and it felt amazing to her. He leaned in closer and Karen felt her heart skip a beat. He closed his eyes and kissed her.
To be continued exactly where left off.
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