I am so excited for this story. Thank you all for the reviews/favorites/follows. You guys are awesome. Th chapter is a filler, or better yet a set-up chapter to everything that will occur moving forward. I hope that you enjoy the story.
"Derek, Derek, Hello? Earth to the director." He could her Julia saying, but he couldn't snap his attention away from what he just saw. It was her, Karen Cartwright. She was even more beautiful than the last time he saw her. Through the window of his studio, he could see her brown locks cascading against her back. He didn't have to see her face to know it was her. He would never forget her back, her shape and her legs.
"Um…..yeah. I have to go. Rehearsal is finished." Derek said throwing his things in his bag.
"Where are you going?" Julia said confused by his erratic behavior.
"I have something that I need to take care of." Derek said placing a kiss on her cheek. "I will see you tomorrow night sweetheart." Derek said rushing towards the door. It had been a little over a year since the last time he'd seen her. He couldn't believe that it was really her.
He got to the hallway just as the elevator doors closed. He pushed the button desperately, but nothing happened. He opened the door to the stairs and ran down five flights as fast as he could. When he reached the bottom, he searched frantically but she was nowhere to be found.
The elevator sounded and the doors glided open. He could feel his heart skip beat.
"Look who I brought to see daddy," Ivy cooed stepping off of the elevator with their son Max.
"Max buddy!" Derek said kissing his sixth month old son on the cheek.
"What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost." Ivy said kissing him on the cheek.
"Sorry love, what are you doing here?" Derek said trying not to let the disappointment show in his face.
"We came down thought that you might want to have lunch." Ivy announced.
"Sure, I just have to grab something from upstairs. I'll meet you around the corner." He said referring to a restaurant they frequented.
Derek started to feel like he was losing his mind, when did she get back? How did he manage to miss her? He rode the elevator back to the fifth floor. He walked the direction that he seen her coming from. There was only one office that way, a publishing office. When he walked in he was thankful the receptionist was someone he was friendly with.
"Carrie darling, how are you today?" Derek asked with a smirk.
"I am doing well Mr. Wills, and yourself?" She ask flirtatiously in her husky tone.
"It depends if you can give me a little information, about the young brunette that was just in your office. I think she might be an old friend of mine." Derek said leaning against the frame of the door.
"I could in trouble for this Mr. Wills." She batted her eyes.
"Love you could get in trouble for a lot of things." Derek responded.
"Fine Derek, her name is K.C. Collins. She just signed a publishing deal for her second book. She is leaving for France in the morning." She smiled at him. "Now if you'll excuse me, it's my lunch."
"Sure thing love." Derek said leaning in and kissing her cheek.
K.C Collins, a writer, Derek would Google that when he got home. Or at least he planned. His night was full of duties as usual. He was working on staging, while playing with Max. Then he gave him a bed and tucked him away in the crib. He had gotten so used to being a dad that he had forgotten what life was like when he wasn't. Once Max was asleep for the night, Derek's mind had wonder back to Karen, and they remained on her until he heard Ivy coming up the stairs.
"Hey Mr." She called as she walked down to his room.
"In the room," Derek called out to her softly.
"Where's Max?" She inquired, looking confused.
"I put him to bed about an hour ago." Derek said as closed his computer.
"Good" Ivy exhaled as she mounted her boyfriend, how about you let me put you to bed.
"Not tonight." Derek said rubbing his head, hoping that would give the illusion of a headache. He really just didn't want to do anything.
"Is everything okay?" Ivy asked registering concern.
"Fine, you are more than welcome to stay the night with us." Derek reminded Ivy. She had decided not to move in when Max was born. She wanted their relationship to grow slowly, especially because they have a child.
Ivy agreed, and they had spent the night together.
The next day Derek and Ivy were preparing for their evening. Max was staying with Leigh, the first time since his birth that he would be without both parents. Derek was glad to be having time out with Ivy, to be a normal adult couple. He arranged for a car service to pick them up 7:00pm, which gave them plenty of time to arrive at Julia's wedding.
They were one of the first couple's to arrive to the intimate affair. It was a lavish, candlelit ceremony location on top of the Rockefeller center surrounded by the view of all Manhattan, it was fitting for a second wedding for her and Michael. Derek was happy to be in attendance, he and Julia had become quite close of the last year. Despite any hiccup's, Julia was very understanding and kind.
"This is absolutely amazing" Ivy whispered to Derek as they took their seats.
"That it is." Derek responded, he could only imagine the thoughts going on in her head at the moment.
A few more couples arrived. Derek and Ivy shared small talk with the others, and between themselves.
Just moments before the ceremony started, it happened. Derek was in the middle of telling a joke which now seemed pointless, for he had forgotten his words. The only thing he could say was "Karen."
Ivy turned to the direction that Derek was facing. She didn't want to make a scene, but Derek could feel her body tensing next to his. "Oh my god.' Ivy whispered under her breath. Even she was amazed by her appearance.
Karen was glowing; her tan skin shimmered with specks of gold. She wore a navy blue a-line halter dress that accentuated her breast and long legs stopping just above her knee. She wore strappy gold shoe and clutch. Her make-up was perfect, not that she needed any. She was perfect to him. She smiled, at the crowd, and took a seat near the back. Right before she sat down, she saw him. Derek was sure of it, because there was something in her eye.
"What are you starring at?" Ivy scolded.
Before Derek had a chance to order the violinist started to play, and Michael Swift appeared at the makeshift altar. Tom walked Julia down the aisle. Before Derek had realized, they were at the I do's. Everyone cheered for the couple and headed over to the cocktail reception at the other end of the roof. Michael and Julia shared a first dance, but Derek couldn't take his eyes off Karen. He never thought he would see her again, and now here she was. He had to find a way to talk to her, without Ivy being upset.
Suddenly Karen excused herself. Derek was sure that Ivy didn't notice, as she was busy talking to a Tom about girl stuff. Derek headed towards the bathroom, sure that was where Karen heading.
"Excuse me ladies, I am going to need to commandeer this toilet for a moment." Derek said as he covered his eyes. He didn't have to open them to know that Karen was standing right in front of him.
"Nice to see you again Derek" She smiled. "Would you mind telling me why you have me locked in this bathroom."
"Karen Cartwright, or should I say K.C Collins." He smirked his signature grin at her, raising his eyebrows.
"How did you know?"Karen asked marveling at Derek.
"I have my ways, as do you" Derek said mysteriously. He knew that he didn't have much time. "I would love to talk to you for hours, but I understand why that can't be. I just wish that you would have coffee with me Monday."
"I don't know Derek. I don't think that 's a great Idea." Karen admitted.
"It's just coffee, catch up, and after that you never have to talk to me again." Derek smiled. "I haven't seen you since the day.." Derek said being cut off.
"I remember Derek." She said looking away. "If you don't mind, I am going to go join the party. Besides if your girlfriend catches you here, I'm sure there will be hell to pay.' Karen said walking out.
Derek walked about behind her, and walked up the stairs in awe. He was stuck he had so much to ask her, so much to stay. But it seemed like none of the words would come out. He had an overload.
When they reached the top of the roof Julia was about to toss the bouquet, Karen ran behind the group and effortlessly caught the flowers. Derek laughed at the easy in her movement.
"Where have you been?" Ivy said as she walked away from the chaos.
"Um.. restroom" Derek smiled placing his arm around her.
For the rest of the night he could feel Karen's eyes on him, and he couldn't keep his off of her. And when she danced he was sure that his mouth hung open.
"Jules" Derek said as the glowing bride walked over. "You are breath taking."
"Thank you Derek. I am so glad you could come." Julia smile at him, obviously inebriated.
"I am too. I didn't know that Karen was going to be here." Derek admitted.
"That is my surprise to you. It took a lot to get her here. So you better have got me a good gift." Julia smiled.
Just then Ivy came over with Tom and Michael. The group chatted and enjoyed there night, but Derek's head was spinning. What did Julia mean? Was Karen there to see him, at least in part? It was all too much for him to handle at the moment, but he smiled, and played nice with the other drunken adults. But come Monday afternoon he was going to be getting the information he been seeking since the day Karen left and broke his heart.
What do you think the will happen when Karen and Derek "meet for coffee."?
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