"We didn't do anything out on the balcony except enjoy each other's company and conversation," Karen's sudden declaration startling the remaining three members of Bombshell's creative team. The singer along with the others had been sitting quietly for the past hour in the ER waiting room of Manhattan Hospital. Eileen had requested the director be taken there since it was a private facility and used primarily by those who desired discretion. Not waiting for a response the brunette continued, "neither one of us knew who the other was until we were ready to join the party again, he was nothing but a gentleman towards me." Julia and Eileen both looked at each other with understanding. With all of the chaos immediately after the incident, the full meaning behind Tom's words were just now registering with the young woman. Not sure how to respond or if there was even an appropriate response, Julia allowed her producer to take the lead. "I know an apology is far from being enough for what was said to you but it's all I can offer," the producer began. "No one truly thinks anything occurred between you and Derek tonight, it was all a misunderstanding."

Karen couldn't help the bitter laugh that came out of her mouth. "You say that now because you know who I am. But, if I had been any another female, I can't imagine there would be such a rush to make things right." Her voice reflecting the anger that was starting to rise. "Where is your loyalty to Derek Wills?" She questioned. "Not one of you has recognized your gross misjudgment of his character or the impact Mr. Levitt's comments may have on his reputation." "Doesn't he, as member or your creative team deserve respect or is that only reserved for those who still think they are in high school trying to suck up to become popular within their click." She voiced looking directly at the composer. She knew Tom Levitt's type, talented but still insecure in his abilities. Someone always looking for and needing approval. It didn't take a genius to see that bad blood existed between the director and composer but it also didn't take a genius to know that part of that probably stemmed from some jealousy Tom harbored against Derek. Eileen and Julia knew the last statement was going to send Tom over the edge but they couldn't blame Karen for her views, she was right. None of the three members had thought of Derek aside from his physical well-being and neither Julia or Eileen had defended the director to Tom.

Tom who prior to now had sat away from the three women at the producer's urging couldn't help himself. Who was Karen Cartwright to assume she knew everything about Derek Wills from a simple conversation she had with him out on a balcony. Clearly, she knew nothing about his reputation as a womanizer and she certainly didn't know anything about how Derek backstabbed him 11years ago. With his temper in full force once again, Tom stated "If you knew anything about Broadway, Ms. Cartwright, you wouldn't be so quick to place your faith in Derek." "My comments tonight weren't baseless, they were just aimed at the wrong person and for that I apologize regardless of whether you accept. But please, do not sit here and lecture us based on a single conversation you had with him during which I have no doubt he was very charming." He continued. "Because make no mistake, Derek Wills is cold, manipulative and willing to do whatever it takes to get what he wants. He is incapable of having any type of relationship be it friendship or romantic. Respect isn't something given, it has to be earned and Derek Wills has done nothing to do that."

Karen waited a few minutes to make sure the composer was finished before she began her reply. "Wow!" she said. "It's clear you have such distain for him yet, here you are putting the fate of Bombshell in his hands." She let her words hang in the air before continuing, "It's hypocritical wouldn't you say; calling Derek cold and manipulative when in reality, you are the one putting aside your morality in hopes of winning a Tony that has alluded you all this time," her point made matter of fact. "I may not be on Broadway but I know the industry and like him or hate him, Derek is known for his honesty. So let me ask you Tom, in your eyes, which is a worse offense; being honest to a degree people consider you cold and manipulative; or putting aside your high morals and selling your soul to work with a man you loath just to have a chance at winning a Tony? You're right, respect is something earned; but, you'd be foolish to think its Derek who should be worried. From those with money looking to invest, it's you who should be looking in the mirror." She finished to a stunned audience.

Before the dialogue could go any further the doors to the triage rooms opened and a doctor walked into the waiting room. "Wills" he announced.

"Here," Eileen was the first to answer. "How is he?"

"Hello, I'm Dr. Becker," the older man greeted. "Mr. Wills was extremely lucky, had the blow landed one centimeter over, he would have lost his right eye." He stated. "We had no choice but to stitch the wound, it was too deep to close on its own. The sutures run from his right temple down under his eye. Our concern now is the amount of blood and fluid building behind the wound," he informed. "We've inserted a small drain in the side of his temple in hopes of relieving the pressure that is being placed on his socket and for that reason he will be admitted into the hospital at least for the night." He continued. "His right eye is completely swollen shut and there is tramatic bruising to the right side of his face. His left eye though unharmed is blood shot."

"Can we see him," Julia inquired.

"He is being moved to room 205, give the nurses about 10 minutes to get him situated and you can visit but two at a time. The area injured is highly sensitive so we administered a strong sedative before we began to stitched him up, he might not be fully alert. I have surgeries in the morning but I should be by around 1pm. If the drain works as I hope it will, he should be released. He is going to be in pain and will likely have headaches to contend with. For now, I would suggest he not return to work for at least two days to give the swelling a chance to go down and his eye to open."

"Thank you doctor," Eileen said before he left them. Waiting the requested time, it was decided that Julia and Karen would visit. They knew it was unlikely the director would want anything to do with Tom at this moment and the producer was willing to allow the singer an opportunity to see the man she had so eloquently defended moments earlier.

Giving the door a soft knock, Julia and Karen entered when they heard the familiar voice say come in. Despite the doctor's description of the director's injury, to say the two woman were shocked by the sight in front of them was an understatement.

"That bad, huh?" Derek attempted to break the tension. He hadn't seen himself in the mirror but from the startled looks of the two women that entered the room, he imagined he wasn't a pretty sight. He couldn't feel or open his right eye at all and he had a damn bag hanging out his temple. This was not exactly the first impression he wanted to make on Karen Cartwright.

"A little on the horrific side but hey it worked for Erik in Phantom of the Opera" she deadpanned breaking the tension once and for all.

"But Erik didn't win the girl," Derek answered.

"Ah, semantics," she teased. "How are you feeling?"

"Like my face was hit by a bat multiple times but the pain medication is kicking in," his voice becoming softer.

"I wanted to thank you both," He said looking between the two ladies "For taking care of me tonight and for staying here until I was moved." He offered. "Neither one of you had a reason to do that."

"Oh but that's where you are wrong," Karen answered. "I have a very selfish reason," her response earning a confused look "I recall I was promised dinner later this week on my favorite balcony." She smiled. "I would have lost out if I just left you there."

Derek gave a full on smile at her answer. He had hoped what happened wouldn't scare her away and now he had his answer. "Well, I am if anything a man of my word, so your selfish act will be rewarded."

"As for me," Julia added in an effort to remind the other two of her presence. "I would like to think we are friends and I'm sorry for not always being there for you before tonight. I had my eyes open to certain things waiting for the doctor to come out and its time I showed you how much I value you, not only on a professional level but a personal level."

Taken aback by Julia's words Derek wasn't sure how to respond. It was the first time she had ever acknowledge the friendship they use to have before her partnership with Tom. Hoping this would be a new start for them he replied in return "let's call it even." He smiled. "I haven't been the best in showing my gratitude or support to you either but this has been a wakeup call for me too. It's not too late to start fresh."

"No its not," Julia agreed. "Eileen and Tom are downstairs." She mentioned.

"I'm not ready for Tom and to be honest, I feel like crap. I really would like to just sleep." He answered. "But, don't let Eileen cancel rehearsals tomorrow. Trust Linda and Josh, they're more than capable. I have no doubt word about tonight will get out and the last thing Bombshell needs is for there to be a belief that our conflicts will stop production."

"I'll tell Eileen but for now don't worry about Bombshell." The writer told him. "I'll be by in the morning," she informed with a kiss on the cheek.

"I happen to be on an extended vacation from work with nothing but time on my hands," Karen commented. "If you can stand my company, I'm yours."

"I'm the one that you be asking you that question," Derek teased. "I can't imagine what happened tonight did anything to change your earlier perceptions."

"Are you kidding," she asked "You went from creepy director to night and shining armor" she replied with a twinkle in her eye. Julia watched the exchange with amusement. She could easily see from the quick witted banter why both were attracted to the other. She was especially impressed with the level of nervousness Karen provoked from Derek. Never would she imagine a scenario where the British director would question his worthiness to be in a woman's company.

"Then it would be honor to have your company."

"Then coffee and breakfast will be my reward to you for accepting. Good night my handsome Brit," She beamed with a kiss to his cheek.

"Good night my Popstar." Derek replied.

With one last goodbye the two women left his room and the director finally succumbed to sleep, a smile gracing his lips.