So I hope you like. When it came to popular pop stars, I was trying to keep them within Karen's age group and couldn't think of anyone so went with the two I listed. Anyhow, The Jason Derulo song referenced and quoted is 'Want to Want Me" I do not own it nor any Smash characters.
"So what happened, it's been forever since you said you'd keep us posted," Bobby questioned as Ivy grabbed a chair to join her friends for Friday night drinks.
"Nothing happened," the blonde replied as she took a sip of her drink. "When we got to Derek's apartment, the doorman refused to let us up. He said Derek asked not to be disturbed. Tom tried calling all three of them, Julia, Eileen and Derek but of course no one answered."
"Did he say why he didn't apologize?" Jessica inquired.
"No, but at this point does it matter?" Ivy answered. "Have you guys heard of anything going on, any auditions?"
"Yeah, didn't you get a call about a new musical called 'Hit List'," Dennis said "The producers apparently wanted to invite those from Bombshell to audition."
"Whose directing and producing?" Ivy asked. "I didn't get any information."
"We don't know, contracts were sent in case we make the cut, but only R productions is listed no names. Auditions are Monday morning and workshop starts that afternoon." Bobby added. "There is a website though and it looks like it could be incredible. On the site has a trailer like you would see for a movie along with the links to twitter accounts set up for the show's main characters. The buzz they are creating is pretty sick and the music teased on the trailer is wicked." He continued. "Can you believe people have already started following the characters just so they can get background on the show."
Ivy was intrigued; pulling out her phone she called her agency. "Yes this is Ivy Lynn," she stated "I was sitting here talking with some friends and they were telling me about the musical 'Hit List.'" She continued. "They mentioned former cast members from Bombshell were invited to audition but I wasn't provided information by Michael." Pausing for a response the blonde could be heard acknowledging what was being said to her and then with a thank you and goodbye ended the call.
"What did they say?" Jessica asked.
"They said Michael, my agent, didn't mention it because the auditions are apparently strictly for the ensemble. He didn't think it would be wise to seek out anything other than a lead or featured role." She sighed. "I don't get it, if this musical 'Hit List' already has their leads why not reveal who they are?"
"I don't know but there are slim pickings right now so I'm auditioning," Bobby piped up. "My wallet and drinking habit can't go long without the green."
"Me too, Me three" Sue and Jessica added. "Besides, the requirements say extensive dance experience with complex routines. With the tease of music, they've released, I'm curious what that means" Sue smiled. "I bet it's not your momma's musical or Marylyn Monroe for that matter," she joked. "No offense Ivy but some of the songs in Bombshell were a tad cheesy." Jessica stated.
"What do you think?" Denise inquired of the blonde. "Me personally I'm on the fence. After Bombshell I'm worried to go for an audition with so little information; but, financially I can't hold out much longer either and I do not want to go back to 'Heaven on Earth'."
"I agree; I'll have to think on it." Ivy stated "plus, my dance isn't strong and I do not want to be rejected from the ensemble."
Further up East Manhattan, Derek and his rogue group were pleased with the amount of work they had accomplished. Contrary to what Julia had originally anticipated, cleaning up the book was proving easier with the inspiration of Karen's songs. Also with Derek's suggestion of starting the show in flashback, the writers' outline of where they wanted to the story to go came more quickly. The first act was complete and the second act was progressing well. Also with the help of Frank, Julia's husband, who knew about websites and coding; a website for Hit List along twitter accounts for the shows leads had been created.
In reward for their hard work, the group was celebrating at a party hosted by RCI Records and Bobby Raskin. For Derek and Karen, the party marked the first time they would be attending a public event as a couple. Rumors had circulated in the week since their first meeting that the two were dating and the they had been photographed taking walks, but nothing had been confirmed. So far the couple was enjoying the newness of their budding relationship as privately as possible. Not wanting Hit List to serve as the basis for spending time together the two agreed Karen would work from home and discussion about the show would take place during arranged meeting times with the creative team. Setting these boundaries helped the director and singer keep work separate. Alone, they had spent time watching movies at Karen's apartment, going to the museum, going to eat dinner and/or relaxing to music drinking wine at Derek's.
They were each spending nights at the other's apartment but they had yet to be fully intimate in a sexual way. Derek knew Karen was worth the wait and he had no doubt she would let him know when she was ready to take the next step. So far the brunette had not been shy when it came to what she wanted and he found he liked that quality very much. Sitting with the others watching his girlfriend laughing with her friends and colleagues, he couldn't help but appreciate her beauty. She was wearing her hair completely straight and her makeup was fresh and light. Her eyes and lips the only highlighted attributes. She wore dark brown silk short shorts that hugged her hips and buttocks perfectly while accentuating her long legs. Her top was a cream bare back halter that showed just enough of the side of her breasts to be tantalizingly tasteful but leaving the more appropriate amount to the imagination. She had taken great measures to ensure no wardrobe malfunction would occur.
As if sensing his stare Karen looked to the director. Their eyes locking, she gave him shy smile before excusing herself from the conversation she was in. Karen had been in relationships before, she knew the beginning was also new and exciting but something about her time with Derek felt different. Sure it was new, exciting and being around him gave her butterflies but it was more. Being around him also gave her a sense of comfort, security and home. They had already fought passionately, it was inevitable with the stress of the show but making up had been equally genuine and passionate. "Whatcha thinking Mr. Wills?" she whispered in his ear having positioned herself between his legs so that she was facing him, her body leaning into his.
Her hot breath and silky voice sent a shiver down his spine. "That you, Ms. Cartwright, are absolutely stunning and incredible."
"Thank you," she blushed. "You are quite easy on the eyes yourself." She shared running her hand along his chest. His fitted dress shirt was cream in color matching her blouse almost to a tee and it showed off every muscle in his toned chest and arms. The soft color of his shirt was complemented by his navy striped pants that were also perfectly tailored and hugged his buttock and crotch area just right. "Absolutely delicious," she complimented licking her lips and earning a roguish laugh and a kiss.
"K!" a female voice could be heard calling from a short distance away. "I missed you," the young woman declared as she came closer. Leo's Houston's mouth hanging open at the realization of who it was.
"Hey girly, girly" Karen greeted as she moved to stand straight so the two could share a hug. "I've missed you too, but I'm back for now and we'll have to do lunch or dinner." She stated.
"Wait!" Selena suddenly exclaimed looking to the familiar man sitting behind her girl. Smiling she looked between the two and motioned "It's true?" Karen grinned and nodded her head yes. "Damn it, I should have bet Harry," she declared.
"Hello to you too darling," Derek smirked rising slightly from his seat to hug the young woman.
"Whatever, you already know my favorite Brit." She informed. "But, don't think that means I won't be watching to make sure you treat my girl right." She said in warning. "Aww, you look so good together," she cooed much to the amusement of those at the table.
Turning to her friends Karen said "Selena Gomez, I would like you to meet, Julia Houston, her husband Frank and her son Leo, and last but not least Kyle Bishop. Sam and Ana are somewhere around here getting us more drinks."
"Oh my god, you're thee Julia Houston?" the young woman asked. "I love your writing, I'm a Broadway buff. K is my only friend who will go with me to shows."
"Thank you, it's very nice to meet you." The red head replied.
"So it seems to me you have a whole group of Broadway here," Selena commented. "Does that mean something is in the works?" Julia, Derek and Eileen had discussed slowly leaking information about the show and had made the decision tonight's event would be perfect.
"You would be correct." Derek replied.
"Ooh tell me," the singer stated but rather than tell, Karen showed her friend the show's website. Impressed and wanting to have fun, Selena found a pair of sunglasses to put on Karen and together the two took a black and white selfie. Sending out a quick tweet with the show's website link and a second tweet to Harry Styles with the attached picture saying where are you come hang with Amanda #HitList #notjustanotherprettyface.; and within few minutes 'Hit List' was a bona fide rave.
Harry and Justin Bieber both tweeted pictures of Ana as the Diva. Her back was to the camera but Harry was could be seen placing a kiss to her cheek while Justin who was sitting, had his hand on her leg that was perched on his knee. The caption read prefer my women a little more mischievous. #Diva #HitList.
"Oh my god," Kyle said, "This is incredible, 'Hit List' is literally trending." Karen and Selena continued to share laughs reading replies from their girlfriends. Caught up in the growing tweeter battle between Amanda and Diva neither had been paying attention to what was happening around them, until Jason Durelo's voice carried through a microphone.
"Can I have everyone's attention," he requested. "I know I'm not an RCI artist but, someone who is with RCI owes me a duet." He continued. "K, I see you." He laughed pointing to the now very red Karen Cartwright. "D, I promise to give her back when we're done." The singer joked. Derek laughed at the scowl his girlfriend gave when she turned to see his hands raised in mock surrender. Leaning into his ear she whispered "you'll pay Mr. Wills." before kissing his lips and making her way to the front of the dance floor. It was obvious to all the singer was slightly buzzing but the same could be said for all members of their group except Leo. Hugging Jason, the two briefly discussed their song selection and adjusting their headsets nodded to the dj they were ready.
Having made their way back over to the group's table, Sam and Anna were joined by Harry Styles. As the song's track began to play, shouts of approval could be heard coming from the crowd. "It's too hard to sleep, I got the sheets on the floor nothing on me…" Jason's smooth voice sang out as he danced with those close by. Having agreed he would sing the first two verses and Karen would pick up the chorus and following verse, the brunette herself was also dancing. As the last words of the second verse were sung Karen picked up the chorus, slowly making her way over to where Derek was sitting as she sang. Reaching him just as the second verse was about to start, she stood between his legs his hands instinctively resting on her hips. Seductively pointing to him she sang "You open the door….wearing nothing but a smile, fell to the floor." Her eyes twinkling as the director's face turned a bright shade of red she leaned her body further into his. With her mouth near his ear and her hands on his chest she continued "And you whisper in my ear, 'Baby, I'm yours. Ooh, just the thought of you gets me so high, so high…" she finished softly biting his earlobe before pulling away; catcalling, whoops and hollers running rampant. Her body continued to sway in the director's arms and a with a quick change in the words she looked directly in his eyes and sang "Boy, you're the one I want to want me and if you want me, boy you got me, there's nothing I no wouldn't do…..just to get up next to you."
Finishing the chorus, she danced her way back to where Jason was and together they finished out the song with Karen hitting the highest note usually sung by her colleague. The crowd went wild as the two embraced. Harry and Anna who both had recorded the display made quick work of sharing on social media. "Mate, you are one lucky man," the younger Brit complimented with a slap on the older man's back. Julia laughed as others close by followed the action. Never had she seen Derek Wills at a loss for words or such a deep shade of red.
"You were on fire," Ana and Sam both exclaimed to their best friend who had just returned the group. Her face flushed a perfect shade of pink and a smile that reached from ear to ear Derek swore there was nothing more intoxicating.
"Thank you," She replied to her friends before focusing on Derek. "You're not mad are you?" she asked biting her corner lip. Unable to help himself Derek kissed her; both hands cupping her face as he pulled her close. Pulling away her dazed look was his reward.
"Take me," her breathless whispered statement more of a demand.
"Your wish is my command," his husky voice answered. Taking her hand in his, the couple turned to their friends and said their goodbyes. Hailing a cab once inside its closed doors the air crackled with lust and anticipation of what was to come in the confines of Derek's bedroom. For now, the feel of her soft lips on his slow and full of longing was enough.