The young group was enjoying a dinner that felt more like a family gathering than an after party when Sam spotted Tom and Ivy walk through the doors of Table46. He hoped his friend wouldn't allow herself to be dragged into a scene by the composer. Sam liked Ivy, they had been close once but when he got the opportunity to go on tour with Karen, they lost touch. The first few months when had learned he had been chosen to be a part of the popstar's tour he tried to share his experience but Ivy was never interested so he stopped. "Don't look now but Ivy and Tom just came in" Bobby stated. "I hope Tom doesn't start a scene, it would actually be nice to see Ivy." He said. "Yeah, I feel bad that we're here and she isn't part of it." Jessica commented. Hearing the group's comments Derek spoke up "Ivy was offered the same opportunity as all of you" he said "her agent was made aware accommodations would be made to help her with the dance." The young group was shocked. Ivy hadn't mentioned anything about that. "Look, I understand your feelings but I don't want you to discount the change and growth in each of you. You three are not the same as when I first met you in Bombshell." The director firmly stated. "You've matured and put in the hard work. You left the pettiness and drama behind, I'm proud of you." Julia and Eileen smiled at the reaction their colleague's compliment garnered. They wondered if he realized Bobby, Jessica and Dennis weren't the only ones who had changed. "Wow, thanks. Coming from you that means a lot." Bobby said while the others nodded in agreement. Giving a smirk Derek replied "your welcome but don't think that means I'll go ease on you tomorrow." His comment earning a laugh.
Hearing the sound of laughter Tom and Ivy turned to find the source. "God, of all the places they had to pick here." He said. "Wasn't their preview to tonight?" Ivy asked. "It was." Tom answered. "I don't understand how Julia could do that to me." He continued. "She should have had my back but instead she up and found a whole new show book and composer." "Not just any composer" Ivy remarked while Tom ordered drinks. "what do you mean?" he asked. "You mean you don't, know? Karen Cartwright wrote the music. It's going to be released by her label." Handing her a drink Tom was shocked at the revelation. "I see Sam and the others would you mind if I say hi?" she inquired. "Fine let's go."
Walking over to the group's table Ivy bypasses Eileen , Julia and Derek. Approaching Sam and the others she calls out "Hi guys! I didn't know you would be here." She comments. "Hey Ivy," Sam said. He is the first to stand from his seat and offer a hug. Bobby and the others following . Next he turned to Karen, Ana and Kyle. "Ivy, I'd like you to meet Karen Cartwright, Ana Vargas and Kyle Bishop." "Hi, it's nice to meet you." Kyle was the first to offer his greeting. Karen and Ana following suit. " Would you like to join us? " Bobby asked. Ivy looked to Tom who had been standing awkwardly to the side. "I'd like to but I came with Tom." She replied. "I don't think that will be an issue on our part." Sam answered looking to Karen and the rest of the creative team. Eileen liked Ivy and knew the young woman while not completely innocent, had in this particular situation, been caught in the middle based on her friendship with the composer. "He's more than welcome to join you Ivy. Tonight is a celebration all I would hope for is there be no confrontations." Ivy nodded her head in understanding. "Let me ask him"
"Tom, they invited me to sit with them and said you were welcome to join me. I miss my friends, do you think you could put your feelings aside for tonight?" Tom looked at his friend. He knew she was struggling. There hadn't been any new projects starting right now and all of her friends had been busy with Hit List. Ivy had been left out. It was another reason he was upset with the group. Ivy had gone from being their Marilyn to being an afterthought. "Yes, but I'm not sitting anywhere near them." Grateful the composer said yes, Ivy led him back to the group. Sam in an effort to keep peace moved over to sit next to Kyle while Karen moved to the seat next to Derek. Grabbing her boyfriend's hand she gave it a gentle squeeze. The action caught his attention and when he looked at her she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to his lips. "Thank you for being the bigger man. It wasn't her fault." She whispered. Giving her a roguish smile, he said "don't think a simple kiss will be the only form of gratitude I'm expecting." His comments earning him blush. "I'm joking Love. You are right it isn't her fault and while she and I may have a rocky history, I've always wished the best for her." Karen knew her boyfriend and Ivy use to date and she knows it didn't end well when Ivy wanted more than Derek was willing to offer. Derek had also admitted he could have handled the situation better. But that was his past and everyone had one, including her. So she wasn't worried about the blond actress. Karen trusted Derek with her heart.
Before taking her seat Ivy took the opportunity to greet Julia and Derek. Julia, Derek she said standing in front of them. "It's been awhile. Its nice to see you." "You too Ivy," Julia stated rising to give the young actress a warm embrace. "Ivy," Derek began "it's good to see you. What have you been up too?" the Director asked. "I thought I would take some time off, there really isn't anything going at this time. Karen smiled, she knew Derek felt just as bad as the other members from Bombshell and she knew if he could, he would help Ivy. It was the compassionate side of her boyfriend that he rarely allowed others to see. "Babe, why don't we switch seats so you can keep talking and Ivy can sit." She offered rising from her chair. "It's alright, I don't want to impose on your time together." Ivy commented. "It's not an imposition I know you guys, Derek, Bobby, Jessica and the others probably have a lot to catch up on. Plus I'd like to hear some stories." Seeing the ease and confidence with which the popstar carried herself, Ivy could see why Derek was in love with her. Ivy had read the papers and magazines, it was hard not to, the couple's picture was everywhere. The fact they were together didn't bother her; Ivy had lost interest in Derek romantically a long time ago. But she had to admit she had been hurt by Derek, Julia and Eileen when they just assumed she had taken Tom's side. Not a single one of them had reached out to her directly. She thought they were at least friends. Derek moved his chair so that he was almost shoulder to shoulder with his girlfriend yet close enough to hear Ivy. The blond actress watched as once situated in his seat, the Brit instinctively placed his hand on his girlfriend's lap. The singer, whose head was turned laughing at something Julia's husband said, placed her hand in his naturally intertwining their fingers. Lost in her thoughts she hadn't heard her name being called. "Ivy," Sam called with a chuckle. "Sorry, what were you saying?"
The group had been having a great time. With the restaurant now closed the young cast had taken over, moving tables to create a makeshift karaoke stage. They were anxiously awaiting their reviews. If the show's social media sites were anything to go by, they hoped to hear good news. The show was trending gaining over 30,000 hits since the curtains closed. Ivy found herself enjoying the group. Karen and Ana had turned out to be funny and Ivy could see them becoming friends. She also found it amusing to see the Great Derek Wills completely enamored by a woman. In talking to him she could see how much he had changed and he had even apologized for the way he had treated her in ending their dating relationship. Ivy also apologized and they agreed to try a friendship. The only person who had remained silent was Tom. The composer refused to interact with anyone but also was too paranoid to leave, thinking the group would talk about him or there would be some magical information he should know. Ivy chose to ignore his sulkiness.
"It's time!" Bobby exclaimed. "the reviews should be up now." He finished. "I can't look." Dennis added. "I'll do it." Kyle said. Typing on his phone, the young writer easily found what he was looking for. Taking a deep breath he began "If Broadway thought Rent was iconic, then beware because the art of theater has been permanently been transported into this century; and iconic doesn't even begin to describe Hit List." "That was the Washington Post." The writer said. The New York Times writes "Hit List took aim on Broadway and left no one in its path. Kyle Bishop and Julia Houston's compelling book tells the story of transformation and its theme is ironic. For Hit List, has in fact transformed the way one experiences Broadway. With a chilling yet genius score from Grammy Award winner, Karen Cartwright, the show's music keeps the audience mesmerized while pushing the show forward. With Derek Wills at the helm, the minimal use of sets allows his intricate choreography to create a breathtaking sight to behold. Working with new comer Leo Houston, that's right the son of Julia Houston, the two are able to merge modern technology with the intimacy of the theater. Lead actress Karen Cartwright, can now safely add Broadway star to her resume while Sam Strickland's performance has him as the front runner for male lead actor for a Tony. Featured actress and actor, Ana Vargas and Dennis Tomlin, definitely are no slouches and give performances as solid as their leads. They should also be shoe ins for Tony nominations." At the completion of the last statement cheers erupted. Ivy and Tom watched as Kyle and Sam shared a kiss. Bobby, Jessica and Dennis were over the moon hugging and exchanging high fives with everyone. Julia and her family shared a warm embrace. Eileen and Bobby Raskin were sharing a toast. The duo's eyes were then drawn to the British director and his girlfriend. He whispered something in her ear resulting in a deep red blush on the singer's face. She then grazed her hand against the Director's cheek. Saying something in return they both lean in for a kiss. The couple lost in their own world.
"I'm really happy for you." Ivy told her friends. Looking at the actress Derek couldn't help but understand what his young group meant earlier. Ivy had been the Marilyn they had all chosen , it somehow didn't feel right not to have her be a part of this experience. He knew he couldn"t offer her a role, at most a swing. But he could make her an offer, he was willing to pay for himself. He knew Eileen and Julia trusted him enough not to question what he was about to do. Turning to the group he began " congratulations on well deserved praise. However, we still have work to do if we intend to really talk Broadway by storm." He continued. "I know I don't have to worry about this group but I am going to say it anyway, stay humble and stay hungry. Which brings me to my next statement. Hit List is unlike anything anyone of us has ever worked on. And with Linda , Leo and myself having a lot more technical issues. I wanted to know what you would think if we hired a consultant, someone who would serve as a liaison between you guys and the creative team. You know someone with experience who can catch things or answer questions if we're not available." He finished. Sam looked at Karen, and they both shared a knowing smile. When he looked at the remaining group, he could see the Director's comments begin to register. Julia answered first. "I think that's a great idea. I think you are absolutely right though, it would have to be someone with experience who would be able to help smooth hurt egos without undermining our vision. Someone the casts trust." "Yup, I agree." Karen interjected. I know I could use guidance sometimes from someone whose been in my shoes, no offense babe." Derek laughed along with the others. "none taken love." "I think it's unanimous, wouldn't we agree?" Bobby asked. The rest of the group nodding in the affirmative.
Turning to Ivy Derek asks "what do you think Ivy? Do you think you could help us out by serving as our creative liaison?" Ivy was stunned it wasn't performing but it was an opportunity to be involved in a show that was just named as transformational. Plus it would give her a different perspective of the theater and she would be reunited with her friends new and old. Not helping the tears that were forming in her eyes from falling, the blond actress whispered "yes." Her acceptance earning a new round of cheers from the Hit List group and an angry push of a chair from Tom who was now storming his way out of the restaurant. Torn between staying or going after her friend, Sam pulled her into a hug. Whispering in her ear he said "let him go for tonight Ivy. Enjoy this moment and welcome on board."
Derek returned to his seat. "I know it's a little late to ask now, but I hope you can forgive me if I overstepped my position or your trust" Eileen looked at her friend, she had never seen him so nervous. It amazed her just how much of an impact Karen Cartwright had on him and his ability to show them a compassionate and vulnerable side to him." "I think it's a wonderful idea." The producer remarked. "So do I." Julia added. "It feels right." She added with a smile. "Are you kidding I could learn so much from her." Karen said. "I've heard her sing; she has some chops." "I'm thrilled." Kyle said. "Thank you." Derek said, a genuine smile gracing his face.
Looking at the woman next to him, her back now leaning against his chest as she is laughing at something Ivy and Sam are saying. He lowers his head so his mouth is by her ear. "What do say we go home my Broadway Star. I would like to celebrate in a more personal way." His warm breath sends shivers down her spine. Turning her head slightly she captures his lips before pulling away. "Lead the way Mr. Wills." Saying their goodbyes to everyone the couple walks hand and hand out of the restaurant to enjoy the rest of the early morning alone. Stepping out Derek stops to pull her close "I love you Karen Cartwright." His words resulting in a bright smile from his Broadway Star. "I love you too My handsome Brit."