Chapter 13

"We're going to be late," Karen hums, her breath hitching. The singer was finding it very difficult to concentrate at the moment. "Darling, trust me they aren't starting without us." Derek responds as he continues to suck the sensitive spot behind her ear. The soft moans he earns are worth every second of every minute of every hour, he thinks to himself. "Would you like me to stop?' he asks. His hand now snaking its way down her leg ultimately grazing her core. "Not fair..." the words catch as her hips involuntarily buck. Karen can feel his lips smiling against hers as they meet. The kiss is firm but aggressive as their tongues explore. When she feels him enter her its heaven. He fits so perfectly, and she can feel every vein of his member as he begins to move. "Oh god Derek, please don't stop, so good." "Your wish is my command!" He affirms. His movements are steady and deliberate, not wanting to rush her climax. "You're beautiful." He tells her. Moving her legs over his shoulders to enter deeper he picks up his pace. "So close..." Her words no longer form complete sentences. Derek leans forward his lips capturing hers. With his thrusts more rapid Karen thinks she might pass out when Derek's thumb circles her nub of nerves. She is in sensory overload. She feels herself clutching around her lover and with a primal scream of his name her body convulses. Hearing his name screamed from her lips, pushes Derek over edge. "I love you." he whispers. Catching their breath he hovers over her body, his elbows holding his weight. After a few minutes he is finally able to move to lie next to her. Turning to face him and snuggling into his side she whispers back to him "I love you too." They both fall back into a content sleep.

Two hours later the couple rushes into the theater. Their phones having been blowning up by other members of the team wanting to know where they're at. Their moring escapade has made them late to a meeting with the creative team at The Public Theater where Hit List will preimer in a month. Unlike most Broadway shows, who preview outside the city, Hit List wants to create a following. The more the show came together in workshop, the more Eileen, Derek and Julia knew they were on to something big. Social media is buzzing especially because so many of Karen's celebrity friends are more than willing to tease the show. The latest has been Taylor Swift who posted a photo of her mimicking the show's lead, Amanda, with cropped bangs and black shades. Her hashtag #ifonlysocool going viral. The plan is to use previews to test the audience's interaction with the cast.

Opening the theater door, the director and popstar make their way in "There you are," Elieen comments. "I don't want to know why you're late," she says dryly, the smirk on her face betraying any hostility. Her remark earns a laugh from the others. Karen can't help turning beet red while Derek merely gives a smug smile as he kisses his lover's cheek. "Okay, okay," the director held up his hand. "It is my fault we are late, and I apologize. And as much as I would love to continue basking in the afterglow, we have work to do." Refocused, the group begins exploring the theater with Josh and Linda leading Karen, Sam and Ana to the stage. It is important the dimensions of the stage are perfect as there are key scenes where blocking and spacing are critical. Derek asks Leo to remain in the back with him. He wants the young man's opinion as to how the screens should hang. The screens will not only show the Managers requests for advise and the audiences responses, but they will also be used to run backdrops for certain songs. Derek can't afford for the screens to deter from the intimacy and eeriness he wants to create. Aside from the middle of Act 1 where Amanda undergoes her transformation, the rest of Hit List is edgy and dark. The director is many things, but a social media whiz is not one of them. "In the play book we can put an insert with instructions for the audience to change the backscreen of their texts and phones to black and to dim their display. We can also ask if they put them on silent . That will lessen the reflection their phones give off. On the screens themselves we can do the same." Leo suggests after Derek expresses his concerns. Julia stands near by listening, never in a million years would she have thought she would see the man many considered, including herself, the Dark Lord, listening to and mentoring her son.

"Kyle, Julia," Derek calls stirring her from her thoughts. "Can you give us the scenes with the Manager," he asks. "Leo and I would like to get an idea of the number of times we can expect for phones to be used so that we can prepare lighting." he informs, the young man looking on in shock. "Sure, no problem." Kyle answers. "Oh, and if I can ask for everyone's attention, please?" Derek bellows. Once everyone is within earshot he begins to speak, "I wanted to share something with you that I have given a lot of thought too. Hit List will be a show to remember, I have no doubt about this because of you all, the most talented group of individuals I have ever had the privilege of working with. The book is some of the best writing I've read, the musical score genius but what also pushes the show to the next level, is the technical aspect." He firmly states. "And as only one member of the creative team, I wanted to ask your opinion. I believe we are lacking a vital member of this creative team." his remark garnering looks of confusion. "I don't understand," Eileen questions. "I would like to formally add Leo Houston to Hit List's creative team, he deserves recognition." "Let's take a vote," the producer says, already knowing the outcome. She had noticed the Director and other members of the team, including Leo, more regularly in their meetings. "All those in favor raise your hand," she requests. Without hesitation the hand of each member was raised. "Well, it seems we now have a new technical director." Eileen confirms. Cheers heard all around.

"I can't believe, is this real?" Leo questions. "I'm just a kid, I don't know what you guys do." he remarks. "I've never done this before either," Karen speaks up. "But Derek, your mom, they saw something in me, they believed in me." She continues. "We believe in you. You have a gift." "We agree!" Ana and Sam exclaim in unison. "I think it's been decided Mate." Derek gave a solid pat on the back. A chuckle escaping at the terrified look on his Leo's face. "This calls for a celebration!" Ana proclaims. "And what better way than with song. Plus, I want to try out this stage"

Derek, Elieen and Julia watch the younger members of the team take off to the stage. Just as he is about to turn his attention to the two ladies, he hears the voice of the woman he loves. "Babe," he'll never tire of how the term of endearment just sings off her lips. He can't help the immediate smile that appears on his face. "Dance with me?" she says, a sly smile gracing her face. " I've never been on a real Broadway stage. I do believe I need you to lead me." she tells him in sing song.

Elieen and Julia chuckle, at the young singer and the hold she has on their colleague. Moving towards Karen as if she was a magnate Derek accepts her hand. Pulling her close he places a chaste kiss on her lips before he lets her lead him forward. "I'm not sure I'll ever get used to seeing him so carefree." Elieen comments. "But will admit it is a good look." Julia nods her head in agreement as she watches her friend holding their leading lady tight as they make their way around the stage, both lost in their own world. Yes, it was a look she could also get used to.