"I'm nervous, what if the audience doesn't like me?" she questioned. Anna and Sam chuckled, "how is it that you can sing to an arena filled with thousands of fans and you're worried about singing to not even a ¼ of the crowd." Ana commented. "I mean don't get me wrong, it's natural to be nervous but to doubt yourself?" her good friend added. "It's different," Karen replied. "When I'm on tour, it's my story I'm telling. This is so much more, it's Kyle and Julia's story and Derek's vision. I don't want to let them down. I don't want to let you guys down." Today was the first preview for Hit List and the buzz was incredible. Sam made his way over to his friend. They had met up at Derek's apartment where she had stayed the night. The director had an early run through with Dennis and Leo, so he currently wasn't home. The three would be heading to the theater later in the morning. Giving Karen a hug he tells her "Regardless of what happens today, you could never let us down." He assured. "We love you because of who you are as a person, not because of your fame." He added. "And anyone with eyes can see the same is true for the others, especially your man." He smiled. "But I will let you in on a secret, you will be a Broadway star after today. You, your music it is all amazing."

Karen had tears in her eyes "thank you," she whispered. "Now that we have the sappiness and feel good out of the way, let's get moving. We have legacy to start tonight." Anna commanded. The three share a brief hug and laugh and quickly get ready. An hour later and they're standing in front of the theater, taking a moment to let everything sink in. "You do realize this is the theater where Hamilton started, right?" Sam inquired of his friends. "Yeah," the two girls answered in awe-stricken voice. "I never thought I would be here," Ana admitted. "Thank you," she turned to Karen. "You've made my dream come true." Karen looked to her friends "how about we call it even, at some point we've all helped hold each other up." "To life long friendships ," Sam exclaimed. "To knowing each other when…" at Anna's remark the three laughed. "To staying true" Karen added as she walked to the door, her two friends following.

Entering the theater, the trio immediately spotted Julia. "Good morning!" the red head greeted as she offered each a hug. The writer had truly become the mother hen of the group. "Are you ready?" she asked. "The work you've all put in is going to shine, just be ready to hold on because I promise you, it is going to get crazy." "Nervous but ready," the group answered in unison causing them to bust out in laughter. "Have you seen Kyle?" Sam asked. The lead actor and writer had become close and in fact had started to date, each wanting to take a relationship slow. "He's with Derek and Leo but I'm sure our esteemed director would appreciate your help in calming him down." She laughed. "That bad huh?" Sam stated. Sam knew when Kyle got nervous, he tended to talk a mile an hour and move from subject to subject with no rhyme or rhythm. Excusing himself he took off. Anna followed, wanting to go set up her dressing room and do meditation.

Left behind Karen turned to Julia "I know it's only previews but I wanted to say thank you. You have come to mean so much to me, you are the big sister I've always wanted. Plus watching you and your family, it makes me believe family and career can work." The writer could feel tears begin to sting her eyes. It amazed her how special Karen Cartwright was. "I feel the same way about you," she answered. "You've become family, l think of you as a sister as well." She continued. "But you have it wrong. I should thank you. You inspire me. You've allowed me to see that musicals can have real meaning. Your music has allowed mine and Kyle's work live." Now the writer was crying as was their leading lady. "Plus, if no one has told you this, you have given me back the Derek I knew before fame tarnished all of us and Broadway back a true visionary. Never doubt the impact your unconditional love has given to my friend. I can attest he is madly in love with you." "Thank you saying that. You don't know how much that means to me. Derek tells me all the time, but I've always thought he's biased. I've never loved someone as much as do Derek. When I'm with him nothing is impossible, and I've worried I can't give him what he's given me." "No sweetheart, what he says is true. You have given him more than you know, he tells me all the time."

As if he knew he was the topic of their discussion, Derek made his way to the ladies. "There you are love, I was beginning to think you didn't want to greet me," he teased with a kiss to her lips. Making his girlfriend blush and Julia smile. Pulling away he notices for the first time that both ladies had been crying. Concerned he asks "Is everything alright, did something happen? Why are you crying" he looks at both ladies. "Everything is fine, their happy tears," Karen assures. "Yes, let's just say their tears of appreciation for the love we are surrounded by." Julia added. Giving both a thoughtful look, the Director gives a genuine smile "I can get on board with that." He says, "I know I am extremely grateful for reconnecting with one of my best friends," he states with a kiss to Julia's cheek. "And I know words will never be enough to express the love I have for 'my popstar.' "He declares, recalling the term of endearment exchanged when they first met. Karen rises on her tip toes kissing his lips "the feeling is mutual, my director." With a mischievous grin on his face Derek announces, "ladies as much as I might like to continue this touching moment, we have a history to make." With their emotions in check the trio makes their way towards the stage.