Karen watched her boyfriend with amusement. The couple had invited Eileen, Julia and her husband as well as Jimmy Collins over to their home for dinner. They wanted to discuss the future of Bombshell. Derek had asked permission from Julia to show Jimmy her book, the one she and Peter had written. He asked if it would be alright if the young composer were to write a few songs for it. The red head and director had thrown the idea around one day of changing Bombshell's narrative. The show would be told from the perspective a teenage girl who was researching the Iconic actress' life. At the time the idea had been discussed, neither Derek nor Julia was in a position to move on it but now with Hit set to premiere on Broadway in two weeks, Derek wanted to have Bombshell ready for a workshop at the end of Hit List's first six-month theater contract.
"You know they are going to love the songs, and no one is going balk at the idea of you co-producing." Karen tried to assure. "I just don't want them to think I'm forcing them to act due to my time constraints." He said, the Brit had accepted an offer from Lions Gates but he would begin filming a year from now. That meant he would have to travel to pick filming locations. "No one is going to think that." She told him reaching for his hand and pulling him towards her. When he was within reach she leaned in and placed a gentle kiss to his lips. "You underestimate how much they believe in you and how much they depend on your leadership and guidance." "Thank you" he said. "For supporting me. Aside from my mother and sister, no one has ever made me feel like I could be more." Karen understood what her boyfriend meant. He tried so hard to overcome the demons of his past but every once in awhile they were thrown right back in his face.
The doorbell rang before Karen could respond but with one last kiss she hoped expressed all of her emotions, she released her grip on Derek and went to answer the door. She was welcoming guests into their home, she would never tire of saying that. She had moved in with Derek two month ago and slowly but surely his once bachelor apartment was feeling like a home. Opening it she smiled at seeing her friend. "Hey Jimmy, come in. Derek is in the kitchen working on dinner." The composer gave his friend a kiss on the cheek and began heading to kitchen. Jimmy and Karen had been friends since she first arrived in New York. The two worked at the same restaurant and discovered they loved music. While occasionally worked on music together, Jimmy often wrote music for other artists. He could sing but didn't like to perform. His big break came because of Karen when a song he composed for her went platinum off her first album. Upon meeting, Derek and the young composer had hit it off immediately. They enjoyed being able to toss ideas around without worry if one was keeping up. It also helped they both enjoyed sports so they would often go out with Frank and Sam. Jimmy had been in California working on a project when Karen and Derek started dating and Hit List came into fruition. But the young man was happy for his friend. He could see the Brit made her happy and treated her like she should be treated. Jimmy also hit it off with Kyle and ended up rooming with him in his loft. With Jimmy's money he helped fix the place up and it was now a cool hangout .
"Hey Derek," Jimmy greeted. "Whatever your cooking smells delicious." Walking around his counter the director extended his had and offered a bro hug. "Thanks, I really appreciate you taking time to come today. I also appreciate you writing these songs. Just let me know what I owe you." "I'm not going to charge you, I actually enjoyed it. I've never been a Broadway fan, that was always Karen and Ana but I think this book is amazing. And with the right Marilyn I would go see it." Derek was curious who Jimmy envisioned singing his songs. "Who would be the right Marilyn, I mean in terms of personality?" The director asked. Without reading the book, I would've said someone sexy the whole nine yards. But now learning her background, I would say it only works if Marilyn is naturally sexy. There has to be a balance between sexy and vulnerable for the book and songs to work together. Jimmy laughed "I would say Karen, if I had my choice." Derek laughed too because he felt the same way. "I would too but it appears my girlfriend equally enjoys being a popstar."
"Hey what are you two saying about me?" she asked walking into the kitchen now changed into a pair of jeans and t-shirt. Her hair straight and no shoes. "I was telling your boyfriend here that if I had a say who Marilyn would be, I would choose you." Jimmy said. "Wow, thanks Jimmy." Derek rolled his eyes "Love, how come when I've told you this multiple times, I get an eye roll and he gets a thank you." Derek said he facial expression almost a pout. "I'm sorry." Karen answered. "It's hard for me to know when your being my supportive boyfriend and when you're being objective." She answered. But before the discussion could go any further the doorbell rang again. "Saved by the bell." She teased heading to the living room to answer. "Julia, Frank how are you?" She answered kissing both on the cheek. "Jimmy is here already and we are in the kitchen." Julia smiled as the brunette lead the way. A year ago, she would have never imagined Derek living with a woman but here he was , madly in love with Karen Cartwright and it was evident to anyone with eyes, she felt the same way.
Walking into the kitchen the couple could hear laughter. Turning to see the trio enter, Derek spoke first "Julia, Frank, thank you for coming today, " as he placed a kiss on the writer's cheek and extended a handshake to her husband. Derek actually like Frank and enjoyed spending time with him. He was someone he could seek advise from when it came to relationships. Derek knew the couple had their share of struggles but he was amazed at how they had worked through them. "No problem," Julia answered. "I have to admit I'm curious." Her comment earning a grin. "Well, let's get you drinks first and then we can talk." After a few minutes with drinks and appetizers ready, the group made their way into the living room. Sitting across from each other on sofas and Jimmy on an accent chair, Derek began. "I asked you here tonight because I wanted to talk about Bombshells future. Laying in the hospital I promised I would get Bombshell to Broadway even if I had to fund it myself. Well, I'd like to do just that. I together with Karen would like to help Eileen produce it. But I have accepted an offer from Lion's Gate and before I have to travel to find shooting locations, I would like to get Bombshell solidified.
Julia looked at her husband and then at the two individuals she now considered family. She couldn't keep the smile off her face. "Wow, are you sure, I mean there is no way of telling what public reaction might be." "I think if handled properly we should be fine. Plus it helps to have Ms. Cartwright on board." He responds with a smile. "I see how it is, here I thought you wanted to team up with me for my brains but really its just my name and pretty face." Karen teased. Julia and Frank laughed. "Never my love, those are just added bonuses. Your brains will always be the biggest turn on." "Nice save Mr. Wills." "Shall we let Julia know why we asked her here early." She stated. "Yes right, sorry."
"Julia if you recall several months ago you mentioned perhaps changing Marilyn to have it be narrated from the perspective of a teenage girl. I thought about that and how doing so would allow Marilyn's experiences to ultimately serve as a lessons learned and inspiration to women. With that vision, I asked Jimmy to write some songs. We asked you here early to get your opinion. Ultimately though, this is your book and if you no longer want to make changes I will honor that." Julia could see the nervousness in her friend's voice. "I am still open to that idea and I would love to hear the songs." She commented, noticing Derek visibly relax. Nodding to the two composers and singers, Jimmy and Karen took their places at the piano.
"First off, thank you for letting me do this. Your book is amazing and I hope these song do it justice." Jimmy said. The first song I thought could be Marilyn's anthem. It would be the ending song the lesson or advise she wants the young girl to learn based on her life experiences. I know it is very different from your original ending, so I will not be offended by any critic you give." The young composer said. Looking to Karen to ensure she was ready, Jimmy's fingers moved over the piano keys as Karen's silky voice began to sing.
" Haven't always been this way. I wasn't born a renegade.
I felt alone, still feel afraid
I stumble through it anyway
I wish someone would have told me that this life is ours to choose
No one's handing you the keys or a book with all the rules.
The little that I know I'll tell to you,
When they dress you up in lies and you're left naked with the truth
You throw your head back, and
you spit in the wind, Let the walls crack, 'cause it lets the light in.
Let 'em drag you through hell
They can't tell you to change who you are;
That's all I know so far. And when the storm's out, you
run in the rain. Put your sword down, dive right into the pain.
Stay unfiltered and loud, you'll be
proud of that skin full of scars.
That's all I know so far… So, you might give yourself away, yeah
And pay full price for each mistake.
But when the candy-coating hides the razor blade
You can cut yourself loose and use that rage.
I wish someone would have told me that this
darkness comes and goes. People will pretend but baby girl, nobody know,
And even I can't teach you how to fly.
But I can show you how to live like your life is on the line….. Let 'em drag you
through hell. They can't tell you to change who you are;
Stay unfiltered and loud, you'll be proud
of that skin full of scars."
As the song came to an end Julia was silent. She touched her cheek, she noticed for the first time that she was crying. The song gave meaning to everything Marilyn suffered and yet served to inspire younger women to be more. It encompassed what she wanted to portray. The young composer along with the director became concerned. "I'm sorry if I misunderstood," Derek began "Jimmy was only doing what I asked." At her friend's words the writer realized she had not said a word since the song's completion. "No, the song is beautiful. The words say everything I want the show to inspire." At the writer's words Jimmy and Karen beamed with pride. "I can't wait to hear the next song." She laughed.
"The next song I was thinking could be what Joe DiMaggio sings to Marilyn when he is trying to convince her to with him." Once again Jimmy's fingers move over the keys but this time he sang.
So call me naïve
But I believe we're gonna be okay
And call me naïve
But tomorrow, will be better than today
And if it's stupid to see the good in everything
Lord, help me please, help me to be naïve
Na na na, na na
Na na na, na na
Na na na, na na, mmm
See, I believe
This life is something beautiful and sweet
I believe that love pulls me to you like gravity
And if it's stupid to see the good in everything
I guess I'll plead, I'll plead guilty to being naïve
Na na na, na na
Na na na, na na
And you could say I'm gullible
And I'm blind to all the lies and tragedies
I just think we focus all our time
On the poison and not the remedy
So call me naïve
Say I'm living in a world of make believe
And call me naïve….
Once again Julia was in awe when the song ended. With this music Bombshell could be everything she envisioned. "I can't believe you and Karen have never done this before, written for Broadway. I would be honored if you wrote the score for Bombshell." Jimmy couldn't help but smile. He wasn't lying when he said he really loved the book. Now he could only hope they found the right Marilyn. "Now we just have to get Eileen on board and determine what this means when it comes to Tom." Derek said. "I am willing to work with Tom if that is what you wish, and I had mentioned to Jimmy he may need to collaborate." "I appreciate that, I really do but depending on what Eileen says, I'm ready to move forward without him." The writer said with a firmness in her voice.