After Eileen's arrival the small group retreated to the dining room table and began to enjoy a casual dinner. After everyone was settled the producer asked the question that had been on her mind since Derek had extended the invitation to dinner. If she was honest, she had thought perhaps the director intended to propose. But upon being introduced to Jimmy Collins, she realized that was not the case. Finally, impatience getting the better of her, she asked "As much as I am enjoying this dinner, I must ask what brought it on." Derek and Julia couldn't help but laugh. They had been waiting for the producer to say something. "Of course, l shall get to the point." Derek chuckled. " I asked you here because I wanted to discuss Bombshell's future. I asked Julia to come earlier because I wanted to make sure we were on the same page when we discussed this with you." The director paused to take a breath. "When I was released from the hospital, I promised you I would get Bombshell to Broadway. Today, I want to honor that promise. Together with Karen, I would like to produce the show. However, we need your assistance." This time he paused to gage Eileen's reaction. The older woman was stunned. "Derek, I don't know what to say. I have invested everything I have into Hit List. I have no regrets but financially I having left to give towards Bombshell."
Derek looked at his friend, someone who stuck with him despite his past indiscretions and smiled. "I understand and it's not your money we need," he said. "We need your name and reputation." He finished. The older woman looked at the couple. She hated the question she was about to ask but given her past with Jerry, she needed to know the answer. "I know the feelings you have for each other, it's obvious. But given my history, I need to know, what happens if for some reason things don't work out?" The director looked at Karen, he knew she had no idea where Eileen's question was coming from so, he took the lead. "While, Ms. Cartwright is definitely my forever; I do realize at some point she might grow tired of a tyrant like me. If that happens, you have my word it will not affect Bombshell's future." Karen couldn't help but blush. She wasn't sure why their relationship was suddenly coming into question but the fact Derek had no issue answering, made her aware it must be important to Eileen. Understanding this fact, the brunette answered the only way she knew how. Leaning into her boyfriend's shoulder and giving a playful bump she teased "Hey buddy if forever is what you see, then I've got news for you; you're stuck with me." She said exclaimed with a soft kiss to his cheek. "But I also give my word to you that personal feelings won't get in the way of getting Bombshell to Broadway." The older woman looked at the pair sitting across from her and couldn't help but feel incredibly lucky. Derek had shown her his loyalty but the young singer amazed her. She was investing in a production based on mainly on the faith and love she had in Derek and the faith he had in Julia and herself. The couple's subtle declaration to the group of where their relationship stood, was impressive. Realizing she had yet to answer their proposal, Eileen smiled and responded "then I guess Bombshell is making a comeback."
To a round of cheers Derek and Julia informed their producer of the changes they had in mind. Intrigued she asked if she could hear the two songs and upon their completion understood why Julia felt inspired. The producer did have a question for the group though. "If this is a taste of what the score will sound like, I have no doubt Bombshell will be more than what we envisioned. The music in Hit List and now Bombshell is light years ahead of anything that has been heard before yet it has meaning. My question is, can Ivy pull off music like this?" She looked at Derek and Julia with concern. "She was our original Marilyn but if I am being honest, after hearing Jimmy and Karen sing, my choice for Marilyn now would be you, Karen." The remarked earned laughter from the others. "Did I miss something?" Eileen asked. "No, it just appears we all share the same opinion." Julia answered.
Her face now a deep shade of red, Karen spoke "I really appreciate the fact you guys think I could pull off playing someone as iconic as Marilyn; but as passionate as I am about telling her story, I have commitments. I have a stadium tour that will start next year." She finished. "We understand my dear, but you can't blame us for trying." The older woman voiced "What about Tom?" Eileen continued. Derek answered first "I will leave that up to you and Julia. I still believe with the new revisions Tom's scores will need help but he has to be open to it. Jimmy has agreed to collaborate. As far as working together, I will put aside any feelings of wanting to strangle him." The director said. "Then if you'd like, I will talk to him. If he can put aside his emotions and be open to make changes then perhaps it can work." Eileen replied. "I agree' Julia said. The rest of the night was spent in easy conversation not centered on Bombshell.
"Tom," Eileen greeted as she arrived at the table the composer had secured. The day following her meeting with the Bombshell's new creative team, the producer reached out to the composer asking if they could meet. "Eileen," he replied. "To what do I owe this request to meet," he asked his voice lacking emotion. "There has been a new development and it appears Bombshell will be making her comeback." The news caught the composer off guard and the producer saw his eyes widen and small grin appear on his face before he schooled his features. "I see you've come to your senses then." he remarked. "Is Jerry backing it?" "No, he isn't involved. There are two investors who have come forward and will be providing the initial backing. I will be running the day-to-day operations." She replied. "Okay so who are these mystery investors and when do we get started." He asked. "I'm glad there are people smart enough to get past the gossip because my position has not changed, "I will not offer an apology or any explanation for what happened. Nor will I take blame for the delay of Bombshell getting to Broadway." He said firmly. Eileen looked at the man sitting across from her and couldn't help but wonder when he had changed. She always knew he and Derek had history and neither cared for each other, but Tom's feelings were different. What the composer expressed was close to hatred. "I am not here to listen to demands from you or ultimatums. I am here to provide you with the facts as to how the production will work, you can either accept or reject. There is no negotiation." At the producer's declaration the composer's eyebrows rose in surprise at the coolness and firmness with which it was relayed.
" Derek and Karen are the investors for now and if needed I may look to secure others. Julia has made changes to the book and the story of Marilyn will be narrated from the view point of a teenage girl who is researching the life of the iconic actress." Eileen paused to allow Tom to digest what was just said. He remained silent for a few minutes before speaking. "Without consulting me, Julia has made changes to the integrity of the production. I don't agree and will not allow Bombshell to be turned into some pop musical." Taking a calming breath the producer reminded "we do not need your approval or have you forgotten the clause to consider the book and score separately? I asked to meet because despite what you may think, everyone involved in the project understands the work you put in and is willing to put aside feelings and keep the studio professional." Tom let out a chuckle "That's rich seeing as how decisions have been made without my input. Let me guess you've also made the decision to replace Ivy." He seethed. "No, although I expressed concerns regarding her ability to portray a softer Marilyn , the others have faith in her." The raven-haired woman explained. "A softer Marilyn, what exactly does that mean?" The composer asked. "Viewing the iconic actress' life from the view of a teenage girl, her journey will be more along the lines of lessons learned and inspiration that can be drawn from her strength and perseverance. The music that I have listened to doesn't call for Ivy's brashness." She explained. "If you come back, there will have to be changes to your original scores. If you choose to remain away, then we start fresh. Jimmy Collins is the young man who will either be our sole composer or will be your co-composer and lyricist."
"Seriously you expect me to allow my music to be changed, are you mad! The music was the one aspect of the show critics loved in the investor preview." Tom stated. "Some songs need tuning, others no longer fit the storyline." Eileen answered bluntly. "You can't make me do this, if you want my music, it remains as is or it stays with me." He said. "Did Derek put you and Julia up to this?" He seethed. "No Tom he did not, the ideas to make the changes to the book was Julia's, Derek merely listened and came up with a new plan to make her vision a reality. And you are correct, I cannot make you do the changes or work with Jimmy. If that is you're final decision, I will execute the paperwork to secure Julia's book and release your scores. You have already received for the work you provided and I do believe the amendment you added only calls for the party's who work is used to gain royalties. Therefore, I think we are done." Eileen stood from her seat and turned to leave. With one last look at the composer, she said "My lawyers will be in touch. Good day Tom, it's a shame you won't be seeing Bombshell through its completion."