*May 1980*
(Y/N) and Andy go back to California for a listening party for Karen's solo album.
(Y/N)'s POV:
We are back in Cali temporarily as Karen called asking for me to attend the official listening playback of her solo album. I'm not going to lie, I'm a bit worried. In the old world, Karen had to shelve her solo.
My album was actually being mixed right now as well. I can't wait to hear how it came out.
Me and Andy were in the car, headed to the studio.
"I'm so excited to hear Karen's album finalized," I told Andy.
"Me too darling. Aren't you backing vocals on one of the songs?" Andy asked.
"Oh yeah that's right I forgot!" I told him.
"Which song are you most excited for darling?" Andy asked me.
"Hmmm maybe Still in Love With You. It's similar to a regular Carpenters song," I said powdering my nose.
"Oh that sounds like a beautiful song," Andy said turning the blinker on to turn into the A&M Record parking lot.
We parked next to Karen's Jaguar and headed inside.
Music could be heard by all the surrounding studios.
We headed to Studio C where Karen, Richard and even me do our recording and playback.
I cordially knocked and Karen let us in. Herb, Phil and Richard and the mix producer were sitting.
Richard looked very displeased but sometimes he just looked that way.
"Hi Karen!" I exclaimed.
"Hey girl! Oh hey Andy!" Karen greeted us and hugged me.
"Ello Karen. Super stoked to hear your album," Andy said hugging her.
"I can't wait for you guys to hear it! (Y/N) you sounded AMAZING on the playback of Lovelines and Still in Love With You," Karen said happily.
No matter what Herb or Richard said about this album, I would push forth and be a cheerleader for it to get released.
"I'm looking forward to hearing the playback KC! Have you chosen an album cover?" I inquired.
"We did the photoshoot a few months back and have a few in mind. But it all depends on today's review," Karen said a bit nervous.
"I'm sure it's a lovely album Karen. You could sing the phone book for goodness sakes," Andy said with a smile, trying to reassure Karen.
"Thanks guys your words mean a lot," Karen said.
"Of course KC. I always got your back," I told Karen smiling.
Phil motioned for Karen to go join him. It was time for her first official playback of her solo album.
"Hello guys and gals, aha, welcome to the first playback of my solo album. With Phil and of course (Y/N), this wouldn't have been a dream come true without their encouragment. I hope you guys like it," Karen announced.
Phil started the first song playback which was "Lovelines." The song itself was the same as it was in the future. I couldn't hold myself back from singing because I was on this track in the background!
I looked at Karen and gave her a thumbs up.
She smiled.
I looked at Andy and he really enjoying the song.
"Karen sounds wonderful doesn't she?" I asked Andy in a whisper.
"Yes she does darling. As I said, she could sing a cook book or even the phone book and sound amazing," Andy whispered back.
The songs kept playing. Her duet with Peter Cetera still sounded amazing.
Karen came and sat by me and Andy.
"How are you guys liking it?" Karen asked nervously.
Richard and Herb's faces were sending mixed signals, not good for Karen's confidence.
"It's amazing KC! I think your gonna make it with a hit!" I told her.
"Yeah Karen it's a lovely album. I think soo too it'll be a hit," Andy told her.
"Thanks guys!" Karen got up and went back and sat with Phil.
The album playback was over. I personally got nervous on KC's behalf because Richard could get a little overprotective.
"Karen please know what I'm going to say is coming from a place of love but this is not. This isn't the typical Carpenter sound," Richard started in.
Karen's face fell.
Maybe I should keep my tongue quiet? Oh nope not today.
"Well I personally love it Karen. You want to break away from the apple pie image and show what Karen Carpenter can do by herself? Release this album KC. It's perfect to usher in the new decade. The only opinon that matters is what you feel," I spat out so quick.
Everyone looked at me stunned, including Andy.
"Uh, darling are you feeling ok? That was not you," Andy asked half-puzzled.
"(Y/N)'s right you know. I love this album and I put hard work and sweat into it. This gives me a chance to make it on my own. That doesn't say Rich that I'm leaving the Carpenters either. I can't be everyone's puppet anymore," Karen bursted out.
"So when do you want to release it?" Herb asked quietly, scared of how Karen would answer.
"I want production started by next week for June 1980 release," Karen said standing up and walking out the studio door.
I followed her to make sure she was ok.
"KC are you ok?" I asked her.
Andy had followed closely behind me.
"I, I did it (Y/N). I stood up for myself for the first time in my 30 years of living this life," Karen said half- stunned.
"I'm so proud of you KC. I can't wait for your album to come out," I told her while I gave her a quick hug.
"Darling I thought you were gonna fight Richard back in there," Andy said laughing.
"Nah love he ain't worth losing the greatest friends god could give me," I smiled at him.
We all walked out to our cars and went to grab lunch.
I begin to ponder, is my time over in this world now that Karen's solo album is being release?
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