Emily's set it down on Miranda's glass desk, holding her breath.
The redhead sputtered out it was for her and scurried quickly out. She wanted to survive for her date with Serena.
Miranda Priestly stared at it for a moment, her pink lips pressed together, who on earth would send something like this to her. No one would dare to, nobody except a brunette named Andrea.
Who else often broke all her rules?
No one at Runway had ever heard, rich laughter coming from Miranda's office before today.
Showing it to MJ, a small cupid pointing an arrow at a stuffed dragon, scrawled in marker on the winged cherub was the name 'Andy' and on the dragon. 'Miranda.' with a bouquet of long stemmed red roses.
Miranda found a smaller card on the roses. Melting at the words to her.
Mary Jess demanded. '' What's it say?''
Miranda shared. 'Priestly, in my family, we send camellias for luck, and roses for love. I went for the roses. Happy Valentine's Day. Andy. XO.'
MJ smiled at that. ''XO Andy. That tells me everything.''
Miranda's blue eyes were unsure. ''What?''
Mary Jess supplied. '' She signs to you, XO Andy, not Best or Yours or Thinking of you. Andy might as well sign. Get in my bed. Miranda.''
''Jess!''
Her phone buzzed. Blue eyes took in the words sent, reading.
There are many things I'd like to try with you this Valentine's, Miranda. Like a game of naughty word strip scrabble followed by some frenzied removal of clothes but first let's start this by having dinner together at eight?
Say yes. Andy.
Miranda scrolled a reply back of yes and to tell her where were they meeting tonight for eight.
Everything was booked up.
Slumping at another maître d' lecturing her. ''No I need this for tonight, not February 14 2017. No. I'm not kidding.''
The event Romance Under the Stars at the Hayden Planetarium was sold out.
Hanging up, Andy's wanted to hit her head against her desk, her long fingers pressed to her lids in frustration, she needed to make their date different and unexpectedly unique and one of a kind for Miranda, wracking her brain, Andy wasn't going to be anything like Stephen and she could read Miranda like no one else could, Miranda should be romanced, calling someone who might be able to help her out, who owed her a big favour.
Doug's ex-boyfriend Timothy.
It took pleading and dipping into Andy's savings.
It was all arranged for her and Miranda tonight.
Calling Roy.
''Hi Roy.'' Andy greeted Miranda's driver.
''Andy!'' Roy honked as he made a light. ''How are you doing? Don't worry Ms Priestly's not in the car right now.'' Roy informed. He'd knew all about Andy's sudden departure from Runway. Everybody at Runway had.
It was rumoured the mail room and janitorial department and the fast food place around the corner had been sent Andy's photo for her next job application by Emily under strict orders from Miranda.
Roy last saw her, picking up the clothes for Emily from Andy, Roy was worried and had to ask and was really relieved that Andy was suddenly newly employed. Not blackballed or about to start looking for a job with the NY Sanitation Department as the only job prospect.
Roy knew from years of driving Miranda Priestly, she could be vindictive but for some reason not to Andy.
Told by Andy she just got a job working for the Mirror. Writing. Roy meant it, good for her. It was what she came to NY to do.
Roy wished her luck as he took her dry cleaning bags of clothes from Paris she was giving to Emily.
That was what four no five months ago. Miranda's schedule made him keep odd hours. He should have kept more in touch.
''Roy. Can you do something for me tonight at eight?''
Roy navigated the Mercedes in midtown traffic. ''Anything Andy.'' He honestly liked Andy, she was a good kid. Whatever she needed he would do.
Miranda would never know.
Roy watched Andy often interact with Miranda when driving them, he could tell she honestly cared about the dragon lady.
That was a first.
Andy always somehow fixed and arranged her schedule, so she had twenty minutes every day to just exhale or call the twins. Roy shook his head at those two monsters.
Roy's mother always warned him about redheads.
The pranks he'd heard plotted on Stephen in his car. Stephen's first night staying over was at their worst, his next morning welcome by the twins, was with a guinea pig named Stan, French kissing him as he slept was inspired.
Stan survived the Tomlinson lip lock since they were babysitting him as the class pet both twins had been assigned with for the weekend.
Miranda was relieved it wasn't a reptile.
Roy heard MJ cracked up on her way to court at what the twins did to welcome Stephen.
The twins had never pranked him.
He'd driven those two since both were in Pampers. He knew Miranda was human despite what Page Six implied. Roy saw it in many moments, like on the twins first day at school.
Cassidy and Caroline went into The Garden School happily. Not a glance back.
Miranda made him stay parked with her watching for them, till it was time to pick them up. Working in the car, taking calls and doing meetings with her design team on speaker in the back seat till three.
Cassidy and Caroline were like her. They knew. Nothing got by those two savvy sassy redheads.
Andy was the only assistant who could handle them.
Andy cared about his icy employer. Not even her husbands were like that to her. He had a hunch, Andy had a crush on Miranda, like that time on the ice on a sidewalk when Andy caught her from slipping, Miranda didn't just brush against Andy to steady herself, Andy being just Andy without warning wrapped her arms around her. Roy saw it instantly.
They didn't.
It was the way Andy held her. Asking her if she was okay. Miranda only mutely nodded, stunned by her assistant holding her and Roy saw it. Roy came around, just staring shocked that Miranda allowed it.
Andy's fingers had brushed her white hair without thinking just for reassurance. Roy knew Miranda's rules.
Nobody touched her. Nobody asked Ms Priestly questions, nobody except Andy who did all of that and rode in the elevator with her.
Andy was a special exception.
Then Paris happened and Andy wasn't beside Miranda anymore. A slew of new stick thin assistants. Squirrels and toast had more personality. Roy figured it out. Andy was gone.
Deciding as he should invite Andy out for a beer and catch up. He was still waiting for her bestseller.
'' Can you drive Miranda to this address tonight for me.'' Andy asked him. Roy was discreet.
Roy spoke on his blue tooth surprised. ''Why?''
'' We're meeting for dinner.'' Andy filled him in. Roy almost collided with a delivery truck and bike messenger with that news.
''You and Ms Priestly are dating!'' Roy said loudly, stunned. That explained everything to him, the looks in the car between them. He knew he saw it.
Andy held the phone to her ear. ''Just starting to Roy. Tonight's our first date. Do you have any advice?'' Andy really wanted tonight to be perfect.
Boy, Andy Sachs was brave.
Roy shook his head, he never thought he'd be giving Andy dating advice on Miranda. He was a witness to both Stephen's selfishness and her first husband's constant neglect.
''Don't go somewhere crowded or because it got a review in the Times she won't like it. Take the curb for her if you walk. Don't get her jewellery when you mess up. She'll like anything you have planned Andy. So where am I driving her to?''
Andy read it off as Roy got a pen, stalled in traffic.
Andy's phone pinged. Her dark eyes flickered down to amessage from her.
Relieved it wasn't by telephone. Andy didn't know what to say on the phone. Tongue tied still around Miranda but not on IM to her. Andy could flirt with her.
And flirt she did.
Miranda really wanted to know where she was taking her to on their date.
Andy was firm. Only typing back. Not sharing Priestly.
Miranda text made her give an exasperated smile. Shaking her head at Miranda. Not even a hint to what to wear?
Andy smirked. Must you think of fashion always? My woman.
All I'll share is clothes are required.
Andy gave Miranda a few more words as little clues, to join her for a night of flowers and champagne. Informing Miranda that she'd arranged with Roy to drive her to the address and she would see her at 8.
Tonight was going to be perfect for them, touching the heart she wore as she started proofing her actual work at her desk.
Andy couldn't wait for tonight with her.
She kept touching Miranda's gift.
Cassidy and Caroline knew Mom wasn't acting like herself, Mom was not anything like when she went out with Stephen before, he always escorted her to boring events, both putting down their game controllers.
Mom was never like this, going out anywhere. Cassidy glanced at her twin, wondering who Mom was meeting tonight.
It must be meeting the Board. Mom was nervous, she had changed again.
Caroline blew out her bangs, tell her Mom wasn't getting engaged.
Odele glanced at both twins who were her best friends asking curiously. ''Who does your Mom have a date with?''
Cassidy just shrugged her answer, beating the other player easily. She didn't know. Caroline's mouth thinned just like Mom, hoping it wasn't another Stephen for Mom who they'd be forced to bond with.
What would this new person make them do? Coin or stamp collecting.
Caroline thought Stephen was the king of dweebs. Lure making and talking about golf.
If he spoke down to them or called them cute, she was taking up drums in rebellion.
Patricia bloodshot eyes watched her discard this choice. Panting as MJ told her to get down.
''You're Mommy is crazy. Patricia.'' The St. Bernard licked MJ and got down.
''Jess I heard that.''
Mary Jess watched her friend getting ready. Hoping, this was the last choice. Miranda had tried on five other great choices.
She wanted to look sexy but like a lady for Andrea on their first date.
''Miranda just wear it. It looks amazing on you. I'm sure, Andy will like it.''
Miranda didn't know about the cut, she didn't want it to be too booby. Andrea wasn't a guy but still. Would her eyes be here, on her cleavage all night in this dress?
''Jess the red is too much, don't you think?'' Miranda asked. MJ didn't say.
''It is.'' Miranda turned around in the mirror. ''I don't know what she'll like.'' She hadn't been on a real date in five years and with Stephen's dates which were always so predictable and planned.
Stephen read the Federalist.
''Trip we need an opinion.'' MJ demanded.
Trip came upstairs, he knocked lightly with a rap of his knuckles, he'd made himself at home in Miranda's townhouse tonight, watching the twins and Odele was fun tonight, relaxed with his striped tie loosened and he was more than use to MJ bossing him around all the time, working for her in her law firm, the top law firm in the city every day was always something new for him, entering Miranda's bedroom unsure, as he squeezed his mossy green eyes shut as Mary Jess told him to.
''Go on, open them.'' Trip did so.
Mary Jess asked him. ''Trip, if you were Andy do you think this is too.'' Pointing at Miranda who was in a sexy red dress.
Trip repeated with wide eyes on hers. ''Too?''
Trip studied MJ's friend in front of him, typing up depositions and briefs for clients who were guilty was less stressful. ''Too uh what?''
''It's just all wrong isn't it.'' Miranda said.
Having no clue to what was wrong with it on her white haired friend. He knew next to nothing about fashion.
When he shopped it was just for plaid boxers and button down shirts. He only wore pressed khakis not dresses.
''It looks fine.'' Trip thought it did.
''Trip don't just say that.'' MJ shook her head. Mouthing at him in disbelief. ''Miranda looks fine.'' Trip looked at her with a look of 'What did he say wrong. Miranda did look fine in it.'
''I'm changing.'' Miranda declared. If Trip thought it was just fine.
Mary Jess shook her head at Trip, he was a young guy, use to admiring boobs. ''Trip be honest, would Andy like boobs au naturel or pushed up?''
Trip looked wordlessly shocked at MJ and now back to Miranda, swallowing, was this a trick question, because he didn't want to seem or come across like a lusting pervie red blooded guy to her best friend.
''Think like Andy.'' MJ encouraged. ''Be subjective.''
Maybe he'd need to turn on Taylor Swift and listen to it. Or Adele. Adele was this generations Phil Collins.
Give him manly rap and Gladiator along with Saving Private Ryan.
Right think like Andy, a female twenty something who he'd seen eat more than his dorm mates on Super Bowl.
Trip had one thing in common with Andy Sachs, they were both in love with impossible females.
They both needed a night out over a cold one at his local McManus's and talk about her Miranda and his MJ. Surviving being their assistants.
''Miranda's waiting Trip. Use your words you did attend Stanford.'' Giving a meaningful look by MJ to say something other than fine.
Trip groaned, this wasn't saying how he liked Miranda's business mind or lamps.
Inspecting Miranda Priestly's great figure, MJ's best friend was older like her, she was an Editor in publishing of a major magazine and achieved that at thirty and she was known and feared in Manhattan, she also was a mother to eleven year old twin's that were earlier effortlessly beating him at video games like Guitar Hero, he was just out of practice since college, in all honesty, she was, he had to really admit a Mom who also was hot.
Really hot, in this red dress.
Trip was a man. A human man being demanded by MJ to compliment Miranda's uh…breasts…uh figure.
No he wasn't doing it, just to make MJ happy, Miranda had a great body but she just wasn't his type though.
Trip knew his type, she was a lawyer who was pushy and ran her mouth off, ate ramen at midnight, slipped off her stilettos under her desk, made fun of his ties which MJ often teased were popular on his grandfather.
That same crazy person made him follow Andy around to check her out and all to protect a friend.
''Trip say it.''
Fine counting to ten backwards. This was for MJ. ''Don't change. You don't just look fine Ms Priestly. You look hot.''
Giving MJ a dirty look.
Trying to sound completely business-like about her in that. ''I think Andy would love them in any way you want to or wish to display them to her.''
Trip definitely was on his way to being a glib counsellor at Mary Jess's firm. Flushing red at Miranda though, who saw it shading his ears. Sputtering out. ''I mean, she'll really like you in that. Ms Priestly.'' correcting himself. '' Miranda.''
Trip just needed to work on his blushing.
''So where's Andy taking you to?''
Trip had followed Andy for a week. She was decent and pretty, she had nice eyes and a good figure but again she was not his type.
''Trip stop ogling Miranda.'' He wasn't as he put his hand up over his eyes.
''Can I go now MJ? I'm ordering that pizza you like. I'm not paying extra for delivery.''
Miranda bit her lip at Trip who knew MJ's crust preference and toppings. Black olives and thin crust. ''Theodore. Use my card.''
MJ mouthed his name.
Trip was never called Theodore. ''Actually call me Theo. No it's on me. Miranda. Odele wants what I want. Cassi and Car want Hawaiian.'' Trip liked the twins genuinely but pineapple and pepperoni on pizza. Yuck.
He needed fuel to beat them at Guitar Hero.
MJ gave him the eye to go and forage.
Stopping in the doorway. ''Unless you want my opinion on yours also.'' Trip's teased.
MJ's blushed scarlet as her mouth fell open at what he just said.
Trip grinned at Mary Jess, heading out the door. ''Just in case you want to know, I like yours in silk blouses like what you're wearing right now, with those top two buttons undone. That's not just hot but sexy.''
MJ blushed to her roots. ''Trip! Out.''
Roy rang the doorbell to the townhouse at 7:30, Miranda descended the stairs.
''Wow Mom!'' Caroline said along with Cassidy whose eyes just like their Mom's widened. Mom looked terrific.
''Mom just tell us who he is?'' Caroline grumbled, she really hoped it wasn't anybody like Stephen.
Stephen was no fun. He always had a forced smile at them like he needed Fybogel or bran flakes.
Miranda smiled at her twins. ''Bobbsey's. It's not a he. It's Andrea.''
Both redheads stared at their Mom hard.
Mom was going to meet Andy tonight.
''Andrea as in Andy?'' Cassidy questioned. Sharing a look with Caroline, that Miranda couldn't quite read.
''You remember her, don't you? She worked for me.'' Miranda hoped her girls did remember Andrea. Because if tonight went well, Andrea was going to be in her life and she wanted promises of no pranks committed on her date and possible future lover.
She didn't want Andrea scared away or become resentful of her with her daughters.
''You have a date with Andy!'' Cassidy and Caroline exclaimed loudly.
Miranda carefully nodded.
She did.
Both began talking at once. ''She asked you out. Finally. She's great! We talk to her all the time. So does Odele.'' Odele shared shyly. ''Mrs P she's really fun.''
The three of them thought Andy was cool. Cassidy loved that Andy was nice and down to earth and rode the subway they were forbidden to go on and she didn't wear cologne or make them go to Optimist sailing lessons which she and Caro hated and Andy wasn't grumpy when Patricia slobbered her, all in all Andy was not anything like Stephen the jerk, and they knew Andy would never get mad at Mom.
Andy wouldn't slam doors or pretend to tolerate them.
''You talk with her?'' Miranda looked startled at this news. Why didn't she know this?
''Cassidy, Caroline for how long?''
Cassidy showed her phone to her Mom. ''For months Mom. We even sent Andy this. She liked it.''
Miranda saw it. Her dancing in her kitchen. Andrea had been sent that and she'd seen her like that, without her makeup on, blotches of pink suffusing her smooth ivory cheeks.
Mary Jess held back a laugh at the video.
Miranda winced, Andrea had seen her like that and experienced all of her worst parts of her at Runway, it was almost worse than when she was in a grey robe in Paris and she was sure Andrea pretended not to be disgusted by the sight of her looking so frumpy that night, reapplying her lipstick after the girls kissed and hugged her in support.
''Mom so what, if Andy's seen you in pj's and that time when we took your picture, asleep with Patricia. She still wants to go out with you.'' Caroline reminded evenly.
''Just don't dance too energetically with her.'' Cassidy sagely warned.
''Let her lead, if you go dancing, dates like that.'' Odele advised.
Miranda took each of their advice soberly.
MJ winked at her, lowly scolding. ''Really Mir, showing Andy you in your pj's and dancing.'' Mouthing to her silently. '' You little slut.''
Miranda pinched her nose bridge, she wondered if sharing all her photos in high school with Andrea her date tonight would be less embarrassing.
She had no idea where she was meeting Andrea tonight.
MJ handed it to her. ''This is something you need to have on you.''
''Jess.'' Miranda warned, she really didn't think an app on the joys of lesbian sex was needed just yet.
'' Here. Wear this.'' MJ got it out of a box, and put it around Miranda's neck.
Miranda saw it.
''Just a little something on Valentine's for you.'' Mary Jess bought it for her.
''Jess thank you.'' Miranda's fingers clasped it around her ivory neck, it was the halved heart she'd loved in Runway's issue last month. It was a one of kind.
Glass blown and delicate meant to be worn as a couple jewellery. Miranda had went to buy it, told it was sold. The artist only made one.
''Somebody else bought the other half. '' MJ shared. Lying to Mir. She had. Sent the other half to Andy for Miranda.
Mary Jess saw her out to Roy and the car. Smiling to herself as she watched them drive away, Miranda would have to wait and see who was wearing the other half of her heart.
Trip came up with pizzas from around the corner.
''Hey there.'' His eyes crinkling on hers.
''I got you that dipping sauce you like.'' Trip informed.
Holding the door open for her gallantly with his arms full of two pizza boxes and a bag by his foot. Trip was really cute. Off limits cute. They worked together. She was his boss. He was half her age. She was starting to become a goner for him.
MJ smiled at him fully. ''Grazie.''
Following him inside Miranda's townhouse, taking the bags from him.
''Come on get it well it's hot, Mahoney. I still have to give you my Valentine.''
''What is it, heart shaped pepperonis?'' MJ asked him, stilling at how near his face was to hers. Swallowing at that.
''Wait and see.'' Trip promised her. Pecking her cheek because he wanted to.
Now if he could just get up the nerve to kiss her.
Andy had changed four times getting ready tonight for her date with Miranda, nervously she'd styled her hair up then decided she liked it better down.
Would Miranda like it down, Andy hoped she did. Smoothing her dark burnished brown, she should have just tried harder on how Serena once showed her a French chignon.
Tossing another choice on her bed, holding it up and deciding on wearing this finally.
It was black and cut to show off her toned shoulders and arms, and with a zipper up on her left side it fit well, cutting off the tags. Slipping it on. Miranda was going to hate it on her.
It was probably last season and completely out of fashion.
Andy didn't take the subway tonight, she splurged on a cab driving her uptown.
Holding a Phalaenopsis orchid for Miranda.
Navigating on her heels. Andy rarely wore them now for her job. Once she use to run errands day and night in these painful Choo's.
This was her first date with Miranda and she was afraid she'd say or do something wrong to never have another one with her.
Waiting for her, here. She was early. Strolling in front of the place she chosen for them, both nervous and excited warring in her. Would Miranda like this choice? Practising on what to say, in greeting her.
Hello again Miranda. No. That wasn't right. It's a great night isn't it?
She should have picked her up? Andy frowned. Ugh, she ruined it. She was starting this off as a bad date.
Reminding herself to just breathe, Miranda was going to think this was so corny.
Andy stomach was in a knot.
It was corny and sweet. Tim thought it was also swoony, wishing and voicing to Andy if only his ex-Douglas had been half as romantic.
''It's all ready. Here are the keys. It's all yours till tomorrow morning.'' Tim gave Andy the keys which she caught. ''Have a great Valentine's Andy.'' Tim left her on the sidewalk.
Andy saw Miranda's car pulling up.
Swallowing down her fears, behind those Mercedes tinted windows, Miranda was waiting and she came, she wanted to be here as her finger brushed the heart she wore, which Miranda gave her.
Her words that her heart was hers made Andy feel braver as she went up to the car door, opening it.
Seeing Miranda stepping out, taking her hand in hers to help her out, Andy's dark eyes met her bright blue. With only one word forming in Andy's head.
Wow.
This was all for her? Miranda was in red and looked incredible as Andy's eyes raked admiring her, she thought not just incredible, she was beautiful tonight.
Roy pulled away watching both out of his side mirror. They really made a great looking couple.
Miranda noticed Andrea didn't say anything in greeting just looking at her. Her brown eyes wide on her. Confused at where they were, this wasn't a restaurant in front of her, reading the sign.
Andy was sure she was just standing here and just staring at her like a complete idiot. Finding her voice, wobbling out. ''Hi.''
Wincing at that sound of her chirpy voice. Smooth Sachs Andy chastised herself.
''Hello. Andrea.'' Blue eyes sparkling on her.
''Here for you.''
Holding out the orchid to Miranda who took it from her outstretched hand.
''Thank you.'' Miranda saw that Andrea was nervous, pressing her lips to Andy's cheekbone, taking Andrea's arm, pressing closer as Andy stared at her and really liked this, this new shivery feeling of her near her like this.
Led inside the exclusive florist, Miranda breathed in all of the scents through her nostrils as she saw a table for two set with candles all around, surrounded by exquisite flowers. It was only them here with soft jazz playing on an Ipod.
This was all done for her? It was lovely.
Andy pulled out her chair for her.
Grazing with her fingers the dip of Miranda's back, assuring her lightly. ''No freesia. I swear.'' Miranda eyes lowered mollified, recalling how awful she was about freesia to Andréa especially in Paris.
Pouring champagne for her, which she took from Andy's offered hand, taking a small sip to calm down, this was an evening with just Andrea who she once saw every day in her office. They weren't strangers.
Yet they were.
Taking in her dress which Andrea looked amazing in. Her hair was down in shiny waves to her shoulders.
Sitting down across from her, Andy knew Miranda couldn't see how she saw her in this moment as she leaned closer to her. ''I remember you like flowers. So I thought dinner surrounded by them would be nice, tonight with me.''
Tim had everything arranged as both looked at one another shyly. Andy had a million things she wanted to say to Miranda but couldn't think of one right now. Looking down at her salad hopelessly. She could start with a random question to break the ice like 'If you could jump into a pool of anything, what would it be?'
Andy was no good at this. Telling herself to think of something witty Sachs as her fork tines speared a radish.
Finding the perfect words to start with was hard.
''I read your writing every morning Andrea.'' Miranda said waspishly, her hand holding her fluted glass.
Andy looked up at Miranda and almost dropped her salad fork. ''You do?''
''Yes. I do. You're a very good writer. I mean that.''
Andy blushed at her compliment. Miranda really read her work. Really surprised by her admission.
''Thank you Miranda. I liked last month's issue with your letter. I enjoy what you share every month with your readers me included.''
Miranda stared at Andy surprised. ''Do you?''
''Yes Miranda I do.'' Andy's smile was fuller as Miranda returned it.
Miranda smiled a smile Andy had never witnessed before. It made her eyes softer. ''Cassidy and Caroline told me you keep in contact with them.''
Andy blinked at that. Miranda wasn't supposed to know, she probably thought it was overstepping or weird. Andy really liked having a link to her three Priestly's.
''No. Andrea I'm not mad that you communicate with my daughters. I'm just a little bit embarrassed.''
Andy looked confused. ''Embarrassed. Why?''
''Only family usually see me in my pj's dancing to Bon Jovi.''
''Sorry but I thought you looked great.'' Andy meant it. '' I meant the nightwear was interesting. I really liked the slippers that you were in.'' Andy teased her.
''Did you?''
''Here I sent this to the twins last Tuesday. '' Sharing a clip with Miranda of herself at work. With a Post It note stuck on the back of her baseball cap. Andy only realized in the afternoon.
''I want that sent to me.'' Miranda vowed. ''Do you like your new job?'' Carefully Miranda asked her.
''Yes but I do miss Runway at times.''
Miranda stared at Andrea, her mouth opened at that. Inside Miranda reasoned out, Andrea said she missed Runway, not her. ''You do? I was such a terrible boss, person to you.''
''Yeah you were but I still despite that miss you mainly.'' Andy said this out loud, confessing it to Miranda.
Miranda stared at her. ''Even my coffee runs.''
Andy's eyes crinkled. ''Maybe not that. Or getting it, especially in the snow. I do miss being around you. Everyday.''
Miranda just stared at Andy. She did. Refilling her glass for her.
''MJ thinks my blood is java type.'' Miranda confessed. At least MJ didn't agree with Page Six that she was coldblooded.
Andy blinked. MJ as in MJ Mahoney. Was Miranda seeing him too?
''MJ?'' Andy tried to sound casual about him.
Miranda smiled. ''Yes MJ and I, we lived together in Paris. Many years ago. We had fun sharing a place when I first worked at Runway Paris.''
Andy swallowed. MJ and Miranda lived together which meant they were involved once. Picturing this MJ who Andy had never seen with Miranda, six foot two, stubble and feeding Miranda croissants and having sex twice a day in their place in Paris.
''So MJ and you in Paris, didn't you use to call each other every day?'' Andy almost growled that. Miranda missed it.
Andy didn't like that MJ made her eyes sparkle like that. ''Yes. I always talk to MJ. It's our thing.''
Andy cut her lamb as if, it was perfect MJ on a plate. Miranda and he had a thing.
He was what going to be the next Mr Priestly. Andy hoped he got dick cancer.
Why did Miranda start this? Why today of all days? Why accept a date, and string Andy along. Sending her the heart. When she had perfect MJ Mahoney who called her every day to be with.
Was this some nasty payback for walking away in Paris? Andy mood darkened.
''Miranda, so I guess you like my Valentine's this time?''
Andy face reddened as she blurted that out suddenly and bluntly, half of her really wanted to know why Miranda threw it out on her. Last Valentine's. Sure, Nate switched it, but Miranda trashing it just like that actually hurt.
A lot.
Miranda searched her face across from her. ''Andrea what you gave me last Valentine's I liked. I did, even if it sang that song.''
Blue eyes that missed nothing, saw it happen on her brunette's face for a quick moment, something was wrong, something she'd done, what was it, why was Andrea looking at her like that.
Muttering out low. ''Right. You liked it. Sure had quite a way of showing it.'' Andy was heard by her.
Miranda slid closer to her. ''Andrea please have I done something to upset you, please tell me? ''
Andy felt Miranda's fingers brush her cheekbone.
Lowly Andy answered her. ''You threw out my gift, I saw it.''
Miranda hadn't. She wouldn't. ''Andrea listen, I didn't throw it out. I even had the buildings cleaners search for it.''
Andy blinked, looking up into Miranda's sincere eyes. ''You did?''
Miranda's eyes softened tenderly on Andrea, confessing. ''They never found it. I almost called the city Sanitation Department.''
''Oh.'' Andy could only say to her as she pulled her chair out, getting up as soft jazz played as Miranda continued talking, and hoping Andrea didn't walk away again.
This was fragilely just starting and Miranda really wanted a chance.
'' Andrea please, tonight. Everything you planned and being here with you. This. This is lovely. I have never had anyone in my life do anything like this for me. Ever.''
Miranda hadn't. She never meant that much to her two ex-husbands.
''What I'm trying to say is, I have feelings for you. Andrea, feelings that I tried to deny but still happened with you around me and I know I was once mean and very cruel to you when you worked for me and this probably is coming out all wrong and much too soon. I'm saying that, I love you Andrea.''
Andrea stilled with her back still to her, Miranda waited for something, anything, Andrea didn't turn around and she didn't say anything back to her.
Blue eyes moistened. Didn't Andrea care how she felt about her?
''Did you hear what I said to you, Andrea? I'm saying I love you.'' Her voice broke. Was Andrea rejecting her feelings?
Miranda was given silence. So that was Andrea's answer. Ignoring her. As mature as Paris and the fountain.
Miranda knew it, she shouldn't have listened to MJ in the first place. Take a chance with Andrea. She had the same taste in men who hurt her and now in one woman, her.
Putting her heart out in her words to Andrea. She did love her.
''I've felt this way for you for a long time, just tell me Andrea is it just sex you want with me? Is that it.''
''No. I don't want to have sex with you. Miranda.''
That hurt.
Placing her napkin down, she was going to call Roy, tears prickling the corner of her eyes. Miranda yes wanted more than just sex between them but to be rejected completely with Andy's words of not wanting her at all and told this to her face hurt her, it was worse than the time when Stephen called her old and that she should wear makeup.
She was going to go back to being safe in her pathetic private safe bubble.
Mary Jess's had devised a coded system to raise the alarm if required. Scrolling it with watery eyes, it was here on speed dial. Somewhere. She needed her glasses.
Miranda was to phone her. Told seriously her following options (in case Andrea was not a good match)
The wine here is very nice – meant 'don't worry everything is fine'.
The wine here is not as good as that Bordeaux, I have in my wine chiller – translated into 'She's mental, call 911'.
The coffee is great, I've dunked my hob-nobs – Miranda would leave MJ and Trip to draw their own conclusions to what that meant.
Putting her hand over Miranda's phone, stopping her. ''Miranda, wait. I heard you. I did. Don't you want to know what I want?''
Miranda wiped at her eyes. Her blue eyes glinting wet on Andy's, hissing out. ''What is it that you want Andrea? Tell me. Why did you even ask me out? If it's to hurt me. You have. Was this just to see if the dragon feels? I do feel.''
She wasn't going to cry. Beginning to. She and Valentine's went always catastrophically.
Last year Stephen ruined it. Now Andrea hurt her even more. She was going to go home. She'd even walk. Screw calling Roy. Saw it was snowing outside. Her growing anger at Andrea would warm her up.
''Miranda tell me this. Do you want me or MJ in your life?'' Andy simply asked.
Miranda blinked with surprise. What? What did MJ have to do with this?
''Do you want me or MJ with you?'' Andy repeated this.
''I know one thing for certain that I don't want you, not now.'' Miranda said this icily. She was leaving. Andrea was completely wrong for her. Andy looked stricken at that.
''Fine I hope you and MJ have just mind-blowing great sex together.''
Miranda stopped walking away. Turning slowly around. What? Her and sex with MJ.
Andy slumped. ''You both are practically flirty foreplay on the phone.''
Andrea thought MJ was her lover. ''Andrea what does MJ stand for?''
''I don't know Michael Joseph or Mark Joshua.'' Andy didn't care. Maximum Lucky Jackass. He got Miranda. She really hated lousy Valentine's Day.
''MJ is for Mary Jess. My best friend. Who I can assure you, I do not want to have sex with her.''
Andy looked stunned at this news.
''Just let me say this. Miranda. No I don't want to just have sex with you. Miranda.'' Catching her arm and stroking it. ''Yes I want to make love to you, that's why I said I didn't just want sex with you, I want to have a lifetime of you getting into my bed. I also love you, Miranda my heart is yours too.''
Holding it out to her. Miranda's saw it around her neck, Andrea was wearing the other half of her heart.
''I'm sorry I ruined tonight. I'm sorry… I thought MJ and you were together. I'm such a jealous idiot. Miranda. Stay. Let me fix this…I… please just don't go.''
Andy showed she had chocolates and dessert rose petals for her. Tonight wasn't planned to go like this. Seeing her tears. '' Don't cry.''
Andy moved closer to her, she was going to make this up to her. Somehow. Starting by wiping at her tears gently with her fingertips.
Cupping her face gently, Andy's mouth slowly brushed to hers as she kissed her.
Meeting her lips to hers, Miranda's mouth received the warm mouth, weaving her hand through her glossy hair. Pouring months' worth of pent up want into it.
Breaking their kiss. ''Just remember Priestly you said it first.'' Andy's eyes shined down on hers.
''I will.''
Andy read them, trying not to laugh.
MJ was to receive one of these. ''I'm glad I turned out not to be a bad date.''
Forks connected to the 'Framboise for Two.' Sharing it with each other, taking one more bite held out by Miranda feeding her, Andy set her fork down. It was late, her watch read quarter past one.
The candles were burning out.
''Happy Valentine's Day. Miranda.'' Andy whispered to her. She should be expecting Roy, she'd see Miranda home. ''Happy Valentine's Andy.''
''It's late. I guess poor Roy should be waiting.'' Andy whispered to her. She should be expecting Roy, she'd see Miranda home.
''No he isn't.'' Miranda supplied shyly.
''Did you plan to spend the night with me?'' Andy grinned wider.
''Andrea. I live on hope.'' Leaning her face to Andrea's, her nails pressed into Andy's dimple, her usually icy irises warm alive and sparkling on her.
''I've never spent a night in a florists before.'' Miranda shared with her truthfully. Holding her eyes in hers.
''Oh, you haven't…Andy leaned conspiringly close. '' Well I think we can spend tonight fulfilling that Valentine's wish of yours. Miranda.''
Pulling her white haired dragon onto her lap as she ran her thumb across Miranda's lower lip.
''Now Andrea about this syrup you gave me once. How does it work with this scrabble game of yours?''
Miranda reached into her purse to produce a squeezy bottle of toffee. Andy saw it and just grinned at her.
''I'll warn you I'm an Editor and I have the Roget Thesaurus memorised and I'm also a gracious in victory at all times winner.''
''That's good to know. I think we'll still be needing this…Andy took the bottle from her. '' I'm so sorry I forgot my scrabble board though.''
Scolded with a tone, Andy heard at Runway often but it lilted playful at her. ''Andrea I'm disappointed.''
Miranda's figure melted into hers. ''Andrea I demand you teach me, this naughty word strip scrabble next Valentine's but what can we do now all night together?''
Faking a stern look Andy knew from Runway. Her fingers under her chin.
''I could start by this.''
Her brows waggled, making Miranda snort as Andy's lips met her skin, kissing her shoulder blade as Andy clasped her into an enfolding hug pressing into her. ''I have a few ideas. We could try out.''
Miranda quirked a small smile to her, feeling Andrea's body pressed perfectly to hers.
''You do?''
''Strip scrabble it is, next Valentine's I sure will teach you, I think you'll get the feel of it. It'll come naturally. We'll have to get a feel for it.''
Blue eyes lit on Andy's. ''I am a quick learner when I like the feel of something I want and love.''
''That's good. Feel away.'' Andy suggested as Miranda turned around and straddled her in her lap. Wanting and needing her skin to meet Miranda's skin.
Starting with a word she spelled out with her fingertip on Andy's bare shoulders who was given a hint in her ear. ''Kiss Me.''as her ivory fingers danced and caressed her new lover's collarbone, bending her head and pressing her lips along Andy's warm skin as she began to unzip the side of her dress down, lowering the straps of her own red dress for Andy as both fell back with an oof into a bunch of roses behind them.
Andy leaned over her, half out of her dress now, shimmying out of it. ''Now about dunking hob nobs. Ms Priestly.''
If anyone was passing Tim's flowers on East 69th, both Andy and Miranda were fogging up the florist's windows this Valentine's.
