As Miranda and Andy's lunch dates became more common, people began to take note. Andy's coworkers were awed that she had such a powerful friend. Miranda's employees, however, were a different story.

Emily was shaking when she walked into Nigel's office. She threw a newspaper down on his desk. "Have you seen this?"

Nigel glanced at the paper and then back at Emily. Page Six, the newspaper's gossip page, showed a picture of Miranda and Andy at lunch. The caption was benign: Miranda Priestly seen dining with up-and-coming journalist, Andy Sachs.

"It's her, isn't it?" Emily asked her voice going a little squeaky. "She's in love with Andy Sodding Sachs."

Nigel took his glasses off and wiped them with a handkerchief as he nodded slowly. "Wow, I didn't see that coming."

"What are we going to do?" Emily asked.

Nigel cocked his head to the side. "Why should we do anything?"

"My God, do you remember Paris? I couldn't figure out why she was upset about that sleazeball filing for divorce. But it wasn't him. It was Andy, the girl who walked away, who hurt her. How do we know it won't happen again?"

Nigel put his hand on Emily's shoulder and said, "We don't, and it's not our place to worry about it."

"But—"

Nigel put his other hand on her other shoulder and squeezed."No, we do nothing. If Miranda asks something of us, that is one thing. Otherwise, we don't know until she tells us. Understood?"

Emily grimaced at him. "Understood, but if she leaves Miranda again I will…I will… Okay so I don't know what I will do, but it will be drastic," she said with a huff before spinning around and exiting the room.


To: MPriestly

From: andybear

Lunch

Miranda—

Can you explain to me how I have become the go-to writer for stories relating to female fashion in sports? I have submissions due for Golf Digest and Swimming World! You promised after Ranger Rick to let me try on my own.

I have to cancel lunch next week. My other job, you know the one I actually get a weekly paycheck for, has me covering the MS walkathon.

AS


To: andybear

From: MPriestly

Re: Lunch

Andrea—

I honestly have had nothing to do with any of your recent offers. The thought of everyone I know hearing from andybear is a potent threat. It is possible our association would bring you to mind for fashion related articles. We are seen at lunch together frequently enough.

I find sports fashion quite interesting. For example, Burberry made a golf dress in the early 1920's. If memory serves, it was Dinah Shore who stunned the golf world when she first wore a short pink skirt during a professional golf tournament. I believe it was some time in the early 1970s.

Would you like to reschedule lunch to Saturday at the townhouse? Stop by around noon. The twins have insisted I buy a grill so we can cook hotdogs on the terrace. I would appreciate a second adult on the premises. Especially one who knows how to grill hot dogs. Do you?

MP

To: MPriestly

From: andybear

Re: Re: Lunch

Miranda—

I'd be delighted to join you and the girls for lunch as soon as I can put myself back together. The image of you eating such a pedestrian thing as a hotdog made my head explode. I'm well versed in cooking on a grill.

See you then,

AS

PS Who is Dinah Shore?


Andy's hand was shaking as she hit send. The invitation for lunch was not unexpected, but the venue was. The women regularly had met for lunch twice a month for the past six months. However, they had never been any place even semiprivate. Miranda has invited me to her house. Andy nearly began to hyperventilate just thinking about it. Stop being such a scaredy-cat. We won't be alone; the girls will be there. The problem was, Andy was finding it more and more difficult to be around Miranda and keep her feelings in check. She could hardly wait until Saturday.

Cassidy Priestly knew something was up when she returned home after school and found her mother already there. She looked at her sister who shrugged. "Hi, Mom. How are you?"

"Hello, darlings," she kissed each of her girls. Cassidy was surprised by the nervous smile she received from her mother. "I have a surprise for you." The girls dropped their backpacks in the hall and followed her out to the small, well-manicured area that served as a backyard. Their jaws dropped open when they saw a top-end propane grill sitting on the patio.

"Wow, Mom," Caroline said. "Do you know how to use that thing?"

Miranda blushed. "Well, no, but I invited Andrea Sachs over for lunch tomorrow; she can teach us."

Cassidy cocked her head and looked at her mother thoughtfully. She and her sister were fully aware of the time her mother had been spending with her former assistant. They had been discussing her lightening mood and over all change in attitude. They believed Andrea Sachs had something to do with it. The girls were only twelve years old, but by virtue of their mother's station in life, they were pretty mature about adult relationships. They were acquainted with many nontraditional families. In Cassidy's mind this solidified the assumptions she and her sister had made.

Caroline looked over at her sister and raised her eyebrows. Cassidy rolled her eyes and nodded yes. They had already discussed this possibility, and they had decided to support their mother.


"Is that okay with you girls?" Miranda asked hesitantly.

Caroline shrugged and answered, "Sure why not?"

Cassidy asked, "Can we have real hotdogs, or are you going to make us eat those dumb veggie dogs?

Miranda smiled at her daughter. "I was thinking a trip to the grocery store would be a good idea. We can go pick out everything we want to cook."

Caroline looked at her mother wide-eyed. "You want to go to a grocery store? You? With us?"

Miranda frowned at her daughters and huffed. "I can't imagine why you are surprised by this. I didn't always have a housekeeper."

Cassidy giggled. "Okay, so when was the last time you were in a grocery store?" She watched as her mother closed her eyes in thought.

"Oh, I don't know," Miranda said in an agitated voice. "Do you want to go or not?"

Caroline laughed outright as she replied, "Are you kidding? I wouldn't miss it." She looked over at her sister. "Bring your cell. I bet we could make some money with pictures of Miranda Priestly in Trader Joes!"

Miranda bopped her lovingly on the head. Then she asked flippantly, "When were you last in a supermarket?"

"Are you kidding?" Cassidy replied. "Every housekeeper for the past five years has insisted we go with her. Even when we still had a nannies, they would drag us along."


An hour later the Priestly women were standing in front of the refrigerated section at Trader Joes. "Girls, stop arguing and pick one."

"Jeez, Mom, there are about fourteen different kinds. How should we know what to get?"

"You two are the ones that want to eat them, so pick." As the girls began to reply, a familiar voice came from behind.

"Oh, my God! I can pay my electric bill after all." The Priestlys turned around to find their picture being taken with a cell phone.

"For crying out loud, put that thing away. I can't believe you." Miranda turned to her daughters. "You may remember this aspiring paparazzi photographer, Andrea Sachs. She will be joining us for lunch tomorrow, if I don't kill her first."

Andrea grinned.

"Sure, we remember her," Caroline piped up. "Forgiven?" she asked with a grin.

"If you call me Andy, then yes."

Miranda looked at the three with a questioning glance. "Anything I should know?"

"Nope, not a thing," Andrea replied before quickly changing the subject.

Although Miranda was tempted to probe what that was all about, knowing how her daughters loved to prank her second assistants, she decided to let it be. Pressing the point would not aid her with smoothing the way for a friendship between Andrea and the twins to flourish.

"Hey girls, what kind of dogs are we going to have?" Andrea asked.

Miranda observed how easily Andrea interacted with her girls and smiled. Perhaps this wouldn't be so hard after all.

Never one to miss an opportunity to save face, Miranda said, "Actually, Andrea, we were very concerned about that. The girls wanted to be sure that we got your favorite kind." She looked over at her daughters pointedly.

Cassidy spoke up. "Yeah, we don't know if you like the kind with the casings or what."

Caroline jumped in, "Why don't you pick your favorite?" She paused and then continued with, "I know, you can shop with us. That way we'll be sure to get all of the things that you want to have at the cookout."

Andrea looked up and nodded. "Sure, that's great."

It was over an hour later that Roy was packing many bags of groceries in the town car. Miranda smiled slightly, enjoying her time with Andrea and her daughters. She was not ready for their time to end just yet.


"Andrea," Miranda began. "Do you have plans for the evening? The girls and I were going to stop out for a bite."

Cassidy looked at her sister in confusion. She knew full well that this was a totally new plan devised so that Miranda could spend more time with Andy.

With a grin, Cassidy looked at her sister. "Mom promised to take us to Ellen's Stardust Diner! We have always wanted to go there." Caroline's mouth dropped open at Cassidy's daring.

"That is so cool," Andy said. "I have always wanted to go there myself." Cassidy heaved an internal sigh of relief. She had a feeling that her mother wouldn't be too hard on her later if Andy had a good time with them.

Caroline and Cassidy were a few feet in front of Miranda and Andy as they headed toward the car. Cassidy knew they were going to be in the clear as they heard Andy say to their mother, "Miranda, I am so impressed that you are doing this for them. You know you are going to hate this place, right?" Miranda nodded while grinding her teeth. "That's so sweet. You are such a great mom." Miranda's jaw became less tight as Andy described how wonderful it was for her to take them to such a loud place after working all day at the magazine.

As Miranda got into the car and out of earshot, Andy turned to Caroline and Cassidy and said, "You so owe me." The three of them grinned at each other as they got in to the car giggling.


The barbecue started off with a bang, literally. Andy jumped away from the grill as a huge flash of fire roared out at her when she lit a match to it. "What the hell was that?" She looked down at the knobs and noticed that one was on that she hadn't turned. "Girls, you really shouldn't touch something like this until you learn more about it." She smiled to ease the reprimand. "I almost lost my eyebrows, but it could have been much worse."

Both girls threw up their hands and backed away saying, "Nope, not me," in unison.

Andy looked over at her hostess. "Miranda, did you turn this knob?"

Miranda nodded hesitantly. Andy closed her eyes so no one could tell she was rolling them and asked, "Why?"

"Isn't it obvious, Andrea? I thought it would need preheating."

Andy stared at her in stunned silence. It was a huge effort to keep her face deadpan and her voice from quivering with laughter. "Miranda, promise me that you will never, ever, touch this grill unless I am here with you."

The two woman had a stare down until Miranda gave a small almost imperceptible nod while saying, " You'd better plan on being here next weekend then. I promised the girls hamburgers."

Andy grinned and said, "Yes, Miranda," in her best assistant's voice.


Miranda smiled as her lunch date leaned down and gave her their habitual hello kiss. She reveled in the feeling of soft lips on her cheek. As always, she maintained her calm demeanor, not revealing how her stomach quivered as she responded in kind. "Hello, Andrea."

"Hello, MP. How are you?" Miranda gave the younger woman a surprised glare and cocked an eyebrow in question. Andrea grinned. "Well, that is how you sign everything to me, so I figured it would be a good nickname."

"You figured wrong," Miranda said dryly. "I don't feel the need for a nickname, and if I did, it certainly wouldn't be a couple of letters." She juiced up her glare to level Runway high for good measure.

"Mmm, but I kinda do." Andrea replied. "I mean we are buddies, right? Buddies don't call each other by their formal names."

"I wouldn't know," Miranda said imperiously. "I have never had a buddy, and if it requires some kind of cutesy name change I don't think I want one."

"Nope, sorry, no takebacks! Dinner at Ellen's followed by a near-death hotdog adventure clearly raises us to the level of buddies." Andrea's smile was almost blinding. "It's in the handbook. I can't believe the girls haven't told you."

Miranda's lips twitched as she responded. "And where would one acquire such a thing as the Buddy Handbook?"

Andrea's eyes twinkled with humor. "The third grade section of the school library is a good place to look. Otherwise check with Caroline or Cassidy. I'm sure they know all the rules from memory. I did by their age."

The waiter came and took their order while Miranda ruminated on the conversation. "I am sure you can use one that already exists. Page Six could probably provide you with several."

Andrea shook her head. "Buddy nicknames can't be mean. I am sure something will come to me."

Miranda rolled her eyes. "And I am sure I will hate it."


Andy laughed out loud. She found herself doing that more and more as she spent increasing amounts of time with Miranda. "You have to think of one for me, too. Being the creative person that you are, I am sure I will love it!"

"Andrea, really!" The horror in Miranda's voice increased Andy's glee. "You have a perfectly good name. I see no reason to meddle with it."

Andy could practically see the wheels turning in Miranda's head as their meal was set in front of them. It was clear to Andy that Miranda had no idea how to respond to her nickname proclamation. She had been joking with the MP thing, but suddenly it became important. Andy realized she needed Miranda to acknowledge that they had formed a close friendship. She needed a sign that this was not a transient whim on Miranda's part.

Suddenly, Miranda caught Andy's eye and with a rather self-satisfied smile said, "Andrea, when we first met you told me your name and then asked for me to shorten it to Andy. Do you remember?"

"Yes," Andy responded, giving Miranda a rather confused smile. "It wasn't that long ago."

"Hmm," Miranda said. "And what did you tell me your name was?"

"Is this a trick question?" Miranda shook her head no. "I told you my name was Andrea."

Miranda smiled. "Yes, you did. You told me your name was Andreea." Andy nodded still not sure where Miranda was going with this. "Am I correct that everyone you know calls you either Andreea or Andy?"

Suddenly Andy caught a clue and rolled her eyes. "Yes, Miranda," she said with a huff.

"Am I correct that I am the only one who uses the French pronunciation of your name?"

Another big sigh from Andy was followed by, "Yes, Miranda."

"Therefore I submit to you that Andrea, the way I pronounce it, is actually a nickname."

The grin of triumph on her friend's face caused a chuckle from Andy.

"Leave it to the big editor to 'submit' a nickname." Andy chuckled again. The two women continued to eat.


Relax, Miranda, she told herself. It's a nickname not a blood oath. She needs to know that I think she is special. I guess it is time to show her just how special she is. Miranda stared across the table at her friend. She knew that it was a watershed moment. Do things stay as they are, or do I move forward? Can I handle being best friends with the woman I love? Can I handle being a best friend at all? Miranda mentally shrugged her shoulders, decision made. Best friends for now, and if she shows any romantic interest in the future, wonderful. If she never shows any interest, at least she will be in my life.

"Meri," Miranda said without preamble. "When we are alone, you may call me Meri." Miranda winced internally when Andrea's head shot up and her mouth opened and shut in shock.

"Merry, like 'Merry Christmas'?" Andrea replied with a goofy grin forming on her face.

"Please shake the cotton out of your ears," Miranda said stiffly. "It was pronounced M-ear-ee. I spelled it Meri when I had the occasion to write it."

"Is this your childhood nickname?" Andrea asked with awe in her voice.

Miranda merely nodded and refocused on her food.


Andy's instincts told her not to ask further questions and to keep her emotions in check. She could tell that Miranda/Meri had given all she could give for now. Andy reached across the table and touched her friend's hand. "Thank you Meri, I feel honored."

Miranda cleared her throat and gently pulled her hand back, placing it in her lap. "Yes, well, far be it from me to break the friendship code."

Andy figured a quick change of subject was in order, and she blurted out, "I submitted an article to The Atlantic yesterday."

"Oh, did Hayley call you?"

Andy blushed, "Umm I sent it as a proposal." Meri's eyebrows shot up in surprise. "I know it is kind of early to send in unsolicited stuff, but I got this idea in my head. I did the research, and suddenly I had an article with nowhere to submit it."

"I see," Meri's reply sounded a little cold. "Would you like to share the subject matter of your… stuff?" Andy could hear disdain as Meri repeated the word.

Fucking great, you finally get her to see you as more than a pet project, and then ruin it in the next moment. She thinks that you aren't good enough yet. She is probably thinking of how to get out of being embarrassed when she speaks to Hayley. "I am so sorry Miranda; I didn't think." The words were rushing out of Andy's mouth in panic. "I forgot that it might embarrass you if my article was no good. I should have sent it to you first." Andy's eyes got watery and a tear rolled down her cheek.


Seeing Andrea's insecurities roar to the forefront as a result of her sarcastic reaction gave Miranda a jolt to the chest. She recognized that her instant response was from fear, fear that Andrea wouldn't need her anymore. You really are a bitch. Good God, the woman is about to fall apart. No wonder you have no friends. She reached out and wiped the tear from Andrea's face. "I thought it was Meri when we were alone. Have you changed your mind already?" Andrea shook her head forcefully. "Good, so are you going to tell me about it, or should I be surprised when she publishes it?"

"She might not publish it; maybe it stinks. I'm sorry."

"Stop it, stop it right now," Miranda's voice was gentle but firm. She put her finger under Andrea's chin and made her look her in the eyes. "I have already told you that your work is good. I told you that months ago." Andrea nodded that she remembered. "You have submitted many articles without my editing. What makes this one different? Have you suddenly forgotten how to write?"

Andrea forced a little laugh at the question. "I have just never sent one unsolicited before." She looked at her friend shyly. "I wanted to surprise you. You told me you were proud of me once, but it was for something you did as much as I did."

"I see, and must I wait for your Ellie announcement to know the content? Doesn't my new 'buddy status' give me special consideration?"

As intended Andrea gave out a real chuckle. "No prize for this one, but I think it is relevant. In a way you did actually inspire it."

"Oh," Miranda said impatiently, "now I am even more curious. Do I need to get my python to squeeze it out of you?"

This got an actual laugh from Andrea. "Oh God, not the snakes again!" Andrea's responding smile was the big bright one that Miranda lived to see. "It is an essay on the impact of hobby magazines on children's reading habits."


"Very clever topic!" Meri said with the brightest smile Andy had ever seen her give. "If Heyley is not smart enough to publish it, you should send it to Sally Lee over at Parents."Andy stared, clearly waiting for Meri to say more. The editor rolled her eyes and continued, "Circulation, two-million."

"Okay Meri, I have to know. Are these circulation numbers real, or are you doing the cerulean thing?"

"Goodness, from nicknames to in-house jokes during the same meal. I am not sure I can keep up." Again she graced Andy with another rarely seen smile. "Speaking of your writing, I have been reading the celebrity interviews you have been doing for the Mirror." Andy smiled proudly. "I like the format."

"I'm glad. I am trying to stay away from gossipy stuff…I mean…" Andy started to stumble over her words and then sat up straight and said confidently, "You are just going to have to put up with stuff once in a while." She glared at her friend.

Meri smiled. "You really have to work on that glare if you want to intimidate me. I do believe that if following the word gossipy, the word stuff is appropriate." Meri's face became serious. "I actually have an assignment for you if you would like to take it."

Andy's eyes widened. "Okay!"

Meri shook her head. "You don't even know what it is yet."

"You know me and my writing. You wouldn't offer it if I couldn't do it." Then she looked at her companion expectantly, "So?"

"I am sure you are aware that Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway have a new movie in the works. From the book The Devil Wears Prada." Andrea nodded. "And you know the plot?" Andrea nodded again but hesitantly.

Please, oh please, God, if you are listening, don't let her ask me to write something mean about Meryl! Andy tried to keep a smile on her face as she waited to hear what her new best friend wanted from her.


Miranda could see the fear on Andrea's face while she waited to hear what would be requested. She wasn't sure if she should be hurt or amused. "Nigel suggested it would be a good idea to do a feature with them. A way to show that the actual 'Devil in Prada' has a sense of humor." Andrea's face lit up in both relief and humor.

"Holy cow, that would be so awesome. I would love to be a part of that!"

"I am glad you feel that way. As a former second assistant you will have a unique insight to the story. Also I have agreed to actually appear in one or two photos."

"You're going to have your photo in Runway? That's fantastic! I can't believe you are going to do that!"

"I will point out," Miranda responded dryly, "My photo is in Runway every month." She chuckled at the look of consternation on Andrea's face. "I thought you would be more interested in your photo."

"My photo? You don't put pictures of your writers in Runway."

"Don't be silly, Andrea." Miranda rolled her eyes. "You have read the book, have you not?" Andrea nodded. "You are aware that the author, Lauren, worked for a short time at Runway. You know that she was with the magazine during and a little past your tenure. Do you think it is a mere coincidence that she wrote about the beleaguered junior assistant who dumped her phone in the Seine?"

Miranda heard Andrea mumbling and said impatiently, "What was that? Speak up."

"I didn't throw my phone in the river."

Miranda reached across the table and patted Andrea's hand. "Yes, dear, it was a fountain. I know."

Both women looked a little surprised at Miranda's unintended endearment. Miranda quickly continued. "The story contains many parallels with our interactions. I hope that I was never actually as bad as Lauren's Marissa Parsons is portrayed." Miranda stopped for a sip of water while gathering her thoughts. "However, believing that Marissa represents me, it leaves Amy, who Marissa refused to call anything but Amanda, to be you.

Andrea smiled weakly. "I knew when I read the book it was us. I'm guessing the boa constrictor was full when you fired her?"

Miranda chuckled. "With the exception of the interactions between you and me, there is nothing new in that book. Uber-bitch Marissa Parsons tortures her employees and scares everyone into doing her bidding. Page Six should sue her for plagiarism." Miranda's eyes twinkled as she continued. "Meryl actually called me before she took the part." Andrea's eyes widened. "Not for permission, just to give me fair warning that she was doing it. We meet frequently at charity functions, and I think she wanted to get any awkwardness out of the way."


Andy put on her best professional face and said, "Let me get this straight. You want me to write an article about Meryl and Anne coming to Runway. And you are planning to do some photo spreads that include us?"

"Yes, it is for the June issue, just before the movie's premiere."

"Wow. I can't decide who will get a bigger benefit from it, Runway or the movie. It is going to be huge for both!"

Meri smiled. "Hmm and it won't hurt the freelance journalist who had the job and lived to tell the tale."

Andy nodded. "True, but I do suddenly find myself wishing that I had waited until July to be best buddies with you."

Meri chuckled as she stood up to leave. When she leaned in for the much anticipated goodbye kiss she whispered in Andy's ear, "No takebacks."


To: MPriestly

From: andybear

Parents Magazine

Meri—

I am a disappointed that The Atlantic turned down my article. But as you suggested, Parents Magazine snapped it right up! I guess I need to do a better job of considering my audience.

I can't believe I am coming to Runway tomorrow! You did warn Emily, right? I would hate to be bombarded with cheese cubes once I got off the elevator. Based on her responses when I have called the office, I don't think giving her the clothes from Paris was enough to earn forgiveness for my abrupt exit . See you then!

AS


To: andybear

From: MPriestly

Re: Parents Magazine

Andrea—

You can consider Emily suitably warned. By the look on her face I am fortunate to have not been bombarded with cheese cubes when I entered my office! There will be a pass waiting for you at the front desk. Come straight up.

Meryl and Anne are expected around 10 am to go over the photo shoot plans and spend some time with you for interviews. I am planning that the four of us will lunch together afterward. Will that be a problem with work?

MP


To: MPriestly

From: andybear

Work

Meri—

You obviously didn't happen by Bethesda Fountain today. If you had you would have seen a big typewriter polluting it. I was going to wait and tell you in person. I quit the Mirror. Don't worry. I updated my wardrobe first.

Since I now have a regular column in ARTnews and I seem to be considered the world's leading expert on sports attire, I am able to give freelancing a try. I must say I never realized the rich history associated with baseball uniforms. It is a gripping subject, and I am sure you will enjoy reading every word of my article in Sports Illustrated.

AS


When the June issue of Runway hit the stands, it became the best selling Runway of all time. The watchword for the issue was playful. Andy's article about the similarities and differences between life at Runway and life at the fictional magazine Courtier was met with much acclaim. Readers were amazed that Meri had actually allowed Andy to print some less than flattering details of her management style along with glimpses of what happens behind the curtain. The photo shoots of the two editors and two assistants were creative. Images relating to the book and movie were peppered throughout the magazine. Even so, Miranda limited herself and Andy to just a few appearances and maintained the overall dignity of the magazine. The designers and advertisers were enthusiastic, even endorsing some of the humor. Samsung paid for an ad that had Andy and Anne in a cell phone throwing contest. A spread of Meryl and Miranda having a stare down in Bill Blass power suits was actually frightening.

The pièce de résistance was of course the cover. Meri wore her off the shoulder black and white Valentino gown while looking into a mirror. You can see mostly her back and a glimpse of her face. The gown was actually a one-of-a-kind design, made just for her. The reflection in the mirror showed Meryl in the same gown looking back at her. Allowing her most well-known dress to be altered to fit Meryl was clearly an acknowledgment of Miranda's respect for the actress and support for the movie. Even though it galled Meri to support anything to do with that traitor, Lauren, the promotion of fashion, even in this way, was good for the industry and consequently, good for Runway.


To: andybear

From: MPriestly

Tonight

Andrea—

My daughters have won an ice cream maker from an art contest at school. They have big plans for tonight. Apparently making ice cream is supposed to be a family event. Join us? If so, I will see you at the townhouse at five-thirty.

Meri


Andy stared at the email, heart pounding. She wasn't actually sure what it would mean that Meri had changed her email signature, but it must mean something.

To: MPriestly

From: andybear

Re: Tonight

Meri—

I would love to join you. It may be closer to six when I arrive. I have a meeting with Hayley and will come straight from there.

Andrea

Smiling, Andy hoped Meri would notice that she had changed her signature as well.


As always Caroline and Cassidy were delighted to see Andy. Her presence at these little family times had become quite commonplace. So much so that the girls decided it was time to talk with the adults, to bring things out in to the open. The four of them were all sitting around the picnic table finishing their ice cream when Caroline spoke in a very serious tone. "Mom, you know we love you, right?"

"Of course I do, darling," her mom said.

Caroline continued, "Andy, you know we like you too, right?"

"Well, I like you, so I hoped you liked me back." Andy said, a nervous look on her face.

"Cassidy and I don't get why you are trying to hide your relationship from us. I mean we aren't stupid. It's clear you're together." The two women looked at her and then at each other with their mouths opening and closing and no words coming out. Their expressions were a combination of embarrassment, shock, and fear.

"OMG, Caroline," her sister exclaimed, giggling.. "We may not be stupid, but it looks like maybe they are."

"That was uncalled for, Cassidy. What in the world are you two talking about?"

"Mom," Caroline choked out between giggles. "Cass and I wanted to tell you that it's okay with us that you two are a couple."

"But darling, Andrea and I aren't a couple."

Andy nodded her head vigorously and pointed at their Mom. "Right, what she said."

Cassidy, having her own troubles with the giggles managed to say, "I think you are the only two people on the planet that think that. Get serious; everybody knows you have been dating for over a year."

Caroline had calmed down enough to see possible trouble on the horizon. "Cass, we have to do our homework now. We have a lot of homework that needs to be done right now." With that she pulled Cassidy out of the room.


Miranda and Andrea were trying to look anywhere but at each other. Miranda stood up to clear the dishes. Andrea followed suit, collecting plates and silverware and carrying them to the kitchen. As they left the kitchen, Miranda turned toward the study and said quietly, "Wine?" Andrea nodded. They sat on opposite ends of the couch, turned toward each other. Okay Miranda what do you want to do? Put it on the line and risk it all, or laugh it off? Miranda studied Andrea's face. The cat is out of the bag, so I might as well go for it.

"Andrea—"

"Meri—"

Miranda looked down at her hands and shook her head as both women continued to speak over each other.

"You first."

"Go ahead."

Miranda held up her finger and took a deep breath. "I am sorry if the girls' observation embarrassed you." She looked into Andrea's eyes and held them for a moment or two before looking at her hands again. "I think that they are very in tune with my feelings." There was an almost imperceptible break in Miranda's voice. "I know that I am a middle-aged mother of two, but I look at you, and I can't seem to care about the difference in our age or lifestyles. I look at you and see an incredible woman for whom I have a deep-rooted affection, a romantic affection." Miranda paused and took a deep breath. "Please don't let this come between us. I have not had a close friend in many years, and losing what we share would be…it would hurt."

The long silence that followed was torture to Miranda. "Meri, I..." Miranda closed her eyes, waiting for the careful let down. She knew Andrea was kind and would try to be a gentle as possible. "I feel the same." Miranda looked up in surprised joy. "I have felt this way from almost the moment I met you." A single tear began to roll down Miranda's cheek. Andrea scooted over and caught it with her thumb. "Is this the part where I get to kiss you? I really want this to be the part where I get to kiss you."

"God, yes," Miranda replied. They leaned in to each other and their lips meet in a tender caress. It was a shy, tentative kiss, but Miranda felt it all the way to her toes. They pulled back a little to gauge each other's reaction. Both women smiled and moved in again. This time they were more confident. As the kiss deepened, they found their hands in each other's hair. When Andrea whimpered in pleasure, Miranda pulled back. Before the hurt look on Andrea's face could take hold, Miranda said, "Girls, the girls are here. If we don't stop, they will see exactly how much of a couple we are going to be."


The look on Meri's face showed obvious regret for the need to stop. Andy smiled, laughing softly. "We really have been dating for a year! My God, we're slow." Andy leaned in for another soft kiss. "When can we be alone? Dinner at my place, soon?"

Meri cupped Andy's face and kissed her forehead. "Well, aren't you brazen. Wanting to get me alone after just our first kiss."

Andy rolled her eyes. "Oh please, if your daughters are to be believed, we passed the third date rule nine months ago. We have some serious catching up to do!"

Meri grinned. "The girls are with me this weekend and their father the next."

Andy sighed, "This is going to be hell. Now that we know, a week is going to feel like forever."

Meri patted Andy's cheek and pulled her hand away. "Slow down, Andrea. It's true that we seem to have been courting each other, but let's get used to this," she gave Andy a soft kiss, "before we move on to that."

Andy threw back her head and laughed. "Don't look like that," she said when Meri's respond to her laughter with an annoyed look. "I was just thinking that you have the most interesting way of courting a girl."

Meri cocked her eyebrow. "How so?"

"Well, some dates bring flowers and wine," Andy paused. "You bring editors and movie stars."


Caroline and Cassidy heard the resulting laughter all the way upstairs. They each exhaled a big sigh of relief as they gave each other a high five.