Title:
Weakness In Me, Ch. 3
Disclaimer:Don't own them, never did.
Just admire from afar, hoping to bring them closer.
Rating:
T
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Saturday night Andy was busy getting ready to head out on the town with Nigel and a few others for Runway. Jodie had agreed to deliver The Book tonight. It was her first time but Andy had given her very clear instructions. Besides she hadn't been out in months and really needed to let her hair down. Just as she was putting the finishing touches to her make-up the phone rang.
'Hey chicken, I'll be there in ten, be ready' the phone hung up. Andy sometimes thought Nigel had worked with Miranda for too long, he was picking up her habits like never letting her speak on the phone. Exactly ten minutes later Nigel knocked at the door.
'Oh don't you look ravishing tonight, going out on the hunt?' Nigel said while wiggling his eyebrows. While Andy had put a lot of effort into dressing up she had done it for herself. She hadn't been interested in becoming involved with anyone since Nate. If she was being honest she wasn't even interested in her relationship with him in the end.
'Don't you look handsome tonight' was Andy's response. 'So where are we going anyway?'
'We're going to that new place on Georges St. Jack was there last week and said it was good. So what's the story with you and Miranda?'
'There is no story. She's Miranda and I'm the dirt on her shoe. Same old, same old'.
'What I was asking about, oh slow one, was the sharing of the lift. I've never known it to happen before. What was it like? Is it true her head comes off her shoulders and turns 360 degrees?'
'It was like sharing the lift with anyone else only she smelt better.' At that Nigel gave her a sideways glance.
'It has gone down in Runway history. Did you know one of the first things Miranda did when she took over Runway was to remove the camera from that lift and forbid anyone to share it with her? Then out of nowhere you are seen getting in the lift and survive to tell the tale. What do you mean 'it smelt better?''
Andy was busy thinking about this. When it had happened she had stumbled over it for a minute then put it out of her mind. It was because she was distracted she didn't filter her next thought. 'Oh you know it had a heavenly scent of Miranda's perfume and something uniquely, wonderfully her'. After saying this Andy returned to remembering the journey down, not paying Nigel too much attention. After a while she realised she was blindly following him but silence had reigned. She looked over at him and noticed him giving her a thoughtful look.
'What?'
'Uniquely, wonderfully her?'
'Did I say that out loud?' Andy asked, knowing she must have but wondering how he would react. She could feel herself blushing and was finding it difficult to meet his eyes.
'You sure did. So Miss Thing, is there something you want to share?'
'Um….'
'Come on Andy, we've become friends, haven't we? You can tell me anything, I assure you I am the soul of discretion.' Nigel gave her such a genuine look and she really did need to talk to someone who might understand. She saw they had arrived at their destination. They went in and quickly found the others, who had managed to commandeer an alcove near the dance floor. Miranda Priestly may be the face of Runway but her staff were also well known around the 'In' clubs.
A round of drinks later, Andy was sitting comfortably, still thinking about Nigel's offer. She had known him over a year now, he had helped her cultivate an image suitable for Runway, had helped her out of more than one "Miranda" crisis and had come to her in Paris to help her. In all that time she had never known him to gossip about Miranda's life, of course, he made an occasional smart remark, but he had never said anything about her private affairs and remained loyal. So with that she took a chance.
'Nigel…'
'Yes Miss Thing'
'About the lift thing, what do you think it means?' With that Nigel turned from the group he had been talking to and gave Andy his undivided attention.
'Are we talking about the fact you were permitted to share the same lift as the Ice Queen or the whole 'uniquely, wonderfully her' thing?' he asked. Andy wasn't quite sure where to start, so she hesitated. Obviously, seeing this as an invitation he continued on, 'Of course, they mightn't be mutually exclusive, just two sides of the same coin.'
At this Andy gave him a puzzled look and eloquently said 'Huh?'
'It has not escaped my attention that you have gained a place with Miranda that no-one else ever has. She bites your head off less than anyone else, she is irritable when you are not around, she was hurt by what happened in Paris and you are relied on more than any other assistant ever has.' He looked across at Andy who was obviously listening avidly, trying to figure out what he was saying. He decided to push on, he had wondered how aware either of them were and now this was his opportunity to give a nudge.
Looking directly at her he continued, 'Also it has not escaped my attention that you have placed Miranda above everything else in your life. Nate, the ex, who saw the writing on the wall and is no longer around. Your friends, who you had no time for and let go in favour of Runway. Your family, who you have only seen once in the last year. You have said you couldn't remember important dates and events and yet you know every minute detail about Miranda`s. You know her needs before she does. You cater to her every whim and work harder and longer hours than any assistant before you.' Andy was just staring at him, this wasn't exactly how she thought this conversation would go.
'Add all this to the 'uniquely, wonderfully her' comment and a pattern begins to emerge.' With that Nigel decided he had said enough, the rest was up to Andy. Andy's brain was on overload. She wasn't sure about the Miranda piece, but definitely his observations of her when put together seemed so obvious. Add this to the pieces Nigel wasn't aware of. The fact she dreamed about Miranda every night, that every morning, she eagerly listened for Miranda steps and the fact that every waking moment, she thought about her .
She had a decision to make, she could deny all Nigel said and she knew the conversation would end there. Or she could accept the inevitable and do something about it, not to mention ask Nigel's advice. She probably should have been more surprised but she found she really wasn't. Probably because Nate's parting shot 'the person whose calls you always take? That's the relationship you're in, I hope you're happy together' kept going around in her head. She knew Nate had meant to hurt her but all the comment had done was make her think about Miranda and the relationship they had ever since.
When she looked up she found Nigel patiently looking at her. 'What am I going to do?'
'Tonight you're going to let your hair down and enjoy yourself. Tomorrow we will meet and work out a plan.'
With that Andy found herself relaxing, nothing was resolved, nothing had changed, only now she knew she would make something happen and she would have priceless help.
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Across town Miranda was just settling the girls in bed for the night. They had a pleasant evening. She had arrived home about six o'clock and they were upstairs playing video games. She had gone in to say hello and was surprised to find them dancing on a plastic mat. The screen in front of them had loads of flashing lights and arrows pointing in all directions. On top of that a voice was coming from the speakers shouting over the music. What would they think of next?
'Hi girls' she called over the din.
'Hi mom' both girls replied in chorus, never once breaking their stride.
'Dinner will be in ten.'
'Yes mom.'
She had changed into comfortable clothes and joined them for dinner. After they had tidied away, she had agreed to watch a movie. She sat in a chair, while the girls sat on the couch. The movie had been surprisingly pleasant and the popcorn she brought was a huge hit.
'Night girls' she called from outside their rooms.
'Mom, why did someone else deliver The Book today?' came from Cassidy's room.
Miranda looked into the room over at her daughter. 'What are you talking about?'
'Andy didn't bring The Book today, someone else did'
'It doesn't matter as long as it gets here' was her only response.
'But mom…'
'That's all Cassidy go to sleep.'
With that Miranda walked back down the stairs into the sitting room. She kicked off her shoes and curled up on her seat. A glass of wine was still sitting on the table and there was some mindless programme on the TV. It didn't matter because she wasn't paying the slightest bit of attention.
Andrea didn't bring The Book, which meant Jodie did. Miranda had become used to Andrea bringing it every night, even if she didn't acknowledge her, it had become expected. The fact Andrea didn't tonight, on a Saturday left her with a sinking feeling in her stomach. What was the reason? She had obviously not been unwell earlier in the day. Miranda was sure she would have noticed if she had been. She hadn't requested Jodie start bringing The Book, so that wasn't the reason. The only reason Andrea wouldn't have brought the book was if she was doing something else tonight.
That thought made her stomach turn over. Was she out on a date? Had she met someone who was going to occupy her Saturday nights now? Was she going to be distracted and not pay as much attention to Miranda now? Was it serious? Did they go out for a romantic meal? Or worse had they stayed in and cooked? Who was it? What did they look like? Could she ruin them? Have it so they never set foot in New York again? Never mind New York, never set foot in America again. She could do it, she knew people.
Why didn't she bring The Book? She hadn't really paid attention tonight, she had heard someone come in, open the closet door, presumably to put away the dry cleaning and leave again. She had sat back comfortable in the assumption Andrea had been the one to do it. She didn't think to ask why the girls had paused the movie to go out and look. It had been a shock when Cassidy asked why it wasn't Andrea. The question tormented her. After a couple of hours she made her way to bed and had a restless night's sleep contemplating murder of some unknown victim.
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Monday dawned freezing but dry. Andy made her way into Elias-Clarke and up to her desk without incident. She was feeling very positive today. Saturday night had been good fun. She hadn't stayed out too late though because after a while thoughts of Miranda had started to consume her. So she had decided to go home to get some sleep to be alert for her expected conversation with Nigel.
Nigel had come around Sunday afternoon, and they had gone to a local café. After much discussion, Andy still wasn't convinced about Miranda feelings for her. So they had agreed that Andy would pay more attention to Miranda's reactions to her. She had been clear about her feelings for Miranda though and admitted she found her very attractive and had romantic feelings for her. Nigel had smiled at this and suggested she woo Miranda.
This morning, Andy was thinking of all the possibilities, she was hopeful. According to Nigel it was just possible Miranda might like her. Just then the lift doors opened and Miranda walked through the office like a ball of thunder. Everyone in the corridor fled the scene. Andy indicated to Jodie to stay seated and she stood preparing to follow Miranda into her office.
As soon as Miranda was within distance she started listing all she wanted done that day. She threw her coat and bag on the desk without slowing her pace. In her office she sat down and didn't look once at Andy, just continued to list action items. Five minutes later Andy left Miranda's office wondering if she would ever get feeling back in her fingers. One thing was definite though, there was no way Miranda had given her any extra attention.
Just after lunch Miranda stormed out of her office. Andy was ready and waiting with her coat and bag. They headed for the lifts and when Miranda entered and looked for Andy, who had paused unsure if last week was a once off.
'Do you need to be told everything twice?' Miranda said as scathingly as she had ever spoken to Andy. With that Andy entered the lift and stood to the size. All the while going through her head was 'She really does smell great'. Andy found herself wondering what was annoying Miranda. Sure she was usually a bitch and cut people in two with just a look, but there seemed to be more to it today. She was also trying to figure out the apparent conflicting occurrences. Miranda was obviously in a terrible mood, granted you couldn't tell just by looking at her, she looked as cool and composed as usual. But if you looked closer and took into consideration her temperament she really was in a bad mood.
Andy took it upon herself to try to get to the root of what was bothering Miranda, and perhaps she would be able to do something to help. She always wondered what it took to remain in such a position for so long and what that level of control exacted from a person.
To this end she discreetly tried to garner clues for the rest of the afternoon.
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Miranda had spent all Saturday night through Sunday trying not to think about what Andrea did for the weekend. Of course the more she tried not to think about the more she thought about it. This morning after another restless night she woke with a terrible headache. The morning had been relatively uneventful, just the usual Monday e-mails and clearing up other peoples incompetence from the previous week.
This afternoon she was scheduled at a number of showings. Andrea was expected to join her to ensure accurate notes were taken and additional information could be sought. As they neared the lifts she wondered if it was a good idea for her to allow Andrea to share the lift with her. However when she looked around Andrea looked so hesitant she decided to continue to share the lift with her.
'Do you need to be told everything twice?' seemed to snap her into action. As they traveled down Miranda assessed Andrea in the mirrors of the lift. She appeared unsure but not as if she was newly in love or overly excited. This was good news wasn't it. Why should she care anyway? So someone else would be delivering The Book, what was the big deal anyway?
Throughout the afternoon they traveled from one showing to another. If she was being honest some of these new designers showed promise. They were fresh and bold, something she could really appreciate. By the end she had earmarked some for articles in future editions. After each show, while sitting in the car with Andrea, she related a list of things that needed to be followed up and concepts that would be suitable for the designer with notes for their photography session. She was also clear which interviewer she wanted to meet them, focusing on how to get as much as possible for each spread.
It was only towards the end of the day she realised Andrea had been paying very close attention to her. Andrea always paid close attention to her but for some reason it appeared slightly different. It was almost like she was not only paying attention to what she was saying and taking the appropriate notes, but she was actually paying attention to her, seeing her beyond what she was demanding. She had caught Andrea looking at her with some unknown look in her eye, throughout the afternoon but had discarded it as being unrelated to her needs. Now sitting there at the end of the day heading towards Elias-Clarke building she pondered it all. As the building came closer she decided it was all a figment of her over active imagination as a result of her weekend thoughts.
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For the rest of that week and into the next Andy paid close attention to Miranda. With the help of Nigel she knew exactly what she was looking for. Did Miranda's tone of voice change when she spoke to Andy? Andy had come to the conclusion that it did.
Earlier last week Miranda had been more cutting, sharper even impatient with Andy. To everyone else she behaved as she always did. Cool, calm and collected with very little inflection. She was all business. Andy thought maybe it was because she was her assistant but Miranda treated Jodie like everyone else, so that couldn't be it. Miranda appeared only to use that tone of voice with Andy. Andy tried, but as hard as she thought she couldn't come up with one thing she had done to offend Miranda or anything task she had forgotten to do.
She had gone through her lists to double check the triple check. The only detail she had not taken care of herself was delivery of The Book on Saturday. She had quizzed Jodie on every step she had taken. Dry cleaning had been delivered and stored correctly, The Book had been placed in exact position. There had been no variations, even to the detail of one of the girls sitting in the hallway looking at her. No, Jodie had not seen Miranda and there had been no sign of her. There had been no explosion about The Book from Miranda or any other quarter so that couldn't be it either. Andy decided to put it down as one of the many mysteries that were Miranda. Towards the end of last week Miranda had become less agitated with Andy.
It was not obvious, you had to really be looking, and Andy was. It was subtle, Miranda's voice became less cutting, less hard. Even then Andy realised Miranda's inflection remained constant with everyone else, except in the instances Miranda thought them incompetent and threatened their job and sometimes life. Even then there was no real intent behind her voice. Oh Miranda would follow through on her threats without hesitation but it appeared to Andy to be almost routine. There was very little Miranda behind the remarks. This was a new revelation to Andy, such actions seemed to be mundane to Miranda. She did not appear to get great satisfaction from them as Andy had once assumed. Miranda appeared to see them as a par for the course and necessary to ensure the quality of Runway as opposed to a satisfying part of the job.
Yet when she spoke to Andy there appeared to be more behind the words. Andy was sure Miranda was completely unaware of this. However, now Andy was looking for it, it was there. It was in the little things. Miranda seemed pleased when Andy had anticipated her needs, and then her voice was softer, not soft but softer. If Andy was asked something at one of the showings and had a ready response Miranda's voice sounded almost amused. Amusement was also present when Andy shared her observations, when asked of course, she knew better than to offer them uninvited, usually in the car between meetings. Even though Miranda sounded amused Andy didn't feel like she was being laughed at, she felt it was almost like her perceptions of people and incidents provided Miranda with light relief.
Andy stored all this information and discussed it with Nigel. Nigel was excited by this and said that it proved his initial assessment that Miranda liked her and this made Andy special. Andy, probably because she had her heart on the line and didn't think she would recover if she built up her hopes and they were dashed, decided that this information was indicative as opposed to conclusive and wanted more information before she made any bold moves. After much discussion they decided that it was time to step it up. Andy was going to initiate eye contact to see how Miranda responded.
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Miranda was working longer hours than usual. It was always the same at the end of the year. She had budgets to balance and submit for next year along with projected sales targets and competitive analysis. Not to mention all the haggling she had to do to get them passed. Irv really was a pain in the ass and questioned every line on next years budget. Of course they both knew he would pass it in the end but he seemed to think it was his obligation to make it as difficult as possible. She had overspent on some items the previous year but at least sales had surpassed expectation so the profit had still come out above budget which bought her some peace.
At the end of the year she was also occupied with directing preparations for January Fashion Week in New York, thankfully Andrea seemed to have everything in order and was troubleshooting for her. Even with that she had a lot of meetings to go to and directions to give. Really some of them were so basic she wondered at the IQ of some of the organisers.
December's issue of Runway was almost ready for print, just some minor adjustment and Januarys was coming along at an acceptable rate. Staff difficulties seemed to be at a minimum and incompetence seemed to be at a steady level, Nigel appeared to be catching everything before it became problematic.
The girls were becoming intolerant of her excuses for not being home on time. She knew they were only ten so wouldn't appreciate her reasons all they knew was she wasn't home when she said she would be. Caroline had started having nightmares and Cassidy started getting into fights in school. After one of these fights she had to go to the school and meet with the principle before bring the girls home.
In addition to all this she thought her mind started playing tricks on her. She really didn't need that at the moment. She was convinced Andrea kept looking at her. No just looking at her but seeing her. It had started a couple of weeks ago. She wasn't sure of the exact date as it was a gradual realisation. Those eyes that tormented her, seemed to be on her face and body more often. With a look she couldn't or wouldn't identify.
Miranda had first become aware of it in the lift. As they were making the descent to the ground floor. Miranda preferred to remain silent. She used this time to collect herself for what lay ahead. This meant her focus tended to be inward, but she felt eyes on her. As she looked up Andrea was looking directly to the front. As she returned to her thoughts, she noticed Andrea's eyes move while her head remained static. Then it dawned on her Andrea was observing her in the mirror on the doors. When she met Andrea's eyes the first time she glanced away again. However over the last few weeks she no longer looked away but would continue to look into her eyes or somewhere else on her face. Miranda saw no challenge in the look, no judgment either just interest.
What puzzled Miranda the most about these looks was, what exactly was Andrea interested in. Her initial instinct was to confront Andrea for the impudence of looking at her. When she thought about this she wasn't confident that it was not just her imagination. If she raised the issue, she made it real and would probably introduce discomfort into their interactions and as they spent a significant amount of time together that would not do.
Then at a show last week she looked behind to see Andrea looking at her as opposed to the clothes on display. However, when she asked for the notes on the show they were complete and extensive. Andrea had obviously been paying close attention so couldn't have been looking at her. This kept happening. She would feel a gaze fall on her and when she looked around her eyes would meet Andrea`s. Andrea would then look away, but increasingly she would continue to make eye contact. Again she didn't feel she could raise the issue as every time she questioned Andrea or requested her notes they were comprehensive and nothing was amiss. Perhaps the stress of the month was getting to her and she was imagining things. Why would her mind come up with that?
Miranda found she was not anxious about the observation, be it real or imagined. There was no challenge to the look and it was a change. Usually when people looked at her all they saw was Miranda Priestly Ice Queen. They were convinced by her cool glare and indifferent approach. They were so busy worrying about how to act , Miranda was often amused by the stumbling and stuttering her mere presence could instigate. It was as if she moved in and out without ever having been seen. This had been true for her marriages too. Her husbands were so consumed about who they were and what she could be to them , she had able to glide through without being noticed.
It had changed over the last couple of days though. When they were sitting in the car on their way between locations Miranda had been going through her usual routine of calling out a list of things for Andrea and Jodie to follow up. When she stopped, as they neared their destination, she glanced over to find Andrea looking at her. Her whole head whipped around to meet those eyes and then just as Roy opened the door Andrea had smiled at her. Not just a quick upturn of lips but a complete smile, her whole face and eyes involved.
Miranda had jumped out of the car like it was on fire. No one, other than Cassidy and Caroline, ever smiled at her. Her stomach was doing somersaults and her mind was racing. Andrea came around the car and led her into the building, calmly announcing her arrival to the receptionist. She was ushered immediately through to the meeting and with great effort focused on the agenda.
It had continued. Every time she met Andrea's eyes just as they neared their destination Andrea would give her a complete smile. To Miranda's dismay she found she was enjoying the interaction and to an extent coming to rely on it. For example today she had a particularly challenging meeting with Irv and felt drained, that man really was a menace to society. She had come out to find Andrea waiting to accompany her back to her office. In the lift she had turned immediately to Andrea and was rewarded with a smile.
She didn't want to dwell on how the smiles made her feel but she would accept the looks and the smiles without comment. She would not pay any attention to the fluttering in her stomach or the loosening of tension across her shoulders. To dwell on it would mean she had to acknowledge that a girl almost half her age was beginning to captivate her attention. Now not only with her eyes, but with her smile too. While it would be acceptable to allow this level of attention she could not let it go any further. To allow that she would have to admit the melting of the Ice Queen and that was something no-one could know, it would not do, and she would not have it.
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'Soooo?', Nigel asked after the waiter delivered their drinks. He had called over to discuss 'Operation Miranda'. It was four weeks since they had gone out and he discovered Andy's stirring of feeling for Miranda. They had met a couple of times since to analyse data collected to date and plan the next step. So here they were over latte discussing progress so far.
'Oh I don't know Nigel, it seems to be going ok. I started smiling at her this week and she hasn't killed me yet.' Andy had been a nervous wreck each day after work replaying her interactions with Miranda. She spent hours dissecting Miranda's facial expressions and her actions, trying to find any indication at all that would let her know how Miranda felt.
'Has she said anything?' Nigel was curious, all he could see was the aftermath and if he was going to help Andy he needed all the information.
'No, she's said nothing, she has hardly responded at all. Other than the first time when she leapt out of the car like it was on fire. Since then she has started meeting my eyes when we are alone. But she hasn't said anything no cutting or snide remarks, it's like she's ignoring its happening at all.' Andy looked at him in bewilderment.
'Well that's to be expected, it's a good sign she hasn't dismembered you yet. This is Miranda we're talking about, she doesn't do talking about what's happening unless it's directly related to Runway. She probably convinced herself that it's a figment of her imagination, just so she doesn't have to say anything'.
'I suppose, but I'll never get anywhere at this rate. I'm now convinced she doesn't hate me and will tolerate changes in my behaviour. But I want more Nigel.' At that Nigel looked at her closely.
'How much more do you mean?' Nigel was in support of Andy being nice to Miranda and realizing she was the best assistant Miranda ever had. He was not ok with Andy going blindly into something that could hurt both her and Miranda. If this was a crush he would help Andy work through it but if it was more he wanted to be sure she knew what she was doing.
Andy looked at Nigel, how much more did she want and how much of that was she willing to tell Nigel? She had a decision to make.
'I like her Nigel' was what came out.
'I know you like her' Nigel looked at her as if this was a moot point.
'No, I like her, as in like her. As in candle light dinners, sunset strolls and holding hands while stargazing like her.' Andy hoped she didn't have to expand on this too much.
'Are you a lesbian Andy? Bi-sexual even?' Well there goes that hope.
'Em…. I've never described myself as that. Actually until the last year I have hardly thought about what I am.' Andy took a deep breath and said 'But yes I am sexually attracted to Miranda Priestly. Maybe I am a lesbian'
'Andy, don't take this the wrong way, but are you sure? Are you sure this isn't just a crush on your boss?' Nigel waited for the explosion from Andy, but it never came so he continued. 'Not too long ago you were in a relationship with Nate, now you're talking about a relationship with another woman, and not just any other woman either. I ask because if this goes ass above kettle you could be seriously hurt.
'I've thought a lot about this Nigel even when I was with Nate.' Andy looked him in the eyes to make sure her sincerity was clear. 'I appreciate your concern, for both of us' she got a quick look of surprise at this. 'But I'm sure, I've never been surer of anything. This isn't a game to me Nigel. This is real. Help me, I want a relationship with the Ice Queen, Dragon Lady, Miranda Priestly. It may sound crazy but the last few weeks have confirmed it for me. She is who I think about first thing in the morning and last thing at night, and no I'm not talking about all the stuff I do as her assistant. I'm talking about the woman behind the persona.' With that she stopped talking and her brain went into overload. Had she really said it out loud to a real person?
Nigel stood up and came around the table to give her a hug. He stayed there until she stopped shaking and hugged him back. Slowly he made his way back to his seat giving Andy a minute to collect herself.
'So what's my next step, any ideas?' was asked before he sat down.
'You need to start letting your intentions be known, be more daring, take more chances. Are you ready for that? It's going to take time, particularly if Miranda is interested.'
'Why only if she's interested?' Andy was puzzled.
'Because if she's not she'll kill you and you'll disappear without a trace' at that Andy gulped and because she knew who and what Miranda was she accepted it as the truth.
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'She touched me' was running frantically through Miranda's head. 'She actually touched me'. Miranda had noticed Andrea's increasingly bold smile and eye contact all through December. She was not oblivious, of course she noticed. Who wouldn't notice those deep brown eyes gazing at them or the lightening of them as they smiled? She initially put it down to her own overactive imagination. All her musings of Andrea lately feeding her imagination to the point she was blending reality and fantasy.
As it continued to happen and became more obvious she decided it was just another facet of Andrea's personality she couldn't help. After all she was a very friendly person even nice to those idiots at the front of the building. She even accepted and understood Emily's jealousy and still brought her back clothes from Paris. She was a nice person. That explained it.
When even her own mind couldn't accept these reasons anymore, Miranda put it down to an annoying crush the girl had obviously developed recently, she was sure to snap out of it any day now. She had heard that happened when someone worked closely with their boss. It was true Andrea had to spend a lot of time with her both in the office and traveling between shows and meetings. She couldn't say if it had happened with her before. If she was honest she hoped it would last for a while as she was really enjoying having Andrea's attention.
But this, this was going too far! She actually touched her. Of course it was in no way inappropriate or even intrusive but it was shocking. No-one in Miranda's life initiated physical contact. Not even her children. It was almost like she had an invisible barrier around her that no one dared pass. She wasn't sure when it had developed. Possibly during her first marriage maybe even before that. She touched her. It was actually quite nice.
What had she been thinking? Was it an accident? That's what it must have been, accidental. For some reason that disappointed her but she decided not to dwell too much on it. After all a touch was just a touch. Wasn't it?
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'This was becoming ridiculous. She touched me again yesterday. That is a total of six times in four days.' Miranda was comfortably placed in her favourite chair in the sitting room with a glass of wine in her hand. Cassidy and Caroline were pretending not to be falling asleep on the couch. They had an enjoyable day at the zoo and were exhausted having run from one exhibit to another all afternoon.
Miranda was no longer able to pass Andrea's touches as accidental. There had been a total of six, four on the hand and two, the most recent, on her back as she exited the car. While none of them had been inappropriate or overpowering Miranda still couldn't get her mind around the fact Andrea had touched her uninvited. After the second one Miranda had thought maybe Andrea was unwell and her coordination was compromised. However, after close attention and the third and forth touch she had discounted this as a possibility. Andrea was not displaying any other symptoms and her coordination in all other things was unaffected.
Miranda had been thinking about this for the last hour while the girls' movie droned on in the background. She was contemplating Andrea's behaviour over the last month. It had started with the glances and then the eye contact, progressing on to the smiles and now the touches. Miranda found that while she was confused she didn't object to any of it. Sitting there in her own home she could even admit to liking the attention. Further self analysis allowed her to admit to herself that she would not tolerate it from anyone other than Andrea.
Maybe it was the silly season. Perhaps Andrea would return to normal after the Christmas break. Besides Miranda had no time to be distracted coming into January.
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