ODD AND PERSISTENT, (Ch 3/5)
By Loxodontack
Rating: M/NC-17/Mature/18
Fandom: Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/Andy
Disclaimer: Don't own them, just hoping to bring them closer. Anything you recognise from the movie or extra's is not mine! They were originally Lauren Weisberger's but by the time I got to them they were Fox's. I do however own all the mistakes herein and apologise for any that offend your grammatical sensibilities.
A/N: Thank you to my wonderful wife who created the masterpiece that is the graphic to go with my fic. She also read it through to let me know it made sense (to her at least!)
A/N: Thank you to Punky and XenaVirgin for arranging the wonderful DWP extravaganza that has been June and July, I've thoroughly enjoyed it.
A/N: Thank you to XenaVirgin for an initial beta reading and also for a last minute crisis aversion. Thanks also to Akasarasmom for a mental health check with a last minute question I had completely tied myself up in knots about.
Miranda standing on the other side of the door wondered what had just happened. One moment she was exactly where she wanted to be, kissing Andrea passionately, the next she was kicking her out of the house. What had possessed her?
"Time for bed girls." She called out wearily.
Instead of going to bed as instructed they ran down the stairs and gave her a hug from either side. "Are you okay mom?" "What's wrong?"
"Of course I'm okay Bobbsey's, nothing is wrong."
"We're really sorry if we ruined your date." "We just thought you looked so beautiful together we wanted to see." "Why did Andy leave so quickly and make you sad?" "Do we need to kick her ass?"
Smiling at her precious babies Miranda responded, "No, you don't need to kick her ass, in fact I asked her to leave."
"Why are you so sad then mom?" "Did she say something to upset you?"
"No, Andrea said nothing to upset me. Everything's alright. Let's go to bed now." After closing up the house and ensuring the alarm was set Miranda made her way upstairs, one very slow step at a time.
"Night mom, you can sleep in here if you want?" "Yeah or we could sleep with you?"
"No, not at all girls, you have to be well rested for your day tomorrow. Sweet dreams." After a long family hug goodnight and kisses all around Miranda made her way to her own room, wondering what exactly happened. After an exceptionally restless night Miranda was no closer to knowing what had come over her. One thing she knew for sure though was she owed Andrea an apology, if not an explanation.
Andy also had a very restless night, she fluctuated between worry for Miranda, wondering if she was okay, anger at practically being dumped out the front door, and fear that it was a clear indication Miranda did not want what was between them to develop further. What frustrated her though was the fact she had no idea what happened. She thought the evening was going very well and loved holding the other woman in her arms. There was no doubting the intensity of the kiss, or the fact Miranda was thoroughly engaged, after all it had been her who deepened it and let her hands wander first. So what on Earth had happened?
Friday was a very long frustrating day for both women. Miranda was on a rampage for the entire day as no one, not one single solitary person, was capable of doing their job. She had fired the latest second assistance and one other from the art department before lunch. The afternoon proved to be no better, the run through was a complete disaster and the latest spread looked like a kindergartener had been the most senior person on the team, they were given until the following afternoon to create something worthy of Runway or to find employment elsewhere.
As for Andy, she was appalled at the shoddy case work of her predecessor on the cases she was reviewing. She spent hours going through the cases before filing a report with her new boss on all the items to be followed up. Those who had decided it would be funny to introduce a hazing ritual found out exactly what she had learned from Miranda and had run off crying their colleagues. Andy really couldn't find the energy to care if she was alienating people already, after all she was there to work.
Both worked late into the evening, Miranda in her home study after a quiet dinner with Cassidy and Caroline, Andy in front of her new television having cancelled on Emily and Serena. Sleep that night was equally evasive as it had been the previous night and both women spent hours staring at the ceiling and their phones. Saturday was no better than Friday had been and by that evening Cassidy and Caroline decided they needed to do something for their mom.
Peeking around the door to Miranda's study Caroline and Cassidy tried to determine if it was safe to approach their mother. They knew their plan was risky, they needed to catch her at exactly the right time for success, they had read about it on the Internet.
"Mom" Cassidy called out as she had lost the bet.
"Yes baby." Came the distracted reply.
"We need to talk to you" that seemed to do the trick, their mom put down her pen and turned off the screen before swinging her chair around to look at them.
"Is everything alright Bobbseys?" Rolling their eyes they held hands as they approached their mom.
"Mom" They walked over to her and took a hand each, pulling her up they were surprised that she followed them over to the couch. After they all settled down, one each side of their mom, they continued. "Mom, you seem really sad." Cassidy eased her into the conversation. "We know you asked Andy to leave, it's time to ask her to come back, you're sad since she left." Caroline followed up.
"We don't want you to be sad, why don't you call her and invite her to dinner tomorrow?"
"I don't think it's going to be that easy Cassidy." Miranda said after kissing her on the head.
"Sooooooo you buy her flowers, or something, say you're sorry, then ask. Come on mom, you have to do something." Suggested the ever pragmatic Caroline.
"Maybe." Their mom at least seemed to be considering it.
"Yeah, maybe she's sad too and wants to see you." Cassidy knew her mom hated seeing them sad, maybe it would be the same with Andy.
"You won't know until you try mom." Caroline added while handing Miranda her phone.
"We'll see girls, it's time for bed now, come on." Cassidy and Caroline agreed that it was better to see their mom thoughtful and sad than just plain old sad. Added to that, they both got an extra hug and kiss before they got into bed. Happy with themselves they went to sleep quickly.
While Miranda was contemplating what she could do Andy was curled up in sweats on the couch, finishing off her takeout and drinking a glass of wine. She was half watching the movie playing when her phone rang.
"Andrea?" Miranda was the last person she expected to hear from.
"Miranda"
"Can you talk?" Miranda almost seemed hesitant, very unusual.
"Yes"
"I would like to apologise for the other evening." Andy was shocked, Miranda Priestly never apologised, however with memories of the other night still fresh, her anger took over.
"You physically remove me from your home, kick me to the curb like yesterdays trash, I don't hear from you for two days and you'd like to apologise!?" Andy was deeply hurt by the actions and inactions of the other woman, she had never felt for anyone the way she did for Miranda and to be treated like she didn't matter was agony. Her outburst was met with silence, which went on for so long she was beginning to think she was the only one on the line.
"I'm doing this incorrectly." Was the mumble that broke the silence. "Yes Andrea, I'm very sorry for the way I treated you on Thursday evening and I would be honoured if you would join me tomorrow so I may explain."
"Fine." She may have been angry but Andy still really wanted to see Miranda. "You can come here for lunch at one." With that Andy gave Miranda her address and wished her a good night. When they hung up Andy was both delighted and anxious as a result of the call, while Miranda was nothing but relieved.
At quarter to one the following day Miranda slowly moved through the doors of the apartment block Andrea lived in. She was stopped by security that while polite, made it clear that in seconds she could be removed from the building if she had no business there. Having checked the approved visitors list for the resident in 1202 Miranda was escorted to a lift, where a code was entered to start the elevator on its journey to the desired floor. Miranda spent the short, smooth journey wondering at the security Andrea was living with.
When she arrived in front of the Andrea's door she was sure she could hear Tina Turner singing, and she seemed to be accompanied by someone Miranda had never heard before. Shortly after ringing the door bell Miranda heard the locks on the door release. Andrea answered the door wearing a pair of jeans that hugged her like a second skin and a top that flattered every luscious curve. Miranda was amused to see the Birkenstocks on her feet as she followed her into the apartment.
Looking around she was impressed by the interior design and layout of the apartment, it reminded her of an earlier home she had. Hit by a wave of nostalgia it was a moment before she realised Andrea was talking to her.
"Would you mind repeating that?"
"I asked where Caroline and Cassidy where, I assumed they would be coming with you."
"They decided we needed alone time so arranged to go to a friend's house for the afternoon." Miranda explained.
Andy nodded as she started removing their place settings at the table. She was desperately trying not to demand an explanation from Miranda but after two days her patience was wearing thin. Trying to focus on getting the lunch served she was surprised when Miranda came up behind her and put a hand over hers.
"How about we talk first, and then eat?"
Andy grabbed a couple of glasses of water then followed Miranda over to the couch. Sitting down Andy turned to face the other woman, leg tucked up and arm across the back. For long moments there was silence, Miranda looking ahead and Andy looking at her.
"Miranda?"
"Yes? Oh! Well it seems rather ridiculous on reflection." Miranda glanced disconcertedly at Andy, as if feeling foolish for reacting as she did, yet the accompanying glint made it clear she was determined to explain anyway. "I found myself relaxing, getting lost in your arms." Blushing she persevered. "That's never happened to me before, never! I can honestly say, at no point in my life have I ever been so unaware of everything around me, so captivated by someone or what I was doing that I would not have heard my daughters approaching. Yet that is exactly what happened." Silence followed her declaration, Andy waited. "So when I was jarred so suddenly back to the present I ..." looking beseechingly at Andy as she forged ahead, "I became ... anxious."
The terror that crossed her eyes at the memory told Andy so much more than she expected. She said nothing of it, knowing the other woman would not appreciate being so transparent. Andy was reminded of what her grandmother had said to her on Friday at lunch.
"Don't you dare play games Andrea Christine Sachs-Clarke, if you have no intention of loving Miranda the way she deserves, needs to be loved, don't you dare pursue this. I will have no granddaughter of mine be so cruel." When Andy had been about to defend herself her grandmother continued. "You are young Andy, you are still learning, but hear me, really listen." At that moment her grandmother had given her one of the sternest looks she ever received, that itself said more of the import of what she was about to say than the tone, which was as sharp as steel.
"The greatest honour someone can give you is their love, their trust. The vulnerability that comes with giving your heart is only worth the risk because of the potential joy, sense of completeness it can bring. For a woman like Miranda who lives in a world where it is exceptionally dangerous to let her guard down for even a nanosecond, for her to even be contemplating a relationship with you is remarkable. Treat it as the gift it is." Andy listened, she thought about what had been said. It had been so uncharacteristic of her grandmother to comment on her personal life, never mind to such detail with such intent.
"Anxious in a way I never had been before. I'm unsure what this means, oh of course I know what it could mean, I'm not an idiot." The glare dared Andy to say otherwise, there was no way Andy was going near that. "I could develop feelings for you, maybe I already do, but who are you really? This whole situation is ridiculous."
"Maybe it is ridiculous, maybe it is the craziest thing either of us could do. Maybe you should walk out of here and never look back" At Miranda's shocked look Andy continued. "Please don't. Please give us a chance. I need you, I want you, my heart cries out for you when you're not in my arms." Andy took a deep breath, trying to compose herself.
"Thursday evening was both the best and the worst experience of my life. Being in your home, talking with you, dancing with you, amusing Cassidy and Caroline." Andy turned to Miranda, looked deeply into her eyes willing her to understand. "Miranda that is the only time in my life I have ever felt like I belonged, like I could contribute to a family. Even if it is as silly as trying to make you laugh or playing games with the girls, you all made me feel like I was someone, someone important. Kissing you, feeling your body melt into mine, was like finally coming home to someone I love."
"It was the worst because it was all taken away from me so suddenly, ripped from my grasp without explanation, without knowing what I had done wrong. Worse than my father marrying and having more children, the feeling of no longer being welcome but at least I knew it was because I am a living breathing constant reminder of his previous life. More painful than the realisation that I would always be second to my mother's ambition, peripheral to everyone who could help her succeed, at least knowing she felt I was holding her back." Andy was crying now, tears streaming down her face, but for some reason she couldn't stop, she wanted, no needed Miranda to understand how she felt.
"Even on Friday, my grandmother seemed more concerned for you than for me." Searching Miranda's face Andy asked "Don't you see you're not the only one jumping off a cliff with the risk of being found at the bottom broken? I'm right there with you, risking everything on someone they hardly know." The look of surprise on Miranda's face would have been amusing at any other time. "This could be the greatest disaster of all time, but I believe with every fibre of my being it is meant to be. We are meant to be together." Suddenly exhausted Andy sat back on the couch and closed her eyes, feeling inadequate to the task of convincing Miranda to give them a chance she began to despair of ever feeling like she belonged.
Miranda looked at Andrea, really looked at the woman leaning back against the couch with tears streaming down her face. She was astounded by her bravery, putting her feelings in the open, trying so desperately to explain. It took her a moment to contemplate what she had been told. But mostly she felt an inexplicable urge to be close. Stepping closer to the edge of the metaphorical cliff she leaned across and hugged Andrea.
Miranda felt a slight tensing then relaxing of Andrea's body as she held on. After long moments Andrea turned on the couch, bringing Miranda with her so they ended up leaning against the arm of the couch cuddling. Once again Miranda felt the ever present alertness settle and dissipate, allowing her body to meld with Andreas. The difference being now she understood she wasn't alone in this wonder, it wasn't only her need that was drawing them together, not only her want keeping them there.
"You discussed our relationship with your grandmother?" There was no heat behind the question, only curiosity.
"Not since I originally informed them of my intentions. I had to they don't take kindly to surprises." Andy grinned. "We met for lunch on Friday. She asked when I was seeing you again, I said I wasn't sure." Miranda felt the shrug of shoulders before Andrea continued. "She assumed I was playing games, warned me not to pursue you unless I was serious about loving and respecting you."
Trying not to get upset again over her grandmother's ability to intuit how Miranda would be feeling, yet being so oblivious of how she felt, Andy let out a deep breath.
After a moments silence Miranda spoke "Andrea I acknowledge I don't know you very well, but something I have noticed, is what a big heart you have, how sincere and respectful you are with others." Miranda moved slightly so she could look at Andreas face. "But beyond my own anxiety's, I never doubted, from your first declaration in Paris, that you were sincere, that wanted me, believed you love me. I have questioned my ability to inspire that, still question my capacity to keep you interested. But that is more about me than my beliefs about you."
Voice cracking Andrea responded with a faint "Th ... thank you Miranda, you don't know what that means to me."
In seconds Miranda was drawn into a tender, yet passionate, kiss. Pulled on top of Andrea, so she was straddling the other woman, she allowed herself to enjoy the experience. Surprised when Andrea pulled back from the kiss with gentle pecks, she was about to move when Andrea tightened her hold.
"Miranda feel how my body responds to you. You inspire that, you are the cause of that." Miranda was about to respond but Andrea kissed her gently before continuing. "I know my mind. I know my heart. This, this is what I want, this is what I need. I said it the other day, you and me, forever. I will be yours Miranda, but you, you will be mine and I, I. Will. Not. Share" Miranda was shocked at the growl that accompanied the declaration, and even more so at her own bodies response. My god, what this woman did to her synapses.
Overcome Miranda kissed Andrea with every ounce of passion she felt, and rejoiced when it was returned. She explored Andrea's mouth thoroughly, allowed her own to be consumed. Encouraged by the moans, whimpers and groans that filled the air, unable to distinguish whose they were, not really caring, she allowed her hands to wander, to explore the exquisite body beneath her own, feeling every curve, unable to get enough.
Then hands started to roam her body, she felt cherished, adored, desired. Never would she have anticipated intensity such as this. Without conscious thought she trailed kisses over Andreas jaw and worked her way lower then across, nibbling her neck, biting her ear, trailing kisses as she went, all the with hands exploring, lingering on Andreas body.
Long moments of ecstasy passed with heavy breathing, moans and groans, then Andreas hands found their way to Miranda's bottom and started to knead. This brought the temperature up to a whole new level, she set a rhythm for Miranda's hips, which rolled over the lap she was straddling. Miranda's body was on fire, her entire focus on the moment. Then Andrea's hands moved up, over to her sides, over the waistband of her trousers, under her blouse and Miranda's entire body froze.
Andy noticed the change in Miranda immediately and stopped her hands journey. They stayed like that for an eternal moment; it wasn't until Andy moved her hands away Miranda relaxed slightly. When Miranda started to move off Andy panic set in on Andy at the look on her face.
"Please stay"
Miranda stopped and looked into Andy's eyes for long moments before nodding her head ever so slightly as if unsure it was the correct thing to do. Miranda stood up and made her way to the bathroom.
An eternity later she came out, by then Andy had reset the table and made a fresh lunch. Andy was unsure how to break the silence between them, terrified she'd say the wrong thing. Instead she held out Miranda's chair, poured their water and took her own seat. Lost in her own thoughts she was startled when Miranda spoke.
"Sorry"
"For what?" Andy was mystified what she was apologising for.
"Stopping." Miranda said while not quite meeting Andy's eyes.
"Oh darling, you should never apologise for something like that, if it's not right for you, it's not right for us."
"It's not like I've never had sex before! I'm sorry to break it to you, but I'm not a virgin Andrea." Placing her hand on her chest Andy pretended to be shocked.
"We both know this isn't about sex, this is about making love. So far there's been a world of difference, even when we kiss, everything just seems ... more." Miranda nodded her head. "Honestly Miranda, I'm not ready yet either." At Miranda's shocked look she continued. "When we do, for our first time, I want us to be ready, for us to know each other better, to be more comfortable with ... well with everything"
"That sounds ... perfect, however I do have one stipulation." Andy's stomach knotted what could it possibly be? "Kissing." Oh no! "I truly don't know how we could get to know each other properly if we stopped kissing." Miranda smirked, no doubt at the look of relief and delight on Andy's face. "Besides I find it a thoroughly enjoyable experience ... when doing it with you."
"You better not be doing it with anyone else lady!"
Miranda looked at her strangely before she burst out laughing. The laughter dissipated the last of the tension between them and allowed a return to their easy companionship. Believing a change of focus was necessary Andy asked about work. Miranda updated Andy on the new ideas she had for Runway after Paris Fashion Week, complained about the ineptitude of the new second assistant's that were streaming through, and the noticeable air of anxiety with the changes in management. Miranda informed her of the steps she was taking to make it up to Nigel for what happened in Paris, and told Andy she had agreed to explore and negotiate her grandmother's offer by Friday which would mean changes in the coming months. Miranda's eyes lit up when talking about work which Andy found very appealing.
The rest of lunch passed with light conversation, laughter and a sense of togetherness. They spent the afternoon cuddling on the couch, chatting and kissing. As they lay basking in each other's presence Miranda was shocked when Andrea started singing.
"Let me say that since
Since we've been together
Loving you forever
Is all I need
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue"
It was only then Miranda really picked up on the background music, which had been a constant since she entered hours ago. Andy seemed to be perfectly in tune with Tina Turner.
"Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad"
Andy kissed Miranda's hand, ever so sweetly and continued singing while looking in her eyes.
"I'm so in love with you
Whatever you want to do
Is alright with me
You make me feel so brand new
I want to spend my whole life with you"
This time Andy kissed her gently on the cheek, Miranda unexpectedly felt a tear roll down her cheek.
"Let me say that since
Since we've been together
Loving you forever
Is all I need
Let me be the one you come running to
I'll never be untrue"
A kiss on her lips brought the message home, this was real, and she wasn't going to wake up only to find she'd been dreaming.
"Let's, let's stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad
Andrea was looking at her so intently she felt the promise, felt the depth of love.
Why, oh tell me, why do people break up
Turn around and make up
I just came to see
You'd never do that to me, would you baby?
Cause being around you is all I see
The message was clear, no games would be played. Another kiss to the palm of her hand was received, before Andy continued singing.
So baby let's we all stay together
Loving you whether, whether
Times are good or bad, happy or sad"
By the end of the song Miranda was blushing furiously, she was deeply touched, as she had never been sung to before. After the song ended Miranda curled into Andrea, kissed her deeply, then laid her head on her shoulder.
The sound of a message on Miranda's phone made them jump and reminded them there was a world beyond the cosy cocoon they had created.
"The girls, they are ready to leave their friends house." Miranda explained.
'Miranda, I don't want today to end. Do you think there's any chance they would mind coming here for the evening? We could get take out and watch a movie." She tried to make puppy eyes to convince Miranda.
Smiling Miranda responded, "You are so ridiculous, I'll ask."
Ten seconds later Miranda's phone rang. All Andy could hear was excited screams from the other end. Miranda patiently explained that yes, she had spoken to Andy, yes, there were still together, yes, Andy really did invite them over for dinner and a movie, no, they could not hail a cab and yes, they could use an approved car company and they were to send her the details. She loved them and would see them in fifteen minutes.
The girls arrived like twin tornados and wanted to look around the apartment. Andy gave them all the five cents tour, having failed to give it to Miranda. They exclaimed over her guitar and decided she was "Sooooo Cool" when she played and sang an Adele song.
They decided on Chinese takeout and sat at the table catching up. Caroline and Cassidy embarrassed Miranda by telling Andy how sad she'd been the last couple of days, Andy helped out by explaining she was just as sad and had really missed Miranda, and them too which seemed to make them happy. They then moved on to what was happening in their worlds and all the preteen drama that was happening in school. By the end of dinner Andy's mind was spinning with the pace and sheer amount of information. It seemed that they knew exactly when the other would stop speaking and allowed each other time to eat without ever having a break.
After dinner they all settled on the couch to watch Finding Nemo. The girls orchestrated it so Andy and Miranda sat together on the couch, which neither minded at all. During the movie Andy and Miranda found their earlier position and curled into each other, Andy saw exactly when the girls noticed and wondered how they'd react. She really had no reason to worry though, they jumped up to give their mom a hug and a kiss, each other a high five and then went back to watching the movie. Delighted Andy couldn't help but give Miranda a quick kiss on the cheek, Miranda responded by cuddling in closer.
As they were all leaving Andy gave Miranda a hug and a kiss, which seemed to please all three Priestly women. As she was shaking Caroline's hand goodbye she was informed "I would not mind if you wanted to ring before we go to sleep." Which was followed up by a "Me neither" as she shook Cassidy's hand.
Andy missed them all as soon as they left her apartment. To fill the emptiness she spent time cleaning up, then watching a bit of TV before settling in to do a bit of writing. When Andy talked to the girls later, just before they were going to sleep, they asked when they were going to see her again and if they could go back to her apartment. Andy was delighted that they seemed to be warming to her, knowing she needed to build her own relationship with them.
That evening she Skyped Miranda as they were getting ready to go to sleep. The tantalising glimpses she caught of Miranda's night wear distracted her so much Miranda noticed and teased her. Every so often the iPad would 'accidently' slip and Miranda would smile at Andy's caught breath. When her brain finally engaged she let her own iPad 'accidently' slip and was delighted when she got a similar reaction from Miranda.
The next week was very frustrating for Andy and Miranda as they were both very busy in work and only managed to have a couple of hours together Tuesday and Friday in Miranda's townhouse. With the girls there they played card games and had a lot of fun, but had no time alone. They made sure to Skype every night and often one or both fell asleep with the programme still running. Saturday they both ended up working but planned time together Sunday.
When Sunday came around Miranda rang early to say Caroline and Cassidy had come down with something so wouldn't be going to their friends as planned. Desperately disappointed Andy was afraid that meant she wouldn't see Miranda and felt like crying. She was relieved beyond measure when she was invited over to the townhouse for the day. Arriving with popcorn, dvd's, a book for Cassidy, art materials for Caroline and a large bouquet of flowers for Miranda, she was brought into the sitting room where everyone was set up for the day.
After lunch Cassidy and Caroline went up to bed to sleep for a couple of hours while Andy and Miranda went back into the sitting room. They spoke a little but it wasn't long before they couldn't take it anymore, they moved forward as one, desperate for the taste and feel of each other. With the first brush of lips they became lost in the moment, it had been so long very since the previous Sunday.
Moving from Miranda's mouth Andy kissed down the elegant neck to the top of Miranda's shoulders. She nibbled there gently before continuing her exploration, determined to kiss every inch of exposed skin. As she lost herself in the smooth skin and scent of the woman she loved, she took notes on the cause of every moan, caught breath and all out groan of pleasure coming from Miranda.
It wasn't long before Andy's hands joined her lips and started their own journey. Exploring hands moved over a long arched back, feeling Miranda's body heat through her top. Alternating between using her palms, her fingertips and then her nails she gloried in the responses she received, every one of them encouraging more, demanding more.
Andy became temporarily distracted when Miranda started her own explorations, her body pressed further into those elegant hands, longing for more. Goosebumps rose over her whole body and the pleasure started a deep burning throb between her legs. When Miranda straddled her lap and started kneading her breasts Andy thought she was going to explode.
Spurred on and desperate to bring Miranda even closer, Andy grabbed at Miranda's ass and pulled her onto her lap. Renewing her focus on kissing the tantalising neck in front of her and kneading Miranda's ass, combined they increased Miranda's groaning and began a grinding motion on her lap. Andy moved her hands up to Miranda's waist where her top came over the top of her trousers, Andy gently touched the skin there, ever so gently scraping it with her nails, Miranda moaned and looked into Andy's eyes, when she nodded her head Andy kissed her tenderly before slowly letting her hands wander around Miranda's back.
"Mom" pulling apart Miranda placed her head on Andrea's shoulder and groaned.
"Coming Caroline!" Miranda was feeling decidedly flustered and frustrated by the interruption as she moved slowly off Andrea's lap before making her way upstairs. When she got there Caroline was looking a little better than she had earlier but was looking for a hug from her mom. Miranda joined her on the bed and cuddled close, it wasn't long before Cassidy joined them. She gave them a kiss and a cuddle, asking how they were feeling. They said they were feeling better but still needed popcorn and soda to help them feel completely better.
After a short while Miranda reminded the girls Andrea was downstairs, immediately they got up bringing their duvets to go join her on the couch. Miranda heard the squeals as she followed them down armed with pillows and another duvet.
"Andy! You stayed! This is so cool!"
As she reached the sitting room door she looked in and was amused at the hi jinks that was happening, the girls were setting up their cocoon's as Miranda had long ago dubbed them, and Andrea had decided they threw the feng shui of the room off so kept rearranging them. It all ended in a tickle fight, Miranda had to hold onto Patricia so she didn't get involved and flatten them all. When she saw them tire she interrupted the games to arrange the blankets and pillows for all so that no one got hurt.
She couldn't withhold the blush of happiness that covered her skin when Andrea, Caroline and Cassidy all declared her 'Best Cocoon Maker in the Entire Universe'. She knew it was silly but being able to do something, anything, that impressed the three most important people in her world made her happy. With a kiss and a hug from all three everyone settled down with Miranda and Andrea in the middle, Caroline beside Miranda and Cassidy beside Andrea. Cassidy won the toss to choose the movie and chose Tomb Raider.
About half way through the movie Cassidy and Caroline got up simultaneously and swapped sides without any conversation, or indication to each other at all. Andy looked at Miranda quizzically which only received a shrug of the oh so elegant shoulders. The evening passed pleasantly with pizza delivery, another must for the girls to get better, and popcorn with soda.
As Andy left that evening, following her hand shake from Cassidy and Caroline and a kiss and hug from Miranda, she wished with everything she was that it didn't need to be that way. She longed for the day she would be wishing the girls sweet dreams in person before heading to bed with Miranda. Patience she reminded herself, everything worth having was worth waiting for, it helped that she saw a glimmer of her own desires reflected in Miranda's eyes as she closed the door. She couldn't wait for Tuesday evening to see Miranda again.
The following couple of days were frantically busy for Miranda as it seemed her entire life was transforming before her eyes. Still in negotiations with Margaret Clarke regarding her new role and the terms and conditions attached to it, meant that she had to spend time with her lawyers reading and rereading draft contracts. Fortunately her lawyers were exceptionally adept at their job negotiating favourable terms without compromising her. Negotiations were also helped by the fact Elias Clarke were very interested in securing her continued employment.
In preparation for the anticipated changes she was working eighteen hour days in order to complete some projects ahead of schedule and meet with key people who would be involved in the initial phases of transition. All while producing a edition of Runway which was potentially the best she had ever produced.
Something she did know was that her personal life definitely wasn't going to have Stephen in it for much longer. Therefore, her lawyers were also working hard on finalising her divorce. She wanted it to end so she could put the whole sorry mess behind her, but couldn't deny it saddened her that another marriage was ending. As a child she had dreamt of 'happily ever after', she had read the fairy tales and, while unable to relate completely to them, she had liked the concept of finding true love, had daydreamed of finding someone who loved her like that, knowing she would love them completely. However as she had grown up, and following two failed marriages she was forced to believe reality wasn't like that.
Now though she was beginning to wonder if it actually did exist? She wondered if that was what she felt in Andrea's arms. Could it be she actually found it? Just as she had given up, had allowed the last flicker of hope to fade, had she found it? As soon as the thoughts formed she laughed them away, she was definitely getting well ahead of herself. Yet maybe, just maybe.
When she allowed herself to rest she woke up in the early hours of the morning craving the feel of Andrea pressed against her, she hungered for it. Never had she felt like she might combust if another didn't touch her, on rare occasions she allowed herself to imagine Andrea in the bed beside her, touching her, fondling her, it was never enough, her body demanded more. When she considered pleasuring herself to those thoughts her mind wouldn't allow it. Her mind demanded more than a physical response, it wanted, needed a connection to another. She didn't understand it, but she couldn't deny it.
It was for these reasons most of all, she wanted Stephen gone from her life. This need drove her to cancelling her Tuesday evening with Andrea and meeting Stephen for dinner. She had pulled a few very important strings to expedite the divorce proceedings, all that was required was Stephen's signature. As soon as he sat down he started talking across from her.
"Miranda, I'm so sorry. I've been a real shit. I could have timed it better. It completely slipped my mind you were in Paris that week. I'd been informed the papers were ready and asked them to push the button immediately, before I lost my nerve."
"Yes, yes Stephen. I believe we are in agreement that it was inevitable. I must say your timing was terrible, however we must move on."
"Thank you Miranda. How have you been?"
"Busy, as you can appreciate, I understand your latest merger has been quite successful. However I do have something you may be interested in." With that she withdrew a folder and placed it in front of Stephen. At his raised eyebrow she continued. "Enclosed are divorce papers, they are in accordance with our prenuptial agreements. I have taken the liberty of asking our lawyers to join us."
With a nod from Miranda a couple from an adjoining table sat with them. Over the next hour they went through the papers, then they both signed them, witnessed by their lawyers, her lawyer was immediately going to the City Clerks office to file them.
As they were leaving the restaurant Stephen leaned over and gave her a sweet kiss on the cheek. "Goodbye Miranda, I hope you find happiness."
"Likewise Stephen." And with that he was gone.
Miranda expected a pang of sorrow, at the finalising of yet another divorce, yet all she felt was optimism for the future, what an odd sensation. Looking at her watch she considered ringing Andrea to tell her the news but realising how late it was, and knowing Andrea had an early start the following day, she settled for a text wishing her sweet dreams.
When Miranda arrived home she went up to check on Caroline and Cassidy, both we're sleeping soundly, like they didn't have a care in the world. Miranda fervently hoped that was the case, giving them each a kiss she closed the doors behind her and made her way to the roof. With a glass of wine in hand she settled into the lounger and looked out over Central Park into Manhattan.
The following morning she woke up to the sound of an incoming text message, anticipating one from Andrea she stretched languidly before reaching for the phone. Reaching over Miranda is surprised to find a curt text from Andrea, it's far from their usual morning fare.
"Would you care to explain this?" With a link to an online newspaper, opening the link Miranda vehemently curses so loudly it brings her daughters running.