Andy had a phone call from her Mom which was handed to her Dad. It started about ''woke up with Doug'' comment on Good Morning America, to dancing on her Mom's and Aunt's favourite TV show with her.

Andy had to go. ''Mom. Dad I've gotta bolt. Have to get to the studio tonight. Watch me.''

''Always. Show that Priestly.'' Andy took their encouragement but interrupted them on speaker about insulting Miranda. ''Mom. Dad. Miranda's not that bad. She's just…Miranda's very…''

Andy heard a definite snort on the line. Their daughter defending Miranda Priestly was something The Sachs couldn't comprehend. Puzzled both of them.

The way Andy had been treated by that Editor. Andy could and should write books about Miranda Priestly's treatment and cruelty.

Made Andy jump through hoops for her and go around in circles for errands. Sadist.

Mrs Sachs wanted to give Ms Priestly, a piece of her mind. Just once.

Had a suspicion a hunch for Andy there was more she felt for her terrible boss than hate and loathing and it was not abominate feelings for this Miranda Priestly.

Wished Andy would admit it. There was no shame, it wasn't so wrong. Andy could never shame her no matter who she loved.

First dance off was one of the most anticipated televised events. It was certainly advertised enough. Andy was recognised on the subway by a guy from the Bronx and along the sidewalk. Rooting for her.

Andy was one of the last, waving to the audience, and waiting. Goofing with Sasha on camera.

Derek and Miranda were a dream. Miranda received Nine from Len. Eight from Carrie. Nine from a petrified to disfavour the Queen of fashion Julianne and Eight from Bruno.

Andy's turn it wasn't too bad. Sasha carried her through the dance with his talent. Waltz was not her strongest suit, but Sasha could make an elephant in a tutu look graceful.

Bruno voted a Three with a suggestion back to Reporting Coups in Yemen. Len gave an unimpressed Five with a curt disparaging advice of Andy shouldn't dance the waltz ever. Julianne gave a shaking her head Four and Carrie Anne awarded Andy also a Four.

The lowest scorer Andy slumped. Slimy Thompson did better. That plastic Barbie doll Oona was amazing and she knew it. Danced the Viennese Waltz like floating on air. Andy watched her out of the corner of her eye, it didn't help that Oona knew she was good, phenomenally so, and was looking at the other contestants with a clear 'I'm the best' smile on her smug face.

The results were airing tomorrow night.

Doug had a bad feeling. Dialling to vote. Andy needed as many as possible. Hell Doug would rally Nate even and Andy's varsity team even her orthodontist if needs be.

''You did horridly. Do you really dance that badly?'' Andy turned to Emily who scathed. ''Thanks Em.''

''That wasn't a compliment. Don't call me Em.''

Andy was not in the mood for Em's attitude problem of permanent snootiness. Not right now. Her dancing sucked oh and tomorrow she'd be voted off first. Some underdog. More like zero dog.

Andy was not a good loser.

''Listen Emily is there something you want?'' Emily looked nonplussed at Andy's tone to her.

''Miranda wants to speak to you.''

Brown eyes filled with many questions. Why did Miranda want to talk and to her? She had been told to stay away from her which Andy was doing exceptionally well considering she was in love with her.

Andy slung her backpack over her shoulder. Following Em. Fine might as well as heap on more humiliation and heartache tonight.

Andy slipped inside the silver town car. The divider was up. Miranda wanted this to be private.

''Andrea.''

Cool blue eyes met Andy's warm brown. ''I want you to explain this to me.''

Andy saw what Miranda's gloved hand clasped. It was leather with A S engraved, a graduation present.

Swallowing her lost diary. Left it in Paris. How did Miranda find it? Hoped Miranda hadn't read it…

Andy had torn the last pages out that night Miranda told her to do her job. That night Andy's eyes had been begging Miranda's eyes to see how she felt. Miranda hadn't read it in Andy's eyes then or ever.

Why would she, Andy was just there to fetch and do her job. Nothing more to Miranda.

She had gone to her room and wrote in her diary then tore the pages out.

Miranda had her diary. How?

It wasn't in her bag after Christian. Oh shit. She had left it. In Thompson's room and clutches.

Andy groaned out. Thompson.

''Don't play so innocent Andrea. This is what you think of me. Your words.'' Held it still. Worse it looked worn and read. Miranda had read them. Andy's words. Andy tried to stammer out.

''Miranda. I…what I wrote…how I felt…feel…'' Andy feebled out to her.

''No you don't speak… I thought that you were more Andrea but you and Thompson are terribly alike I find.''

No way was Andy anything like that golden haired walking dick.

''A bet. I hope it was an amusing well deserved comeuppance I needed to experience.''

Andy look confused. Wait what bet. Miranda wasn't making any sense to Andy. When did she ever. Sphinxes were less cryptic. The Gordian knot was easier to undo, deciphering Fermat's Last Theorem was simpler. Andy never knew where she stood with reticent Miranda.

''Bet?'' Andy was at a loss. Maybe if Miranda would just explain what the hell she meant.

''Take it.'' Blue eyes wouldn't focus on her. Tapered elegant fingertips flicked it at Andy. Disgust at Andy radiated off Miranda. In icy blue eyes Andy was execrable.

''Miranda I don't know what you're talking about.'' Andy honestly didn't. ''Please listen I don't know what Thompson did but I wasn't…what I wrote wasn't meant to be read…I would never hurt you...you have to know that…I'm in…Andy wanted to simply say I love you…those words stuck in her throat.

Slid closer to Miranda. Who almost shrank back at Andy's closeness?

''Get out.''

Andy disobeyed.

Mouth pursing about to form a name on her lips. Roy's. Stopped by Andy's touch.

Slowly and delicately undid Miranda's glove, removing it.

Her hand moved timidly to meet Miranda's... first a finger touching skin, then a hand... finally, like a full sexual embrace, her fingers interlocked with Miranda's. Andy felt Miranda tremble as she began touching her bare hand to hers and gently kissed her wrist.

Feathering the bone with her lips.

Holding Miranda's hand to her leather jacket chest, brought it to her lips. Nuzzling Miranda erotically fully clothed on warm leather.

Swore Miranda was breathless to her caresses. Andy's palms shaped out Miranda's beautiful curves, fabric hinting at something so incredibly sumptuous beneath. Looked at Miranda in a way she felt naked.

Sighing Andy croaking out. ''I've wanted to do that for five years.'' Andy ached with want to touch and taste Miranda's skin, mouth.

Lots of parts of Miranda, Andy imagined feeling, experiencing and tasting. Savour each touch she wanted so much to feel before. Silvery hair brushed Andy's skin.

Her hair, which was always deliciously elegant, and coiffed and regal, and for Andy tantalizing. Craved to run her fingertips through it.

Andy still kicked herself over that night in Paris, should have kissed Miranda. Should have pushed her up against the wall. Should have kissed her just like she wasn't scared at all…but hadn't. Andy had choked.

Miranda was stock still against Andy's frame. Trying not to respond. Or react. Intimately nestled to Andréa.

'' Your just telling me what I want to hear.'' Praying that Andy would go.

''No. I'm not.''

Almost brushing her lips to touch hers. Inches away, felt how smooth Miranda felt to touch. Kissing her defined cheekbone. Heard a whimper of a moan.

Felt Andy's warm mouth almost meet her own. Hands stroking her. Shifting against Andy's sleek longer frame pressed to her. Pushed away.

''Leave Sachs. Now.'' Wet blue eyes pleaded hers. To leave her.

Fine, she slid away from Miranda. Hating the distance.

Opening the Mercedes door. Turning back to Miranda who looked out of the tinted window not at her. Saw her reflection in it. Lids closed.

''Miranda.'' Andy called.

''I'm glad.''

''That your last night is tomorrow. Then I'll be free of you. Goodbye Andrea.'' Car door closed on Andy. Left her on the sidewalk curb.

Driving off onto the night traffic.

''Bye Miranda.''

Doug gripped the couch cushion in his fingers. With an exhaled of ''finally.'' Doug muttered to Andy now go buy a pair of chocolate labs named Tucker and Kit and have matching Volvos wait that's his dream with Peter Sarsgaard or Alexander Skarsgard. Either 'gaard.''

Listening to Andy's words.

''Wait what bet?''

Andy shrugged her bare shoulders in tank top. Hell if she knew? ''I have no idea but Thompson does.''

''She just left you standing there on the curb with goodbye?'' Doug was flipping each page, some words were smudged, stopping on a last entry.

''Andy did you at any time during your sloshed almost sexual encounter with golden boy write this?'' Andy saw it. Brown eyes widening as she read then blazing with anger. Didn't make a list of this. Anger at Thompson.

Andy now knew why Miranda hated her. She didn't suggest this, to happen to Miranda.

Morosely Andy sunk, next to Doug putting her head on his shoulder. Miranda would never give her a chance now. What was she going to do?

Tonight Miranda and Andy, in the car were like how she imagined they'd be but even better, minus the told to leave her presence part and tomorrow night Andy would be out of her life completely.

Back to being strangers. Because of Thompson, Miranda loathed her.

''Thompson.''

Doug gave the same dark grumbled look over Thompson as Andy. That golden haired Adonis douche. Doug knew all about Paris with Christian.

Andy couldn't blame it on drugs maybe on liberal amounts of french red wine.

Why had she accepted drinks with him? Gone up to his room? In truth he was supposed to be her no frills one night stand I'm not attracted to my soon to be divorced female boss fling.

Why had she been so incredibly stupid in losing her diary in Christian's suite?

It was like when Doug had an unexplainable crushes on his yummy on a spoon spinning instructor and lost all sense of reason or a singing John Davidson and Peter Jennings, reading the news, only the universe knew the reason.

Doug only realised he was the way of Doris Day when he drooled over Leo in Titanic and Keanu in junior high but not his little Andy.

Nope. It was a long arduous bumpy road of straightdom first with soccer cleats to hints in college during a paper on Vita Sackville-West letters, DVD rentals of Desert Hearts for film club to Andy's safe choice of Nate.

Hairy hunky Nate. Completely wrong for her. For starters he had stubble and didn't wear a bra.

Would take more than Fiona Apple and Indigo Girls albums to open and step out of that closet.

Don't get Doug started on Nate and Andy first Valentine's Day as a couple. Horrific.

Andy and Nate gave each other date planners. Date planners! Not a bicycle pump and funeral plan package. Darn.

No not rose petals or dining by candlelight and other swoony gifts or being handfed Godiva chocolate and truffles by Bradley Cooper, again Doug's dream or for Andy, beautiful Meryl Streep. Andy admired her a bit too much in ''Heartburn'' and ''Falling in Love.'' Yup sly exquisite Meryl had a fan.

Both Andy and Nate thought like men. Have to give Andy some subtle advice on romancing Doug's fashion idol.

Nate also got Andy a certain blue sweater. Yup that bargain bin sweater. Like the date planner wasn't romantic enough. That sweater.

Doug cringed, Andy actually wore that lumpy frumpy sweater in front of the love of her life. A barbed fashion goddess. Runway royalty.

Andy. Sweep your woman off her feet not blind them.

The moment Doug saw Andy's body language over a certain silvery haired Editor. Saw them together one lunch hour, at a shoot, Doug was just going to drop by and say hi to his run ragged working girl, Andy hadn't seen him. But Doug had seen Andy near La Priestly. Doug just knew. Andy Sachs was in love.

Doug had been there for Andy when she flew home after quitting in Paris. Stayed at his place that week, ecstatic she got the NY Mirror job. Told him with hope that afternoon, saw Miranda on the sidewalk. Had waved. Only Andy would do that.

To Doug, Andy Sachs shone even on a rainy day.

Andy took a leap. Took a chance with flowers and note of apology. Love was a leap.

Andy got nothing for leaping. Doug gently tried to assure Andy maybe she would find a way to Miranda again. Perhaps meant to happen later.

Doug watched a lot of Hallmark and read Nicholas Sparks. Andy's library was less fluffy. Love in a Time of Cholera.

Didn't agree with Andy's conclusion not worth Miranda.

Lots of things Doug wanted. World peace so his best pal could stop going too far flung places he couldn't pronounce and worry him sick, see Andy win Miranda, to being Bon Jovi's jeans, hug pandas and see that towheaded serpent Christian Thompson go down.

Thompson needed to be neutered if he hurt Andy's lady.

Besides he didn't make friends with a noble Andy Sachs in kindergarten for nothing, sharing his P&J sandwich after Andy decked a bully tormenting him over his My Little Pony lunchbox and speech impediment.

To Doug, Dr Seuss's wise words conjured up their instant compatibility. "The world's a little strange. And people's a little strange, and when we meet someone who's weirdness is compatible with ours, we fall in mutual weirdness, and call it love." Besides they'd had chickenpox together, went through puberty together, got acne together.

Doug loved his best friend. Voted off or not. Determined to help in anyway with Miranda. Time to put the crafty queer glasses on. What would Dr Ruth or Dear Abby do?

How to talk to Miranda again? Stumped Andy this afternoon. There was bring her coffee, she had to still like coffee right, Starbucks shares would collapse if she stopped drinking caffeine. Doug suggested locking Miranda in her dressing room and tell her. Tell her how she felt.

Easier said than actually done.

Better yet show her with kisses and something Andy flatly refused to ever share with Miranda. Not that to, her diary…words had done too much damage already.

Besides holding Miranda hostage during Dancing with the Stars didn't warrant Miranda becoming weak in the knees for Andy it would mean lawsuit.

Doug promised he'd keep Emily occupied pretending to be a fashion blog writer from Plano, Texas.

There was interview her. Andy considered that.

It was an option Andy might try…at least Miranda would be forced to stay in a room with Andy.

With the big snow storm coming, Andy was housecleaning her apartment and going stir crazy. Trying to move with her Ipod while vacuuming almost tripped herself. It was obvious the Sachs dancing gene was skipped a generation. Hers. Pulling out her ear buds. Tonight without question she was off the show.

Heard her door knock.

Huh wasn't expecting anyone. Doug was at the gym. Convinced he'd looked fat on live television tonight. He wasn't dancing on it.

Pulling the door open. Familiar blue eyes staring at her.

''Hi.''

Let inside.

Studying photos Andy had on her mantle of herself all over the world. Most with world leaders Andy had interviewed, a few crazed warlords and some with her news team, in places she'd dreamed of and couldn't wait to experience in her childhood bedroom in Cincinnati.

Went to the kitchen fridge, pouring Andy brought out two glasses of raspberry lemonade to her unexpected visitors.

Caroline thanked Andy. Cassidy was reserving her judgement of Andy, silently took her glass. Both so Miranda like, it was uncanny except for bright red hair, being sixteen and there was no way Miranda as a teenager ever wore jeans.

''Mom doesn't know we're here.''

Oh.

Both sipped their drinks. Staring at Andy who felt she must look a sight in a plain black t-shirt, her hair probably resembled a bird nest or done by an egg beater. Why were they here? They were making Andy nervous with Miranda's stare.

Cassidy blurted out honestly. ''you're the worst dancer.''

Hey.

Andy frowned. That rehab rock star named Spike was pretty bad as well. Talking with him in the green room apparently Spike had never been sober through both the 70s and the 80s. Never played his songs sober always high, now wonder his music sucked.

Making light of it. ''I don't think I'll be asked on tour with the Rockettes.''

''I think even Stephen is a lot better than you. Even our Dad's better than you. Mom's better than you.'' Cassidy stated.

Andy really appreciated their honesty. Looks like a Priestly. Speaks like a Priestly. Both had a certain dragon's wasp- tongued trait inherited. No doubt they were Miranda's offspring. Wait Stephen, were they talking about dancing?

''We wanted to see you. Mom and Emily don't like you very much. Nigel likes you though…'' Caroline interjected. Shooting Cassidy a look.

Good man Nigel. Andy was still his Six.

''You worked for Mom like Emily.'' Caroline asked. She had a fuller smile. Andy thought glumly yeah just like Emily.

''Yup, I was her Emily.'' Andy mumbled.

''You really upset Mom you know. Being on the show almost as much as him.'' Cassidy stated at Andy.

Caroline gave Andy a once over that was eerily similarly to Miranda's. ''Do you really hate our Mom is that why…''

Hate Miranda. Andy didn't hate Miranda she was in hell of desire for Miranda ever since she clapped eyes on Runway's silvery mane dragon. If she'd been honest with herself.

''Listen guys I don't… Your Mom is…I have never really…Andy was struggling here with Miranda's piercing eyes on two sixteen year olds. They'd probably laugh about it. How Andy felt about their Mom.

''Did Roy drive you both here?''

Andy got her answer without words. The twins' faces told her everything. Hadn't been chauffeured to Andy's.

''Cab or subway?'' Folding her arms sternly.

Cassidy groused. ''We took the subway. Don't tell our Mom.''

Andy was doing no such thing. Not going to lie to Miranda. Miranda hated Andy enough without lies.

Begin to dial a number Andy knew by heart as keys unlocked her door.

Piled high with brown bags, talking behind them. ''I have compiled the get over Miranda survival kit. I have chocolate malt balls, coronas and limes for hydration, those tiny goat cheese quiches you like that cost thirty bucks and I know you won't be leaving your dwelling for a week. Young Sachs.

For no moping, an early Happy Birthday gift now I know it's not till August my lady lion. But hey since you'll be feeling like shit. I splurged. Also Happy early Valentine's. ''

Rummaging in each bag. Head bent.

''That velvet cape in drama class I brought back remember I borrowed it back in college and lied I lost it. Well found it. Did I ever tell you how well you played a very spirited Romeo to my Juliet in acting class?''

Doug had visually scarred their college drama teacher. His Lady Macbeth in kimono was legend on campus. Along with a bizarre rendition of Ruth in Pirates of Penzance. Had the videos.

''Oh I did your laundry. I just worry you'll just lie around your place in that ratty rag North-western T-shirt.''

Starting to unpack his brimming bags.

''Got that foxy bookstore owner's number for you who your' too shy to talk to, now I know she called me weird, because she carried very little on economic theory and a capitalist pig ordering Warren Buffett's biography but being just a random bridge girl, no strings has its perks. She's not afraid to share her passion.'' Doug was rummaging through one cloth bag.

''Maybe go out a few times, nothing serious, fool around, nothing serious. Lord knows your bed springs could use it. I say goodbye Miranda Priestly whatever. Break my Andy's heart. Never mind all that simmering unconsummated chemistry between you…if Miranda Priestly can't see how great you are…how you love her. Well she's just not worth it. Or worth you. Not good enough for my care bear. Glacial Trollop.''

''Now I think we should pre mope with Smirnoff. No how about tequila.'' Doug bought sombrero hats.

Andy cleared her throat to Doug. Way to go Dougie.

Cassidy and Caroline had clearly never encountered anyone like Doug. Her tornado of a Manny.

''I thought you hated our Mom.''

Doug looked up at Andy's visitors. ''Well hi there teenage strangers.'' Doug mouthed to Andy who the hell were they. Buying Girl Scout cookies and not sharing. Hoarding the mint ones.

''Doug this is Caroline and Cassidy. Miranda's daughters.''

Oh.

Andy growled out. ''Doug.''

''May we use your bathroom?'' Caroline asked. Andy face was scarlet. They knew now. Wonderful. Both knew Andy can't dance and was not very good at it and never will be but also was a lovesick imperfect klutz for their mother.

''Sure through my bedroom.''

Left Andy glaring hard at Doug. Doug happily told Andy no worries, he'd make non-alcoholic virgin daiquiris for both Priestly's.

That weird but cute guy said it.

She loved their Mom.

Cassidy grumbled. Mom wasn't a Trollop.

Andy forgot about the photograph on her desk. Cassidy elbowed Caroline showing it to her sister. Cradling it. Andy Sachs was in love with their Mom.

Tucked it in her jacket. Cassidy had to show this. Mom had to know. It wasn't taking it, just borrowing.

Andy pulled on her long black cashmere coat and scarf. Taking the girls home. By cab. Told the address 129 East 72nd.

''So is Doug like your boyfriend?'' Quietly asked her in the backseat, both Cassidy and Caroline not keeping their blue eyes off her.

Andy couldn't help it. Began laughing at Cassidy's question. Her and Doug. Together. Wiping her eyes from how funny it was. Almost choked up with another chuckle.

''No Doug is not my boyfriend. He's my fulltime worrier.''

''But you said you woke up with him on television.'' Cassidy was the serious one. Geez they'd seen it too.

Andy told the cab driver. ''Here.''

Paying for them and getting out with the twins.

Given a desperate look as Andy firmly took them up the townhouse steps. Ringing the bell.

Answered by Vere.

Bright blue eyes looked up at Andy. Tousled hair. Golden. Curly.

Andy saw it. Immediately. Christian. In him. This little boy was Thompson's. Must be four. No five.

Has Miranda's eyes. Those were her eyes. Which meant that he was Miranda's. And his.