Title: Coffee and Disappointment (part 4)
Author: Brithna
Beta: Peetsden
Fandom: Devil Wears Prada
Pairing: Miranda/ Andy
Rating: NC-17
Summary: Miranda would rather be a disappointment in Andrea's eyes than a doctored up version of the truth. (I seriously suck at summaries today.)
Coffee and Disappointment- Part 4
They took a cab which was different. Miranda couldn't remember the last time she'd stepped foot inside a cab even though she'd thought about it a few times before. It wasn't too horrible but certainly not something she wanted to make a habit of…unless asked, then possibly. The restaurant was coincidently right across the street from the café they'd been to the night before. Coffee was in Miranda's future along with quite a few other things; including a good bit of food because as soon as they walked in Miranda's stomach growled.
"I told you you should have eaten something earlier." Andrea rolled her eyes and ordered wine.
"I couldn't eat, I told you that." Miranda rolled her eyes right back and picked out what she wanted off the menu without two seconds. It was an easy choice. Steak of course.
"You're getting the steak?"
"Of course…what else is there? You…you look beautiful by the way." Right, because Miranda still hadn't said a word about the dress and that was not exactly the way to start off on your first date. "That dress is…it's nice." Again with the 'nice'? At least she hadn't said 'acceptable' or 'not horrible'.
The blush that spread from Andrea's chest, to her neck then all the way up to her face told Miranda that 'nice' worked just fine. "Thank-you. I brought it for you."
"What?" Miranda wasn't sure she'd just heard that correctly. This was planned?
"I brought it for you." Andrea bit her lip and tapped her nails against her wine glass as she stared off into space before looking Miranda in the eye. "It's fun to torture you sometimes."
Oh, really? Was that what it was all about? All those times that suddenly Andrea would break from her stylish yet safe outfits and show up to work in something that distracted Miranda to no end? There were so many questions that could be asked over this piece of news but Miranda decided to narrow it down to just one: "So you were aware of my…feelings?"
"I might have been…although I spent an awful lot of time thinking I might be wrong."
"But you were with Nate, yet you…no, no, I'm sorry." Miranda shook her head at her stupidity and waved her hand to indicate that she wasn't going there. That was so stupid.
"Would you like me to feel guilty because the idea of you and I just didn't pop into my head last night?" Andrea's voice was cool and her expression blank.
"There isn't any need to discuss it. I was decidedly in the same position."
"Were you?"
Miranda rolled her eyes and leaned across the table, "Oh my God. Yes. Alright? Yes, I was in the same position. But what could I do? I wasn't going to cheat on him…or at least as long as I could stand not to."
Andrea's eyebrow rose to the ceiling. "You'd thought about it?"
"Hadn't you?"
"Yes…I think I just said that actually." She never flinched nor took her eyes off Miranda.
"Then I don't really know what else to say on the subject except that your 'torture' certainly did not go unnoticed." Definitely not.
"Oh, really?"
Miranda didn't answer; she just smirked and proceeded to order when the waiter came to the table. Andrea was eating steak whether that's what she actually wanted or not.
Andrea chuckled after Miranda was done "You know when a girl asks you out, you should probably let her do the ordering…or at least ask her what she wants to eat."
Without hesitation Miranda smiled ruthlessly and said, "Well I've never been asked out by a girl so this might take a while to become accustomed too."
"Neither have I but I'm sure the learning curve will be steep."
For some reason the look in Andrea's eyes as she said this lit that flame in Miranda's chest again. It was going to be a long night…
Using any standard to judge by, this had been the best date Miranda had ever been on and she could confidently say - she wasn't exaggerating. There was no agenda, no preconceived notions or expectations or anything else. It was dinner, conversation and okay maybe there were a few expectations in there somewhere but they were mutual and easy to navigate around. There was nothing artificial about what they were doing and Miranda was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was. This was just different. Andrea only wanted Miranda and that's all.
By the time they got to the party it was already an hour old. Since the week was ending, the parties were getting less pretentious and more about dancing, drinking and making a fool out of yourself. Not Miranda's cup of tea, that's for certain...especially since this was more like going to a club than a simple party. At least Miranda didn't feel under dressed.
As soon as they went through the door and checked their coats Miranda motioned for Andrea to come stand beside her.
"Are you okay? Do you need something?"
Miranda couldn't help but look her up and down again. She'd done that about ten times tonight and it was just getting worse. One thing was very clear to Miranda: Andrea was never wearing that dress to work. "Yes, I am fine. I just don't want you trailing after me all night."
"Um, that's kinda my job." Andrea whispered in her ear as they walked toward one of the many bars set up around the room. People were moving out of their way left and right so it didn't take long.
"Not tonight it isn't. If it makes you uncomfortable then don't. What would you like to drink?"
"Coffee from the café." She winked and giggled. They'd already had one of those tonight.
Miranda rolled her eyes and leaned in closer than she should have…blaming it on the loud music, "Try again."
"Just some wine, thank you…I don't care what kind and no it doesn't make me uncomfortable. Are you sure it's a good idea though?"
Miranda ordered two glasses of red wine and turned back to her while they waited, "Andrea, it's not like we're going to have sex right here in front of the entire world. As for what they think of you standing beside me rather than behind me? Well that's ridiculous to even contemplate." Miranda handed her a glass of wine and took a drink, trying not to think about the word sex.
"Oh, so we're going to have sex?"
Miranda choked on her drink while Andrea smiled innocently and patted her on the back as she steered them through the crowd.
Miranda wanted to say something witty in return but couldn't think of a single thing to say. She always used to be full of witty come-backs. Where did they go? "Would you just…shut-up, please."
Andrea snorted and gestured toward a round booth that was off to the side but centrally located enough that everyone would get their chance to say 'hello' to the Queen. Miranda wanted to object but she knew it was necessary. This was just par for the course, what she always had to do.
They sat down and after a minute Andrea came up with the most brilliant thing to say. "Just remember…please…that as far as all these people know," she pointed around the room, "you're still a happily married woman."
Miranda turned on her in an instant with a lethal glare. "What did you just say?"
"You heard me and you know it's true. Miranda…" Andrea touched her knee under the table, "You know I'm right. Believe me, I'm thrilled…shocked really, that you want to be with me here...like this…close. But you know as well as I do that you need time to get through some things."
Why did she have to be right? Why? "And in the mean time?"
"In the mean time we just have to be careful. I mean that is if you…I mean...we don't…uh…"
And here was the bumbling, fumbling Andrea that Miranda knew so well. It was time for reassurance before the woman had a full blown melt down right here at the table. Miranda took a deep breath and got ready to do her new job. "Andrea, calm down. I certainly won't speak for you but as for me, this…thing…between us has been going on for quite some time. You know that."
"I do but that still doesn't change the fact that you might not want…oh, hell. I don't even know what I'm saying. I know that we've already had this discussion. I'm sorry." Andrea slumped back against the booth and downed the rest of her wine. Miranda motioned for a waiter to bring some more and ended up having to make small talk for five minutes to some idiot from Vogue she'd barely heard of. Irritating. Didn't these people know she was trying to calm her…girlfriend down? Girlfriend? This was turning into pure hilarity. If someone had told Miranda a week ago that she was going to find herself with husband (technically) and a girlfriend all at the same time; she would have had them blacklisted…maybe even killed.
Once everyone was gone Miranda started again, this time with her hand on Andrea's knee. "Andrea, you are just trying to protect me and I appreciate that. The only person that has ever looked out for me has been me for so long…and I think I'd like the chance to get used to something different." The best way to make Andrea smile again just popped into Miranda's mind. It was so good it even made Miranda laugh…in fact it was brilliant. "And besides…" Miranda motioned to the crowd around them, "I'm like the popular high-school quarterback here…and you? You're the head cheerleader and we're destined to rule the school, as it were; so it's too late to back out now, darling."
All the tension and uncertainty rolled off of Andrea like water and the grin and laughter replaced all doubt. It was easy to see and easy to love. "Oh, my God!...I cannot believe you just said that!" She continued to laugh and finally leaned over against Miranda's shoulder apparently forgetting all about how 'careful' she insisted they be. But just as Miranda was enjoying the feeling, Andrea snapped out of it and sat up straight. "You know…that is true though because I am your cheerleader…biggest fan and always will be." Suddenly she stared out into the crowd at something Miranda could not see. Her face went to stone and the laughter died. "I'll be right back." She slid out of the booth and walked out into the crowd without so much as a backward glance in Miranda's direction.
Miranda slid over to where Andrea had been sitting to see what in hell this crazy girl was about to do. She had half a mind to go follow her but something told her that whatever this was about, Andrea would not want her involved. Finally someone moved just to the right and Miranda saw it. Andrea was walking straight up to Christian-fucking-Thompson…yes, Miranda was allowing herself to curse all she wanted tonight.
Once Andrea reached him it was like something out of a movie. She promptly dismissed whomever Christian was trying to smooth-talk like they were a piece of common trash and from the looks of it he thought this all for him. And it was…just not for the reasons he envisioned because when he tried to touch her, Andrea grabbed his arm and started to drag him away. Now Miranda really wanted to go see what was going on…but from where she sat she was still in a good enough place.
Miranda thought perhaps Andrea was dragging him off to a quieter corner to chew him out but no…she was…throwing him out of the party? Yes, yes she was. Miranda covered her mouth to keep her laughter from being heard. There was no point in shocking any more people than was necessary with seeing Miranda Priestly cracking up. And Andrea wasn't just throwing him out…she was pushing him out. As soon as Miranda saw security step up to the door she started sliding out of the booth. There was no way in hell she was letting anyone throw Andrea out of this party because of her tossing out that bastard. Fuck. That.
But, then there was no need. Andrea was speaking calmly to the six foot, three hundred pound security officer and pointing toward the door. She spoke for a few more minutes, shook his hand then started making her way back to their booth. Miranda was happy to see that on her way back, the woman was smiling and her skin tight dress hugged her body so perfectly…and again several people, men and women, gave her a lingering once over. It would have made Miranda jealous if she hadn't been doing the same exact thing for months on end. She'd let everybody have a free pass tonight so long as no one laid even the tip of their finger on her cheerleader. That wasn't an option for anyone in this room.
Much to Miranda's displeasure, on several levels, just as Andrea was within ten feet of their booth, Nigel showed up. Talk about horrible timing. He sipped his drink as he finished watching Andrea approach and said in a low voice, "Did she or did she not just kick Christian Thompson out of this party?"
Miranda looked up at him and they made eye contact. He didn't look pissed off but he certainly didn't look happy either. "She did."
Nigel chuckled behind his glass. "Six, darling, I just saw you turn into a bouncer…How charming." Miranda totally agreed.
"Hey, Nig." She gave him a long hug and looked at Miranda over his shoulder, receiving an eye roll in return. It was time to get this over with. The hug finally ended and "Hey, I think I see Anne Hathaway…I'm gonna slip over and see if I can meet my twin. Why don't you stay and talk." She patted his arm and motioned toward Miranda with her head. Twin? Well honestly Miranda had never thought of it before but actually…yes…and that was a little scary. Anyway…
"Yes, tell her I'd like to speak with her soon about a cover opportunity." Miranda waved her hand dismissively like she'd had that idea for years and it was simply an afterthought now.
Andrea's face lit up. She knew better because the words 'Anne Hathaway' had never once come out of Miranda's mouth in her presence before. "Uh, cool, okay." And with that she was off like an arrow headed toward what appeared to be a secret infatuation. Wonderful.
"Well, I guess we should talk." Nigel said as he slid into the booth.
"Yes, I suppose."
"What other option did you have?" He stared her down with no hesitation and got right to the point.
"None. I had none. It was either this or give it all up." Miranda looked across the room toward where her wayward cheerleader had run off to and sure enough she was chatting it up with Anne…
"You can't be serious. You had nothing…any other way?"
Finally she looked at him, "Yes, Nigel I am very serious and no Nigel, there was no other option. If I had had one I would have taken it. Believe me."
"Can I? Can I believe you? I'm not sure any more Miranda."
Miranda let a little time go by as she thought of her next words. To satisfy Andrea, Miranda was going to have to be brutally honest here…not to mention to make Nigel feel better…and if she was honest, herself as well.
"Nigel, I'm not going to lie to you. This was the only option I was given and I'm lucky enough as it is that I even found out about Irv's plans to begin with. If I hadn't…well then I'd be done for. And you know…Nigel, you know me. You know I couldn't survive that. This is my life. The only way I'll ever give it up is when I can't see any more…or I find a very good reason to retire."
Nigel took a deep breath and a deep drink of his wine. Miranda wondered how many of those he'd had tonight. Probably not enough to suit him. "I know." His voice was barely audible.
"You know?"
"Yes, Miranda. I know you can't give this up and frankly…frankly, it would kill me to see it taken away from you like that. It would have killed me. "
Well thank God. That right there took a little of the pressure off Miranda's shoulders. "I will make this up to you Nigel. We'll figure something out together. I was already thinking of letting you take some things over for me. Perhaps a change of title…Editor at Large…something along those lines."
He looked at her in surprise, "You were?"
"Yes, Stephen has asked for a divorce and I have a feeling I'll need a bit more freedom to be at home…I want that. My children need to see me more so they don't forget what I look like." She tried to chuckle at her little joke but it was too close to the truth for her to find any humor in it.
"Miranda, while I'm not exactly thrilled with you right now, I know we'll work this out. As far as you needing a little more freedom to be home…I think there might be another reason you need that."
Oh, shit. Miranda cleared her throat as the words almost came right out of her mouth. She tried to put on her best fake smile and said, "Whatever do you mean?" Yes, like that was going to do any good.
"That's a nice ring Andy's got on today. I asked her about it and she said she'd had it forever…something like "oh, this old thing". He threw that out there with a nice, sweet, mimicking voice. Miranda finished off her wine in one gulp.
"Again…what are you talking about?"
"I've seen this coming. I'm glad you're getting a divorce because I would have hated to see you take up with my Six while you were still technically happily married. At least this way you're not cheating. That isn't your style and I doubt it's hers either. It's about time you two got on with it. By the way I see you've got on a nice new ring too."
Miranda was pretty sure her eyes were akin to tennis balls right now and that they were also probably popping out and rolling around the table. How. In. The. Hell. Did he know…guess…figure it out? How?
"It's, okay Miranda. You can breathe." He smiled at her and she did indeed take a small breath. Okay, so he didn't look pissed off anymore and he didn't look like he was about to run off to the nearest reporter…
"Nigel, I…how did you…I don't know what to say."
"Hm, well that's certainly a rare thing isn't it? How do I know? Because I have eyes. Watching the way you look at each other all day long is like looking at two high-school kids in a production of Romeo and Juliet. And let's not forget…she's wearing your wedding ring…which is so weird." He laughed and motioned to the waiter for more wine and Miranda was glad of it.
"I'm not sure I like the Romeo and Juliet reference…that did not end very well for them." Amen to that. It was definitely not what Miranda wanted to compare this to…at least not the ending. Again…here we go with the hilarity of the evening. She wondered which title Andrea would like better: head cheerleader or Juliet? Hopefully she'd like to remain the head cheerleader because Miranda was in no hurry to have them both commit suicide for God's sake.
"You know it's so fucked up it actually makes perfect sense."
"Oh, well that's so encouraging." She snapped at him.
"Can I ask when did this officially start?"
No, but it might help her later on to have someone to talk to and Nigel had always been the only one she talked to about her relationships. This would be no different and she had a feeling she'd need an ear when things started to go south now and again. He would probably be good at keeping her from royally fucking up one too many times.
"Honestly…just since last night."
Nigel clapped a hand over his mouth to keep from wasting his wine. While he tried to gather himself together Miranda stole another glance in Andrea's direction. Oh, this was priceless. Now her wayward cheerleader and Anne were linking arms and laughing like old friends. Anne might not be getting a cover after all.
"So, you mean to tell me you both confessed your unrequited love for one another and exchanged rings - last night? And I mean…I know that the ring on your finger is or was hers…and I've seen it once before. You've kidding me…I mean that is…"
"I'm not kidding you…don't ask me how that happened because it's too hard to explain. You wouldn't believe me if I told you that the ring bit happened before everything else came out."
"This is bizarre…is she going to keep working at Runway?"
Good question. "I'll let her decide that. We've not discussed it and frankly I'm not up for her leaving before Emily is recovered at the very least. But as I said…I'll let her bring it up and I'll also be letting her decide. Unless it becomes too difficult to negotiate; it's strictly up to her."
Nigel laid a hand on her arm and spoke with more tenderness in his voice than Miranda had heard in a long time. "When's the last time you let someone else decide something that directly affected you?"
Miranda smiled as she took in the sight of Andrea laughing and talking with a group of people Anne was introducing her to. Everyone was no doubt taken aback by how much they really did look alike. She was having a good time and that made Miranda happy. Then she remembered Nigel had just asked her a question. "I can't remember. I probably never have…"
"She really can do anything can't she?"
"Yes…yes she can…and she's headed this way. Without Anne Hathaway, thank God."
Nigel laughed, "Jealous much?"
"Perhaps." She cut him a glare and he shut up.
"You're back." Miranda took this as yet another opportunity to look her up and down.
Andrea grinned and scooted into the booth on Miranda's right side. "Yep, I'm back. She is so awesome. I told her you wanted to talk to her later about a cover. She's thrilled and I'm absolutely full of joy!"
"Yes, I can tell and it's annoying."
"Sorry. I'll be shutting up now. Is there anything you need?" She asked sweetly in a mocking way.
"Oh, my God you're both too cute together." Nigel toasted them with his wine glass and Andrea looked like she was going to pass out. It seemed that Miranda needed to rush in and save the night again with a dose of reassurance.
"It's fine, it's fine." She took Andrea's hand; it was conveniently already under the table resting on Miranda's knee, "he figured it out on his own. Apparently we stare at each other a lot. I was totally unaware."
Andrea smiled and nudged Miranda's shoulder. "Like hell you were 'unaware'."
"I suppose."
"Don't worry ladies…your secret is safe with me." Nigel toasted them once more and Miranda figured that by now he was fairly toasted as well.
Andrea rolled her eyes. "That is so comforting."
"Indeed. Darling, let's go mingle for a few minutes and then I'd like to leave if that's alright with you?"
"Oh, you are soooooo weird now Miranda! You want to mingle…you asked her if it was okay to leave…I must be drunker than I thought."
"Yes, I think that's quite enough from you, Nigel. Do feel free to keep your mouth closed from here on out this evening. I've heard quite enough."
"Let's go mingle." Andrea giggled and slid out of the booth. "I'll introduce you to my new best friend."
"Oh, my God. I have met her before! I hardly see the need to do it again." Miranda followed anyway, just like she knew she would to begin with and they left Nigel sitting there with his wine glass. He hardly noticed.
"Yeah, but when you met her back then she wasn't my best friend. You need to be re-introduced."
"You're insufferable."
"I know but I'm also the head cheerleader, remember?"
"Yes…yes I remember." Miranda rolled her eyes and put a hand on the small of Andrea's back as they headed off. She might be suffering from a tad bit of unnecessary jealousy but it was exciting. Miranda was never jealous of anything or anyone or had even felt possessive before, except when it came to Runway…so, yes…this was quite enjoyable. "By the way, I cannot believe you threw Christian out of here."
Miranda felt that flame burn hotter in her chest when Andrea leaned into her as they walked and whispered in her ear, "I wasn't about to allow that asshole within ten feet of you. Not tonight. You can do what you want with him later but tonight I don't want to see his face."
"Yes, I believe you made that fact quite well known. I admit it had a certain amount of…sexiness to it." A huge amount of sexiness. No one had ever done that for Miranda.
Their conversation was cut off as they were now standing in front of Andrea's new 'BFF'. Wonderful. Miranda could already tell that ten minutes wasn't going to cut it tonight, but she wasn't about to complain. As much as she wanted nothing more than to take Andrea back to the hotel and literally rip that dress right off of her, she knew they needed this…or at least this minus Anne Hathaway.
After all the mess, the heartache; it felt good to relax and it was quite an experience to watch Andrea in this setting. There had rarely ever been a time when Miranda genuinely wanted to stay or much less attend a party but…tonight, tonight there were plenty of reasons to be here and all of those reasons were standing right beside her.
Miranda opened one eye, stretched and dared a glance at her fate. It was just settling on six o'clock…again. At least this time she wasn't being awakened by the sound of a door opening. It was the soft sound of breathing and the weight of a soft, warm body that woke her. And that was more than acceptable.
In fact everything about last night and the early hours of this day were far more than acceptable. Well…she could certainly go without the huge headache she was sporting right now but it was well worth it. Last night had been more fun than she'd had in ages and there was no doubt in her mind that this morning paper's had pictures to prove it. Chatting with Anne for ten minutes turned into three hours of more partying than Miranda had ever done and the drinks and conversation flowed with ease.
With the exception of when they were seated in their booth, Andrea seemed intent on keeping Miranda away from people she knew. The party had been all about celebrities anyway really so celebrities and a handful of unknowns were all Miranda was allowed to come in contact with. It was all done in the name of 'you're not at work' and Miranda went along with it, allowing Andrea to steer her in whatever direction the woman deemed suitable. And just like dinner…it had been so easy.
Feeling around in the dark to make some sense of their bedding, Miranda discovered that most of it must be on the floor. Which wasn't surprising at all considering… The edges of another blanket were found within reach and she pulled it over them. Andrea stirred only a little. Miranda's right arm was asleep but she was inclined to lie here just a little bit longer…but then Miranda's cell phone rang and Andrea came to life, nearly jumping right out of bed. Miranda guessed that this must be what Andrea looked like in the middle of the night when Miranda called her about some mundane thing that really could have waited until morning. It was rather amusing.
While trying to keep Andrea from getting up, Miranda reached over and grabbed the phone. She shut it off without answering. Screw that. It was probably just Nigel.
"Who was it?" Andrea stretched and finally let Miranda have her arm back by pulling Miranda into her own. Nice trade off.
"I have no idea and don't really care." Miranda kissed her neck and buried her face in Andrea's hair.
"Probably just Nigel…"
"That's exactly what I'm thinking. Hm…that's nice." Miranda felt her back muscles instantly melt as Andrea's hands moved over her in slow, smooth circles. "My back hurts." Then she groaned for having admitted it. Things like that did not help her feel any younger compared to who she was in bed with.
"Heels?"
Miranda quit caring about her age or admitting anything when Andrea moved her hand down to Miranda's lower back and increased the pressure. "Yes."
"And other things?"
Like the hours of mind blowing sex? "Yes." It was suddenly very hot underneath all these covers and Miranda threw one of the blankets off.
"Hm…well don't forget," Andrea giggled, "you have to buy me a new dress."
"Darling, you're coming away from here with an entire new wardrobe. I hardly need to buy you a new dress." Actually she had promised. That promise was the only reason she was allowed the privilege to rip the other one to shreds three seconds after the door closed behind them last night. It was the sexiest thing Miranda had ever attempted and she would gladly buy Andrea a thousand dresses if that's what it took to get to do it again.
"You promised!" Andrea said as she stopped rubbing Miranda's back.
"No, don't stop!" And for the first time in decades Miranda Priestly actually whined about something.
"Buy me a dress?"
"Alright, but you owe me a new pair of slacks." Miranda rose up just enough and the first proper kiss of the morning was given.
"I owe you no such thing! Your zipper being uncooperative was not my fault!" Andrea kissed her again.
"That's a lie and you know it…besides what about the button?"
"Oh, whatever I didn't hear you complaining and hello – I never promised. You ,however, promised to buy me a new dress. Big difference."
Miranda bit her shoulder playfully, right over the bite mark that was placed there sometime in the night. "I'll buy you a new dress and you're off the hook for the slacks…just this once. Do you have something in mind? Here?" While she waited for an answer Miranda sank back into Andrea's arms and her back rub resumed.
"No. You can't take me shopping here. I think we've done enough for the press this week. Don't you?"
Indeed. "Why are you always right? Oh, God…lower." When Andrea's hand finally hit the right spot Miranda decided she was firing her masseuse. There was officially no need for him anymore.
"I'm right because I'm smart. You've like…I don't know…turned into someone that suddenly doesn't care about that sort of thing and like I told you last night…I am thrilled with that, but for now I've decided to care about it for you until you're in a better position to do whatever the hell you want."
"Ah…" Miranda chuckled "A better position, you say? I think we tried quite a few of those last night."
"Oh shut up! You know what I'm talking about." Andrea pulled Miranda on top of her and continued working at Miranda's lower back…yes…the masseuse was officially fired.
"Okay, I know…you're right. And by the way you just cost Robert his job."
"What?"
"My masseuse…" she paused for a kiss, "I just fired him."
"Oh…well, " Andrea open her legs more and wrapped them loosely around Miranda, pulling her hips down, causing their bodies to meld together. "That's fine…besides I'm not crazy about anyone else touching you."
"I have absolutely no problem with that." So true - because this was it. Miranda knew that if this didn't work out for some crazy reason (and Miranda was going to do everything in her power to make sure that it did) then she wouldn't be able to find this again with anyone else. "And thank you…thank you for trying to keep me out of…trouble, darling." Might as well give it a proper name because that's exactly what it was: trouble. Miranda wasn't sure how, but in a very short amount of time, she had been thoroughly infected with the 'I-do-not-give-a-damn' virus and it definitely had the potential to be life threatening if she wasn't careful.
"You're welcome, darling." Andrea laughed at her own attempt to mimic Miranda's voice but before Miranda could retaliate, Andrea increased the pressure of her hands again and retaliation slipped from Miranda's mind completely. Instead she was content to share in their silence and warmth while she soaked up the feeling of Andrea's body beneath her and the sensation of Andrea's hands on her skin.
Honestly, it was comforting to know that Andrea would not let her get out of control with this…until it was safe, until the divorce mess was over. But when that day came, Miranda hoped Andrea would be ready because then? Well then she would do just as she pleased. Miranda would never be able to treat Andrea like she was some secret kept in a dark corner for no one to ever know about. At the first available moment…everyone would know and whether they accepted it or not was their problem.
The only reactions she cared about were her children's and when the adjustments over Stephens's absence were handled, Miranda would lay the facts out for them. She had faith. It might be hard at first…and they would most definitely have questions, what eleven year old wouldn't have questions about such things? But – Miranda would handle it and she knew without a doubt that they would fall in love with Andrea by the time it was all said and done. In fact time was the only ingredient needed to make it work.
Andrea patted her hip, drawing Miranda's attention. "Yes?"
"I was just thinking about how glad I am that you went for a walk…"
"As am I. I am positive that it's the best decision I've ever made in my life…besides giving you that ring."
"Ah…yeah, that was pretty crazy but for some reason…I don't know. It was…it just…totally made sense or at least to me it did."
"It certainly wouldn't to anyone else but yes, I find it quite agreeable. Even if nothing else had come of it…I needed to give it you." To emphasize this Miranda took her right hand and kissed it.
Yes, besides taking a walk, giving Andrea that ring was the second best decision she'd ever made. And yes it was crazy, but it made sense to them and that's all that mattered. The whole thing represented the journey they had each made. The disappointments and sad realities they had each faced. It represented the end of all that and the beginning of something else; something where neither of them had to live up to any expectations or high ideals. And most importantly, it represented their meeting at a certain bench at exactly the right moment in time.
"I love you, Miranda." Andrea's words came out as a whisper and they gently spread right through every inch of Miranda's body.
They had said those words to each other last night…many times, but Miranda suspected that they would always cause this feeling in her whenever she heard them. It was one of the best examples of 'cause and effect' Miranda had ever been a part of.
"I love you too, Andrea and I'm quite sure that I always will."
"Good…that makes me really happy. Really, really happy." Andrea hugged her tighter with her arms and legs. "Now - do we have any reason to get out of this bed for say…the next two hours?"
Miranda was already kissing her way down Andrea's shoulders and the center of her chest. Before she started to pay very close attention to the voluptuous breasts that continually teased her, even now, she stopped long enough to reply. "No…no reason at all…I mean to very busy in just a little while…very busy."
"Oh…I see." Andrea's hands found their way into Miranda's hair but instead of drawing her closer to Miranda intended objective, Andrea had other desires and pulled Miranda up to her lips. She looked up into Miranda's eyes and her expression was very serious yet so full of tenderness. "Kiss me, Miranda…touch me. Show me again..."
"Show you what, darling?" Miranda knew what she meant…she just wanted to hear Andrea say it one more time.
"Show me how much you love me." Andrea drew her in with a hand at the back of Miranda's neck and Miranda found herself very busy indeed. Too busy for anything else; certainly too busy to get up and go to work. There was just too much work to be done right here…
THE END
15
