Andy was experiencing a taste of freedom, as tonight marked the first evening in over a year that she was free from delivering The Book. The okay was given to pass that torch to Kate, who had been fully briefed on procedure. Earlier that day she had handed over the key, (as Miranda already had a new set of keys made for Andy for both the front and back doors,) and instructed Kate to never, ever go upstairs.
At present Miranda and Andy were sharing dinner with the girls, and shortly they would leave for Nigel's Christmas Party in his Chelsea loft, where they would find several upper level Runway staffers, and many of Nigel's friends and acquaintances. Miranda had been rather quiet since watching Andy enter through the back door. Andy found that surprising as Miranda had been busy with requisite social events the past few nights and they had hardly seen each other in the past week outside of Runway.
Earlier that day, Rose, Miranda's housekeeper and part time babysitter of the past decade, had prepared a meal of roast chicken, vegetables, and a parsnip puree that they now shared in the dining room. Miranda and Andy were both dressed for the evening, Miranda in a short grey Valentino, and Andrea in a Chanel mini. The dining room thus seemed a more appropriate venue for dinner.
"Girls?" Andy sought the attention of the twins on both her left and right side. She pointed her fork implying that the following words applied to both girls. "Kate is delivering the Book starting this evening." At that Miranda paused to listen. "You two are a year older now, and it's time the pranks stopped. Don't you agree?"
The girls turned towards each other, then towards Miranda, and then back at Andy, fearful of just how much their mother would learn in the next few minutes. Caroline in particular, the known instigator held her breath. "Good, I think we're all on the same page then," Andy said looking at Caroline, and went back to eating. Both girls sighed in relief. Deciding that for once she did not in fact need every detail, Miranda remained quiet allowing Andy to change the subject.
Caroline had spent the past two weeks brooding over her mother's new relationship, and Cassidy for once couldn't relate to her sister. They had always been on the same page, agreeing on most important issues, but somehow this was different. Simply put, Cassidy led with the heart, and Caroline led with her brain. She was too practical. She saw what others would see, and Cassidy saw what was in front of her.
While Caroline wanted her mother happy with Andy or anyone for that matter, she was tremendously fearful of what would likely be the public response to this relationship. And then what would Andy do? How would she handle it when her mother's dragon appeared? How would Andy handle it when her mother was no longer in this bubble? Would she flee? And then where would they be?
But Caroline was trying. She saw that Andy had changed the dynamic for the better. Since Andy's entrance to their lives, their mother was just different, and somehow, lighter. She was more of a mom, and not just a mother. Life had become more fun. Caroline was happy for the couple in a way, but at the same time afraid to be happy for them.
Cassidy was just loving all of it. Her mom and Andy were seated at the table, dressed impeccably for the evening, taking the time to hang out with them before going to their party. Cassidy watched and smiled, noting that when her mom laughed and met Andy's eyes with her own, Andy would get lost in a gaze, almost melting at the sight and sound of it. This had to be what she had always read about; true love.
"Mom?" Cassidy brought the laughter to a halt and spoke up with an attempt to remove any childish tone from her voice. "If you want Andy to stay over, I'm okay with it." She quickly looked at her sister, who gave her first a look of surprise, and then a slight nod. "We're okay with it," and she silently complimented herself on the delivery. Caroline was normally the one to present their opinions, but Cassidy had recently become a great deal more confident. Frankly, it was probably because of Andy. Cassidy was no longer the odd man out, with Caroline being so much like their mother.
Miranda looked back and forth between the two girls, while Andy attempted to shrink beneath the table. After Miranda and Andy first talked to the girls, they discussed moving slowly in front of them. To date, Andy had never stayed overnight at the Townhouse when the twins were home. They decided to hold off on spending Christmas together as well, and Andy planned instead to spend a few days in Ohio. Then the girls were off to Aspen with their father, leaving Miranda and Andy to share New Year's Eve.
"My darlings I do not want to push you. You know you can always tell me anything, even if you believe I may not want to hear it right. I love you both more than you will ever know."
Miranda was taken aback by Cassidy's proposal. Her babies were growing up, and looking out for her. Observing her now very uncomfortable younger lover she spoke, "Andrea and I will take that into consideration. Now, we're off, but be good for Rose, and remember what Andrea said earlier please. The new Emily is off limits, but," Miranda paused for effect before tilting her head with a glint of mischief in her eye, "when, and if the time comes, the Paparazzi are all yours." They all had a big laugh and as they carried a few plates to the kitchen and Andy donned her leather coat before the women made their way downstairs.
Miranda had already placed her coat and bag by the front door, and Andy moved ahead of Miranda to offer her assistance. Next thing she knew she was pressed up against the back of the door, with Miranda's lips against hers, and knee between her thighs. "God those boots Andrea," Miranda panted, moving to attack Andy's neck. "Is this your idea of torture wearing those with my daughters only a few feet away?"
Andy pulled at Miranda's hips increasing the contact, and was temporarily unable to focus. She brought Miranda's lips back to meet hers, and tongues swirled in ecstasy. A minute later they were interrupted by pounding on the stairs as the girls ran to their bedrooms. Andy moaned with a promise of, "later," when they finally managed to separate. Moments later they were in a warm car with Roy.
Practicing their now perfected routine of subterfuge, Roy dropped Andy off in front of the Morgan Stanley building, where she promptly called Doug to meet her. Doug was a third year analyst there, and worked endless hours just like Andy, but he had advanced very quickly. Having moved to the city a year before Andy, Doug had already made Associate, and had the paycheck to prove it. When Andy finally spotted him she would see his new Gucci Brera Wool Suit, purchased and tailored specifically for his first chance at meeting Miranda.
Technically speaking, Doug was in fact Andy's pseudo date this evening to Nigel's gathering. He had worked late, and headed to the bar beneath the building to pass the time before Andy arrived. Andy found him minutes after leaving the warmth of Roy's car, and they hailed a cab to head south to Chelsea.
Andy had yet to disclose her relationship to Doug. Doug in fact had not even met Miranda, and only knew the many stories he heard from Emily, Serena, Nigel and Andy. He knew that Nigel was Miranda's friend, and that she would likely make an appearance at this evening's gathering. He was thrilled to meet the infamous Miranda Priestly.
Doug was incredibly proud of Andy and what she had accomplished of late. He just thought that maybe his friend needed to diversify her focus. "Andy, you're smokin hot girl. Is that Chanel?" He took a chance to assess the wardrobe of his friend, in her long leather coat, and thigh high Chanel boots. "How is it that you're still single, when you walk around looking like that?" Andy shot Doug a goofy grin, and he answered her implied question. "I'm gay Andy, not blind," and after she threw in a "you look great too Dougie," they laughed together as old friends did until leaving the cab. Andy hated lying to Doug, but there just seemed like no right time to tell him the truth.
"Welcome, welcome my young friends," Nigel greeted Andy and Doug, all dolled up himself in a checkered suit, clearly custom designed for this party. "Don't you look dapper, Nigel," Andy replied back eyeing him up and down. Nigel twirled for effect, showing off for both Andy and Doug.
Andy handed over a small box wishing Nigel an early Merry Christmas and Happy Holiday. The box contained a monogrammed cigar case that Nigel would open later, and Doug had for him a bottle of Moet that he placed on the counter behind them. They had come prepared.
"Thank you, thank you, young ones, now go enjoy the party and I'll see YOU later," he winked at Doug while shooing them away to visit with his next guests. Doug and Nigel were something, but Andy had not gotten the whole story yet fortunately. Doug was like her brother, and while she wanted him happy she preferred not to hear any details.
Moments later Doug was practically shaking Andy when he spotted the white haired Editor making their way towards them. Miranda, to the surprise of those around them watching carefully, proceeded to air kiss Andrea on both cheeks. She then stepped back to peruse Doug's outfit, with a nod. "Good evening Andrea, who is your handsome friend?"
Miranda could lay on the charm when she wanted to and Doug gushed as he stared at the elegant woman in front of him. She was more beautiful in person than in print.
"Miranda, this is Douglas Brandt. He's one of my very best friends in the world. We grew up together."
Miranda knew this of course but waited for Andrea to finish. Andrea looked towards Doug, but gestured towards Miranda.
"Doug, this is Miranda Priestly, Editor in Chief of Runway, and my boss" and the woman I love Andy thought as she watched Doug shake Miranda's outstretched hand. Doug almost jumped realizing that he was in fact touching Miranda Priestly. That was odd.
"It is truly an honor to meet you Miranda," Doug stated, managing to control himself before blabbering further. Miranda noticed that his smile was almost as blinding as her Andrea's. Maybe it was a Midwestern trait.
They chatted for a few brief moments before Miranda excused herself. A more animated than ever Doug spent fifteen minutes thanking Andy for working at Runway. He had just met an Icon and a legend. Funny though, Andy couldn't see that anymore when she looked at Miranda. The Icon was a mask, and Andy was shocked that others failed to see beyond it. She took a few moments to analyze that thought before she was interrupted by a tipsy Serena who surrounded her with her arms. Emily tagged just behind with a smirk on her face.
"Well hello hot stuff," Serena drawled, with her accented English accentuating the, "hot" when looking at Andy. Andy and Serena had become good friends, both avid runners. Over the past year they frequently met up to run the West Side Highway bike path, or in the park. Emily wasn't one for exercise and sweating, so best case scenario she would join them for coffee afterwards. She tried not to be jealous of Andy and Serena's relationship.
"Andrea, Douglas" Emily noted them as well. Andy swept the four of them into a group hug, but Emily fought it as usual. Andy kept her arm around Emily though, forcing a smile from the girl as Serena hip bumped Emily from the other side. "Did you see Miranda yet," Emily asked while searching the room. "Yah Em, she's here and Doug just met her. Maybe go check out the patio. There are heaters out there, and she went that direction." Emily couldn't help but head that direction, and Andy and Serena laughed at Emily's strange obsession towards their boss.
Emily was doing great as a Fashion Editor. Her input was respected, and her take charge attitude had whipped the department into shape. Emily found she was getting the respect she deserved for once, and Serena tried to show her that she could slow down a bit and take a chance to enjoy life. She was making an effort.
The two were heading to Brazil together for the holidays, a place Emily had never dreamed of going before meeting Serena. Now the two woman planned this trip, and then another to London just before Paris and Milan this year. Brazil would be Emily's first vacation since joining Runway two and a half years before. Serena had managed to convince her she could get away. Serena was smitten, and apparently Emily was too.
"So Andy, what are you doing for the Holidays," Serena asked as she looked towards Andy. Andy's initial thought was sadness over the fact that she and Miranda were forced to separate for Christmas, and she could not share in the excitement of telling others about her trip with her girlfriend even if there was one.
"Dougie and I are heading back to Ohio for a few days." She hoped the time period would not be questioned as nobody wanted to try to defend spending New Year's at home alone. Andy quickly searched for Miranda, who was currently on the opposite side of room with Emily, and a few other employees. Andy shot her a look of longing, and Miranda shot back a look of desire. Andy shook slightly.
Doug chimed in "yep, the two big hitters from the big bad city are heading back to their small town in Ohio. Oh boy how I miss it," Doug cringed at the thought. He had never really had fit in back home. They all laughed, feeling similarly. Their lives were somewhere else now, and going back even for a visit was somehow uncomfortable.
Emily reemerged and the foursome spent the next two hours attempting to mingle but always finding themselves back together. Potential suitors had advanced trying to draw Andy away from her friends, but they failed and eventually went away. Serena and Andy were having a blast though, practically hanging all over each other at some points, laughing it up at Doug's antics. Emily watched them only shaking her head hoping they would not make too much of a scene. Nigel popped in and out as best he could, but he was the man of the hour and was thus preoccupied. At some point during the evening a text had popped into Andy's phone giving her pause.
"Master Bedroom."
Andy searched for Miranda, but she was nowhere to be found. Miranda sent her the text, but now she was missing. Was she serious?
"Too much to drink, guys I'll be back in a few. I'm going to get some air." Andy said as she moved away from her friends.
Andy found Nigel's bedroom at the end of the hallway. The door was closed, but she heard music playing in there as it was wired throughout the loft. Making sure nobody was behind her she opened the door and made her way through. She was met with a full body attack by Miranda, whose lips never left Andy's as she was pushed backwards into the Master Bathroom. When Andy finally had a chance to look at Miranda, she saw black in the normally blue eyes.
"Miranda what's wrong?" Andy asked this as her lover hastily pushed her and practically lifted her up onto the vanity. She was being very aggressive, much more so than normal. Miranda refused to answer, and scrunched Andy's dress up her hips gaining access to what she sought.
Miranda's hands moved up and down Andy's hips and thighs before pulling Andy forward to the edge of the counter. Andy grabbed Miranda's head in an attempt to calm her, but she would have none of it. She ripped down the girl's lace panties, and entered Andy with two elegant fingers, making the girl cry out "fuck Miranda!" Andy grabbed the edge of the vanity with both of her hands, arching herself forward into the touch. Using her free arm, Miranda pulled Andy closer, and into her hand, while plunging her tongue practically down Andy's throat. Breaking away from the kiss Miranda, bit at Andy's thighs before attacking her core with her mouth. "Shhhh, quiet darling" Miranda insisted, while trying to control the girl writhing beneath her. After practically choking back screams, Andy came down from one of the most intense orgasms of her life.
After a moments recovery Andy turned the tables on Miranda. Dropping off of the counter she pushed Miranda against the bathroom door, pulling Miranda's dress up and lifting a knee over her shoulder. That was almost all it took as Miranda was so ready for her. Within seconds it was over and Andy rose to meet Miranda's eyes with a questioning look. Miranda looked away, embarrassed, and unable to face her lover. "They are all after you Andrea. I have to stand back and watch while they come at you from all sides. The men, Serena, they're all over you. They have no choice. Just look at you." Miranda's jealousy was ever prevalent.
"Serena and Emily are very happy together, Miranda. And I have no interest in the rest of them, if they really even exist. This is for you, Miranda. This is always, only, for you." And with that she tilted her head down, to meet Miranda's lips with her own. Miranda pushed Andy back for a moment, stating the truth.
"They don't know that Andrea. Every day I watch as people lust after you. They don't know that you are mine. They don't know that they can't have what is mine." Andy took her lover into her arms, and they remained there for several moments. "They will know Miranda. And nothing and nobody come between what we have. You're it for me, Miranda. I love you, and nothing else matters. C'mon," Andy tugged trying to meet Miranda's gaze once again. Miranda smiled as Andrea went to pick up her panties off the floor.
"Leave those there Darling. Nigel deserves a Christmas gift from the both of us."
Taking advantage of Andrea's prolonged absence, Emily eyed Serena with an evil glint in her eye. "Serena, I need to check my make-up," she looked up towards Doug while speaking. "Will you help me? Excuse us Douglas." At that Doug was left alone to go find Nigel. He knew the ladies were not likely to return for a while. This was a common occurrence with the two of them.
Serena knew something was up, as she would have mentioned to Emily any issue had she noticed requiring a touch-up. Ahhhh, yes Emily was being playful this evening. It was shocking for Serena to learn that her Emily was in fact not the typical proper English lady that many thought her to be. Serena had discovered that the first time in the bathroom at Calvin Klein's show in Paris, and in the bathroom at Runway, and at James Holt's studio, and several different restaurants around the city…no her Emily was quite the enigma. Granted, Serena was by no means complaining; quite the opposite in fact.
Nigel had always teased Emily for one reason or another about her stress levels, or makeup, or otherwise, and it was time to get back at him. Emily decided this evening that Nigel's bedroom was no longer off limits to guests. In fact she and Serena were headed there right now.
The two women slinked into the room, making sure nobody saw or heard them, promptly locking the door behind them. They smiled at the loving song playing in the background, kicked off their shoes, and proceeded to pounce on each other atop Nigel's comforter. Emily was kneeling above Serena, still fully clothed, with one leg on either side of the lengthy Brazilian stretched out beneath her. Serena's hands worked their way up Emily's thighs bring her dress with them, while being thoroughly kissed by the British minx who was rolling her hips to a slow rhythm. It was at that moment that Andrea chose to open the door being first to leave the bathroom and head back to the party.
"Holy shit, Em, Serena, SORRY" a mortified Andy blurted while pretending to cover her eyes. She was blushing, completely embarrassed from witnessing her two friends in a very compromising position. It then dawned on her the true nature of the situation. She halted realizing that Emily and Serena were both staring wide-eyed at what could very well be a furious Miranda Priestly standing directly behind her.
Emily attempted to remove herself from Serena as quickly as possible, hoping that somehow Miranda hadn't noticed her half clothed and grinding atop her girlfriend. Miranda would never forgive that type of behavior. Emily had spent over two years trying to earn Miranda's respect, and that would all end today. After making sure her undergarments and dress were now all in the correct positions, Emily stood next to Serena unable to look up.
Serena though, less intimidated by Miranda as she always had been, realized that something was off here. Serena never needed Runway, she just wanted it. She had dealt with Miranda's of one type or another for years as a high fashion model from the age of 15. After earning her millions at an early age she quit and never looked back. Serena was her own force to be reckoned with if she wanted to be.
Taking a step back from it all Serena noted that Miranda and Andy had just emerged from the same bathroom, and Andy appeared flushed and disheveled. The Brazilian's eyes met Miranda's, and with a tilt of her head she flashed a knowing smile directly at the older woman.
Miranda was appalled at her reaction. She completely failed at maintaining her Editor's persona. Andy had made her soft, and the Brazilian had broken her. After the initial shock and fear, it was relief that she was experiencing, in surprisingly overwhelming quantity. She played with her fingernails for a moment while fighting a smile, contemplating her next move. These were her employees, but Andrea's best friends.
To the shock of all three women, Miranda began to laugh, and shaking her head. Andy looked up, still awaiting some sort of attack on someone. The attack came though in a different form than the one she expected, and a second later Miranda's arms were around her waist pulling her into long slow kiss. Emily looked up in time to hear Andy moan of surprise, and watch the two women lost in the moment. When Miranda pulled away she maintained their mutual gaze asking, "I'll see you at home later?" Andy nodded a yes. Facing her former assistant Miranda offered, "Goodnight Emily, goodnight Serena," and started to leave the room. "Goodnight Miranda," Serena answered and Emily nodded as well still too stunned to speak.
