A/N: Thank you for your kind comments and encouraging words. I am glad you like the story and hope you continue reading:o)
Science of Fashion
Chapter 7
Andy sat in the back of her usual taxi and was going over some notes for today's lecture when she was unceremoniously ripped out of her concentration by her driver's cry of surprise.
"Holy Mother of God! Doc what are you guys doing? Starting the Mars mission from this campus?" Lynn shouted in the confinements of the car.
"Huh?" Andy looked up from her notes and with a perplexed expression she followed Lynn's hand pointing at the turmoil on the lawn right in front of them.
Andy took off her reading glasses and her eyebrows rose to hairline level as she tried to figure out what this was all about. Then it hit her like a bolt of lightning. Of course, today was Friday, the day of the photo shoot for Runway. She had expected a few people and their equipment but this was ridiculous. The lawn was crowded like she had never seen it before. What where all these people doing here? This had to be a practical joke.
"I do not have the slightest idea, Lynn." Andy could honestly say. She pushed her papers back into her backpack before she climbed out of the car.
"See you on Monday, same time, same station, Doc." Lynn waved at her after she had turned the car and drove off.
"Yeah, Monday", Andy mumbled at her long time favourite taxi driver, taking in what was going on right before her very eyes.
When she spotted a certain British assistant who was barking into a mobile phone and gesturing wildly Andy couldn't suppress the smile that was involuntarily forming on her face. Andy walked towards Emily all the while shaking her head at the entourage on the lawn.
"Good morning, Emily!" Andy greeted her fellow British comrade.
"Andy", Emily squeaked, "I mean Professor Sachs."
"Please, Andy will do. Remember?" Andy smiled at the stressed woman.
"Yes, well, right." Emily grinned at the biologist.
"Emily, tell me what is all this!"
"The photo shoot for the next issue, cover and everything. Miranda said you agreed. Didn't you?"
"Yes I did, we did. But I wasn't expecting something like this."
"Only the best for Runway", Emily smirked at the scientist's flabbergasted expression.
"Speaking of Miranda, where is she?"
"Oh, she is waiting for you in your office."
"Of course", Andy smacked her forehead, "silly me, where else would she be?"
Andy mumbled at herself while she walked towards the biology department. She should have anticipated something like that would occur but how was she supposed to know? She had never cared for fashion magazines or how they did their photo shootings. It couldn't be helped now, could it? Andy entered her office and was relieved to find her trusted secretary behind her desk greeting her with a warm smile.
"Good morning, Kate!" Andy handed over her backpack to the older woman, gratefully accepting a cup of freshly brewed coffee in return.
"Good morning, dear!" Kate Moran smiled at the biologist.
"You are one in a million", Andy grinned after taking her first sip.
"Glad you think so. You have a visitor." Kate informed her with a serious face.
"I know. Did you offer her your special treat?" Andy asked, lifting the cup to indicate what she meant.
"Of course, she looked as if she could use one", the secretary gave Andy a conspirators glance. "Now shoo, she doesn't beg me as a patient one."
"Yes, ma'am." Andy mock saluted which earned her a smack to her upper arm.
Upon entering her office, Andy found Miranda in her usual visitor chair flipping through one of Andy's biology journals and sipping her coffee. When she stumbled across a very colourful specimen Miranda took a closer look eliciting a chuckle from Andy at the scrutinising glare.
"Beautiful, isn't it?" Andy softly asked.
"Quite so, something to keep in mind", Miranda turned and smiled at the biologist who was leaning against the door frame of her office.
"Good morning, Andrea!"
"Good morning, Miranda!" Andy joined Miranda in the other visitor chair.
"I should have known you'd be here waiting for me."
"Why is that?"
"Because you always do when you come by. I shouldn't have needed to ask Emily."
"Indeed", Miranda smirked.
"Kate provided you with some much needed coffee, I see." Andy nodded at the cup in Miranda's hand.
"Fortunately. A very competent person, your secretary."
"Kate is wonderful", Andy agreed readily. "So, care to tell me what is this racket going on out there?"
"Why, Andrea, really! It is our photo shoot not some racket as you call it", Miranda sniffed indignantly.
"Sorry", Andy apologised, "I didn't mean to ridicule your work. It's just, well, there are so many people out there with the equipment. Was it really necessary to go to this length?"
"Andrea, I know you do not care for fashion or my magazine but trust me when I say there is a reason why Runway is the number one. I always demand the best and I get it. Fashion is not some willy-nilly past time. It is a major industry with millions of dollars invested and gained every year. I am not called the Dragon Lady for naught, I know what I do. I am afraid you have to trust me on this."
It was ridiculous really, she never explained herself to anybody other than her children. But here she was trying to make this woman understand who for all she knew didn't care in the slightest for fashion. Although, Miranda somehow firmly believed that Andrea would understand. Given the look on the younger woman's face she did indeed.
"I'm sorry, Miranda. I didn't mean to mock or make fun of you. I just never really thought about what it means to work in your line of occupation."
"That's quite all right, Andrea. I could say the same about your work." Miranda waved off the apology.
"Well, what do you say if we change that? I'll show you the wonders of nature and you enlighten me on the finer points of dressing women?" Andy held out her hand for Miranda to seal the deal.
Miranda looked into Andrea's eyes and found a certain spark of mischief in them. But more than that, she found honest curiosity and eagerness. It could be interesting. If it meant spending more time with Andrea who was she to deny herself the pleasure. Wait a minute did she just really think that? Shaking her head at her train of thoughts Miranda firmly grasped the offered hand and shook it good naturally.
"Deal!"
Laughing at Miranda's readiness to accept her proposal Andy wondered what she had gotten herself into. Well, it could be worse, couldn't it?
"Why do I suddenly feel as if I'm going to regret it?" Andy asked cautiously, seeing the gleam in Miranda's eyes.
"I have no idea what you are talking about." Miranda said all innocence, still holding on to Andy's hand not ready to let it go just yet, when the door burst open and an excited woman stormed in stopping short when she saw them holding hands.
"Andy, good grief girl, have you seen..." Pauline Langton rushed through the door and stopped short when she saw Andy holding another woman's hand while smiling goofily.
Rolling her eyes at her best friend's behaviour Andy reluctantly let go of Miranda's hand to introduce them.
"Miranda Priestly please meet Pauline Langton. Professor for experimental physics and best friend. Pauline this is Miranda Priestly, fashion queen and editor of Runway."
"Pleased to meet you, Mrs Priestly." Pauline and Miranda shook hands.
"My pleasure, Professor. Please call me Miranda!"
"Miranda, I am Pauline. So it is your doing after all, this commotion out there?" Pauline asked with a big smile.
"I'm afraid so. But let me assure you it was absolutely necessary."
"Hey", Pauline was holding up her hands, "you are the boss. Who if not you knows what it takes to publish a fashion magazine, right?"
Raising her left eyebrow in appreciation Miranda smiled genuinely at the other woman.
"At least one person understands the hardships of my work." Sniffing slightly Miranda smirked at Andrea to soften her words.
"Oh, forget Andy, all she cares about is biology." Pauline dismissively waved at her friend.
"Yeah, yeah now that you had fun on my expense get out and look out for the others, would you?"
"I have to disagree with your assessment Pauline, Andrea knows how to dress quite exceptionally", Miranda defended the younger woman in a tone that broke no argument.
"Thank you", Andy said softly, feeling slightly embarrassed at the praise.
"Not at all. I was simply stating the truth."
Pauline looked from one woman to the other, wondering what was going on because something definitely was. It couldn't be, could it? Shaking her head at this thought she waved good bye, promising to gather all participants down on the lawn.
"I like her", was the first thing Miranda said when they were alone again.
"She is great." Andy agreed, glad that the editor felt that way about her best friend.
"I should also leave. Staying any longer would mean calling for an ultimate disaster." Miranda was got to her feet and walked towards the door. When she reached for the knob Andy's voice caused her to stop mid-motion.
"Miranda, wait!" Andy turned towards the older woman in her chair, unsure how she should proceed.
Looking expectantly at the biologist Miranda waited patiently for Andy to gather her courage to say what was on her mind.
"Yes?"
"About our deal..."
"Wriggling out of it already are you? And here I thought you were an adventurer Professor." Miranda couldn't stop herself from teasing the younger woman.
"No, I mean I'm not. But knowing how demanding your job is I want you to know that you don't have to do anything. I just thought that given your girls' love for animals I could take all of you to the zoo and show you what is going on behind the scenes, so to speak. I know the manager, one of the vets and quite a few of the keepers. The girls could help with preparing the food, take a look at the nursery and..." Seeing a strange look on Miranda's face Andy suddenly felt foolish for even suggesting such a thing.
"Or, or I could take you to the Museum of Natural History where they could also get to the places no one else usually gets, like looking at all the things behind the exhibits and stuff. And I'm shutting up now."
Miranda was still looking at her in such a strange way that Andy stopped talking rather abruptly startling the editor out of her trance like state.
"Why?" Miranda softly asked. It was plainly obvious that Andrea had put some thought into this. Miranda was touched because it was also quite clear that her efforts were focused on her girls and how she could give them an experience they wouldn't forget any time soon.
"Huh?" Was all Andy could come up with. She hadn't expected that simple question.
"Why? Why are you doing this?" There was a trace of wonder in Miranda's voice.
"They are great children, Miranda and I was very touched by the honest affection and concern they showed. I thought they would enjoy such an experience but if you think it's a bad idea I will think of something else."
Miranda walked over to where the biologist still sat in her chair and put a reassuring hand on Andy's shoulder giving it a gentle squeeze.
"They can be quite the little devils, I assure you. But they can also be very considerate, open-hearted and caring. The girls like you and since you reacted the way you did towards Cindy you are their absolute hero. I'm sure they would love both the zoo and the museum. Thank you, Andrea."
Andy smiled and felt pleased with herself.
"No thanks necessary. It will be my pleasure."
"Nevertheless, thank you and I will show you a little bit of my world. But now I have to go. Make sure to be downstairs in about half an hour, please."
"I will."
Andy watched the other woman leave her office before she sat back in her chair contemplating their conversation. What was it she had seen in Miranda's eyes? A soft warmth reserved for her daughters but also something else. Thinking of their visit to the zoo Andy was smiling again, something she hadn't done that often in the last three years like she had done the last few weeks.
When Andy joined the crowd downstairs she witnessed first hand another side of Miranda Priestly. Now she was the editor in chief, Dragon Lady and Ice Queen extraordinaire. It was a fascinating change from the woman she had seen only moments before in her office.
Gone was all the warmth and softness Miranda had displayed during their conversation. Miranda was relentlessly issuing orders, causing at least two grown men to break down in tears and sending everybody else scurrying around like chickens running from the big bad wolf.
Andy watched with rapt fascinating. She was already getting a glimpse of Miranda the professional and an idea why she was the best at what she did. Miranda took charge of every little detail of the shoot. It was mesmerising to watch the woman in action.
"She is a force of nature." Pauline stood next to Andy and watched Miranda direct the people of her entourage.
"You can say that again", Andy agreed with a little smile.
Pauline hadn't been quite sure what to make of the editor in the first place but when she had stumbled into the office there had been something strange in the air. She couldn't put her finger on it but looking at Andy now Pauline's eyes grew wide as realisation dawned on her. What was even more astonishing was the fact that Andy didn't have the slightest clue herself. At least not now. And if she knew her friend like she did Pauline was sure Andy would deny it and never act on it. What a mess. Sighing at her friend's stubbornness and reluctance to live again Pauline made her way over to the other participants of the shoot.
Soon enough all the university professors where asked to come together in front of the camera for their group photo with Andy in the centre, first row. After a few adjustments in her need for perfection Miranda gave the permission to the photographer to take the pictures. The group pictures where followed by the individual pictures for the interview series, except Andy. Miranda had kept her word, she only asked Andy to pose for the group photo.
Andy stayed a bit longer to watch the proceedings before she finally made her way over to Miranda to say good bye and get ready for her lecture.
"Andrea, thank you again for convincing them and agreeing to pose", Miranda sounded satisfied with the shoot.
"My pleasure", Andy inclined her head, "you give us a great opportunity. I should be the one thanking you."
"Nonsense", Miranda waved her off, "as soon as the issue with the group photo and your interview is done I'll make sure you are the first to receive a copy in advance."
"Wonderful. I'm afraid I have to leave for my lecture." Andy was apologetic, she would have liked to stay and watch the other woman in action a bit longer but it couldn't be helped.
"That's alright. I'll call you about the zoo. The girls have a break coming up which would be a good time."
"Good, just let me know when it suits you. Good bye, Miranda!"
"Good bye, Andrea."
Miranda watched her walk towards the biology building. She only returned to the task at hand when Andy entered the building and was out of sight. She was already looking forward to their trip to the zoo and the museum. Given Andrea's enthusiasm and passion for her subject Miranda was convinced the girls were going to have a wonderful time. And maybe she would enjoy herself as well, knowing how Andrea's demeanour could even infect her. Shaking her head at the thought, Miranda turned and rolled her eyes at an anxious looking Emily running towards her. Another disaster had to be avoided. Sighing at her fate Miranda determinedly took her steps towards Emily.
Andy put away her notes and looked up when she heard a faint knock on the door to find Pauline's head poking around the door.
"Hey there, ready to go? Care for a lift?" The physicist asked on her way into the office.
"Yes. It would be great, thanks." Andy closed her backpack, took her cane and stood up.
She turned off the lights before the two friends left the office and the building, walking towards Pauline's car.
"So?" Pauline couldn't hold back any longer. She wanted to know what was going on between her best friend and the editor.
"So what?" Andy asked uncomprehendingly.
"You and Miranda Priestly."
"What do you mean me and Miranda?" Andy stopped to look at her friend.
"Oh, please Andy! You two were holding hands when I was bursting into your office."
Andy rolled her eyes at Pauline's insinuations, knowing her friend's imagination was getting the best of her, as usual.
"We were merely sealing a deal. That's all."
"If you say so", Pauline snorted.
"It's true."
When they reached the car, Pauline waited for them to get in and get going before she continued her interrogation.
"What kind of deal?"
"My, my, somebody is very nosey." Andy couldn't help but tease her friend, knowing she was dying to find out what had transpired between her and the editor.
"I'm not! I'm just worried about you." Pauline sniffed, feeling slightly hurt by Andy's words.
"Sorry", Andy put a hand on Pauline's shoulder, "but there is nothing to be worried about."
"I'm your friend. It's my right to be worried. Miranda Priestly is not just anybody. She has a very powerful presence and let's not forget her reputation. Just be careful!"
"Please, Pauline, we were simply talking about getting to know more about each others professions and I asked her if she and her girls would like to go to the zoo with me. To learn about what goes on behind the scenes, nothing more." Andy explained with a reassuring smile.
"If you say so. But you can't deny that she is a very attractive woman."
"And let us not forget also very straight." Andy reminded her friend.
"Because she was married twice? That doesn't proof anything. Don't get me wrong but there was a certain tension in the room between the two of you."
"As if someone like her could ever be interested in someone like me", Andy snorted. "I think you are loosing it, my friend."
"Why not?"
"Enough of that nonsense", Andy was getting angry now and it showed in her voice. A clear indication for Pauline to let go of the topic.
The rest of their ride to Andy's apartment was made in silence. When they arrived Andy kissed Pauline's cheek before she got out of the car.
Watching her friend slowly walk towards the entrance Pauline was still contemplating their conversation.
"Why do I get the impression you protest too much my friend? Well, let's wait and see. This could become interesting."
With a shake of her head Pauline Langton turned the car from the curb and drove home.
Not so far away in another part of town Miranda Priestly was having a nice evening with her girls. Maria had made them their favourite pasta and after dinner the three of them were watching a comedy in the entertainment room. Both twins were snuggled into her side with their heads on her lap while Patricia was resting at her feet. Miranda smiled blissfully when she finally started to relax at the end of a stressful week.
When the credits rolled down the screen it was time for Caroline and Cassidy to go to bed and Miranda thought of Andrea's invitation.
"Listen girls, Andrea asked me if we would like to go to the zoo with her. She would like to show things that ordinary visitors usually do not see."
Perking up at the mention of Andrea's name the girls' faces became eager.
"What kind of things?" Caroline asked expectantly.
"All kinds of things. How a vet works, how the animals are fed, how they take care of those that are ill, the little ones. These kinds of things."
"Cool", Cassidy grinned, already going over a number of questions she could ask Andy.
"Yup, cool." Caroline agreed with her sister. "When are we going, mom?"
"Your spring break is coming up and given the fact that your father is going to be on a business trip and you have to stay with your boring old mother, I suggest I'll ask Andrea if it is convenient for her to take us then." Miranda smiled at the twins.
"You are the best, mom." "Great!" The girls tackled their mother on the couch, hugging her tightly.
When they drew back from the embrace, Cassidy looked seriously at their mother, a deep frown marring her forehead.
"You are not old mom and you are not boring." The redhead said in a matter of fact tone, which left no room for an argument. Sounding very much like her mother, Miranda smiled at her.
"Thank you, baby."
"Yeah, Cass is right mom. You know Andy, right? She is really cool, way cooler than all the other people you know." Caroline seconded her sister.
"You think so?"
"Yup!" The twins chorused.
"Good. Now get ready for bed. I'll be up soon to tuck you in."
They ran from the room without an argument for once and Miranda leaned back into the couch only to find Patricia staring at her with a strange kind of doggy smile.
"If I didn't know better I would say you are smiling because you also think Andrea is 'cool'."
When Patricia gave a confirming snort and lay back down again, Miranda's left eyebrow rose, the only indication that she registered that all family members for once agreed with her choice of friends.
"I think so too", the editor softly said with a tender smile on her face.
TBC
