Andy swallowed face to face Miranda's Stephen.
''Hi Andy right. You've been sleeping with my wife. I'd like to talk with you. Just talk.'' Stephen seemed amiable.
Congenially Stephen guided Andy inside his modern penthouse, it was decorated very sleek as he calmly sat down across from Andy.
Stephen offered Andy a high ball who declined, if it was a guy in front of him, he'd have punched him for touching and screwing his wife. Andy being a girl was different.
Andy was that assistant once to Miranda. He remembered her coming upstairs uninvited when he and Miranda were arguing about her not being there at a dinner.
Stephen studied Andy, she was young about twentysomething, and he was determined Andy here was going to stay away from Rands by implying something that frankly wasn't true, his words Stephen knew would break this little lesbo Andy's heart.
Miranda was meant to be with him. Belonged to him. Plain and simple.
Taking a swig, running his tanned hand through his salt and pepper hair.
''Andy there's no easy way to tell you this but first, I just want you to know I'm not blaming you. Rands a very desirable woman.''
Andy's scuffed camo sneakers on his carpet. Out of place on his leather sofa with a Picasso hanging.
''Miranda and I, we decided with Dr Inwood our therapist, it was a good idea to have Miranda explore by trying a safe relationship but listen what Miranda's doing is wrong. Stringing you along. Making you fall in love with her. I'm sorry to have to prove this to you but I don't think it's fair to you to think it means anything more to her. It's just sex. Andy.''
Andy's brown eyes blinked. Miranda was using her. Stephen was lying. He had to be? Miranda wouldn't do that to her.
Stephen took his phone and pressed play. Andy listened to Miranda's voice mail to Stephen. Telling him how much she loved him and still wanted to stay married to him. Heard Miranda words of please give it and her a second chance. Andy felt like she'd been hit in the solar plexus.
Andy didn't know this was an old voice mail from weeks ago, the hour before Andy found Miranda crying alone in a Paris hotel suite.
''I'm afraid Andy all you are to her is fun. There's been a few others before you.'' Stephen lied flatly to Andy.
How many? Andy felt like a fool. A blind love-struck gullible fool.
Miranda was someone she thought she knew.
Stephen saw Andy believed him. Looking at her hurt brown eyes. Good. Handing Andy, a fake document seeming as if Miranda had it drawn up. An agreement.
Andy took it. Her almost going to Stanford for pre law helped her digest this legal document. It was a contract like a prenup between Miranda and Stephen accepting any extramarital affairs but only once. Miranda's words came back to Andy. Only once. To try her.
Andy felt sick.
''There's more.'' Andy was shown a photo of her kissing Miranda at the townhouse door.
''This is in case you use your little tryst liaison and go leak it to the media. Miranda had it taken. To protect herself. As you know being her assistant once about Miranda's compulsive need of privacy.'' Andy read it with numbness. ''Miranda understands my needs and I accept her persuasions. I am still her husband and she is still my wife. We talked about you. Miranda told me, you were exquisite.'' Stephen lied right to Andy's stricken face.
Used.
She was a toy. A substitute. A walking breathing vibrator.
''So Andy why don't you make a clean break and have some closure by not see her again. Start afresh. Maybe leave New York. Undamaged. Andy I think it's for the best if you forget Miranda. I'm trying to be decent here and do the right thing. I'm quite disgusted by Miranda's behaviour.''
Andy wordlessly agreed with Stephen Tomlinson, she would start anew back home in Ohio. She was never seeing Miranda Priestly again.
Undamaged right, Andy knew band-aids didn't fix hearts broken.
Andy left Stephen.
Wiping her tears.
Andy ignored a voice mail message on her phone from her, fishing out of her wallet the ticket her Dad had bought her, as a just in case she needed it. Andy sure as hell needed it now.
Dialling as Andy paced her living room. ''Hi Mom. It's Andy. I'm going to be moving home tomorrow.''
Andy's Mom knew something had happened to Andy. ''Oh Hun I thought you'd met someone and you were staying in the city for them.''
So did Andy hours ago.
''No. Mom, I have no wish or reason to stay. Listen, I have a lot to sort out. I gotta go. I'll see you and Dad tomorrow. Goodnight Mom.''
Hung up, Andy looked around her apartment, she had to pack and she would put the rest in storage and have it shipped back to her parents place. Andy had send an email to her Editor John and resign at The NY Mirror. Deleting Miranda's message. Felt like leaving one of her own, a nasty one. Couldn't.
9am Dr Inwood's Office
Miranda had to bring Cassidy and Caroline along because it was a family session with Stephen.
''Hello again Miranda.'' Dr Maryanne Inwood greeted the twins. ''Nice to meet you both. Cassidy. Caroline.''
Both redheads greeted her with smiles that turned to cutting eyes at him.
Stephen. The Dork. Cassidy rolled her eyes catching Car's eye. Dr Inwood wanted them to wait with Annabelle at Reception.
Saw Stephen's phone he left. How about texting his bimbos and ruining his Tinder with a words like him having a fetish for smeared blue cheese and for supermodels dressed as a cow or in lederhosen and yodelling.
Both of them had dressed identically today. Annabelle thought they were just adorable as she watched both of them probably playing Candy Crush.
''Car. Look at this.'' Cass called. Both of their blue eyes wide.
Dr Inwood had Miranda begin but Stephen interrupted her. Moving closer to Miranda on the couch they shared. Miranda sat rigid.
''Miranda I want you to reconsider us. I love you Rands and I know I've been a lousy husband to you but I've changed. Honestly. I want to be back in your life. Let's not be separated anymore. Let's be us again Stephen and Miranda.''
Miranda shook her head. Stephen was the last person she wanted back.
''Stephen I don't want this.'' Miranda looked at Stephen seriously. She wanted Andy.
Stephen interjected, using some of the fluffy stuff Lynn had armed him with from Cosmo. If Rands wanted to talk about feelings sure he could do that for a day or two. He'd buy her tampons to prove he respected strong independent women.
Soft knocking interrupted them.
''Sorry to disturb your session Dr but they want their Mom.'' Annabelle stood in the doorway. Both redheads on either side of her.
Stephen plastered a false smile at the twins ushered in by Dr Inwood. ''Hi guys. Just wait for your Mom. Later you can see her. She's busy with me girls. Maybe we can get ice cream in an hour. Doesn't that sound like fun.''
Giving them a tanned dimpled smile. Phony.
Cass rolled her blue eyes revolted. Lame. ''We're lactose intolerant.'' That was a lie. Andy bought them ice cream yesterday. Both of them loved it.
''Mom you have to see this.'' Car proclaimed.
Holding out Stephen's phone to Mom. The image showed Andy kissing Miranda at the front door.
Miranda blinked her blue eyes, studied it. What on earth?
Why did Stephen have a photo of her and Andy kissing? Cold blue eyes pierced Stephen's.
''Stephen. Explain. This.''
''Miranda that is on my phone for a good reason. I'm willing to overlook it. Put it all behind us Randy. We can start over.''
Miranda jaw clenched. ''Put what behind us, Stephen?''
''Andy who you slept with? Now Randy listen I told her to leave you alone and she did.''
''Stephen. What did you say to her?'' Miranda demanded. Concerned what had he done and worse said to Andrea. ''Stephen tell me now what did you do to Andy?''
Stephen shook his head satisfied. ''You're little girlfriend is long gone. Good riddance.''
Car and Cassy folded their arms in front of him. ''Tell Mom.''
Stephen face was puce coloured at these two twins ruining this. '' Shut up! You two little brats.''
Miranda icily stood up. ''Stephen I am warning you do not speak to my daughters like that.''
Stephen made to grab Cass's arm. He better let go, if only she had her lacrosse stick, she would lam him one.
''Stephen. Let go of Cassidy. Right now.'' Miranda warned him. Maternally protective of her Bobbseys.
Miranda had warned him. To hell with her Elizabeth Arden manicure.
Miranda abhorred violence, lamming one jab on Stephen's nose. Cassy was let go.'' Impressed Cassy happily praised. ''Wow Mom.''
Growing up in the East End made Miranda have a good hook.
Stephen howled. ''You broke my nose.'' Blood spurting. ''I don't want you anyway you frigid bitch who only a dyke wants.''
Dr Inwood had watched this session. Disgusted with Stephen.
''Mr Tomlinson I consider this abusive to Miranda and her daughters.''
''Dr Inwood I think our sessions are at an end. I've decided Stephen and I are completely incompatible and also for being many things to me especially a lying low down snake of a bastard and I cannot be with such slime.''
Dr Maryanne Inwood agreed. ''In my professional opinion Miranda I agree and personally go get this Andy of yours.'' Miranda smiled that she would.
Stephen whined at Dr Inwood. ''You saw that crazy bitch punch me. I could press charges for battery.''
Dr Inwood smiled. ''What punch Mr Tomlinson. You might want to get a prescription for glasses, tripping like that. It must be a hazard.''
''Fine. Andy can have you Rands, what a prize an old Ms frumpy Priestly.''
Miranda took her purse with both twins on either side of her. ''Girls hold this please.''
Miranda kneed Stephen. ''That is from Car and for Andy.''
Another couple waiting, saw Miranda regally leaving with her twins in tow and heard Stephen's painful groans. Not knowing which to hold, his broken nose or his…
Trying Andy's phone which kept going to voice mail as Roy drove them to The NY Mirror.
Marlene at Reception was having one of those days. First it was her nail chipped, then Sal the regular gopher forgot her breakfast order this morning of an Egg McMuffin and now this unmovable Park Avenue manicured broad who'd never heard the words. ''Just wait a sec. I'll be right with you.''
Holding a finger up to the Ms Silver haired the world revolves around me. ''One sec Honey.'' Back on the phone to her cousin. ''So tell Joey you don't want a reception in Jersey. You want upscale. Dinner theatre that is classy.''
''I need to see Andy Sachs.'' Miranda stood haughtily. Having to repress a strong urge to disconnect Marlene's call.
Told by Car and Mom. ''Find Andy.'' Cass slipped under the barrier unnoticed by Marlene. Car smiled angelically at the gum chewing Receptionist.
Shep was clearing out Andy's desk for her. Hadn't left anything personal in it. Poor kid looked awful earlier.
''Andy.'' Shep collided with the speeding along redhead looking for his colleague. ''Hey slow down. You must be a Priestly twin.''
'' Yes. I'm looking for Andy. Andy Sachs.''
Shep bent down to her level. ''Sorry kiddo. Andy's gone. Quit this morning. She's going home to Ohio she said so. Andy's probably at JFK, her flights in about an hour.''
Quit. Leaving the city and leaving them and Mom. Andy promised her and Car, she wouldn't.
Cass swallowed hard at Shep's words.
''Hey don't cry. Here let me give you Andy's forwarding address.'' Shep went to his desk to get Andy's info.
Turning around to no one. Cass had run back to Mom and Car fast.
Roy drove Miranda and Cassidy and Caroline to JFK. Emily and Abby had flight information on Andy's domestic flight to Cincinnati. Booking three seats in case they missed Andy.
Stuck in traffic, Roy was five minutes away from the gate for the airline drop off. ''Roy stop. Girls stay here. Let me out here.''
Mom could run up and downstairs at the townhouse in her stilettos and probably if she tried and wanted to marathons. Encouraged by both of her Bobbseys. ''Go Get her Mom.''
That she would.
Saw the back of Andy at the check in desk, with an airline representative and a long queue.
Slipping under the barrier, Miranda hadn't flown normally in years usually swept right to the first class lounge. ''Hey lady there's a line.'' One burly passenger informed her as Miranda walked forward and ignored the complaints at her cutting the line, making her way to the front. To Andy.
''Andrea.''
Andy had just checked her bag and was slinging her carryon laptop over her shoulder. Froze still with her back to Miranda, didn't deserve her turning around. Swallowing all the hurtful nasty things she wanted to accuse Miranda of. Half of Andy wanted Miranda to just go away. Leave her the fuck alone.
Andy greeted her coldly. ''Miranda.''
''Please just listen I know Stephen saw you and told you to go away.''
Andy cut in, still not facing her. ''Yeah he did. Miranda. I don't want to do this here.''
Felt Miranda's fingers brush her shoulder blade, stiffening from her touch. '' I don't know what he said to you, Andy but what he said wasn't true. Please just don't go away okay. Stay.''
Andy didn't respond to her words.
''Is there nothing I might say to keep you here?'' Miranda asked Andy, her blue eyes glistened softening on her turned away face.
''I have to go Miranda. I've gotta catch my flight.'' Moving pass her without looking at her.
Miranda wouldn't allow this. Andy had to know how she felt about her. Grabbing the airline announcer paging system, who was informing of delays and gates for passengers.
''Andy Sachs don't you dare walk away from me again. I once said you weren't rare or extraordinary but you are because somehow I know you love me. How do I know this? It's the way you are with Cassidy and Caroline. It's also the way you made love to me that night. The idea of letting anyone close to me terrifies me but I need you to know this. I love you. I love you Andy Sachs and I know it didn't happen right away.
You use to drive me crazy and make me so irritated by you and your warm easy charm when you worked for me and wearing that lumpy sweater but somehow you against every reason not to, didn't run from me, you fit to me. Yes. You, Andy you who are klutzy and corny and mine and no you're not perfect or glamourous as you once declared when I met you at Runway do you remember but you are more than that because you're perfect for me. Yes you Andy Sachs are who is shaped for me. You are my list. Please don't leave me. I love you.''
Everyone in the airport heard Miranda's true words to Andy on the terminal speaker.
Andy had walked away. Like Paris.
It was quiet driving back to the townhouse. Roy got the door of the Mercedes for all three Priestly's, wished a good evening. All three looked upset at what had happened with Andy. Not coming to her from the gates like a rom com.
''I hate Andy.'' Cassy said fiercely as both girls crumpled on the sofa as Miranda almost agreed, felt worse than Paris, heard the doorbell. Getting up and wiping her eyes as she saw who was standing there. Andy here.
Vowing she would not answer her door. Whatever Andy wanted to say she didn't want to hear it. Rung again. Insistently.
''Miranda I know your there. I saw you come home.'' Andy informed.
Miranda stilled rigid at the door, separating them. ''You left me and flew away.''
Andy met her eyes through the glass saw Miranda had been crying. ''No I went to but then I couldn't, it just didn't seem fair to you to walk away from you again and not respond to your lovely words Miranda. Let me see you, please just for a minute?''
Miranda's icily retaliated. ''I didn't mean them.''
Andy smiled through the door. ''Yes you did. Miranda I'll stay here all night if I have to. Camp on your door. What would the neighbours say.''
Miranda seethed and reluctantly opened the door to Andy standing there with ugly carnations from a kiosk and with a large paper held up to her. Bold black words. Special Delivery.
Andy's grin faltered a little at Miranda's cold stare right at her. Andy had hurt her, clasping an envelope under her arm. Putting her backpack down which Miranda narrowed her eyes on and the owner of the casual rucksack. Andy's other luggage was enroute to Ohio. Andy knew her Mom and Dad would collect it.
''I will give you five minutes only. Upstairs now.''
Andy followed Miranda to the study. Not shutting the door behind them.
Andy handed Miranda the sealed envelope. ''Open it.''
Miranda took it. Pulling out a list on a cocktail napkin.
What in hell was this? Miranda wondered. Should tear it up and throw Andy out of her townhouse right this instant.
''Miranda just read it.'' Andy implored.
Number one: Gelid but sexy and Nate's right. This chemistry is here between us. I feel tingles and everything even when we brush handing her a coffee cup.
Number two: Seen her heart because she loves her daughters more than anything.
Number three: Says my name like no other can pronounce and I react.
Number four: Haughty but at the office so many times and that night in her suite I like the many little glimpses of her, the real her I slowly discover.
Number five: Told me she loves me in front of crowds of strangers at JFK.
Number five was added in a cab by Andy who was stuck in it driving to Miranda's.
Miranda was holding it wordlessly.
''Please Miranda I'm sorry I walked away but what you said to me, how am I supposed to leave you now? I know your really mad at me. You have every right to be. I love you too. Always.''
Not looking at Andy. Stepping over to the window.
''Please Miranda give me a chance again. I have a confession to make. I lied. There were never any other women. You're the one I talked about. It's you. Only you. Always has been you.'' Miranda still had her back turned on Andy. Unable to read Miranda's eyes. Uncharted dragon territory for Andy.
''You're my person Miranda please, cause right now, I just really want to have you somehow know how much you mean to me. Please, please, just let me somehow show you right now that I love you. I love you Miranda. And if you're not convinced afterwards that I am into you in every possible way a person can be into another person, then I promise I will never try to kiss you, or fuck you, or love you ever again, as long as I live. I swear. If not. If you don't want me. I'll just go.''
Miranda nodded. ''Andy. Okay.'' Waspishly spoke still not looking at Andy.
''Okay to what? '' Andy hoped she was right.
''I say show me. You once said you can do anything. Right?'' Meeting Miranda's vivid eyes which sparkled on Andy and fully smiled at her.
Kissing Miranda slowly against the desk.
''I'll just have to have a lifetime of growing old with you and showing you. Ms Priestly.''
''I'll hold you to all of it. Ms Sachs.''
Both redheads peeking into the study. ''Mom remember car alarms.''
Miranda motioned with her hand waving to go away as Andy circled her waist and brought her with both palms clasping her closer into her frame.
Epilogue
''I am not watching this.'' Not knowing what to expect or see. Miranda sat down on the couch beside Andy who'd rented this on Netflix. If it was scary, Andy had better hold her.
''Miranda it's not what you think. Honest.'' Andy pressed. Play.
Settling in next to her partner as Imagine Me and You began.
Andy was pinched midway through it. ''Guns. Breasts and Horror.'' Raising an imperious brow at Andy who grinned at her watching Rach and Luce first kiss on roses in the florist shop that gave Andy the chills.
''I think we can give them a run for their money. Whatta you think Priestly.''
Kissed by Andy as both sunk into the couch.
Cassy and Car cleared their throats at Mom and Andy making out on the couch. Breaking apart as Andy perkily greeted both. ''Hi.''
''We want to tell you both what you're next date is.''
''It's not a date. It's this.''
Handed an invitation. Andy read it thinking it was a recital, her jaw dropped, this wasn't a Dalton recital. ''Miranda I think this is a hint.''
Miranda peered at the ivory wedding announcement of her and Andy. Staring at it. ''Girls.'' It had been two weeks together. This was a lot for Andy to digest.
Car informed matter-of-factly. ''It's all been arranged.''
''So do you want to marry me?'' Andy asked her.
''Yes darling more than anything.'' Miranda held their wedding invitation. It would be held in a place on her list.
Andy frowned. ''I don't even have a ring to do this properly.''
Cassy went to open her mouth helpfully. Andy stated firmly. ''I will buy one guys.''
''I think just for tonight, I can improvise with a temporary one.'' Borrowing Car's ring with sparkles in it. That lit up. It was so tacky. It was perfect to Miranda.
Andy supposed this was a first for Miranda. Proposed with a light up ring that cost five bucks.
''It's not Cartier but Miranda will you marry me? I can't give you diamonds or so many things I want to give you. I am here for you always and I love you and Cassy and Caroline you know I'd protect and lay down my life for you three. I change your light bulbs. I walk Patricia in the rain. So will you marry me?
Miranda eyes were wet. She was not going to cry.
''Could you give me an answer soon, because my legs are falling asleep down here.'' Andy teased her.
Miranda rolled her eyes at her ever incurably romantic Andréa.
Joining Andy on her knees. ''Yes a thousand times yes, change my light bulbs for life.''
Wedding speeches after the registry, Andy's parents laughed that a sex therapist Dr Inwood brought Andy and Miranda together again. Dr Inwood was attending but didn't think she needed to give couples advice to this beautiful in love couple in front of her.
Emily caught the bouquet and blushed at Serena her date
''I want the first kiss and dance Mrs Priestly Sachs. Earlier you asked if I wanted anything, I do want something, tell me why you wanted me only once to be with you?'' As they danced together on the beach
''I thought when you implied you had so many one night stands, that it would be only once. Andy.''
Andy teased her. ''That's the stupidest craziest thing I've ever heard. Miranda. With you making love with you could never be just once. Never.''
Andy's eyes sparkled on Miranda's.
Miranda went over her credit card statement again. This couldn't be right. No charges on it for all of the dates, she and Andy went on.
''Girls what card did you use with your matchmaking dates for us?''
Cassy was showing Andy her school project for raising money for children in Tanzania and Nepal Aid for the earthquake, as Car shrugged at Mom putting her homework away.
''Mom we didn't use your card. We used Stephen's.''
Andy loved these two.
Stephen Tomlinson opened his statement. He spent how much?
Told by the credit card department, he had to pay it, since he'd charged it.
Took a call put through to his office line. ''Wait what I didn't donate my Ferrari to underprivileged children in Tanzania and Nepal Aid.''
Lynn his secretary saw a grown man cry.
