Science of Fashion
Chapter 10
Reclining on her best friend's couch with a wonderful glass of 21 year old whiskey Andy sighed contentedly.
"So, tomorrow is the big day?" Pauline asked with a smirk.
"More like the first day of the big week." Andy corrected.
"How is that?" Claire, Pauline's wife wanted to know as she sat down next to her lover.
"Well", Andy tried to explain, "it's called Fashion Week, remember? Which means there will be fashion shows, gatherings, social events all through the week and on Friday there is a reception for all the designer, editors and journalists."
"Will you be there?" Claire asked eagerly.
"Yes, Miranda made sure that I have free access to all events and I'm be her personal guest at the reception."
"Way to go girl!" Pauline refrained from pointing out what was plain as day where the editor was concerned because Andy wouldn't want to hear it anyway.
"What about your lectures and seminars?"
"I made a deal with Carl. There will be some double lectures over the next few weeks. It's good that I don't have that many this semester."
"Lucky you", Pauline agreed. "Enjoy your week!"
"I think I will." Andy smiled.
On Monday morning Andy stood in front her closet questioning her sanity. Why had she agreed to this, again? That she didn't especially care for fashion, didn't mean she had no idea how to dress. Her closet was full of business suits and elegant clothes. Casual clothes were her favourite though.
But what does one wear to a fashion show? She should have asked Emily. Or rather not, Emily's choice of clothes fitted Emily perfectly but certainly wouldn't do for her. To say Emily was daring was an understatement. Elegant businesslike would have to do.
Cursing her body's non-compliance to make it easy for her, Andy struggled into her clothes. She had learned to come to terms with her limitations but there were times when she still got angry. Struggling to put on her clothes was one of them.
All she had to do now was to decide how to wear her hair. In the past she had worn it shorter but ever since the scar adorned the right side of her face, it was longer to hide it as good as possible.
Miranda did not mind, she had taken it in stride and even Emily was used to it. Strangers were another thing altogether. Andy hated their pitying looks and badly disguised curiosity. She decided to let her hair fall free over her cheeks. After one last look into the mirror she grasped a small but elegant black backpack, her cane and left.
Upon her arrival Andy spotted Emily on the steps of the building obviously waiting for her because when she exited the taxi Emily all but dragged her up the steps.
"Let go of my arm, would you", Andy was slightly annoyed with her friend.
"Sorry", Emily apologised with a cringe, letting go of Andy's arm as if she had been burned.
"Calm down, Em! Everything will be just fine." Andy smiled reassuringly at her friend.
Emily rolled her eyes with a snort, clearly not believing a single word. She looked up and squeaked when she saw Miranda already waiting for them at the top, a not amused look on her face.
"I take it you two are not for a warm welcome", the editor welcomed them.
"You mean those fake kisses on the cheek?" Andy asked with mischief in her eyes. "Please, we are British. I don't think you care for them much either."
"You are right, of course, I don't", Miranda smirked.
"Thought so. Hey!"
"Hey, yourself."
Miranda was about to say more when she heard her name being called by a woman Andy thought looked very much like Donatella Versace.
Rolling her eyes Miranda excused herself and left, with a fake smile plastered on her face, to greet the Italian woman.
When they were alone, Andy turned to Emily asking her friend what to expect for the next few hours.
"Let's see, there will be two fashion shows with gatherings afterwards. You know, to meet the designers. To stroke their ego or welcome new talents."
"And what is Miranda's part in all of this?" Andy had not really a clue. An idea maybe but to fully understand Miranda's role this week she wanted to know what to look for.
"Let me put it this way. Nigel once said something that sums it up perfectly I think. 'Her opinion is the only one that matters.'" Emily explained to her friend.
"Meaning what?"
"Watch her face during the show, her facial expressions tell a lot about what she thinks. A pursed lip means displeasure, it makes the designers weep, a slightly inclined head signals them it's not so bad but a barely perceptible nod is what they live for."
"Interesting", Andy admitted. Maybe this wasn't such a bad idea after all. Now she knew what to do. Watching Miranda watching the show would be quite instructive.
"I believe I understand now."
"Good. Let's go!"
Miranda was already seated right in front of the catwalk. Next to her was the bald man Andy had met at her interview at Runway. When Andy took her own seat, Miranda turned to her and introduced her to her companion.
"Andrea, please meet Nigel Kipling, my art director. I think you remember him from your interview."
"Mr Kipling", Andrea greeted with a nod of her head.
"Professor." Nigel returned with a raised eyebrow, clearly not pleased with her presence.
"What the hell is she doing here?" Nigel hissed with contempt in his voice.
"Not that it is any of your business but Andrea is my guest." Miranda said icily, effectively preventing any further questions.
Soon the first show of a young and upcoming designer started. Andy kept her eyes on the catwalk marvelling at the anorexic women walking up and down. How could they even be alive looking like that? And why did they all have to look the same? The dresses varied from nice and daring to downright horrible, at least as far as Andy was concerned. She thought of the dress Miranda had worn the first night they met. That had been a dress worth looking at. It was beautiful, gorgeous and not distracting from the woman who had worn it so gracefully. Miranda had been a vision that evening. With that thought in mind Andy turned towards the silver haired woman beside her, determined to watch her for the time being.
At the end of the show Andy had to admit that Emily had been right. Watching Miranda was very informative and more pleasurable than watching the show itself.
The second show was even more interesting, or rather Miranda's expressions were. The new Donna Karan line brought on a plethora of new impressions. She learned very fast to distinguish between the nuances of Miranda's show of displeasure or agreement. Being captured in a world of her own, Andy hadn't realised when the show was over and she and Miranda were the only ones left.
"Andrea." She heard Miranda's voice.
"Yes", focusing her eyes Andy snapped out of her trancelike state, blushing profusely at being caught.
"Andrea, what are you doing?" Miranda asked with a frown.
"What do you mean?"
"You were not watching the show."
"No", Andy admitted in a nearly inaudible voice.
"Why not? That's what we are here for." Miranda had no idea what was going on.
"That's what you are here for. I am here to understand."
"What?"
"You."
"Oh." If Miranda was honest that was exactly what Andrea was here for, wasn't she?
"Yes, well, you see Emily said watching you watching the show would give me a better insight on what you do because your opinion is the only one that matters."
"Did she?"
"Yes. And you know what? She was right."
"Was she, now?" Miranda's eyes were glistening with amusement.
"Quite so. By the way, looking at you is far more pleasurable than that skinny, uninspiring clones on stage."
Blinking at her own words Andy was suddenly struck by her own boldness.
"Well, you know what I mean", the biologist mumbled embarrassed.
Miranda covered the younger woman's hand where it lay in her lap. She was flattered and touched by Andrea's words.
"Thank you, Andrea." The editor said in a soft voice.
Tearing her eyes from those blue depths Andy was relieved to find Emily waiting for them at the entrance. She thanked her lucky charms for her British comrade.
"We should go, Emily looks definitely stressed out about the delay."
"That girl certainly needs to relax", Miranda snorted.
The gathering backstage was a chaos of faces and names for Andy. Miranda introduced her to all the important people and there was an endless stream of people wanting to bask in Miranda's light, getting into her good graces, sucking up to the editor with even more fake smiles and insincere compliments.
What followed was a luncheon with more of the same. Andy wondered how Miranda could stand it, all the false pretences. But obviously she could and she did so with grace. Remembering her grandmother's advice Andy held her head high, let a certain amount of arrogance show on her face and everything went smoothly. Charming the pants off those people was indeed a piece of cake, but it helped to have Miranda at her side. The editor was clearly the queen of this castle. Once more Andy was glad to have accepted the invitation.
The only thing that put a mild damper on the whole experience were the whispered conversations Andy overheard when she wandered off on her own. Envious and nasty comments about Miranda were the most apparent ones, calling her names the usual ones.
During another back stage gathering and luncheon on the third day Andy took a short break from those back stabbing hypocrites. She went outside for some air, and called a very good friend to ask for a very big favour. After finishing the call, laced with a lot of flattering and threats, Andy called a few other people to set her plan in motion. When everything was organised she returned inside for the next show. All she had to do now was waiting for the evening.
Snatching Emily from a chat with her co-workers during the last gathering of the day, Andy asked for a big favour.
"Em, I need your help."
"Okay."
"Call Roy and ask him to wait outside. Miranda and I will be there in five minutes." Andy said in a rush.
"Are you crazy? She is going to kill me." Emily was frantic.
"No, she won't. Please, Em." Andy wasn't above begging, if it helped to get what she wanted.
"All right. But you owe me for this, Sachs." The British woman muttered.
"Tell him to drive us there", Andy handed her friend a note with the address, leaving a gaping Emily behind after she had read the note.
Finding Miranda and prying her away from the people that gathered around her was the difficult part. Andy found her in another room, surrounded by fellow magazine editors and publishers.
Andy squared her shoulders and walked with determined steps towards the older woman, noting the fine lines of exhaustion in the corner of her eyes. A further indication that she did the right thing.
When she reached the group she gently cleared her throat to get their attention. Noticing how Miranda's eyes seemed to light up when she saw her. Could it be? No, don't be ridiculous, Sachs!
"Gentlemen, excuse me. I need to kidnap Miranda from you I'm afraid." Andy said with a charming smile.
"Not at all." They nodded graciously.
After they turned away from the two women, Andy took Miranda's hand and started to drag her away but stopped when she felt the tug of resistance.
"Let's go", Andy still held on to the older woman's hand.
"Are you out of your mind? I can't leave." Miranda stood her ground.
Exhaling audible at the editor's resistance, Andy knew she had to play dirty.
"Yes you can. Do you trust me, Miranda?"
"Of course, I trust you but that is..." Miranda was stopped by Andy's index finger over her lips.
"Please. Humour me! It's a surprise."
Miranda looked into those soulful dark brown eyes so full of warmth and she could do nothing else but consent to whatever Andrea had in mind.
"Surprise me then", the older woman acquiesced.
Breaking into a full blown mega watt smile, Andy gently tugged on Miranda's hand asking her to follow without letting go of her hand.
She led them out of the building where Roy was already waiting with the car. Andy helped Miranda into the back seat before she climbed in.
Roy started the car and drove away from the curb when Andy asked him about the address.
"Emily told you where to go?"
"Yes, ma'am."
"Good."
The rest of the ride was made in silence, Miranda wondered what she had herself gotten into while Andy was fretting if she hadn't overstepped her boundaries. Soon the car stopped and Roy held the door for Andy to get out who in turn held out her hand to Miranda to help her out of the car.
Miranda looked up and instantly recognised the building in front of them.
"Andrea, this is ridiculous."
"Please." Was all Andy needed for Miranda to give up her resistance.
"Very well. Lead the way!"
She held on to Andrea's hand and was led up the stairs where they were welcomed by a broadly smiling man.
"Good evening, Mrs Priestly. Welcome to the Museum of Natural History. It is a pleasure to have you here."
"Thank you."
"Hello, Walter", Andy greeted the man, "is everything ready?"
"Yes, Andy. Have a nice evening!"
"Thank you, Walter. The cheque will be in the post next week."
The second sentence was only for Walter Cummings' ears who grinned at the prospect of another handsome donation for his museum Walter was convinced he had made the right decision. Leaving the women at the front the door of the museum he went home, already planning for some new acquisitions.
Miranda was floored by the display when they entered the museum. In the middle of the great hall, between the large skeletons of the dinosaurs was a table set with a crisp white table cloth, china, crystal glasses and candles. Artificial torches were put up all over the room, bathing the room in the most beautiful display of light and shadows. A waiter was patiently waiting for them to take their seats. For the first time in her life Miranda Priestly was truly and utterly speechless.
Uncertain because of Miranda's continued silence Andy suddenly wasn't so proud of herself anymore. Fidgeting with a button of her jacket Andy wished Miranda would say something.
"Why?" Miranda choked around the lump in her throat.
"I thought you might enjoy a change from the past few days. And I was honestly fed up with the name calling I witnessed. So, here we are, among the real dragons, having a relaxed dinner without those snakes snapping at your ankle."
Touched beyond words at the biologist's thoughtfulness and wonderful gesture, Miranda simply leaned over and softly kissed Andrea's scared cheek. Watching Andrea blush becomingly, Miranda gently tugged on the hand she was still holding to guide them to the table.
When the waiter sprang into motion Andy waved him off, holding out the chair for Miranda herself, determined to treat the older woman like she deserved to be treated.
They were served a wonderfully delicious three-course dinner, accompanied with champagne. Conversation was easy and delightful. Andy could do what she had found was her favourite past time over the last few days, watching Miranda. The light of the candles danced over the editor's face causing Andy's breath to hitch more than once during their meal at the beauty she was allowed to look at. Miranda's hair shone like polished Italian marble, her eyes as blue as a clear summer sky and her fair skin almost translucent.
Andy was startled from her contemplations when Miranda covered her hand with her own, forcing her to look into those enchanting eyes.
"Thank you, Andrea, this is the most wonderful thing anybody has ever done for me."
"You are very welcome." The biologist smiled shyly.
Too soon their evening together was over and when they returned to the townhouse Andy once again was all gentlewoman when she helped Miranda out of the car.
Miranda didn't let go of Andrea's hand as she thanked the younger woman again for a memorable evening.
"Thank you, Andrea, this was exactly what I needed."
"My pleasure."
"Will I see you tomorrow?" Miranda asked hopefully.
"Sorry, but we have a meeting at the department that I can't skip. I meant to tell you but I forgot with all the excitement." Andy felt bad for not mentioning it earlier.
"Oh." Slightly disappointed Miranda just hoped Andrea would attend the reception.
"But I will be there for the reception. Promise!"
"Good." Breathing a sigh of relieve Miranda gave the hand in hers a gentle squeeze. Standing on tiptoes she once again tenderly kissed Andrea's right cheek before she hurried into the house.
Stopping at the top of the stairs to cast one last glance back at her gentlewoman, Miranda bid her good night.
"Roy will drive you home. Good night, Andrea."
"Good night."
Watching Andrea through the glass of the closed door as she climbed into the car to be taken away, Miranda let her head fall against the cool metal frame of her front door. What the hell was wrong with her? She felt like Cinderella after the ball at the prince's castle. How stupid was that? Here she was, Miranda Priestly, editor from hell, 50 years old with two pre-teenage girls behaving like a love sick teenager. The last thought brought her head up sharp. Where had that come from? Was that what it was all about? How was she supposed to know? No, ridiculous. Completely out of the question.
She slowly turned around and found three, well actually, four pairs of eyes watching her. There was nothing like your family to bring you back to reality.
"Babies why are you still up?" Miranda kneeled down to be hugged by her girls.
"Couldn't sleep. Maria made us some milk." Cassidy answered into her mother's neck, inhaling the comforting scent of her perfume.
"You all right, mommy?" Caroline asked worriedly.
"I'm perfectly fine, darling."
"Are you sure?" The girl wasn't completely convinced after seeing the strange look on her mother's face.
"Yes, baby. Andrea took me to a wonderful dinner after an exhausting day. So, I'm more than fine."
Miranda greeted Maria with a warm smile, she recognised the speculative look on her housekeeper's face. That look meant only one thing, after the girls were in bed she was in for some serious conversation. When had she lost command over her own household? The moment Maria Carvalli walked through the door that was when. But she wouldn't want it any other way.
"Andy, really?" Cassidy asked eagerly. Andy was her absolute hero after all the cool stuff she had shown them. "Did she take you somewhere cool? I'm sure she did."
Thinking for a moment about her daughter's question, Miranda had to answer yes.
"Actually, yes, darling." Miranda said with a smile.
"Awesome", Caroline seconded her sister. "Where did you go?"
Miranda brought the girls upstairs where she told them about her candlelight dinner at the museum between those large dinosaurs. It became quite clear that Andrea had even risen in her daughter's admiration. For they thought it was the coolest thing ever. She kissed them good night and gave Patricia, who had taken her usual spot between the girls' beds, a last scratch behind her ear.
"You take care of them!" She told the big hound before Miranda closed the door behind her.
She found her friend in the kitchen with a cup of tea already waiting for her. Although she wasn't fond of tea during the day Miranda liked to drink one before she went to bed. Sitting down opposite Maria she took a sip before she looked into Maria's caring eyes.
"I take it, it was more than cool", Maria said softly.
Smiling at the phrase, Miranda shook her head. Thinking about the evening, romantic was the word that came to her mind.
"Romantic", Miranda whispered, more to herself, testing the word and finding it fitting to describe the evening.
"Sorry, I didn't quite catch that."
"Romantic", Miranda repeated with firmness, "that's what it was. I have been wined and dined like a queen."
"Well, isn't that what they call you? Queen of Fashion." Maria pointed out.
"No."
"No?"
"No, I mean the designers and the press call me that", Miranda clarified, "but this wasn't about my job. This was about me."
"What do you mean?"
"It wasn't to impress the editor of Runway. It was about giving me something unique and special, turning a long and tiring day into a wonderful evening. I haven't been treated with so much care and gentle regard since, well, never." Miranda had to admit.
"How does that make you feel?" Even though Maria had a good idea after witnessing that look on Miranda's face after her return from the dinner she needed Miranda to say it.
"Special, cherished. Like Cinderella after the ball", Miranda blushingly voiced her thoughts from earlier. "It's completely silly and ridiculous, I know."
Patting Miranda's hand reassuringly Maria had to disagree. "Absolutely not! I think it's wonderful and it suits you."
Regarding her friend silently for a few minutes Maria thought it best to ask the big question that was already in the room and Miranda avoided at all costs.
"I need to ask you something, Miranda."
"Go on."
"I don't want you to get mad at me or angry. Just think about it before you answer, okay?"
"Okay." Miranda agreed, wondering what Maria had on her mind.
"Are you in love with Andrea?"
TBC