Andy released the breath she'd been holding and smiled at Miranda as they took the last step.
Miranda's eyes twinkled as she squeezed Andy's hand and whispered "Perfect my Darling."
Miranda led them into the ballroom. Miranda nodding her greeting as they passed guests. The party was already in full swing, people were dancing, sipping champagne, the din of voices could be heard even with the orchestra playing.
Miranda raised Andy's hand to her lips kissing the back of her hand making Andy blush. Miranda leaned in to her ear, "Darling I need to work the room. You are welcome to join me, but I am aware it can be rather dull."
"I do want to be with you, but I would like to go check-in with Martha and the other teams first to make sure everything is going okay." Andy replied.
Miranda gave a curt nod, "Understood. Proceed." Covertly swatting Andy's bottom.
Andy giggled taking hold of Miranda's hand again, "So this is becoming a thing with us? This bottom swatting?"
Miranda's expression was impassive as she raised an eyebrow in playful contemplation. "Yes. Yes, I believe it is."
"Good." Andy replied flirtatiously, leaning in to whisper in Miranda's ear, "I'd like to explore spanking more thoroughly with you." Andy smiled wickedly.
Miranda cleared her throat blushing furiously.
Andy laughed more fully, "I'll take that as your agreement."
Miranda's glare held no real malice, "Away from me, you impertinent child."
Andy laughed harder turning away.
They held on to each other's hand as long as possible, each giving a little squeeze, before they let go.
Unbeknownst to Andy, Miranda's first order of business was a quick conversation with the orchestra's conductor. Her timing was impeccable, of course, as she approached him just at the end of a song. The man's body visibly stiffened as she approached. He gave her a quick bow, "Good evening Ms. Priestly."
"Good evening." Miranda greeted him coolly, "At exactly 10PM this evening you will play the Blue Danube waltz immediately followed by All I Ask of You from The Phantom of the Opera."
"It would be our pleasure." He replied.
Miranda leveled him with a glare, "And you will sound like the New York Philharmonic as you do so."
The man paled but nodded his head.
"That's all." Miranda said as she turned to walk toward her awaiting guests.
Andy turned to walk the length of the ballroom admiring the colorful crowd. The costumes were so beautiful, the orchestra sounded amazing, and as far as she could tell there were ample servers roaming the room with champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Andy made her way out of the far end of the ballroom heading for the kitchen when she accidently bumped into someone. "Oh, excuse me."
"Andy?" the woman asked.
Looking closer, "Laurel?" Andy asked. "Wow, you look amazing! I love the costume!"
Laurel was dressed in emerald green satin with gold stitching. She looked like the female version of one of the Three Musketeers complete with the huge feather in the hat she wore and a rapier at her hip.
"I love it too. Nigel chose it for me." Laurel smiled.
"Well he got it right. You look incredible Dr. Grey." Andy beamed.
"So do you, the dress is gorgeous on you." Laurel complimented.
"Why thank you. Hey Miranda's at the other end of the ballroom, she's just starting to make the rounds. I'm on my way to the kitchen to check-in with Martha, so I'll see you later?" Andy asked.
"You will." Laurel smiled tipping her champagne glass to Andy.
Andy walked into a very busy kitchen, but didn't see Martha, taking care to stay out of the caterer's way, she moved to the back staircase. She needed to go put her gifts for Miranda in her room. Andy hurried up the stairs quickly completing her task then returned to the kitchen. This time she spotted Martha, catching her eye, "Martha, is everything okay? Do you need anything?"
"Oh Andy, you look beautiful." Martha smiled as she made her way to where Andy stood.
"Thank you." Andy smiled.
"Were just fine here, everything is going very well." Martha patted Andy's forearm.
"Okay, do I need to take Patricia out or anything?" Andy asked.
"No, no. She's been out, had her dinner, and is currently shedding on my sofa." Martha chuckled.
Andy laughed at the image in her head of Patricia spread out and snoring on Martha's couch.
"Don't you worry. You go have fun." Martha walked over to a table piling up a small plate, "And here, take a few of these to Miranda. She forgets to eat at these events. Now she'll give you that look, but she is really very fond of these little crab cakes."
"You got it. I'll make sure she eats. Thanks Martha." Andy beamed then made her way back out the kitchen door and into the foyer.
Andy moved through the crowd relatively quickly making her way to the front of the house speaking briefly to the leaders of the Parking Valets and Security teams, all was going smoothly for them so she headed back into the ballroom.
Andy spotted Miranda on the far side of the ballroom speaking with an elderly couple that she recognized right away, Mr. & Mrs. Ozman Coffin. She had spoken to them on many occasions in the past, very nice people. As Andy passed by the orchestra, she gestured to the conductor who leaned over to hear her, Andy asked him if he could please play 'Harbor Lights', he smiled at her and nodded his head.
Andy weaved her way along the edge of the dance floor, Miranda's back was to her, but Mr. & Mrs. Coffin who were seated saw Andy approach.
"There she is!" exclaimed Mr. Coffin smiling.
"Oh my Dear, you look lovely!" Mrs. Coffin called out.
Miranda spun around to find out who could possibly be more important than she to interrupt their conversation for.
Andy beamed at a startled Miranda and giving her a quick peck on the lips "These are for you, fresh from the kitchen." Andy handed Miranda the plate of mini crab cakes, then turned her attention to the Coffins.
Mr. Coffin teased, "And where is my kiss?"
Andy smiled brightly at him, "Oz the Great and Powerful, you big flirt!" laughing she bent over to plant a big kiss on his cheek. Then turned and bent over where Mrs. Coffin sat to give her a hug, pulling back to crouch at her feet she held the elderly woman's hands. "It's so good to see you."
"And you my Dear girl. Now up off that floor and sit with us a minute." Mrs. Coffin requested.
Miranda was stunned, how could Andrea possibly know these people well enough to be so informal with them. Miranda has known the Coffins for years, but would never dream of acting so familiar with them. The Coffins are, by a very large margin, the wealthiest and most influential people in the room.
Andy made her way around Mrs. Coffin to sit at the table. Smiling up at Miranda, "Miranda come sit with us."
Miranda was pulled out of her stupor by Andrea's voice. "Ye-Yes, of course." Miranda moved to the remaining open seat between Andrea and Mr. Coffin.
Andy placed her hand over Mrs. Coffin's, "So how are those great-grand babies of yours?" she asked smiling.
"Growing too fast." Mrs. Coffin mused, patting Andy's hand.
Miranda gestured to one of the servers to bring over fresh champagne flutes.
"Now don't distract me, I understand you have very big news my Dear. Did I hear correctly that you descended the stairs with Miranda this evening?" Mrs. Coffin grinned, eyeing Andy knowingly.
Andy blushed, nodding, "Yes", and reached for Miranda's hand.
Miranda smirked at Andy, turning her hand so they could link fingers.
"Well that can only mean one thing." Mr. Coffin spoke aloud as he looked at his wife, then turned to fully face Miranda. "And just what are your intentions with our Andy, Miranda?"
Miranda choked on her champagne.
Andy patted her back, handed her a napkin, and worked really hard to hold back her laugher.
Miranda dabbed at her chin, but spoke with conviction "I assure you, nothing less than honorable Mr. Coffin."
Mrs. Coffin continued for her husband, wagging her index finger at Miranda, "Miranda Priestly we've know you for nearly twenty years, this one…", gesturing to Andy, "…you keep." Mrs. Coffin stated firmly, looking Miranda straight in the eye.
Miranda was so taken aback all she could think of to say was, "Yes Ma'am."
Andy nearly bit her tongue in two holding back her laugher.
Thankfully, at that moment the orchestra began to play the opening chords of 'Harbor Lights'.
"Now there's a familiar tune." Andy chirped.
"Oh Andy, did you have the orchestra play that for us?" Mrs. Coffin smiled.
Andy just smiled and shrugged her shoulders, she had remembered the story of how the Coffin's had met and that 'Harbor Lights' was the song they had first danced to. "Go on Oz, take your bride out there and show us how it's done."
Mr. Coffin smiled at Andy then reached for his wife's hand as he rose from his seat and helped his wife out of hers. They slowly made their way to the dance floor and into each other's arms with all the love and familiarity of their fifty-seven years together.
Andy sighed and smiled as she watched the Coffin's dancing slowly together, she reached for and held Miranda's arm with both hands. "Do you think we'll be there one day?"
"Well, I'll be there long before you my Darling. But, yes", Miranda's eyes twinkled at Andy, "Yes I do."
"Here" Andy scooted the plate of crab cakes directly in front of Miranda, "you have to eat some of these."
Miranda glared at Andy.
"Don't give me that look, Martha's orders." Andy explained.
"Very well, I will eat while you explain to me how you are so well acquainted with the Coffins." Miranda challenged, lifting a crab cake to her mouth.
Andy paled, "Well…you know how at most of the big events you attend there is usually a line of people waiting to talk to you."
Miranda nodded reaching for another crab cake.
Andy continued, "And at some point during the evening either you or Emily let me know that I can step away for a while, and then….well..." Andy visibly gulped as Miranda turned in her chair to face Andy directly, "it's just that I see all these people, people that are in the book that we memorize, and I can tell they want to speak to you, but they can't Miranda. Like the Coffin's, they're in their mid-eighties, they physically can't stand around in a line waiting. So.." Andy's shoulders crept up, cowering, "Igoandtalktothemonyourbehalf."
"In English please." Miranda requested flatly.
"I go and talk to them on your behalf." Andy enunciated quietly.
Miranda's head tilted, "You go and speak with them on my behalf?".
"Yes." Andy squeaked.
"And you've done this from the beginning of your employment?" Miranda pressed.
"Yes." Andy's eyes pleaded "Please don't be mad."
Miranda smirked as she reached out for Andy's hand. "Andrea, I'm not angry darling. I'm impressed."
Andy let out a sigh of relief.
Miranda thought for a moment as she ate another crab cake then continued. "In fact, this is a valuable lesson. I have become complacent in my habits. So, going forward, we will make sure that I walk the room before my usual departure. Yes?"
"Yes." Andy beamed.
"Very well." Miranda squeezed her hand.
Just then the Coffins approached the table again, a bit out of breath.
Andy smiled at them, "You guys looked great out there!"
Mrs. Coffin scoffed at Andy chuckling as she sat down.
"Oh dear, I think my dancing days are behind me." Mr. Coffin breathed out heavily taking his seat and reaching for his champagne flute.
Andy quickly snatched it, "Oh no you don't, I'm cutting you off." Andy waved over a server, "A club soda for Mr. and Mrs. Coffin please." Andy knew that both of the Coffins were on daily blood pressure medication and mixing it with alcohol was not a good idea.
"Thank you my dear." Mr. Coffin said as he dabbed at his forehead with his handkerchief.
"Thank you dear." Mrs. Coffin repeated, "Now you two run along, we know you have others you need to speak to." Mrs. Coffin smiled at them both.
Andy gave them both a hug, while Miranda gave her customary air-kisses. While Mrs. Coffin had a hold of Miranda's hands she spoke softly, "You take care of our Andy."
Miranda squeezed her hands gently and smiled softly, "You have my word."
Miranda held Andy's hand leading her to the next group of people. Andy leaned in whispering sensually in Miranda's ear, "Not entirely honorable, I hope."
Miranda didn't even try to restrain her surprised bark of laughter, smiling wickedly at Andy. "No. Not entirely."
For the next hour and a half they worked their way around half of the ballroom greeting and chatting with the guests.
Miranda leaned into Andy's ear, "Darling, I need to make my speech soon, would you mind getting me something a bit stronger from the bar?"
"Vodka tonic with a double lime?" Andy asked with a grin.
"Yes, thank you."
"I won't be long." Andy squeezed Miranda's arm as she turned to make her way to the bar.
There were two open bars set up on the large stone terrace outside. Andy weaved her way through the throng of guests finally stepping out onto the terrace, she stole a moment to look out over the formal garden and sighed, it was magical, the decorations and lights illuminating the pathways were just perfect. She hoped that maybe later she and Miranda would be able to walk through it together. Andy pulled herself away from the beautiful sight to go to the bar, placing her order, someone said "Andy?"
Turning Andy recognized her friend from Dancers with Disabilities, "Amy! I didn't know you were going to be here!" Andy opened her arms to give her a hug.
Amy Brandt had been a professional modern dancer until four years ago a drunk driver struck her at a cross-walk, unfortunately Amy lost her left leg from the knee down as a result.
"Neither did I! I got a call early this morning from a very frazzled English woman telling me that Miranda Priestly insists I attend the benefit this evening. She demanded my size, my address. She had a costume messengered to me, and a limo provided for me round-trip!" Amy exclaimed.
"Really?" Andy was surprised.
"So you have no idea why I'm here?" Amy asked.
"I'm sorry, I don't. Miranda didn't say anything to me about it." Andy was puzzled.
"Okay, well, on to more important questions. Are there any available lesbians at this party?" Amy asked while glancing around at the crowd.
Andy laughed, "As a matter of fact there is, she's tall, dark, beautiful, and she's a doctor." Andy emphasized.
"Oooo a doctor." Amy smiled.
Andy looked around searching for Laurel. She spotted her not far away standing at the opposite bar. "Specifically a cardiologist. Come on." Andy grabbed Amy's hand leading her toward Laurel.
Laurel glanced up as Andy approached, dragging a very lovely blue-eyed blonde behind her. Laurel smiled at Andy.
"Laurel, I wanted to introduce you to a friend of mine, this is Amy Brandt. Amy, this is Dr. Laurel Grey." Andy said smiling between them.
Laurel reached out to shake Amy's hand and as their eyes met both of their breaths hitched.
Andy quickly picked-up on their connection, it was hard to miss as they had yet to break their gaze or release the others hand. Feeling like she was intruding on something intimate Andy began to back away, "Soooo, ummm I've got to get back to Miranda, she'll be making her speech soon, so grab us a table and I'll sit with you guys during her speech, okay?"
"Sure." Laurel said, Amy just nodded her head. Neither one looked at Andy.
Chuckling Andy turned to go find Miranda.
Andy made her way back through the crowd, passing by Nigel and Doug as they danced Andy called out, "Nigel, love the wig!" she beamed. Nigel was dressed like Louis XIV. Nigel waved smiling back at her and dramatically tossed his head flipping the long curls behind him in a very Cher-esque move. Laughing Andy kept moving through the crowd.
Finally locating Miranda, out of habit Andy waited a step behind her. Miranda sensing her presence gracefully ended the conversation she was having to turn to Andy. Andy handed her the drink. "Oh thank you darling." Miranda said taking a sip as they walked toward the stage.
"Miranda, I'm going to go sit with my friend Amy, and Laurel, while you give your speech. You know Amy, the one I substitute teach for? Did you invite her?" Andy was talking fast.
Miranda didn't reply, she just gave her Andrea a small smile as she ascended the stairs onto the stage. Reaching the top of the small staircase she was relieved that her surprise for Andrea wasn't completely blown.
Huffing a little knowing she wasn't going to get any answers now. Andy turned scanning the room quickly spotting Amy and Laurel.
Andy sat down next to Amy just as Miranda began to address the crowd.
"Good evening." Miranda began, people turned to face the stage, the room quieted at once. "Welcome to my home, and welcome to the inaugural Miranda Priestly Benefit for the Arts Masked Ball."
The crowd applauded loudly.
"As you know, the arts are very important to me professionally and personally, their value to our youth, and our community as a whole, cannot be overstated. Especially for small organizations, private funding is critical for their survival. There are pledge cards on every table detailing the organizations that will benefit from our gathering this evening, save one…my darling Andrea very recently introduced me to another worthy organization, Dancers with Disabilities, to which I will personally be making a donation of five-hundred thousand dollars in her name."
The crowd erupted with gasps and applause.
Andy sat in stunned disbelief her jaw agape.
Amy spluttered her champagne her eyes huge, turning to both Andy and Laurel in turn, "Did she say five-hundred thousand dollars? Did she say five-hundred thousand dollars?"
"And I believe we have a representative from Dancers with Disabilities with us this evening, Amy Brandt would you please stand?" Miranda scanned the room.
Andy elbowed Amy coaxing her to stand. Amy stood nervously, blushing and waving to the crowd around her as they applauded.
"Ah" Miranda gestured to her, "I'm sure Amy would be happy to answer any questions you might have about the organization." The applause died down as Amy sat.
"In closing, I thank you for coming, I hope you will be generous…and I expect you to vacate my home by midnight." Miranda deadpanned, but with a twinkle in her eye.
The crowd chuckled.
"I'm quite serious, I have Security, they will throw you out." The crowd laughed heartily now. Miranda gave a small smile, "Enjoy the party." Then, gracefully as ever, Miranda exited the stage.
In the middle of the dance floor Emily, Serena, Nigel and Doug stood in shock. Emily broke their silence, "It's official, the apocalypse is upon us, Miranda Priestly just made a joke, and smiled while giving a speech. Did she say she was making the donation in Andy's name?"
Serena nodded.
Doug chimed in, "I've seen it before, that's what a little Andy Sachs in your life can do."
Nigel certainly couldn't argue with that and just nodded in agreement. Just then Nigel's cell phone buzzed, pulling it out of his pocket it was an incoming text. Nigel read it chuckling, then showing it to Doug. "Those little scamps, its way past their bedtime."
The text was from Cassidy & Caroline asking their Uncle Nigel to please send them pictures of their Mom and Andy together.
"Keep an eye out Sweetie" Nigel said looking up at Doug, "We are officially on assignment so alert me if you see a good photo op of our ladies."
"Yes Dear", Doug teased.
Smiling Nigel turned into his arms, "More champagne?"
"Oh yeah!" Doug planted a quick kiss on Nigel's lips and darted off to find a server.
Andy rose from the table as several guests excitedly descended to talk to Amy. Andy in a surprised stupor, absent mindedly made her way to the far end of the ballroom where it was a little quieter. She found a cozy little nook in the corner of the ballroom behind a large column and leaned against it. She shook her head smiling. Miranda is never dull that's for sure. Andy took a moment to gather her thoughts. It was very difficult to comprehend the magnitude of Miranda's wealth, but that aside, Miranda obviously wanted to surprise me. Miranda made a point of saying publically that the donation would be in my name, linking us in a big way. Miranda had only just learned about the organization from me not even 48 hours ago so she'd had to move quickly to arrange for Amy to be here. Andy concluded that it all added up, like the cerulean bedroom, the hand-picked clothes, and the dragon flies to an expression of love. Andy's eyes filled with happy tears.
Miranda had barely stepped off the stage when she was completely surrounded by guests praising her for "such generosity", "leading by example", and "lovely gesture to Andy". Miranda acknowledged them as politely as she could, but her eyes were scanning the room, she very much wanted to find Andrea.
