''How'd the date go Andy?'' Lizzie sat up. Coming back before 11pm was not a good sign.
By the look on Andy's face it went badly. Exhaling Andy slumped across from her roommate. Shaking her head at the disaster it was. ''Oh it went great.''
Lizzie frowned. What Andy saw in Miss Stuck up alluded her. When Andy had become all Dr Doolittle on her purchases for this date Lizzie had suggested why not for Miranda, piranhas or a declawing session.
''What'd Miranda do this time.'' Miranda Priestly certainly knew how to mess with Andy.
Andy stammered in defence of her. ''Nothing let's just say I think I just met the next Mr Priestly.''
Lizzie looked confused at Andy's words.
''He the soon to be future Mr Priestly attended our dinner date.'' Andy tried to sound nonchalant but croaked out more despondent.
''Yes me and Miranda, the twins and Alessandro.'' Boy Andy Sachs jealous much.
Lizzie was sympathetic over this Alessandro hijacking Andy's date.
''Did I tell you he's a textile millionaire from Tuscany… scoffed at by Lizzie…'' Yup and he's perfect and charming hell he could give advanced classes in flattery, kept all evening complimenting Miranda's hair and how nice she smelt…''choking out. '' those are my words. I'm supposed to say them.''
''That louche lowlife.'' Lizzie uttered.
''Miranda kept touching his arm or leaning into him and she never looks at me that way.''
Seen out at the townhouse door, next to Miranda in the doorway Alessandro looked like he belonged right there. Seeing them like that made Andy very pensive.
They belonged together. Same backgrounds. Knew fashion like Miranda. Hell Alessandro De La Rossi probably could see the difference between cerulean and lapis lazuli. Blue was blue.
Wealthy Alessandro De LaRossi couldn't be more perfect if picked out of a catalogue, white teeth, and golden skinned, tall dark and handsome.
Whereas Andy had toned skinny arms from yoga and tonight was the proud owner of a pair of doves. They cooed at her as if they were judging her.
Was intending to give them to Miranda but hadn't the nerve. No Alessandro ruined it.
Andy had halfway through their meal remembered him at the Gala that night by Miranda's side. He looked like he belonged in the pages of GQ or worse on Page Six beside Miranda, escorting her. Chiselled with salt and pepper hair. A silver Fox with Andy's silver fox.
Alessandro did not endear himself to Andy exclaiming ''Your that waitress.'' Corrected. ''Server.''
Everything Alessandro said got Andy's hackles up. Irritated by Mr Smooth Rico Suave.
''Maybe they're just friends.'' Lizzie tried to cheer Andy up who moped off like a Tori Amos song.
Andy grumbled as she went to have a shower. ''Lovely. Perfect Alessandro. I hate Alessandro.''
Lizzie frowned what it was about Miranda Priestly she had just a knack for taking Andy's heart and stomping on it.
Miranda's Townhouse
Miranda still didn't know why Sachs was so rude to her dearest friend Alessandro.
She was very miffed with Andrea.
Alessandro had surprised her, this morning, calling from the airport, here to launch his rare cashmere line to be finally available in the US. Well of course she was going to drop everything to support him.
Absently Miranda invited him to dinner only when she came to the office did she remember Andrea.
Had hoped Andrea and Alessandro would hit it off. She had hoped Andrea would not mind.
Alessandro was very special to her as a friend. As was Andrea becoming more than that as well, maybe not after tonight's behaviour.
Sachs seemed to take an instant dislike to him. Intense dislike, Andrea was usually so cordial with everyone but different this evening.
Clashed with Alessandro on many things. Politics, Wealth and Travel. Even locked horns about Alessandro once giving the twins, ponies 'Jellybean and Lollipop.'
Andy narrowed her eyes, so Alessandro was not above bribery and bargaining for the twins' affections. Ponies for Cassidy and Caroline, what next the Hope diamond.
Miranda gave Andrea the eye, which she didn't pick up on.
Alessandro was Cassidy and Caroline's godfather was more than allowed to lavish gifts. It had been a last treasured present from Marina. Alessandro was more than allowed to spoil the girls rotten, far more than their father had ever done.
Andy didn't concede even when the twins offered hors d'oeuvres, try Isabella liver mousse' as if somehow to stuff Andy's mouth shut. Miranda had almost felt like reaching over and gagging her date.
By dessert of crème brûlée ready to blowtorch Andrea's lips fused close.
Andrea left good riddance. Miranda was still seething at her ex assistant's deplorable behaviour.
Alessandro cleared with her helpfully. ''Mira I don't think your guest liked me imposing.''
Miranda turned around as she'd drained a wine glass down the sink. Had hoped Alessandro hadn't noticed Andrea's blatant rudeness. He not only had noticed, he felt he had to say something.
Embarrassed by it. As a Hostess and as a friend to Sandro.
Sachs never behaved like that.
''I'm sorry Sandro, Andrea is usually so…well I have yet to figure out Andrea's complexities.'' This evening inviting Sachs was a mistake.
Alessandro dried dishes next to Miranda who obviously couldn't read it in Andy Sachs eyes. This Andy Sachs who sat across from him all evening was absolutely unequivocally jealous. Of him.
He held his tongue Miranda had to discover this on her own. Andrea Sachs was in love with her.
Saturday
Cassidy and Caroline saw it as clear as day this morning. Maybe they were wrong last night but today it was exactly what they thought. Andy was crazy, crazy about Mom. Mom was completely blind to it.
Cass pinpointed it first, Andy was like Carlton Brantley who liked Claudia in their class, Carlton would make an epic ass out himself whenever Claudia was around, say stupid stuff and things Claudia took the wrong way, than get tongue tied, show off for her than inevitably got hurt.
It was miracle Carlton made it to class in one piece even once setting his pants on fire in chemistry. To engrossed in Claudia not to hear his partner shriek don't mix that with that.
Love could be hazardous.
At least Andy didn't need a fire extinguisher. Not yet unless Mom's fury blazing looks at her combusted poor Andy.
If only Mom would stop looking at Andy like she was pond scum.
It was pretty beneficial for Cass and Car though having two vying suitors for Mom. Twice the Fair tickets. For games and refreshments.
Because much to Andy's dismay guess who accompanied Mom to the Fair. He was there.
Alessandro.
Still mad at Sachs. Incredibly.
Walking with Alessandro watching Andrea with the twins in front of them. Why did Andrea behave like that? Here with the twins today was wonderful to them had an easy goofy camaraderie with Cassidy and Caroline.
Even at breakfast Cass and Car had been talking about the Angelfish, which Miranda was touched by Andrea's thoughtfulness but than last night Andrea had been so rude to Alessandro. Almost hostile.
Didn't feel the least bit sorry for Sachs being soaked with bubbles by the twins in one challenge.
Andy didn't know how it began but here she was vying against Alessandro, who was just so damn offputtingly cordial, charming in bucketful's. Nice even. Worse looked great casual like he stepped off a Calvin Klein billboard.
Sure they'd proven both had exceptional throwing arms at one game knocking down cans, and at hook a rubber duck, they each had exceptional fishing ah noosing skills but Andy was better. Now Andy blamed the twins who wanted stuffed animals. Lots of them.
Ughh Andy gave in stepping up to shoot the balloons. Big deal Alessandro had taken some course as a reserve Carabinieri, Andy played Nintendo's duck hunt as a kid and Nate's obsession with Call of Duty and her grandfather in Texas would be ashamed. Throw away his spurs and NRA membership if she lost at this.
Her jaw dropped at his marksmanship, frowning at the large fluffy animal he won. Lucky shot.
What a Competitive show off.
After winning ten more, nine from Andy, snorting at two from Alessandro. Andy knew who showed who in that round. If the twins wanted prizes she was happy to oblige. The twins were happy. Loaded down with their winnings. A huge purple bear, a unicorn and what resembled a dragon. Couldn't help but see a bit of Miranda in it.
Giving them her stubs for cotton candy, ice cream whatever they wanted.
Miranda still was miffed, had definitely seen Andrea twice foul up Alessandro's attempt. Why was Andrea behaving like out an of control highly competitive juvenile? It was an ugly side that needed to be reined in.
Walking up to Sachs felt like pulling her by the ear.
''Andrea. I want you to stop.''
Andy feigned innocence. ''Stop what.'' Her big brown eyes conveying pure innocence and not the monstrous competitive streak she had been exhibiting.
''Stop being the way you're being to Sandro. Now.'' Sachs childish behaviour to win was ruining this day.
Sandro was it. Andy swallowed at the way Miranda said his name. Than like buzzing in ears began to block out more of Miranda's tirade. Kind of like humming bees. Picturing moments between them, where Miranda would be calling him Sandro like at candlelit dinners, the bedroom. Nooo.
Andy clutched that sparkly purple bear a bit too tightly.
''Last night you were very unpleasant at dinner to Sandro. Now at every game you've hogged I want you no I'm telling you Andrea to step back, let it go and let Alessandro win one.''
Whoa, Andy Sachs was being told to foul up a game to make Alessandro look good. Done a lot of things for Miranda but asked to do that. You either won fair and square or you lost. And 'Sandro' was going to lose.
Let him win? No way. Not happening they still had the miniature golf putting challenge and the three-legged race. Alessandro was just going to have to lose again to Andy. Live with it. Some people could be such sore losers.
Treating Andy like a toddler in need of time out.
Shaking her head at Miranda. Not doing this for Miranda. Just to make Alessandro feel better. Please…
Cassidy told Andy there was a pie eating contest. Excellent. She hoped it was chocolate cream pie.
Than it happened. All thoughts of chocolate cream pie unappetizing.
Miranda decided to let Alessandro show her mini golf. Frozen. By the sight. They were laughing and Alessandro's arms were around Miranda showing her how to putt. Obscene. What the hell kind of Italian stallion pervert does that. Guiding her in swing.
There were her children present. Lascivious Don Juan.
Handing the bear and unicorn and dragon to Cass and Car.
If Miranda wanted to know how to play golf she'd show her, not Mr Casanova.
The twins watched Andy. Hugging their abundant stuffed animals and cotton candy. Eyes narrowing on their god father and mom. Then looking back at Andy, Andy looked like her favourite snack at recess had been taken away at school. ''There just friends Andy….''
Andy was way past listening, just friends, her well-toned ass. Already walking forward. Ignoring two pairs of blue eyes, silently warning Andy be cool, don't be Carlton Brantley. Too late.
Whack. All she saw was stars and not the pretty kind.
It happened pretty fast, Andy now knew where Car got her fencing ability from.
Miranda hadn't meant it.
Through clenched teeth and holding the icepack from the EMT's that Miranda insisted on being called. Hit in the eye by miniature golf club. By Miranda who looked at Andrea like she had run over Patricia. She narrowed her good eye on Miranda, clutching the ice pack. Good she hoped she felt bad. Really bad.
Add insult to injury Alessandro insisted on helping her. Being so exasperatingly nice the whole time to Lenox Hill Hospital.
Cass and Car watched their Mom pace, in the waiting area. Golly Gee when Mom loses her temper she should never take up hockey or piñata breaking or golf. On Andy.
''Ms Sachs I really insist.''
Resolute Andy shook her head. Refusing. Adamant.
''This will numb the pain right now.''
Alessandro had the nerve to laugh. At her. ''Scared of needles mi amica.'' The last straw for Andy she didn't need him ridiculing her.
''Quit it. You're not my friend, pal or buddy. I don't like you. I don't need your help.''
Alessandro held up his hands in mock defeat. Exiting the cubicle.
Andy begun to explain why painkillers were not a good mix with her.
Despite Miranda's own private physician and an ocular specialist insistence Andy still said no pain killers.
The doctor with nurse administered an eye drop into Andy's eye instead. Andy was told she'd feel woozy.
Alessandro walked up to a very worried looking pale Mira. Assured Andrea wasn't going to lose an eye just have quite a shiner. He frowned as he told Miranda, Andrea was refusing any form of pain killers, any drug whatsoever. Obviously wanted to tough it out.
Miranda pinched her nose bridge. Why must Sachs be so obnoxiously stubborn?
Alessandro took Cass and Car and their winnings home in the limo with Roy.
Miranda met Andy who sported a dark eye patch. Mollified.
Took her arm tenderly. ''I'm taking you to your place Andrea.''
Andy in shock muttered. '' Just take me to the subway.''
Miranda got a bit fretting about germs on subways and outright refused. Very unsanitary. Besides how could Andy navigate home with the use of one eye, what if she blinked and Andy wound up on Jamaica Avenue or in Brownsville Brooklyn.
Lectured Andy as if she had no idea what people do in all those modes of transport. Andy seriously doubted Miranda had ever been on any mode of NYC public transport. Ever. Looked at the hailed yellow cab like it was entering Hades or Dante's Inferno. Placed a tissue on the seat.
By midtown the cabbie wished he'd never picked up 'Silver haired Snob and the Pirate'. Both at each other in the backseat.
Bickering and berating, belittling each other like an old married couple. Not even the divider could mute these two.
One more light and he'd would be rid of them. Had a tip for 'eye patch' should just do it (Silver haired Snob) and get it over with. Before one of yous expires from sexual tension.
Andy refused to tell Miranda what that cab driver said. Miranda voiced she should never have tipped him since he couldn't do his job of transport silent and marginally respectful to passengers in his taxi. Wear less grubby attire.
Andy shook her head only Miranda Priestly would critique a NYC cabbies' lack of etiquette and poor fashion sense and have tried to break a hundred. Glowered at when Andy suggested now he can go buy a copy of Emily Post or Miss Manners.
Turning her key Andy realised Miranda Priestly was right next to her.
Miranda was welcomed inside. Lizzie was out of town.
A summer scorcher in the city this late afternoon. One of those hot and sticky days, offered ice tea or orangeade.
Miranda shook her head. Andrea didn't have to serve her. Honestly.
Andy's eye was throbbing and she really needed to lie down.
''Andrea you need to rest.'' Miranda gently said this to her. Peering, her head tilted to the side at Andy's wincing.
''Please… let me help you. I owe you that.''
Miranda felt absolutely terrible, and more than culpable and beyond contrite. She'd accidently hurt Sachs with a golf club. Unforgivable. One comforting thought no bloodshed between them had happened yet.
Andy didn't think she heard it but it was said very softly. Only meant for her. ''Now it's my turn to take you to bed.''
Guided to one and only bedroom, Miranda frowned confused. Where did Andrea sleep then? Stiffly bristling at the dawning conclusion.
Were Lizzie and Andrea more than friend's? Did they share this bed? Was it just sex? Miranda tried not to think about that as Andy sank into the lumpy mattress.
Slipping off Andy's shoes. Miranda brushed a fingertip across Andrea's jaw. Murmuring out loud. ''Oh Andrea why is it you seem to make me so furious with you? So mad at you.''
Andy sleepily answered. ''Because I guess I have an uncanny knack Mir...Miranda.'' Lying back into pillows.
Miranda traced Andy's chin. Seeing a small healed gash. Where was this from?
''Caroline duelled me.'' Andy groaned she'd pinkie promised Caroline but now blabbed.
Miranda gasped what had she told her twins no fencing except in practise and at lessons. Not on people without padding. Not on Andrea. Would have a long talk with the twins. No more fencing lessons. Should never have given in when they saw The Mask of Zorro.
''Why did Caroline hurt you?''
Andy sighed. ''Car thought I was an intruder.''
If Miranda didn't feel terrible now for injuring Andrea she felt even worse. One of her daughters attacked Andrea. ''When I was sick…I'm so sorry Andrea I can see my brood and myself are really endearing ourselves to you.'' Miranda swallowed guiltily first her daughters and now herself hurting Andrea.
Andy smiled at Miranda, took her hand, rubbing her thumb across Miranda's knuckles. ''Your twins thoroughly delight me even with a fencing blade and their Mom is as well thoroughly delightful even with a golf club swinging at me.''
Incredulous Andrea hadn't run for the hills away from one Dragon and two mini ones. Her wicked tongue alone shredded Andrea daily and now this injury.
Miranda gave a watery smile she was always horrible to Sachs.
Andy through one brown eye saw Miranda's upset, soothing. '' Hey it's okay. Me Sachs made of strong stuff.''
''Besides I like you Priestly.'' The word Andrea almost used instead of like, love got stuck in her throat.
''What about me is to like Andrea?''
''Let's compare, your pretty, no exquisite but it's not just your looks I like, they help though, your strong so strong baby and no Miranda not in an impervious way and you adore with your whole soul and heart your daughters. There's an abundance to like.'' Moving closer towards Miranda, gathered to. ''I like your hands, so soft and tapered. I've had dreams of your hands.''
Miranda's blue eyes widened as Andrea kissed her hand than turned her hand over, lips to her inside palm. Up her arm along her inner elbow, brushing her lips over silk ran her mouth across Miranda's collarbone up her neck. Andy made to unbutton Miranda's blouse. Stopped. Biting her lip, she wanted Andrea's mouth on her but not like this. In a bed that she probably shared with someone else.
''Rest Andrea.'' Miranda placed herself away from Andrea who'd given in. Closing her eyes. Andy was tired.
Andrea slept as Miranda snooped around Sachs living space. Roy had text the twins were home safely
Telling her that Alessandro was staying with the twins. Ordered takeaway from a bistro uptown. Typed back.
'Sandro thank you and enjoy dinner.'
Miranda would call Roy when needed. Going to the freezer box, opening it, Miranda let the cool air sweep across her.
Taking an ice cube from the tray. Miranda ran it up her throat sensually. It was so hot tonight and this loft had no air conditioning. That wasn't the reason, Andrea liberations with her mouth had left her hot bothered and frustrated. Only have yourself to blame Miranda you stopped her.
Her phone pinged. Pressing receive.
Alessandro's rich voice filled Miranda's ear.
''How mi cara is our little patient?''
Miranda spoke quietly into the phone, Alessandro assured her he would stay with her girls until she came home.
Hung up on.
If Andy had been awake she would never have believed what Miranda Priestly was doing. Folding a shirt, picking up a discarded t-shirt, honestly Sachs why keep all your belongings pell mell like a twister scattered all over the living room. Books and notepads all over the coffee table along with a yoga mat and her iPod touch.
Quirking a smile at few scribbles of Miranda's exact words she'd used to describe an artist's work Miranda wanted featured in August issue. So you do listen, sometimes to me Sachs. Heard it.
What the…
Andrea hadn't mentioned a pet. Miranda heard it again making a noise. Please don't be a snake or a hamster or not an iguana. Miranda Priestly wasn't one for exotic pets like lizards, reptiles or gerbils.
Miranda had always been relieved the twins chose a soppy St Bernard puppy for her to be her Mother's day gift. James had insulted Miranda by implying a cold blooded pet would suit her more not an adorable snuggly canine with a big bow on it. Licking her face exuberantly. Still hear James's mocking words.
Randy what will you do to it when the puppy chews the furniture or piddles on the priceless Persian rug will you skin it or purse your lips or have one of your drone assistants take it to a shelter. James always was derogatory to her over being loving. As if she wasn't able to. Loved her gift of Patricia.
Confused her assistant at the time by wanting chew toys and bones and a vet appointment along with a spaying and a dog collar. Nigel had almost laughed uproariously when the poor girl had asked were these things for The Dragon Lady. HR always sent her assistants that Miranda could pull her snowy hair out over every one of them baffle your brains stupid.
She'd picked a real gem, with her first husband James was the absolute wrong person to ever consider to marry.
Cassidy and Caroline her darlings were the only perfect things to ever come from her and James.
Patricia her third baby stayed, while James already in the proverbial dog house for philandering filed mutually for divorce.
Miranda heard the rustling and scratching. What was it? Seeing her name on an envelope. Opening the card. Miranda read Andrea's familiar handwriting. 'I know it's a bit late, by years but here…hope you still like doves.'
It couldn't be. Lifting the cover, the cooing of two doves. Blue eyes crinkled with joy and delight.
Andy was dozing on top of Lizzie's bed. The mattress sunk under something. Someone.
Felt very soft lips peppering her face gently careful near her eye than to her lips. This was a nice dream of Miranda. Showered with her kisses.
Her nurse was very attentive.
Sunday Morning
Roy had seen a lot of things involving Miranda Priestly and he'd picked up lots of different passengers and unusual things and requests for his enigmatic Employer over his tenure as her loyal never question anything Chauffeur but never a cage with doves and one passenger. His Boss leaving Andy Sachs place at 7 in the morning in yesterday's clothes.