Working so closely with her boss had become such sweet torture, but she was thrilled that Miranda had responded to her compliments and flirting.
Her workday was also going smoothly. Like the previous day, they all had lunch together when the twins had their break too.
"Mom, what are we going to eat tonight, since it's Andy's birthday?" Cassidy asked as she took a large bite from her sandwich.
"Yeah, it should be something special," Caroline added.
"I could order in for us as a little thank you." Andy offered.
"No. That's out of the question, Andrea. It's your birthday, so you can have whatever you want. So, what would you like?" Miranda asked pouring some more juice for each of the twins.
"You don't have to go to any trouble, Miranda," Andy said.
"It's no trouble at all. So what would you like? You know how I hate to repeat myself, Andrea." Miranda reminded her with a slight smirk.
"Alright, uh...well, Nigel mentioned you made the best loaded sweet potatoes," Andy stated, glancing shyly at her.
"Oh my god, yes, please. We haven't had them in so long." Caroline gushed. "Please, mom." She added, almost drooling.
"If you make them I will, hands down, clear the table and clean the kitchen," Cassidy added.
Miranda chuckled and Andy decided she loved their interactions.
"Alright then, I guess I'm outvoted." Miranda rolled her eyes as she stood and put away her plate and glass, before preparing herself another coffee. She gave Andy a questioning look and she just nodded. Miranda went to get her a new cup to make her another coffee as well.
"Thank you, Miranda," Andy said sincerely. "I can't wait to taste them, but if you're cooking I will help, otherwise I'll feel bad. Also, I want to know how to make it, if it's that good." She added as Miranda handed her a hot cup of coffee.
"Andy, you will love it," Cassidy said as both girls cleared their plates.
"Come on Sis, we've got to get back to algebra," Caroline said and they both rolled their eyes.
"Have fun," Andy said and felt almost bad for teasing them.
"Alright, I suppose we better get back to our desks as well," Miranda suggested as Andy's phone rang. They both looked down at it.
"Incoming call Mom".
Miranda took Andy's hand and caressed it. "Take your time, darling." She stood and left as Andy gasped. She was in shock by the sweet and gentle touch.
And seriously, did she just call her darling?
Andy snapped out of her dreamy state quickly to answer the call. "Hi, mom." She greeted.
She listened to her mom as she offered her a happy birthday and began to chatter. They talked for a while and Andy explained how she was staying at Miranda's house. "Oh, I'm glad you're not alone on your birthday, after all, honey. So have you made your move on her yet?"
"Mom! Why would you think that? She's my boss." Andy hissed at her mom.
"Oh come on, Andy. I may not be able to see you but the way you talk about her and her children tells me all I need to know. Seriously, if you aren't in love with her then my name is not Catherine Sachs." Her mom said and chuckled.
"Damn you know me too well." Andy sighed. "No, no moves. But mom she called me darling and held my hand." She said all giddy.
"So there is hope?" Catherine asked.
"I wish...oh, I have to go, mom. We have an online meeting in ten minutes with a new designer. I love you." Andy said hastily.
"I love you too, honey and remember, don't waste any opportunities," Catherine told her.
"I won't, I promise. Bye, mom." Andy hung up and started to head back upstairs when Cassidy came into the kitchen from the other staircase.
She grabbed a bottle of water and smiled. So Andy liked her mom? That was interesting and it was something she had to tell her sister.
Since she heard Andy gushing about her mom, she wondered if there was a way to push them together. Unlike Stephen, Andy was cool and fun to be with and both she and Caroline knew she made her mom happy.
She went quickly back upstairs to her online class and shot Caroline a text."We need to talk after the classes. Andy likes Mom the way Louisa's Moms like each other. We have to plan something for them."
"Shut up! Seriously, Sis, how do you know? Well, I'm in and you know it." Caroline replied, wriggling in her seat. She almost couldn't hide her joy in front of the camera.
"I already have an idea..." Cassidy answered, a small smirk on her face.
Andy was relieved to be sitting back at her desk. Honestly, sitting next to Miranda made her nervous and she had to fight the constant urge to touch her. She just looked so perfect and smelled divine and it made it almost impossible to hold back.
She started sorting out her notes and typing them down for Miranda when the doorbell rang.
"Oh, would you get that Andrea?" Miranda asked and held her phone up as she was about to call Patrick.
"Sure Miranda." Andy went down and opened the door to the delivery guy. He apologised for not carrying everything inside but he said he wasn't allowed to due to the new rules. Andy didn't even have to sign the delivery.
"No problem Thank you so much." Andy grabbed the bags and carried them down to the kitchen before heading back for a second time for the cool box and another bag. She had just decided to put away the things for the fridge when the doorbell rang again. She smiled and opened the door as a big box with Andy's name stood on the stoop.
"Oh…" She exclaimed. She lifted it and carried it inside. Back in the kitchen, Miranda was clearing away the groceries.
"Wow, do you know anything about this?" Andy asked.
"Open it and you'll see," Miranda said.
When she opened the box, a helium balloon with happy birthday emblazoned across it floated out and there was a beautiful bouquet as well.
"Oh my god." Andy squealed as she teared up. She read the card and looked at Miranda in gratitude.
Happy birthday Andrea! We hope to make your day a bit brighter. Cassidy, Caroline and Miranda.
"The balloon was the girl's idea," Miranda advised, only to be fiercely embraced rather suddenly by the young woman.
"Thank you for making me feel so special." Andy sobbed.
Miranda couldn't do anything else but hug her back. "You're welcome, Andrea." She answered, running soothing circles on her back.
They hugged longer than socially acceptable but it didn't feel awkward at all. They simply enjoyed the closeness for a minute or two until Andy pulled back.
"I'm sorry for crowding you. But I'm so touched and this made me very happy." Andy said and smiled as she lifted the beautiful bouquet.
"Let me get you a vase and...uh...I didn't mind." Miranda said as she began to rummage in one of the lower cabinets to find the right vase. She filled it with water and smiled at Andy "I'm glad you liked our little surprise." She stated, turning away to continue putting away all the groceries.
"I do, I can't wait to thank the girls too. This was so thoughtful." Andy said. "Okay, I am heading back upstairs to finish up those notes. Or do you want me to help?"
Miranda waved her off. "No, no, go ahead. I'll need them later." She insisted.
When she left, Miranda finished up in the kitchen and her phone rang. "Hello, Nigel."
"Hello, my darling. How are you doing? I heard you surprised our little six today?" He said in a giddy way.
"I'm alright...well, I..." Miranda started but didn't quite know how to finish.
"What's the matter?" Nigel asked.
"It's just pure torture. I'm so close to her all the time. She hugged me before Nigel. Me." Miranda said and made sure no one was listening in. "No one hugs me."
"And that was so bad because?" Nigel asked confused knowing full well both women's feelings for the other.
"No, it wasn't bad and that's the problem. If that kind of thing continues, I won't be able to contain myself around her any longer." Miranda hissed.
"Well then don't," Nigel said as if it would be that easy.
"Very funny, Nigel. You realise she could sue me for sexual harassment." Miranda whispered.
"Oh don't be ridiculous. If she reciprocates, which she will, she couldn't sue you." Nigel stated. "You'd better make her birthday memorable for her. She deserves it after her last relationship and you deserve it just as much. Be brave, Miranda."
"I must go, Nigel. Was there something else you needed?" Miranda asked.
"Yes, I sent you the photos you wanted. And at least think about making your move." Nigel declared.
"Goodbye Nigel." Miranda declared sternly, shaking her head and disconnecting her call.
TBC
Thank you for the lovely comments and the kudos. I appreciate them a lot :)