How Miranda Got her Groove back
Chapter 1 Hello Again
Ines was a bit annoyed she had a new computer system and a British computer person to install it he wasn't even handsome just a wiry little man. Were there no Spaniards available? She signed inwardly but smiled as she showed him around introducing him.
As she got to Detectives Blake and Winter the man suddenly brightened. "Why Miranda Blake. What are you doing here?"
Miranda looked puzzled and then smiled, "Why Clive I might ask you the same thing?"
Ines was totally puzzled, "You two know each other?"
"We were at Uni together," replied Clive
"University," said Max to the puzzled stares around the room.
"I'm seconded here," said Miranda, "This is my partner Max Winter."
"Clive Williams," replied Clive shaking his hand.
"Chief," he said to Ines "Could Detective Blake help me if needed? We studied computers together. We lost a great software designer when she decided to do law enforcement instead."
"Of course." replied Ines, "We too, regret her career choice."
Max kept a straight face. "You two might want to catch up would you like to go out to dinner tonight with Carmen and me?"
"Oh I couldn't." replied Clive, "I've far too much work to set up this new database system. Perhaps another time."
"Ok," said Max as Clive and Ines moved on.
Later that day on the way to a call Max asked Miranda "What is the story behind you and Clive?"
Miranda replied, "We met at Uni in the computer science department. He's quite brilliant."
"Oh" replied Max, "Did you have a relationship? Any one night stands you regret."
"Sorry Max." said Miranda with a smile, "We were young and having fun on computers, sex was the last thing on our minds. He also got me started running."
Max shook his head, "I doubt that he was uninterested," replied Max, "More likely too shy."
Miranda smiled and shook her head, "You have a one-track mind, Max. Besides we were all rather full of ourselves back then."
Later that night as the shift ended Miranda stopped by where Clive was working. "Hi, is everything ok?" She asked.
Clive looked up and smiled, "This is a beastly mess. I'll be lucky to be out by 10 tonight checking things in."
"Would you like some help?" asked Miranda.
"That would be bloody marvelous," replied Clive
Miranda set to work helping him and about an hour in Clive said, "Miranda, is there a good way to get supper here. I'm starved. I'll even pay"
Miranda replied, "Oh you don't have to Clive."
Clive chuckled, "No problem besides it will go on my expense report. Your helping get things tickety-boo. The company can spring for dinner."
Miranda called a place, ordered, and gave them Clive's credit card. 30 minutes later the food arrived. They took a quick break for dinner Clive said, "Do you remember when we had to redo the lab at uni?"
Miranda replied, "Yes I do. We had a whole team working between terms."
Clive nodded, "That's kind of what we are doing here upgrade and then train people. can I put the first one on your desk? Then we can train and then finish up."
"I understand," replied Miranda
Clive continued, "Of course since it's a commercial job things are a bit different. Get it done as soon as you can. Sometimes if you are lucky there's a bonus for you. Not too likely here though."
They put the supper away and got back to work. They wound up leaving at 9 as they got cabs Clive said, "Would you like me to drop you on the way to my hotel."
Miranda shook her head, "I'm in the opposite direction. See you tomorrow."
It went like that for the first week with Miranda and Clive working together and reestablishing their friendship. One time as she was out with Max she told him to stop at an Electronics shop. Miranda went in and picked up some cables and small items for Clive. As she came back to the car with a big bag Max looked quizzically at it. "It's cables and some bits and pieces missing from the kit. It will save Clive time rather than waiting for shipment. He said he would reimburse me for them."
Max shook his head, "You never bought me cables," he said jokingly.
"You never asked," replied Miranda deadpan.
Saturday they worked the morning slowly getting the systems set up Miranda did the upgrades and Clive set up the software on them. They went over the first system and Miranda and he got things working. They moved it to her desk and set it up next to her old system. When Noon came Clive said. "Well, that's it for the week then. Fancy some running tomorrow?" asked Clive
"Yes" replied Miranda, "There's a great spot in the mountains. We'll see how you can handle the hills?"
Clive laughed, "Same old Miranda always pushing herself harder."
Miranda laughed too, "And yet you always loved it. Noon tomorrow at your hotel?"
"Brilliant," replied Clive as they left.
Sunday Miranda met Clive at the hotel they had their running gear on. They took a hire car out to the mountains then they got out to run. They both had a good workout Clive didn't have as much opportunity to train as Miranda but he kept fit. They had a good-natured rivalry dating back to their days at University together. Miranda was not above using her local knowledge to beat Clive and Clive would holler go after a step or two. But it was all in a spirit of good fun. Clive was impressed at the views from the mountains and they took pictures of each other like tourists. Laughing and talking as they reminisced about the old days. It was a good afternoon.
Later when they got back to the motel Miranda accepted Clive's offer to shower and change in his room. Later after they both changed. Miranda had on skinny jeans paired with a top and jacket. Clive had jeans a white T-shirt and a blue shirt. They looked like a young English couple.
Clive said, "I'm sick of tourist places. As my guide do you know any good local places?"
Miranda replied, "I know the perfect place Max's girlfriend works there and her father owns it."
Clive smiled, "Perfect let's go there for dinner tonight. My treat."
"I'm not sure," replied Miranda.
"Don't be silly replied Clive you have helped all week and things are going well. I owe you dinner just for the quite brilliant help. It's just a dinner between old friends. Also, we have work to do next week no point in messing that up."
Miranda thought for a second. "Ok, but it's dinner only."
"As the lady wishes," replied Clive with a smile. They turned in the car and took a taxi to the restaurant.
At Joan's Bar, things went well. Senor Lorenzo recognized them and got them a nice secluded table to eat at. He also bought them a round of drinks. Max and Carmen were out somewhere. They continued talking and enjoying the evening.
After dinner, Clive said "I think that wine has gotten to me. I'm knackered, Miranda. Why don't I get a cab and back to the hotel and get some sleep." He paid the bill and Miranda got him into a cab. They shook hands as he got in. Miranda went back in for a nightcap.
"Why didn't you go with him?" asked Sr. Lorenzo.
"Oh we are just old friends," said Miranda besides we are working together. Easier to keep it professional."
"But not nearly as much fun," replied Sr. Lorenzo shaking his head.
The next day Miranda and were having coffee and Max asked, "How was your date?"
"It wasn't a date." replied Miranda somewhat irritated "We went running and had dinner."
Max shook his head, "Sounds like a date to me. Not the kind I would be interested in, but still."
"Don't be ridiculous." snapped Miranda
Clive walked up, "Morning Miranda, Max."
"Morning Clive. He thinks we were on a date," said Miranda.
Clive chuckled, "No date there. Miranda was kind enough to show me some of the good running trails here on your lovely island. The views are quite spectacular." he paused "As for dinner my boss is quite pleased with the progress we have made and told me to take her out for a nice dinner. "
Max shook his head, "You British." They started work.
It went like that for the next 2 weeks. They worked for 6 days and then Sundays they went out for fitness activities. Hiking and running. Their friendship reformed and each grew to appreciate the other's company.
One night Clive was talking to Miranda. "This has been brilliant Miranda. You've made this the best job I've ever been on."
"I've enjoyed it too. It's nice to have an old friend from home," replied Miranda.
One Sunday Miranda and Clive were having dinner at Joan's bar when he asked. "Is there any way to move up training to the week after next?"
"It's quite impossible." replied Miranda, "It's a big holiday. Most of the office will be off. Max and I are working but other than that just the minimum crew."
"Too bad." said Clive "I was hopeful of finishing early."
Miranda spoke sternly, "Don't even bring it up, Clive. Ines would strangle you."
"Ok, understood," replied Clive.
Max walked up, "I couldn't help but overhear, forget it. Half the force would be after you." He paused "Tell you what though. Why don't you and Miranda Join Carmen and me?"
Miranda brightened, "It might be fun Clive. Like our school holidays in the old days."
"I don't know." replied Clive, "They didn't always go well."
Miranda nodded, "I promise Clive, no shellfish." She turned to Max, "He's very allergic"
"Ok no shellfish." said Max "Just wine and dancing."
On the week of the festival, Clive was taking advantage of the comparatively empty office to move things around and set up new workstations. Max and Miranda were busy with police work. Till finally, the day came.
As their shift ended Max said, "Let's meet at Carmen's place at 8."
"Right," said Clive, "See you then."
Max and Carmen were waiting and saw Clive and Miranda come in both were a bit surprised Miranda was wearing makeup and even put a skirt on she had a medium-sized purse with her and looked quite nice.
Carmen complimented her saying, "Miranda you look very nice this evening."
"Thanks," said Miranda.
They got a cab and went for dinner. Dinner went well both Max and Carmen were very easy to talk to. They had a quite enjoyable dinner the wine flowed freely and all were relaxed and open.
Finally, Carmen said, "Come on Clive dance with me." She got up and grabbed him. With a smile, he got up and they went on the dance floor. Miranda and Max were left at the table sipping wine and Max had ordered a Schnapps for himself.
Miranda finally said, "You don't seem a bit upset with your girlfriend dancing with someone else?"
Max shrugged "I'm not. Why should I be?"
"Really?" replied Miranda
Max shrugged again. "If I lose Carmen I'll get someone else. She's fun but there are other women."
Miranda shook her head disapprovingly, "Really Max? Where is the passion?"
Max finally got it. "Why are you asking me? She's dancing with your Clive. Why are you sitting here accepting it? Go out and cut in."
Miranda stumbled, "I'm not sure I can compete..."
Max broke in, "Ach! You hate losing more than anyone I know. You make everything a challenge and yet you won't take this challenge. We have finally found the one thing Miranda Blake won't compete in."
"It's not like that Max." interrupted Miranda.
He shook his head, "It is like that. Don't be ahhh a fear-rabbit. Go out and compete. Go WIN!"
Miranda thought for a moment. She drained her wine in one gulp then reached for Max's schnapps and downed it in one gulp before he could say a word. She got up from the table and wandered out to the dance floor. Tapping Carmen on the shoulder she said "I believe this is my dance."
Carmen smiled and let her in. She went and sat down with Max sipping her wine. "She smiled as she watched them dance. Miranda was not a good dancer but she had a lithe body and pressed up against Clive. Clive appeared to have no complaints about the switch.
Carmen drank for a little and then she asked, "What got into Miranda?"
"She was nervous about breaking in. She does not do relationships well," replied Max.
Carmen shook her head "That's true. If she tried at all she would have half the men around here after her."
Later Carmen and Max danced as well. When they all sat down catching their breath Max and Carmen wanted to go back to her Father's place and end the evening there. Miranda and Clive said no they would stay and dance. "See you tomorrow," said Max as he left.
The next morning Max was drifting in and out of sleep as the phone rang. He grabbed it and saw Miranda's name. He answered it irritably "If it's a case it can wait till we get in."
"No case Max." replied Miranda, "but I need a favor."
"What is it?" asked Max puzzled.
Miranda continued, "Could you pick me up at the International Hotel? I wound up here last night."
"Are you all right?" asked Max.
"I'm fine Max. I just need a ride in. I'll even get coffee for you."
"If you are throwing in Coffee then ok. See you about 8."
Carmen woke and asked, "Work?"
Max replied, "No. It was Miranda she wants me to pick her up at the International Hotel."
"She slept with Clive then," replied Carmen.
Max shook his head, "Not those two. Most likely drunk and fell asleep on the couch."
"I don't think so." replied Carmen, "Did you see how she was dancing with him."
"I only pay attention to you when we are out," replied Max.
"Liar" replied Carmen before going back to sleep.
Max pulled up to the Hotel. A glowing Miranda came out with two coffees. Max was surprised but waited until they were on the way to ask. "I thought you would be wearing the clothes you had on last night?"
Miranda chuckled, "Well rolling up a work outfit doesn't take up very much room in a purse."
Max continued, "Also I think Carmen was right, you did sleep with Clive."
Miranda was embarrassed, "Does it show that much?"
It was Max's turn to chuckle, "If Federico saw you looking like that he would be sooo jealous."
They rode in silence sipping coffee. Finally, Miranda spoke, "It was a really good night Max thanks for inviting us along."
Max replied, "Any time. It was fun." They rode to work drinking coffee. Later on, Clive came into work but they were totally professional at the office.
That evening they went out again and but both went home. Work was important to both of them. However, when the weekend came they went out again. This time they stayed at Miranda's apartment just enjoying the city. It really didn't matter at this point they were just glad to be together. He also met her dog. They became good friends they went to the park and played with the dog. That weekend the dog came running with them as well. Miranda cooked and Clive enjoyed her cooking, at least he said he did. It was a strange and wonderful weekend of domesticity for both of them.
But still, they kept it professional at the office. Max was the only one who knew and he didn't talk about it. He didn't need an angry Miranda as his partner.
Still, they were caught. One morning at a crime scene after briefing them Ines said, "Detective Blake a word please. Alone." she said after Max moved to join them.
They walked for a short distance and Ines said "Detective Blake I have heard that you are seeing a lot of Mr. Williams off duty. It's not my place to interfere in your personal life. I also appreciate you and him keeping things very professional at work. Keep it that way and there will be no issues."
Miranda was a bit stunned but replied, "Thank you, Ma'am. We are trying to keep it a secret at work." She added ruefully, "Apparently not very well though."
Ines responded "This is Spain Detective Blake, we understand passion here. As long as it does not interfere with the Palma police there is no problem. The police department is MY passion."
Miranda replied, "Yes Ma'am I understand. Thank you."
Later on, as they left to investigate Miranda asked, "Max did you tell anyone about us?"
Max responded, "Absolutely not! You are difficult enough when you are not angry. Your personal life is your business."
Miranda replied, "Well Ines found out about it somehow."
"What did she say?" asked Max.
"She just thanked me for keeping things professional at the office. Then she told me to keep them professional" replied Miranda.
Max replied, "Ok you're safe then. If Ines was mad you would know it." Miranda nodded in agreement.
Another week of work and Clive was finishing up. He was getting ready to move on with decidedly mixed feelings. The night before he was scheduled to leave they had dinner at the Joan's Bar. They tried to keep things light Miranda said to Clive, "I suppose it's on to the next then. With another beautiful detective to help you."
Clive laughed, "Of course they just throw themselves at me. They can't help themselves."
Miranda didn't reply but looked very upset. Clive said, "It was a joke. I'm sorry if I went too far."
"I'm sorry too." replied Miranda, "But I will miss you."
Clive nodded, "I'll miss you too but it's my job to travel and set things up. I love the travel and seeing new places more than I ever thought I would."
"Well I won't keep you from it then," said Miranda.
Clive put his hand over hers she tensed as if to pull away But he held her hand. "Look at me Miranda" she looked at him. He paused and spoke, "I meet a lot of people in my work. But I won't meet another Miranda Blake. That I can promise you." She looked at him as he continued, "I don't know what the future will hold but it would be brilliant to come back for a visit. We can decide where to go from there." He released her hand "It's your choice, Miranda."
Miranda dabbed at her face with a napkin. "Clive you are always welcome back here."
"Dry those tears now or you'll get me crying," replied Clive. "Do you want to come back to the hotel? One for the road as it were."
Miranda shook her head, "No you have to get up early and catch your flight. I'm going to give you a hug and kiss by the taxi stand. Don't look back." They finished their dinner quietly.
They walked out to the cab and Clive took her in his arms and said, "Goodbye Miranda Blake. I'll miss you." They kissed deeply and he left not looking back.
Miranda turned and went into the bar.
Once in the bar she went up and said, "Give me a Gin and Tonic. Better make it a double."
Max walked up to her and said, "Are you ok?"
She turned to him and said, "I'm fine. I've told you before I don't have a problem being alone."
Max said, "Ok partner, but why the double?"
Miranda replied, "Max, I just said goodbye to Clive. That's surely worth a drink."
Max said as Carmen came up, "I'm sure he will be back. He's British after all."
Miranda smiled, "We do like our holidays here."
Carmen spoke up, "Just think about it, they come here for a bit. But we live here." They raised their glasses in a toast.