How Miranda Got her Groove back
Chapter 2 Almost
Two months later. Miranda came down and Max picked her up. "Morning Max" she said cheerfully
Max responded, "Why so cheerful this morning? Going back to England?"
Miranda shook her head "No, Clive is flying in tonight."
"I told you he would be back," responded Max.
Clive called at lunch he was getting on the plane for his final leg. "Should I have dinner ready?" asked Miranda
"Don't bother, with flight delays there is no telling what time I will be there. I'll eat on the way," replied Clive.
She worked the day but seemed to have more trouble concentrating than normal. Max was good about helping her. She liked that they had each other's backs. They left early and Miranda declined Max's offer of a drink. She went home took a shower, ate a quick supper, and dressed carefully in a dress to wait for Clive. She sat down with a glass of wine to relax and wait. She took a quick nap and woke up with a call from the airport. Clive called when he landed and said he would get a cab and be over as soon as he cleared customs. She poured another glass and made sure there was one ready for Clive. Before long she heard a commotion as the dog got excited to see Clive again. In a minute he came through the door. He dropped his bags and without a word they jumped into each other's arms.
As Clive came up for air he said "Oh it's grand to see you, Miranda. I've missed you."
"I've missed you too," replied Miranda. She continued "We can go out for dinner"
Clive cut her off "I ate on the way here. Also, I didn't come for the food, good though it may be. I came to see you, Luv, and you look brilliant tonight."
Miranda was a bit stunned at that but managed to get out "I have a glass of wine for you."
Clive gave her a short peck. "Why don't I unpack. Then let's sit down drink some wine and chat a bit."
"Sounds wonderful," replied Miranda.
Clive unpacked and took off his jacket and tie sat down next to Miranda on the couch. They looked out the window and Clive said "This is a lovely wine. Thanks for having me."
Miranda smiled "I told you before Clive, you are always welcome here."
Clive nodded and smiled "Well it is a bit different for me. A flat with a beautiful girl who has a glass of wine ready for me. Makes a change."
"I hope you like it," replied Miranda
"I love it." replied Clive "Now come here." They started snogging and after a short interval wound up in bed.
The next morning Miranda woke up early as she had a surprise for Clive she set to work in the kitchen. Clive got up and came in rubbing his eyes saying "Morning Miranda, Well Blow Me Down! a Fry Up." He gave her a hug saying "I haven't had one of these in years."
"It's not quite the same as back home but it is quite tasty," said Miranda
"I'm thrilled just to have one." replied Clive After eating Clive said, "We will have to do some running today."
"Let's go," replied Miranda they dressed and ran around the city with the dog in tow.
Clive bought lunch and dinner "After that amazing breakfast I wouldn't dream of asking you to cook."
They wound up back at the apartment and once again spent the night making love. They both began to relax just enjoying each other's company. It felt good for both of them to be a couple after being single for so long. Sunday night they once again went out to Joan's bar Max was there Carmen was working. They enjoyed dinner and chatted easily with Max and Carmen.
Carmen asked Miranda when they were alone "Was he faithful?"
"Oh yes" replied Miranda. "It took me two days to calm him down."
"Men!" said Carmen with a laugh.
"Still it's good to know they are saving it up," said Miranda
"Always" replied Carmen with a smile.
The next day Miranda went to work with Max. "What is Clive doing?" asked Max as they drove around
"He's doing email and paperwork." replied Miranda "He can work from almost anywhere."
Max replied "Nice."
Clive met them at Joan's Bar for a drink after work. Later that evening Max was talking to Carmen at their place. "Miranda was very nice today almost human. She didn't even fight with Ines."
"Of course," replied Carmen.
"What do you mean?" said a puzzled Max Carmen sighed
"She is healing. She got hurt before on the job and it damaged her. Then she was the crazy one. Then allowed back on sufferance. She was hurting. Now she has a good job, good people to work with, and a man who loves her enough to come back to her." She paused "All of that is bringing her confidence back. She has emotional security now and for her it is wonderful. These may be the best days of her life. "
Max replied, "Wow that's a lot. Where did you get all that?"
Carmen smiled, "Mostly from Miranda. People tell their bartender's many things."
Ines noticed too. Her flawed but brilliant detective was losing the flawed part. Detective
Blake was improving. That meant that she had better tools for the job. Blake and Winter were definitely unusual but they were a good team. They were as good as any other detectives she had.
She even had a talk with Blake one time when Clive was on Mallorca between jobs. "Detective Blake" she began "I'm pleased to see you taking some time off."
Miranda replied, "I'm sorry Ma'am it's just that Clive is here and..."
Ines cut her off, "Detective. I am paying you a compliment."
There was a look of total confusion on Miranda's face as she replied, "I'm sorry Ma'am but I'm rather confused. You want me to take time off?"
Ines replied, "To be a good detective you must know people and life. Even your great Sherlock Holmes understood people enough to make him a good detective."
"He's fictional Ma'am," replied Miranda.
Ines sighed, "I am aware of that. But the point, it is still valid. To be a good detective you need to be able to relate to people. Being in love. Having a relationship will help with that."
Miranda was still a bit confused as she replied, "Thank you, Ma'am. I appreciate your understanding."
Things continued on over the next several months, Clive moved to Mallorca. He and Miranda got a little bigger place. With the dog, they became a nice little family. Without realizing it Miranda was becoming more pleasant to deal with. She was secure and able to relate better emotionally than she had in years. The last time she talked to her therapist in London the therapist told her she was doing great and to keep it up. But one day it almost came to a screeching halt. She was sitting in Joan's bar one night watching the TV when she saw the crash. She went white realizing it was Clive's plane.
Carmen saw her and instantly came over. "Miranda are you ok?"
"That's Clive's fight she said motioning to the TV. Please get me a large Gin and Tonic NOW!"
Carmen got Miranda's drink and texted Max "Come to the bar at once."
Miranda drank and watched the TV she didn't see Max come in or Carmen talk to him quickly. Max walked and sat down next to her. "Hello, Miranda..."
Miranda gestured to the TV "That's the plane Clive was on."
Max looked at the TV "It says many got out, have you heard from Clive."
"No I tried calling and texting him but nothing," replied Miranda
"Well I'm sure there are some difficulties at the moment," replied Max
At that moment Miranda's phone rang she looked at the number and it said the airline. She just stared at it until Max picked it up and said "Hello"
Clive's voice was on the other end. "Max? What are you doing with Miranda's phone?"
"It's ok Clive. We're at Joan's and Miranda is very worried about you. Here she is."
He handed the phone to Miranda. Miranda spoke to Clive she hung up. "He lost his phone going down the escape slide. He's fine and coming home tomorrow."
Then it finally hit her. She flat out lost it. She shook as the tears were flowing uncontrollably she hugged Max repeating "I was so afraid of losing him. I just can't."
Max hugged her going "It's ok. Stop shaking. Clive is fine and he will be here tomorrow."
Later as they sat at a table Miranda asked "Was my reaction normal?"
"What do you mean?" asked Max
Miranda replied, "Having had a breakdown I really don't know what normal reactions are anymore. Too much analyzing I suppose."
Carmen broke in "I think it is normal. You are in love with Clive, are you not?"
Miranda nodded Carmen continued, "Well he could have died tonight is that not worth getting upset over?"
"But you don't do that with Max," replied Miranda
"It takes long practice." said Carmen "You train yourself to be strong. But just like your running, it doesn't happen all at once."
"Well I see" replied Miranda "Best I go home and get some sleep. Thanks, you two are great friends." When she got home Clive had sent her an email from the hotel's computer with his new flight details.
The next morning Miranda went to the office working on paperwork and research. Max was reading the news and drinking coffee.
Ines walked by and said to Miranda "Detective Blake I saw the crash last night. Was Mr. Williams on that plane?"
"He was Ma'am," replied Miranda.
"I'm so sorry," said Ines "Is he ok?"
Miranda looked at her watch. "He's fine landing at Parma in an hour."
Ines was stunned, "What the hell are you doing in the office then?"
"Umm, My job," replied a confused Miranda.
"Mr. Williams could have died and his girlfriend doesn't even meet him at the airport. No, that will not do." she continued with a surprising amount of heat "Go to the airport now. Vamanos!" she said pointing at the door. As Miranda quickly logged off and left Ines picked up her phone calling the Sargent below to arrange a car and driver for Miranda. The man was so stunned he could only reply Yes Chief as she hung up the phone.
Max spoke up, "Do I detect a heart in our stern Police Chief?"
Ines quickly put him in his place "Detective Winter if you ever reach leadership. Which I doubt considering your total lack of ambition. You will learn to take care of your people. Especially the ones who know police work." She turned and quickly went to her office.
The officer drove Miranda to the airport. Miranda cleaned up and waited for Clive. She didn't have to wait long Clive was first out the door. They hugged and Clive said, "Well it's great to see you but I thought you had to work."
"Ines insisted I come. Almost chased me out of the office." replied Miranda They got a cab and on the way home Miranda said, "You cleared customs very quickly today."
Clive laughed "I think you can thank your boss for that." He continued "Just as we began our descent an Air Hostess came and asked if I was Mr. Clive Williams. When I said yes she immediately got me and my bag and moved me to First Class saying she was told to see I was the first off the plane. After I got off there was an electric cart to take me right to immigration and customs and I breezed through. Quite the VIP treatment."
Miranda smiled "It must have been Ines. She told me to take a couple of days off if needed to help you."
"Well if you could help tomorrow with getting me a new cell phone and laptop that would be great. Otherwise, I should be fine."
"That will be fine." Said Miranda "I'll send a text." They finished the ride home quietly.
Later that night after supper while having drinks on the balcony Miranda said "Clive you may not want to hear this but I almost lost it last night. I was so scared when I saw the crash. What would I do if you died?"
Clive turned to her. "Well stiff upper lip and carry on. We are Brits after all."
Miranda replied "I'm serious Clive. I was too afraid to answer the phone."
Clive took her hands and faced her "You are not the same woman you were. You have grown. More than that, you have friends. However badly you did it, you did reach out last night. You didn't break down. You are not in hospital today. You are on our balcony and we are having drinks together watching the sunset. Do I have to pinch you to prove it?"
Miranda smiled slightly "No."
Clive continued, "Well then relax. Remember you're a police officer you face death all the time."
Miranda replied thoughtfully "That is true."
Clive said "Miranda I can't predict the future. If there is one thing that travel teaches you it's that things WILL change. All I know is that for now, I'm here with the woman I love. I'm just going to enjoy every day I get with you. The future will sort itself out."
Miranda didn't answer she just leaned in and kissed him. That night she hugged him close as they spooned before sleeping.
The next day they went out and Clive got a new phone and laptop. He texted his new number to his parents. Later on, as they were going home Clive's phone rang. "Hello, Mum... Yes, I'm fine. Miranda is taking great care of me…. No Mum it's January, I'm not coming home for a visit... I know you are worried…. Tell you what. Why don't you and dad come here for a visit? It's lovely here."
Miranda started mouthing NO! And shaking her head.
Clive continued ignoring her. "Tell Dad to bring his clubs, we can get in a round of golf…. Ok ring me back"
Miranda was agitated "Clive we are not ready to have your parents come down. The place is a mess. I have to work."
Clive tried to keep from laughing Miranda's version of a mess was a few things out of place. "I'm off after my accident I'll clean it up. Besides Mum and Dad are worried about me too."
Miranda said, "But I'm not sure that I am ready to meet your parents."
Clive shook his head "You already know them from school holidays."
"That was different" replied Miranda. "Now we are living together."
Clive smiled, "It will be fine they have seen pictures of us. Dad says you have grown up quite nicely. Mum appreciates you taking care of her boy. They just want to see with their own eyes that I'm ok after the crash. God knows I don't need to freeze in England for that."
Miranda smiled in agreement, "Yes but our guest room is not ready. Your mother is an estate agent after all."
It was Clive's turn to smile, "What do we need."
"Just little things like a table, lamp, and dresser," said Miranda ticking off the list.
Clive shot back, "Ok then let's go shopping and get cracking."
They went shopping bought the items. Then they came back and Clive set up his computer and Miranda cleaned. Clive agreed to set up the office as a bedroom while Miranda was at work. Later that night Clive's parents called with flight details.
The next night she came home Clive had put together the furniture and the room looked ok. She and Clive had a quick supper and did last-minute cleaning.
The next day Clive picked up his parents at the airport while Miranda worked. Clive texted her "All fine. Let's meet at Joan's when you get off." Max and Miranda drove there after work.
Clive's parents hadn't changed much. Donald was an older version of Clive small and wiry but a skilled businessman with just a touch of gray. Judy Williams we even smaller almost like a pixie with blond hair and boundless energy. She was an estate agent. When Miranda sat down she spoke first.
"I adore what you have done to the place, Miranda. It looks lovely."
Miranda smiled and replied "Thanks I'm glad you like it. How was your flight?"
Judy replied "Not too bad I can see why Clive wanted us to come here. The weather is very nice indeed."
Donald interrupted "We're buying dinner. You two are putting us up it's the least we can do."
Clive spoke up, "Come on Dad, let's catch Max and see if we can arrange some golf.
They left leaving Judy and Miranda alone. "How are you doing Miranda?" asked Judy.
"I'm doing well. It's good to see you and Donald," replied Miranda.
"It's really good to see Clive." said Judy "You must have been scared out of your wits when you heard about the crash."
Miranda nodded "I was. Thankfully I heard about it here, Carmen and Max really helped."
"It looks like it didn't affect him much." said Judy "I'm glad about that."
"So am I," agreed Miranda.
The men returned with Max and Carmen after introductions Clive said, "We tee off at 10:30 tomorrow,"
Judy replied "Miranda and I will go shopping and have a nice tea. Carmen, would you like to join us?"
Carmen smiled "Sorry. I work the lunch shift tomorrow."
The next morning Miranda and Clive rose early Clive used the bathroom while Miranda prepared the Mallorca version of the English breakfast.
Judy came in wearing her dressing gown saying. "I thought I heard some clattering in the kitchen. Do you need some help?"
"If you'd like," replied Miranda. They set to work and by the time the men were dressed a feast was laid out for them.
Clive said "Dad you simply must try what Miranda has done mixing English and Spanish here. It's wonderful." They sat down and enjoyed the breakfast with Miranda receiving not a few compliments.
Afterwards, the men left for Golf leaving Miranda and Judy to clean up. With two of them, the cleaning up was fast and efficient. They dressed and got ready to leave. Judy commented as they were getting ready to leave "You certainly keep this place spotless."
Shopping was fun they went to a fashion mall and looked around Judy found an outfit for herself and bought it. They kept shopping then Judy saw an outfit and said "Miranda. You would look brilliant in that dress. It looks like it is your size."
Miranda looked at the price tag. "It's wonderful but it's too expensive for me."
"Well try it on anyway. Let's see if I'm right," said Judy
Miranda tried to argue but it was no use. Judy wouldn't take no for an answer. So she tried it on and she looked amazing in it. Judy took one look and said to the sales clerk "We'll take it." pulling out her credit card.
Miranda said, "Judy you can't."
"Yes I can Miranda." replied Judy "You look lovely in that. I can afford it so why not. I am your boyfriend's mother after all."
Miranda protested but eventually gave in. They continued shopping and found shoes to go with the dress.
Later on, they sat down at the mall and had tea. They sat chatting when surprisingly Ines came up. "Detective Blake I almost didn't recognize you in that dress. It does look very lovely."
"Doesn't it just." chimed in Judy
"I'm sorry but I don't believe we've met," replied Ines
"Sorry" replied Miranda "Judy this is Ines Villeagis Parma Chief of Police. Ines, Judy Williams Clive's mother."
"I'm pleased to meet you, Senora Williams. Also, I am very glad to hear your son is ok."
"Oh he's fine." replied Judy "He and my husband are playing golf with Miranda's partner. I do hope Max is up to it."
Ines shrugged "He certainly spends enough time on the golf course."
Judy smiled "He's going to need it. Donald is a very good golfer who has played in the British Open as an amateur."
Ines laughed "Well it should be a much-needed lesson in humility for Detective Winter. I'll be sure to ask him next time I see him." They all shared a laugh.
"Would you like to join us?" asked Judy
"Thank you but no." replied Ines "I'm meeting friends in a few minutes." She walked away leaving Miranda and Judy there.
They sat and drank their tea with Judy finally saying. "I'm glad you are in Clive's life, Miranda. You have helped him so much."
"He has helped me as well Judy." replied Miranda "He helps calm me down."
Judy looked concerned "It must have been hard for you after your parents died."
"It was. I thank that was part of what caused my breakdown. I had no one to turn to." said Miranda thoughtfully.
"I understand. You and Clive seem a wonderful couple. Donald has been like that for me as well. I never had to worry if things went bad. Donald was there. It does help."
Miranda smiled "I'm beginning to understand."
"Now Miranda let's get back to the apartment and freshen up. Tonight we are going to be the most attractive women in the pub."
"What!?" said Miranda surprised.
Judy chuckled "Miranda there is nothing that strokes a man's ego like a beautiful woman on his arm. Also, nothing will keep him in line like knowing he can be easily replaced."
Dinner was a fun event with Max and Carmen. Max was teased about his golfing but being Max he dealt with it. He finally said, "Donald was great to play with. He was telling me about playing with Lee Trevino in the British Open."
Miranda and Carmen looked at him with blank stares. Finally, Carmen said, "Trevino, is he Spanish?"
Max shook his head "NO! He's American, from Texas."
Donald laughed "Judy said the exact same thing when I told her."
Max said, "No Golf fans here."
Judy shot back "I would say based on appearance. That our day was better spent than yours."
Max laughed "You've got me there. A toast to the lovely ladies." They clinked glasses.
One time when they were in the bathroom Miranda said "I feel like I'm on display."
"Of course you are," replied Judy. "Use your appearance. Looking good and a few questions will get you lots of information and cooperation. Use it to your advantage, Miranda."
Later as they went home Clive kissed her and said quietly "You look absolutely lovely tonight. I'm a lucky man to be with such a beautiful woman."
"I'm the same as always Clive," she replied. Clive shot back "I know, but what is wrong in telling you how pretty you are." he paused "Besides you are doing well this weekend. Both Mum and Dad like you."
Miranda replied, "That's good but for now some sleep would be welcome."
"Night Luv," replied Clive as he turned off the light.
The next day they went around sightseeing and then got Donald and Judy to the airport. There was plenty of hugging and kissing at the airport as Judy and Donald got on the flight. Clive and Miranda went home and rested. It had been a fun weekend but a tiring one.