July
It is an odd feeling, becoming tentative friends with someone that has not crossed your mind in years. Still, Miranda seems to find comfort in it. It's nice having someone to talk to that is not necessarily a part of high society, but still adjacent to it. She finds herself sending off a quick email to Andrea with updates on her personal protective equipment sourcing project, or sometimes on the receiving end of a quirky text message.
Sleep has never come easy for Miranda, especially on days that feel so monotonous lately. Searching for a distraction around midnight, she checks her email and sends a few off as well even if she knows they won't be answered until morning.
On the other side of town Andy's phone chimes with an email notification, waking her up from her reclined position on the couch. It's probably for the best; she should have been in bed a few hours ago. She checks the subject line and makes sure there is no emergency that needs coverage and sees that the sender is Miranda. She decides to check in via text.
A: Isn't it past your bedtime?
M: Usually. But a combination of Starbucks too long after lunch and good old fashioned insomnia had other ideas.
A: Try the Great British Bake-off on Netflix. It's insanely comforting. I've been dozing to it for two hours.
Miranda finds the recommendation sweet but refuses to say so.
M: Will do. Goodnight.
A: Sweet dreams.
After years of just casually browsing Runway at newsstands and checking the app on occasion, Andy becomes an avid reader. She enjoys seeing spreads and collections Miranda mentions in passing come to life on the pages. She is even more entertained when the layout and photos end up looking gorgeous after hours of Miranda complaining about everyone's incompetence. Runway has always been its own little universe it seems, and Andy has always been slightly out of orbit. But now, she is as close as she has ever been to its magnetic force in the center, Miranda.
She mentions her friendship in passing to her friends one day as if being friends with a boss who tormented you in all of your waking hours years ago is somehow not a big deal. But it feels huge. Part of her has always been drawn to Miranda. Even years ago when Andy thought she was a raving bitch Miranda still managed to impress her. She could worry that her admiration has veered into having a crush but instead she decides to enjoy it. Sometimes it's nice to be attracted to someone from a distance, it doesn't mean she ever has to act on it.
She is a bit careful with her interactions. The last thing Andy wants to do is annoy Miranda, or worse, creep her out. Still, she can't help but enjoy talking to her. And she can tell Miranda feels the same. Miranda is not someone who falls into the habit of doing things she does not wish to do, or talk to people she would rather not interact with. At least not in her personal life. Once Miranda figures out that Andy doesn't intend to ask her for favors or need her for any sort of professional alliance she loosens up considerably.
Miranda pauses working one day in order to refill her coffee cup. Out of the kitchen window she sees both Caroline and Cassidy laid out on chaise lounges in the backyard, soaking up some mid-afternoon sun. She doesn't bother to lecture them a second time about sunscreen after all the eye-rolling she received this morning. Instead, she takes them out a few bottles of chilled Pellegrino to keep them hydrated. No one can tell Miranda she doesn't know how to pick her battles.
Back at her desk, Miranda checks her phone. She is pleased to see a text from Andrea.
A: OMG. The Marc Jacobs spread this month is beautiful. Seriously. Those photos are gorgeous.
M: Thank you. I will tell Jocelyn they are acceptable.
A: High praise! I'm still drooling over the crossbody bag on page 63.
Miranda flips through the paper copy on the edge of her desk to admire her work. The brown leather bag pictured is the perfect mixture of fashion meets functionality. She could picture it on Andy perfectly.
M: It would certainly suit your style.
A: You think so? Maybe I'll grab one as soon as I actually have places to go again.
M: Noted. Stay tuned for your feature in the next issue.
A: Can't wait. x
When her own featured interview is released in Runway Andy finds herself too nervous to actually read the article. Instead, she ogles the Balenciaga spread even while knowing that she would never attempt any of the outlandish outfits pictured on the models. She does the fashion crossword in record time, scribbling in all the answers from the last issue. Finally she can't avoid it any longer and turns the page.
Looking down at her casual, smiling face Andy can hardly believe it. The graphics team did a wonderful job on the retouching and Jakob captured her marvelously. She looks relaxed and happy, instead of slightly tense as she tends to look in most photos. She reads carefully over the words too, making sure they flow together as seamlessly as the rest of the layout.
After reading, she doesn't hesitate to call Miranda. As if expecting her Miranda answers after just one ring.
In lieu of greeting Miranda says, "You're on speaker. I'm making beef ragu."
"Oooh yum. Sounds delicious. What are you serving it with?" The suggestion of food reminds Andy that it has been more than a few hours since her last meal.
"Asiago polenta and garlicky greens." She chuckles, "Is that your stomach growling?"
"I skipped lunch."
"That's what happens when you make tacos for breakfast." Miranda quipps.
"That was weeks ago, Miranda," Andy laughs. "Let it go."
Miranda is a little shocked to realize that interaction indeed took place weeks ago. Somehow speaking this casually with Andy feels like they are old friends. Yet somehow the conversations are still thrilling. She enjoys them.
"I called to say thank you for the feature. It was wonderfully done. I mean it."
Miranda is oddly touched. "Of course. I'm glad to know the article was up to par."
"It was. Thanks for sending me a preview."
"Takes a control freak to know one." Andy can practically hear her smirk.
"The photo looks awesome too," Andy continues.
"Oh?"
"Yeah. I look normal, which doesn't always happen on film. I tend to get kind of tense. Not to mention the camera usually adds ten pounds. And four wrinkles."
"I think you look beautiful." Miranda says without thinking. Her hands pause their cooking as her own words catch up to her.
Andy pauses. "Is that a professional opinion?"
"It is." She answers. No point in trying to renege.
"I can't see you right now, but I'm pretty certain you look beautiful too." She says.
Miranda deflects. "Is that a professional opinion?"
Andy is a little caught off guard. Pleased, but surprised. Miranda Priestly just may be flirting with her. She clears her throat. "Yeah. Yeah it is."
Caroline and Cassidy come bursting into the kitchen, completely unaware of their terrible timing. "Something smells good," Caroline says at the same time her sister pipes up, "Yum, carbs!"
"I'll let you go," Andy says coming back to reality. "Tell the girls I said hello."
"Bye Andrea."
"Talk soon."
Miranda orders the Mac Jacobs crossbody bag Andy had raved about with her personal credit card and has it sent directly to her home. She even calls the store on Madison Avenue herself. She was a little amused at how the shop attendant managed to stumble through the conversation even while a bit star struck. At the last minute, she adds two small wallets to her order and plans to give them to the girls before they head off to school.
As soon as the bag arrives she goes about finding the perfect supple brown leather to match. There's a fabric store in SoHo that is older than she is and she plans to check there after her internet search has proven to be fruitless. Surely they must have exactly what she needs.
Mask set in place, sunglasses over her eyes, and a wide brimmed sun hat are the perfect disguise. Miranda knows the easiest way to not be spotted by paparazzi is to hide in plain sight, even if she's sweating like a whore in church. At least Roy has the air conditioner blasting and she doesn't plan to be in the shop for long.
Immediately she sets her sights on the back of the store where she can see sheets of hides and leathers. She selects a few yards of the perfect caramel colored leather and has it cut by the attendant. She grabs a heavy duty presser foot for her sewing machine and some heavy-duty thread as well, just to make sure the process is as seamless as possible.
Roy idles by the curb faithfully as she steps out of the shop, her task happily completed. She knows his retirement is coming soon. Even while being happy for him and so grateful for the hard work he has put in over the years, Miranda is selfishly pleased he has yet to declare retirement formally. He may even hold on until the bitter end, just like someone else she knows.
Back at home, thoughts of her next sewing project distract her enough to make getting her work done difficult. She has picked up some slack from a few of her employees who seem to think that "working from home" is the same as "playing video games next to your work laptop and occasionally moving the mouse." Thankfully, most of the dead weight has been let go but that leaves more to do on her own plate.
Not today, though. She promises to think about it tomorrow. Today she wants to let her mind wander as her hands bring another one of her creations to life. Her closet is practically bursting with outfits by now. Some are gorgeous fall pieces, some are trendy things intended for the girls, and others are whimsical statement pieces that would only really be found on a red carpet.
She finds herself a little anxious when she thinks about any of the pieces actually seeing the light of day. She knows there is only one real way to determine if they are good enough to be of any worth. Some days Miranda wonders if after Runway some of her own work could grace its pages. That could certainly make for a nice change of pace.
AirPods in her ears, Miranda sets to work and starts cutting the fabric for the leather jacket. She chooses a peaceful playlist instead of her usual podcast. She needs all of her concentration to make sure that Andrea's measurements are 100 percent perfect. Andrea has filled out just a little since her Runway days, but carries it beautifully.
As of now, Miranda is choosing not to question why she has purchased a thousand dollar leather bag for Andrea, is making a custom piece of clothing that matches perfectly, and plans to have them both sent via messenger. Andrea is a charming, beautiful friend who deserves wonderful things. Since Miranda can willingly and easily provide those things, why should she deny herself the pleasure?
And if Andrea happens to read into her gift, well, that wouldn't be so awful. Would it? And if she doesn't read into it at all, that wouldn't be so bad either. Right?
Right. Sure. Miranda will figure it all out in due time. She always does.
After a few hours of measuring and sewing, Miranda's phone rings. It has gotten pretty late and she knows the only person comfortable calling her at such an hour is her assistant or Andrea. Prepared for either at the end of the line, she simply answers, "This is Miranda."
"I sure hope so," Andy replies. "I have a weird question."
Miranda heaves a dramatic sigh to Andy's delight. "Yes?"
"Have you seen Tiger King?"
"Tiger what?"
Andy gives her a brief synopsis. After listening dutifully she almost rolls her eyes. "Absolutely not."
Andy chuckles, "I'm not sure why I expected anything different. Damn it. The video I was going to send you won't make any sense otherwise."
"Send it to Cassidy," Miranda supplies. "She made a reference to someone named Carole Baskin the other day that now makes sense."
"Message received. Have a good night!"
"You as well." Miranda turns back to her work.
August
Miranda has been dreading this day for months. She should be grateful that her incredible, brilliant daughters are getting an Ivy League education. They have somehow blossomed into such dazzling young women right before her eyes. Somehow that thought just makes it even harder to see them off.
She is skeptical about allowing them to go anywhere at all in the middle of this neverending pandemic but she cannot stifle them forever. Caroline and Cassidy have already gone though cancelled graduations, parties, and every other social event of the summer. At least at Yale they will be rooming together and sharing a suite style dorm room with only two other girls. Miranda has hoped that Yale would postpone in-person classes until the virus was more under control but the institution stubbornly presses on.
For weeks she has helped her daughters pick out decorations, has been stockpiling disinfectant wipes, has purchased books and laptops and clothing. The girls are gracious enough to allow Miranda to ride with them as Roy drops them off on the sidewalk of the dorm. She thinks that her children may be a bit more nervous than they are admitting to allow such a thing but she takes this as the gift that it is.
Finally, every item has been brought and deposited in their tiny room that contains little more than two lofted beds and two desks. Miranda can no longer prolong the inevitable and prepares to leave. Worst possible scenario is that the university sees how dangerous holding in-person classes is and sends them both home in a week or two.
From her oversized shoulder bag Miranda pulls out two pairs of high-waisted jeans she crafted by hand. Of course they were created with the latest trends in mind, as her daughters take after her in more ways than one. After unfolding their impromptu gift, Cassidy tackles Miranda in a huge bear hug. "These are awesome! Thanks mom!"
Caroline looks up at her, a few unshed tears shining in her blue eyes as the magnitude of the gesture hits her. She knows her mom could have had one of her assistants pick up the latest fashion from any boutique in the city. But instead her mom has chosen to make them something. A pair of jeans is a stupid thing to cherish but she vows to do so anyway. She gives her mother a long hug as well, taking comfort in her softness and smell, committing it to memory.
"Promise me you'll be safe." Miranda says at the threshold of the door.
"Of course, Mom. We have pepper spray and hand sanitizer," Caroline says, easing the sad tension in the room.
"And DoorDash! What more could we need?" Cassidy pipes up.
"I'll send more cleaning supplies in a few weeks," Miranda assures them.
"Okay, Mom." The pair replies in unison.
"Wash your hands. A lot. And no parties."
"OKAY, Mom," they say, exasperated.
"I love you both." Miranda somehow pulls off looking more prideful than maudlin. "I'll miss you."
"We know," they say in unison, a little more contrite. She wraps them both in a giant hug. "We'll miss you too."
Back in her empty home Miranda throws herself into her work, because what else is there to do? She edits the book every night with determined precision, marking details with her apple pencil as she used to do on the physical copy. She sews a deep red corset-style camisole, adds flirty pleats to an A-line skirt, and finally puts the finishing touches on the brown leather jacket she began a short while ago.
She holds it up when it is finished to admire her work. It fits Andrea's style perfectly, she hopes it fits her body just as well. Before packaging both the jacket and Marc Jacobs bag neatly, she sews a label inside the collar. It bears a simple "M" in serif font. She wonders if Andy will notice it.
Before she can talk herself out of her plan, Miranda summons a courier service and has her package picked up and delivered. She hopes that Andrea will not find the gesture silly or insignificant. It is common knowledge that Miranda does not trust easily. And she does not spend hours of her time creating thoughtful gifts for people that she does not trust and enjoy.
That night before she turns off her bedside lamp, Miranda's cell phone rings. She checks the caller ID and sees the familiar name pop up. Her heart picks up as she answers.
"Hello?"
"Hey! I'm glad I caught you before you fell asleep. I just opened a very fancy package with your return address." Her voice softens. "I just want you to know that I never thought I would cry sentimental tears of joy over clothing but here we are."
Miranda laughs, easing the nerves that had drawn tight in her belly. "So you like it?"
"Of course I do! We all know I have been lusting after this bag for a while now. And only you would find the perfect jacket to match. Fits me like a glove and everything."
"I'm glad. I was a little worried the jacket wouldn't suit you." Miranda says honestly.
"Are you kidding? I love it. It's 75 degrees outside but I am having a hard time finding a reason to take it off," Andy gushes.
Miranda chuckles, "Please don't pass out, I don't want to be within twenty feet of a hospital if I can help it."
"Fine. But at the first gust of wind I am taking this jacket on its maiden voyage."
"Fair enough."
"You're going to kill me, but I can't place the designer. The style seems completely unique. I know I haven't seen it in Runway."
Miranda pauses, trying to decide whether or not to show her hand. Ultimately she remembers that life is short and few people thrive by being a coward. "Well, perhaps because it's me."
"What?" Andy cries in disbelief.
"The designer is me," Miranda admits. "I have gotten back into sewing in my down time. I could not seem to find the perfect jacket to compliment the bag you wanted. So I made one."
"Oh my god. You're incredible, Miranda. Is there anything you can't do?"
"I'm sure we will find something one day."
"I doubt it. Wow. I'm truly touched," Andy's voice quivers a little. A handmade gift from Miranda fucking Priestly? She feels like the luckiest girl in the world. "Let me take you out someplace to thank you. Would you let me?"
Miranda thinks for a moment. Most restaurants have opened back up somewhat so they should be alright, at least while dining outside. Not to mention she would absolutely love Andrea's company.
"Alright," she says after her decision is made. "If you insist. Just tell me when and where."
Once they hang up, Andy calls Gavin to arrange a reservation. What seems like a lifetime ago she met Gavin when he was working at a restaurant with Nate and he's always been such a nice guy. It's not a coincidence either that he is the head chef at a NYC five star hotel either. He was always a better chef than her ex, even though she would have been crazy to ever admit that to him.
Of course she could take Miranda to any one of her favorite fancy restaurants but she does not quite trust indoor seating these days. The rooftop where they caught up so many weeks ago should accommodate them quite nicely. She asks her friend if he could possibly whip up something special for the two of them, and of course he agrees. Miranda Priestly's name still has the ability to pull miracles out of people every day.
She emails the details to Miranda so they can be added to her calendar. Miranda accepts the invitation almost immediately and begins to count the days until she will see Andrea in person once more. The anticipation sets off a few flutters inside of her.
Luckily she does not have to wait too long. Friday evening finds the pair being seated by a hostess who lights a tealight on the table before filling water and wine glasses. "The first of your selections will be out shortly," she says.
Miranda shoots a questioning look at her dinner partner. Andy answers, "I called ahead to order something special for us. I hope that's alright."
Miranda's eyes soften as she tries not to let a smile peek through. Andy can tell she is pleased. The twinkly hanging lights and candle on the table cast a glow on Miranda that makes Andy wish she had a camera. Set against the backdrop of a glittering city skyline she is perfection personified. Andy is so screwed.
She tried so hard to not be just another one of the many people who have fallen under Miranda's spell. And before tonight Andy hadn't seen her in person in a few months. She could pretend that this was just another passing crush that would fade in time. But goddamn it, the woman is just so damn pretty, not to mention sharp as a tack. The combination makes her head swim. It's probably high time she admits to herself that what she feels is a little bit more than a friendly neighborhood crush.
Still, Andy is careful not to trick herself into thinking Miranda could ever reciprocate her feelings. She will enjoy spending time with Miranda while it lasts and being able to send her texts and emails. Miranda has seemed kind of lonely lately, and Andy has been there to fill the void. Willingly, of course, but still. They will be friends, because it works so well for them. She promises herself not to screw it up.
On the opposite side of the table Miranda tries not to get swept up in the romantic gesture of Andy inviting her to this intimate dinner. The selection of customized hors d'œuvres paired with an accompanied wine selection is an incredibly personal sentiment.
They chat through the first round of delicious treats, catching up as if they were never boss and assistant. So much time has passed that they truly feel like equals now; Miranda values Andrea's time and attention on a whole different level than before. It is a welcome change. She takes a bite of her balsamic beef medallion, enjoying the flavor as Andy tells about submitting her latest project to the LA Times.
"Anyway," she says casually after taking a sip of wine, "The ethical sourcing piece should be published next month."
"Excuse me?" Miranda says, shocked. "You didn't even mention submitting it until a few minutes ago."
Andy looks amused. "You know how hard I have worked on it! I didn't want to say anything, in case it was rejected."
"I would never judge you for that. Publishing can be very arbitrary. Not to mention political," Miranda says with conviction.
"I know," Andy assures her. She swallows nervously before admitting, "I wanted you to be impressed."
Miranda takes a second then to look across the table at Andrea. She sees a woman whom she respects greatly. Someone with ideals and creativity, to say nothing of her lovely face. Miranda does feel proud indeed, among other things. She rests her hand gently over Andy's. "Of course I am proud of you, Andrea. You've done incredibly well for yourself and others. Never doubt that. Am I clear?"
A wide smile lights up Andy's face. Miranda is almost blinded by the beauty of it. "Crystal."
A few hours pass before they are ready to leave the rooftop. Miranda guides Andy towards the elevator with a hand at the small of her back and Andy feels a little thrill at the gentlewomanly gesture. As much as this has felt like the best date she has ever had, her brain reminds her that it is not a date at all. So much for not getting too caught up.
On the sidewalk Miranda sends a text to Roy as Andy searches in her bag for her phone to call a car of her own. Before she can pull the app up, Miranda asks, "Would you like a ride home?"
Andy would love a ride actually, but does not want to inconvenience Miranda. "I live in the opposite direction from you. It's getting pretty late."
"Nonsense," Miranda says. "Traffic seems light tonight. We should be fine."
Andy doesn't argue. With masks back in place, Roy pulls up only a few minutes later to collect them both. He seems a little surprised to see Andy and greets her before putting her address in the GPS. The ride home is smooth as classical music plays softly from the speakers. Miranda's presence in the car used to give Andy such anxiety. It's odd how much it soothes her now.
Before stepping out of the car in front of her building, she turns to Miranda. "Thank you for coming with me tonight."
Oddly polite, Miranda responds, "Thank you for inviting me. I had a lovely evening."
"Me too. See you soon?"
Miranda's eyes crinkle in a way that lets Andy know she is sporting a small smile beneath her mask. She is mildly grateful Miranda's lips are covered so that she isn't tempted to stare at them. "See you soon."
September
Miranda's trip to Paris was only a few days long this year which she does not mind in the least. It served as a good distraction from missing her daughters. Between her few shows she did not attend any gatherings with the threat of catching the virus in the back of her mind. But she did have a chance to do a little shopping. She stopped by a few boutiques and fabric stores, selecting small gifts for Andrea and the girls and swaths of decadent fabric for herself. Her assistant arranges for them to be delivered to New York once she returns.
Runway chugs along just as Miranda does. The design teams have had to get creative with their content seeing as fashion week was largely virtual this year. Socially distanced shows were as safe as they could be but still made her a little anxious to attend. Nonetheless, she is happy to be done with the brunt of it and the September issue came together swimmingly. She has Nigel to thank for a lot of the success, not that she minds. He earned his praise long ago.
Back home, Miranda settles easily back into her routine. During a break in their class schedule, Miranda sends a text to Caroline's phone to see if one of them is free for a quick chat. A few minutes later she gets a FaceTime request.
"Hello mother!" Cassidy says excitedly into the phone.
"Hello, darling. How are you?"
"Fine I guess," Cassidy sighs, "I just cleaned our room. Aren't you proud?"
"Very proud. How's your sister? You're both being safe?"
"Don't let her fool you, mom! She has a paper due at midnight!" Caroline screams from the other end of the room. Miranda chuckles. Some things never change.
"Sometimes you have to procrastinate one thing by doing the other thing you've been procrastinating longer," Cassidy says sagely. "It's a process."
"I'm sure," Miranda says instead of arguing. "Have you at least started the paper? Do you need help?"
"Nah, I've got an outline already. It's just a bunch of compiled book annotations honestly. I aced the last one."
"Well that's good to hear," Miranda agrees. "But it's almost four o'clock. You should probably get to work."
"Fine. Talk to your other child. Bye mom! Love you!"
Before Miranda can respond the screen of her phone swirls around as Cassidy tosses her own phone to her sister. Miranda chats agreeably with Caroline, who has finished her own homework on time, thank you very much.
"I miss you," Caroline admits easily. She has always been the more sensitive of the two. "And your cooking." She jokes.
Miranda's heart melts. She misses them both so very much. "And I you, my dear. I will see you soon, for Thanksgiving and Christmas break, yes?"
"You bet," Caroline says. "Did I tell you about my chemistry professor?"
They chat as Caroline tells about her college classes, both in person and online. Miranda tells a few details about her own life and Runway as well, trying her best to not sound as if she misses them too much. They will be home before she knows it.
Later that night she has the hardest time nodding off to sleep. Miranda does not have the brain power to get any work done, and is trying to scale back incrementally and put more trust in her staff. Not to mention her FaceTime session with the girls this afternoon just made her miss them more. Most of the time she is fine, and dedicates her solitary time to the hobbies she has come to enjoy most. Other times, it's like the loneliness she feels has grown sharp teeth that gnaw at her. Tonight is one of those nights.
With Netflix idling on her screen, Miranda reaches to the bedside table and grabs her phone. It is not terribly late, and Andy is a night owl too sometimes. Sending one text couldn't hurt even if it goes unanswered until morning.
M: Are you asleep?
A: Not yet. What's up?
Miranda's phone vibrates with an incoming call.
"Hey. You alright?" Andy says.
"Yes. Hello. I'm quite alright. But I could use a recommendation," Miranda replies.
"Interesting. For what?"
"I can't seem to sleep or find anything to watch." Miranda sighs. "I would prefer something mindless, but not as mindless as Real Housewives."
"Got you covered. Try Schitt's Creek. It takes a few episodes to get better but it's worth it." Andy supplies. "And hey, don't knock RHONY until you try it."
"Thank you for your sage advice." Miranda selects the search bar with her remote.
"Any time. Empty nest hitting you hard tonight?" Andy dares to ask.
"Like you wouldn't believe," Miranda admits.
"I found a great BuzzFeed listicle with a bunch of recommendations. I'll send it over to you in the morning."
"You've always been very resourceful."
"I try."
As the days go by, Miranda and Andy talk fairly often. As much as she hates to admit it, the Buzzfeed listicle becomes a prominent bookmark on her phone. She makes her way through the suggestions, stopping and moving to the next if the plot does not suit her.
Her silky midnight blue fabric arrives from France (ethically sourced, of course) and she gets to work on an evening gown she sketched out on the flight home. She gets experimental with her morning coffee recipes, since it would be silly to call her assistant every morning just to demand a delivery. She talks to Andrea, and Donnatella, and Nigel.
All in all, Miranda is content. In moments when she talks with Andrea or her daughters she actually manages to be happy. It turns out that the third thing 2020 teaches Miranda is how to find contentment in her everyday activities. After all, a worldwide pandemic can arrive at any moment and threaten your entire way of life, if not your actual life as well. You may as well strive for happiness in the time you have left.
A: Hey, are you busy? I could pick your brain for a second. I have a bit of writer's block.
M: Netflix. I can be available in approximately 17 minutes.
A: Nice. What are you watching?
M: Ratched.
A: Oh yes. Just ping me when you're done. Ms. Paulson deserves your undivided attention.
Half an hour later, Miranda finds herself on a video chat with Andrea. Even through the tiny screen Miranda feels a small spark of attraction. Andrea sports a large, comfortable looking sweater and no makeup. A few colored pens cut stick jauntily out of her tied-up hair. She is gorgeous. It feels like it has been ages since Miranda has seen her.
"It's good to see you." Andy voices Miranda's thoughts aloud. "How was your show?"
"It's a bit gory, but good. I'm only two episodes in." Miranda says. She walks to the kitchen with the intention of preparing a light dinner. Perhaps if she is quick about it Andy will still be on the phone so that she will have a little company as she eats.
"I won't spoil the rest of the but it's a doozy." Andy says.
"I can tell," Miranda whisks together lemon juice and olive oil to dress her spring mix. The chicken she grilled last night will go nicely on top.
"Brilliant acting too. Although I'd watch anything with Sarah Paulson in it so I may be biased."
"Oh really?" Miranda says, salaciously.
"Oh, yes."
"Good to know," she replies. "You said you needed assistance," she continues, sitting down to her dinner. "What can I help you with?"
Andy launches into her next project and the intricacies of it as Miranda listens attentively. The sun sets long before they hang up.
One part left to go!