Hey guys, sorry for the late update. Finals kicked my ass, but you might get a double update today so there's that! Also, if you've read the original story, you will notice that this chapter is vastly different than what it used to be. Don't worry, the main romance between Mirandy will be the same at it's core, but this is a reboot. I feel like now, there's a decent subplot so that there's less of a need for filler chapters. Hopefully you like the change as much as I do.
Oh yeah, i don't have a beta right now and I'm currently looking for one so if you find anything mistakes or errors feel free to let me know and I'll get to it when I can.
As always, I love to hear what you think!
The day of their lunch meeting, Andy was far more tired than she'd been the day before. She was up late into the night, checking reports and signing off on department budgets. When she entered her office that morning, her assistant, Gia, could immediately tell she was exhausted. Steven was out on errand runs for majority of the morning, meaning that besides the mountains of work she was left to deal with, her morning ran smoothly.
At about a quarter past 2pm, she received an emergency email from her President. He'd attached damning evidence of her CFO, Harold Watson, working with a rival company. While it was only a few reports and some suspicious photographs, Andy was assured there was more evidence available upon request. The company legal had been informed, as well as her own personal lawyers, which meant that Harold would need to be suspended immediately, until the board could go over the evidence in its entirety.
Harold was currently in a meeting with a representative from Japan, and the meeting was very important. She couldn't just pull him out of it, it would reflect badly on her company as a whole. However, she also had a meeting with Miranda, and would need to either reschedule, or have the Editor meet her at her office, to avoid delays. She sighed, rubbing her temples, she called out to her assistant.
"Gia, can you get Miranda on the phone, and call down to Harold's office and inform his assistant he's to come straight up to see me once his meeting is finished," Andy instructed the blonde.
"Of course Andy," Gia immediately picked up the phone, "oh and by the way, your realtor called. The property you've been looking at has just gone back on the market. He said that he can arrange a meeting whenever your schedule permits."
"Call him back and let him know when I'm free," Andy sent her a smile, "thanks, Gia."
"Of course," she sent Andy a slight smile, before the phone was answered and she went back to work.
Andy was just finishing up an expense report when Gia called out to her, "I have Miranda on line one."
Andy looked up, seeing Gia look a little shaken. She gave her a sympathetic smile, and picked up the phone, "Miranda, I hate to do this but unless you're able to come to my office a little earlier, we'll have to reschedule our meeting."
"That's fine, Andrea," Miranda sounded both irritated and distracted, "I can leave in fifteen minutes, but if that's all I have work to attend to, or have you forgotten?"
"That works fine for me," Andy agreed, and was promptly hung up on. She shook her head, chuckling slightly.
About five minutes later, Steven arrived with a cup of lukewarm coffee and a clear attitude. Andy looked at the coffee, then at Steven. He sat at his desk, and ignored her look, typing up a report loudly.
"Steven...this coffee is disgusting," Andy sighed, "this isn't even what I ordered."
"So you want me to go back," He looked angry at the task.
"That's exactly what I want," she nodded, "and this time, if you get the order right and bring it back while it's still hot, you won't have to do it again."
He snatched up his bag, grumbling under his breath as Gia watched him go, "bitch."
Gia went to open her mouth and correct him, but Andy just shook her head. He stormed out, and if he could slam the elevator doors, she was sure he would have. Gia cast her a look.
"He does know that there's a cafeteria that brews your favorite coffee on the fifth floor, right," she questioned, "why does he go to a Starbucks almost a mile away, especially when you hate Starbucks?"
"Because I didn't tell him about it, and because he doesn't bother to pay attention or ask for help," Andy shrugged, "I know I embarrassed him, but that was years ago and I'm his boss now. His evaluations were immaculate until I came."
"He knows how to hold a grudge," Gia sighed, "he kinda hates me too because I didn't realize he wasn't an intern anymore on his first official day. That was months ago, and he still isn't over it."
"It'll cost him his job," Andy sighed.
Before Gia could reply, her phone rang and she was speaking quietly. Andy looked back at her work.
"Mr. Watson is on his way shortly, and Miranda is in the elevator as we speak," Gia announced.
Andy nodded, putting away some reports to clear her desk, "I'll need you to send an intern down for Miranda's coffee. Tell him to use a thermos, and to make sure he's careful not to burn himself. I'll text you her preference, so you won't have to suffer her wrath. When Harold arrives, let me know before you send him in."
"I'm on it, Boss," Gia pulled out her phone, just as the elevator opened.
Miranda stepped out of it, and glanced around at the office. The outer portion, like majority of the building, was styled in white, black and splashes of red. Two desks flanked the door to Andy's office, both facing the elevator, with a small reception area off to the left. To the right was an employee bathroom an unmarked room next to it.
"Miranda, it's a pleasure to meet you," Gia greeted the woman when Andy remained silent inside her office, "Andy is waiting for you, so you can go ahead. An intern will be by shortly with your coffee. If there's anything else I can get you, don't hesitate to ask."
Miranda raised an eyebrow, recognizing the voice from their brief phone call, "I will keep that in mind."
She entered the office, which was nearly three times the size of her own. Which, she mused internally, made since when she noted that Andy's office took up nearly half of the floor it was on. With a double sided elevator, she noticed that the lab for Andy's office was specifically labeled 34A.
"Good afternoon, Miranda," Andy smile brightly at the older woman, "I'm sorry to bring you here, there's just a small matter I have to handle before we can go."
"It's fine, Andrea," Miranda waved her off, as she took in the office, "I am a businesswoman, I, better than most, understand."
Andy was surprised at her words, having expected some form of sarcastic or biting comment. She looked at Miranda, and recognized something like respect in her gaze. Clearly Miranda recognized her as an equal on some level. Andy reasoned that it would be hard not to when the evidence was all around her.
"Well it shouldn't be-"
"Andy, Mr. Watson is here to see you," Gia spoke up.
They turned to see a tall man in his forties standing by Gia's desk. He was handsome, and clearly took good care of himself and his image, if the Versace suit and well groomed facial hair was anything to go by. He had an arrogant smile, and when Andy approached, he offered his hand in greeting.
"If it isn't our fearless liege," Harold smiled, "I understand that you wanted to see me? And...who is your beautiful friend."
His eyes turned to Miranda, and his charming smile turned almost predatory as he looked her up and down. Andy couldn't stop the irritation from showing on her face, something that did not go unnoticed by Miranda.
"This is Miranda Priestly, Editor in Chief of Runway magazine," Andy introduced them with as much politeness as she could muster, "Miranda, this is Harold Watson."
"I'm the CFO of Red Dot," He added on, "a pleasure to meet you, Miranda."
"I'm sure," Miranda wasn't even slightly impressed by the man, "do hurry with your meeting, Andrea. I only have an hour for lunch."
"Of course," Andy nodded, "we'll go into the conference room," Andy motioned to the otherwise unmarked door.
Harold was led inside, and Miranda turned the moment the elevator opened and a young, gangly, but well dressed intern stepped out. In his hand was a sleek silver thermos, with a discreet Red Dot Logo near the bottom, along with a few envelopes.
"Hey Gia," he greeted the assistant, blushing when she smiled at him, "I brought what you asked for, and your reports from the research department since I was already there."
"Thank you, Miles, that was really thoughtful," Gia accepted both with a smile.
"No problem," he shrugged, smiling back bashfully, "well I better get back. Those programs aren't gonna write themsel."
He left with an awkward wave. Gia shook her head, and turned back to Miranda as she offered her the scalding hot coffee. Miranda accepted, giving a nod of approval when she tasted the drink.
"Have you worked for Andrea long," Miranda felt the need to ask, sensing how close they were.
"We go way back," Gia grinned, "we went to Stanford together, but she was a year ahead of me."
"I thought Andrea attended Northwestern University," Miranda was confused by the new information.
"She did, for her journalism degree," Gia nodded, "she went back for her business degree at Stanford. She's the one that got me this job, working for her uncle."
Before Miranda could reply, there was shouting coming from conference room.
"You can't do this! Just because you got lucky and your Uncle kicked the bucket, doesn't mean you know anything about this company! That position was MINE, you hear me? You don't deserve it!"
"Harold, I would lower your voice," Andy sounded irritated.
"Fuck you, and this company. Intel has been begging me to come over there, they appreciate the information I give and they actually have enough sense to recognize a good CEO when he shows up!"
Andy spoke again, but this time Miranda couldn't quite make out what she said. A minute later, the door opened and Harold slowly emerged from the room. His face was pale, and he looked like he'd seen a ghost. Wordlessly, he left the office. Andy left the room with a slight frown, but her face brightened when she saw Miranda.
"We can go," Andy smiled at her, "my driver is waiting downstairs."
"So," Andy glanced at Miranda as they drove, "rough morning?"
"Where do I even begin," Miranda rolled her eyes, "the incompetence of my staff should not surprise me anymore, but they manage the impossible to achieve that, at least."
"I'm sure it's not so bad that you can't fix it," Andy chuckled, remembering that she was included in Miranda's staff not even 2 months ago."
"Of course I can fix it," Miranda raised an eyebrow, "but I shouldn't have to. To make matters worse, the twins have decided that our meeting is a date, has saw it fit to have a delivery of flowers sent to my office 'in case I forgot how to be romantic'."
"Why would they think we're on a date," Andy felt her heart flutter.
"That I beyond me," Miranda rolled her eyes, "I suppose they mistake my stress as me being upset at your departure from my life."
"Oh," Andy cleared her throat, trying to ignore how those words bothered her, "well, we're here, and I might have something to cheer you up."
They exit the car, and Miranda looked at the seemingly pedestrian restaurant with a raised eyebrow, "The Hidden Prey? Surely you don't intend to force me to eat lord knows what they serve here?"
"Trust me," Andy smirked a little, leading her inside and towards the back, "the real restaurant is below the main level. The cafe services the general public, but only a select few are allowed into the true restaurant."
"And you are among these select few," Miranda raised an eyebrow at the information.
"I would hope so," Andy led her to an elevator, and stepping inside once it opened, "I own it, after all."
Miranda remained silent, stepped into the elevator and watching as Andy entered a passcode after selecting the basement level. When the doors opened, Miranda was greeted by a completely different view. The restaurant before her rivaled any five star restaurant she'd been to before. Andy led her to a small table near the back, and they were seated and a server placed the menu in front of them before disappearing as fast as he came.
"It is very hard to surprise me the way that you have, Andrea," Miranda spoke up finally, "why would you come to work for Runway, when you are as... established as you are. And why lie to me about it?"
"I needed to go somewhere where no one knew who I was," Andy admitted, "I didn't really lie so much as omit certain things. I did go to Northwestern, and I had recently graduated. I love writing, and I was actively pursuing a career in journalism."
"Did you never think about how you keeping this from me...from Runway could have negatively impacted the brand? Especially when you own stock in the company," Miranda sent her a sharp glare.
"I didn't know my uncle had done that," Andy sighed, "he promised he wouldn't interfere, but I'm sure he had his reasons once he became sick. It wasn't my intention to cause any harm...I really did appreciate the time I spent working under you."
Miranda's eyes widened slightly at her choice of words, and Andy blushed and cleared her throat, "I mean…" she sighed, shaking her head.
"Hey Andy, good to see you. The usual," a new server arrived, ready to take their order.
"Yeah, the usual is perfect," Andy smiled at her.
"And for you, Ma'am?"
"I'll have whatever she's having," Miranda wasn't particularly hungry at the moment.
"Of course, right away," She gave them a polite smile, "someone will be by with water shortly. The standard is Pellegrino, is there anything else you would rather drink instead?"
"No, that is acceptable," Miranda waved her off.
"It was my uncle's favorite," Andy answered the unspoken question, "Lord knows why. It's awful."
She wrinkled her nose at the reminder of the water, and Miranda couldn't help but smirk at her reaction.
"The fact that you do not enjoy it does not surprise me in the least," Miranda shook her head.
"I bet. Still, I didn't think you were a grilled cheese kinda girl, until you ordered it," Andy said casually.
Miranda's eyes widened in shock, "tell me that isn't what I just ordered!"
"Relax," Andy giggled at her expression, "I was only joking. It's a shrimp and lobster salad, with a side of steamed rice."
Miranda looked relieved, "good. I would hate to have to kill you. Imagine the headlines."
"You wouldn't do that," Andy grinned.
"Oh? What makes you so sure," Miranda challenged.
"Well, besides the fact that I was the best assistant you've ever had," Andy said cheekily, before going serious, "I actually accepted this meeting because I've come across some... interesting things."
"Such as," Miranda wasn't known for her patience.
"Well, I wasn't lying when I said I knew members of the Elias Clarke board," Andy began, "Grace Clarke and Jonathan Howard both went to college with my uncle, and Richard Elias was one of the first investors in my uncle's company. I've met the other members that have come and gone, with the exception of Irv and Charles at events and dinners when my uncle was still alive. The new member, Percival I've never met."
"That's how Irving didn't recognize you during the Gala," Miranda always wondered how Irv seemingly had no idea who Andrea was.
"My uncle never particularly cared to know him," Andy admitted, "he said that he'd heard bad things about him. That's why I was surprised he went through Irv to become involved with Runway. Although I suppose if he'd told anyone else, they would have recognized me and I would have found out his plan. However, that isn't what's important right now."
"And what is," Miranda was growing tired of the lack of information.
Their food arrived, just as Andy began to speak, "I have have been informed by a very reliable force, that Charles, Percival and Michael are all working with Irv to elect a new chairman in his place that will attempt to not only remove you from Runway, but also the founding families of Elias Clarke."
"To what end," Miranda couldn't understand how they could benefit from losing such credibility.
Without Runway, Elias Clarke would not make nearly enough money to make up for the losses of other failing magazines. Without Miranda, Runway would fail. The only thing besides Runway to keep the company afloat was the Elias Clarke name, which held not only a great deal of power in the publishing world, but gave credibility to the company.
"I'm not sure," Andy admitted, "without Runway, the company is dead in the water, and you are Runway. Apparently, this has been going on for quite some time, and Irv being fired only escalated things."
"And how do you know all of this," Miranda hoped that perhaps Andy's information was wrong, because even she couldn't fight the board if they decided to remove her.
"Grace," Andy sighed, "she approached me when she realized that the shares my uncle bought was the only thing keeping Irv and his little band of merry men from absolute power."
Miranda snorted at the title, even though this was not the time for joking around.
"That's how Irv got fired. I was going to go through with the deal anyways, but they needed a reason to get rid of him. It bought time, but not as much as anyone would like," Andy looked frustrated.
"You only bought stock in Runway, from what I remember," Miranda recalled the meeting the day before.
"Officially, yes," Andy looked at her watch, "but we'll have to continue this another time. I have to go back to the office."
"Very well," Miranda only agreed when she realized she would need to leave now to get back to work on time.
"I know this is a lot to handle," Andy offered her a slight smile, "corporate espionage isn't exactly a part of your job description, but I'm not going to let Irv do this. I may not know much about fashion, but I know business. You do your job, and I'll make sure there's still a job for you to do."
"Why," Miranda could understand everything else Andy had explained well enough, but she didn't understand why she felt the need to help.
"Because…," Andy frowned a little, shaking her head, "because no one else in the world can do what you do, Miranda."
With that, she offered a slight smile, and turned away. Miranda watched her walk away, confused and conflicted about the words she'd just heard. A part of her felt warm at Andy's words, she felt light in a way she never had before, but another part of her felt dread slowly creep into her veins. She wasn't stupid, or blind. There was clearly more to Andy's motivation than that. It wasn't that she didn't believe her, she just knew there was more. There was always more.