A/N: This one is going out with a massive shout out to Callie-G over on FFNet for providing the prompt.
Summary: Years after the events in Paris, Miranda finds one of her darling Bobbsey's remained in touch with the assistant that got away, Andréa (Call me Andy) Sachs. What will happen when the editor comes face to face with her past? Will she still see a lot of herself in the brunette?
Disclaimer: As always, I am just fooling around with these characters. I do not make any money from them because Lauren Weisberger and 20th Century Fox own them.
NOTE: I wanted to say a massive thank you to all those who left reviews/comments. I was absolutely blown away by the positive response I received. You guys inspire me to write more, and so, this chapter is for you. I hope you enjoy. You know the score, comments and reviews are always very much appreciated
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Miranda was amazed by the ease and familiarity her youngest daughter exhibited with Andréa as they walked, hand-in-hand, their arms swinging while Cassidy hopped and trotted to keep up with Andréa's long legs. It was something she understood came from time spent together, and it made her heart hurt but she couldn't help but be curious about it.
They settled at a table at the boathouse and Miranda moved away to order hot drinks for them. Stepping towards the pair with coffee and hot chocolate, she caught the words Andréa was whispering to her daughter. "...You should tell her, Cassi. Because I must admit, if she asks me outright, I cannot and will not lie to her. I respect her way too much and she deserves an explanation."
"What happens if she stops loving me?" The fear in Cassidy's voice had her stalling. She was heartbroken that her daughter believed she could ever stop loving her.
"Your mom would never stop loving you, Cassi. You know she loves you and Caro more than anything else in the world." Andréa stated firmly.
"Even..." Andréa held her hand up stopping the question.
"Even Runway. She made my life absolute hell when I couldn't get her back home from Miami, through a hurricane of all things, for one of your piano recitals. Then there was the Harry Potter thing..." Andréa trailed off and they caught each other's eyes and giggled.
Miranda felt a blaze of warmth uncurl in her stomach at Andréa's words. She had always suspected there was a reason the younger woman had climbed the stairs with the book that first night, yet she had never thrown her girls under the bus as others would.
She continued to walk when Andréa's eyes lifted and caught hers. She could see the pleasure in the dark expressive eyes as she stepped towards them bearing their drinks.
"Here we are, then." Miranda placed the tray of drinks on the table and sat on the other side of Andréa, opposite her daughter. She watched as Andréa took one of the cups of coffee and sipped.
"Aah!" Andréa exclaimed, her eyes falling shut. When her eyes opened Miranda raised an eyebrow and was provided with an explanation. "I actually forgot how good a searing hot cup of Java is. With Izzy and Ethan, most of the time when I get around to drinking my coffee, it's only lukewarm. The coffee in the office is horrific, and I'm not quite in a position to have someone fetch it for me yet, so..." She trailed off. "...Thank you for the drink, Miranda." She swallowed nervously. "Perhaps we could do this again? My treat?"
"You are most welcome. This has been an acceptable way to spend time, so far." Miranda husked. "And I would like to do this again, very much so." She was affected by the unexpected, yet genuine, request.
Cassidy's attention was taken up by a loud squeal of delight as a young boy with dark curls shouted. "Mommy..." The call to a mother was followed by an even louder squeal. "...Cassi."
Cassidy stood and ran towards the little boy and scooped him up, kissing his face as he laughed joyfully, kicking his feet in excitement.
Miranda saw the little boy was a miniature version of Andréa, from the wide easy smile, to the loud laughter and expressive eyes.
Instead of the expected pools of chocolate, she met the piercing blue eyes of the young child, obviously a feature inherited by his father, Christian, who was following Ethan and Cassidy's interaction happily. She smiled as Cassidy sat back down, pulling the little boy on her lap.
Ethan tugged at his curls, his head tilting to the side as he gazed at her. His eyes held curiosity. She had seen Andréa display the exact same gesture.
"Hello, Ethan," Miranda stated softly. She thought the little boy was simply gorgeous.
"Hi, M'wanda." Ethan grinned at her and she felt as if her heart was going to burst at the sight of the once familiar grin. She wondered how he knew of her and was surprised when he offered an explanation that had his mother blushing furiously. "You much prettier in real life than the photo Mommy has."
She caught Christian's deep rumbling laughter as he overheard his son's words. He ruffled the boy's hair. "Do you want a hot chocolate, Ethan?"
"Yea..." Ethan stated.
"Where are your manners, Ethan?" Andréa hissed, still embarrassed.
"Sorry, Mommy." Ethan bit his lip as he gazed at his father. "Yes please, Tassie."
Christian wore a smirk. "Your wish is my command, son." He looked around the table. "Ohio, Miranda, Cassi-dee? Can I get anything for you ladies?"
The Priestley's shook their heads while Andréa looked uncertain. "Can I have a muffin, Tassie?"
"Chocolate chip or blueberry?" Christian queried.
"Surprise me." Andréa grinned up at him.
"Chocolate chip it is," Christian whispered conspiratorially with a wink, causing the brunette to chuckle.
"You know me far too well." Andréa grinned, her cheeks flushed adorably.
Miranda watched as Christian stepped away quickly, joining the queue and striking up a conversation with the pretty woman in front of him. She glanced at Andréa. "Tassie?" She queried.
"Christian was born in Tasmania. When he started calling me Ohio, a more suitable nickname than the first he gave me, I thought I'd get him back, I didn't realise it would stick." Andréa grinned ruefully.
"I would like to know more about the first nickname, but are you are happy for Ethan to call his father by a nickname?" Miranda asked. Her voice conveyed her distaste.
"Ethan has never called Christian dad or daddy, and Christian has never demanded the honorific title," Andréa explained. "Ethan knows he is loved beyond all measure by us both. That should, in theory, be more than enough."
"I suppose." Miranda relented. "I assume Ethan knows Christian is his father?" Miranda asked quietly.
Andréa nodded. "Of course." She looked towards her son. "What did you do this morning, sunshine?"
"We played soccer and went to the playground. Tassie had a lady stroking his arm an' askin' if I was his little boy. He sucked his tummy in and puffed his chest out. It was funny. He seemed proud an' said yes, and that we planned to meet you, Mommy. The lady looked sad when she walked away." Ethan babbled as she squirmed on Cassidy's knee before running around the table and clambering onto Miranda's lap.
"Ethan, no..." Andréa looked shocked by Ethan clambering all over her, clearly concerned over her the potential spoiling of her clothing.
Ethan settled into her, tucking his face into her neck and inhaling deeply. "You smell good, M'wanda." Ethan hummed. "I thought a dragon lady would smell like fire."
Miranda let out a tinkling laugh as Andréa blushed brightly again. "I believe I shall take that as a compliment. Thank you, little man."
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Andy wasn't surprised when she saw Christian getting the number from the woman waiting in front of him as he waited to order. He could turn on the charm better than almost anyone she'd ever met.
As he walked over, with her muffin and hot chocolate he bent to kiss the crown of her head as he placed the items down in front of her. "I need to shoot off, Ohio. I have that deadline and I scored myself a date for the James Holt party tonight since you won't come as my plus one." He straightened up and smiled.
"I am in no mood to put up with that blasted French skunk, Christian," Andréa stated hotly. "She's a bit...a nasty piece of work." She amended the insult quickly causing Cassidy to giggle.
Miranda couldn't stop the small smile that formed at the words and Andy's breath caught at the beauty. Her eyes followed Miranda's hands as she stroked her fingers through Ethan's curls and he sighed happily, nuzzling in closer.
Andy felt Christian's eyes on her and as she looked at him he nodded once. "Be fearless." He mouthed. Turning to Cassidy he smiled down at her. "It's good to see you again, Cassi-dee, keep out of trouble..." He turned to Miranda, who had his son wrapped up in her arms. "...Miranda, it is wonderful to see you too. I trust you'll take excellent care of my two favourite people?"
"Christian..." Andy started to object to his comment at the same time as Miranda spoke.
"Mr Thompson..." Miranda started to speak.
"Call me Christian, please." Christian plastered on a genuine smile.
"Fine," Miranda smirked. "I shall endeavour to do as you wish, Christian," Miranda stated softly.
"Thank you." Christian waved as he moved away, his long-legged stride showing he was impatient to be wherever he was going.
Andy sat back stunned by Miranda's words of reassurance to Christian and she wondered why they had been provided.
Miranda owed her nothing. In fact, after the way both she and Christian had behaved in Paris, her own flight from the woman's side, it would be safe to say that if Miranda chose to publically eviscerate them, it would be warranted.
As if sensing her thoughts, Miranda glanced at her and Andy saw the resolve in her blue eyes. "It is all water under the bridge, Andréa."
"For what it's worth, I am sorry..." Andy inhaled deeply and continued to explain. "...not for actually leaving, but the way I left. It is something I have regretted, but I did not know how you would react to me reaching out to apologise. I did not wish to inconvenience you further."
"Apologies are not necessary, Andréa." Miranda paused for a moment, her finger brushing her lips. "And upon reflection having you reach out would not have been an inconvenience," Miranda stated as she leaned forward to pull the small hot chocolate forward. She sipped to test the temperature and grimaced. "Lukewarm, a suitable temperature for this little one, however, I believe I require another hot coffee."
"I'll just..." Andy stood up and Miranda shook her head.
"Sit. You are no longer my assistant, Andréa. Cassidy will get the coffee." She raised her eyebrow at her daughter. "To go, I think."
"Yes, mom." Cassidy agreed.
Andy sensed Cassidy was grateful to make her escape, albeit briefly. Miranda turned back to her. "Will you join us for lunch at the house?"
Andy thought for a second before making her excuses. "I should get Ethan home, he will need a nap soon and..."
Miranda waved her hand airily. A gesture to stop speaking. "There are beds at the townhouse and I also know from experience the couches in the family room are quite comfortable for napping."
Andy watched Miranda hold the small cup of hot chocolate to Ethan's mouth as he drank, his hand raised to play with the chunky necklace Miranda wore. Frankly, it wasn't really surprising to Andy that Ethan felt comfortable with the older woman. He'd grown up with a few reminders of her time at Runway, including a photo that had captured her with Miranda and Valentino in Paris which had always captured his attention. There were always copies of Runway around, as she read the words Miranda put down for her editor's letter each month. They were often insightful and reading them eased the sense of loss she carried deep within her.
Andy sighed, knowing she could not say no to the silver-haired editor. It was as impossible now, after four years away, then it had been when she worked for the woman. She nodded her head in the direction of the youngest Priestly. "You need to speak with Cassidy though."
Miranda frowned. "I understand that, which is partially why I extended the invitation. Perhaps you can assist me in attempting an open dialogue with my daughter?" She sighed heavily. "I am not particularly good at this, at asking for help." She caught Andy's eyes, hers holding uncertainty. "Will you help me, Andréa?"
Andy sat back. She could sense Miranda expected to have her request refused. Shaking her head, Andy bit her lip. "This is not what I expected of my afternoon, Miranda. But yes, I will join you for lunch and I will help with the conversation you wish to have with Cassidy."
She pulled at the muffin apart, taking delicate bites and washing them down with coffee, feeling Miranda's burning gaze on her as she followed her movements.
As Cassidy set down two takeaway cups of coffee, she smiled at the little redhead. "So, what's for lunch, Cassi?"
"I want grilled cheese," Ethan exclaimed happily ignoring the fact the question was aimed at someone else. Andy sighed. "Pleeeeeease."
"Then that is what you shall have, my dear boy," Miranda whispered in his ear causing him to giggle as the warmth of her breath tickled his ear. She caught Andy's eyes. "We will be having soup and grilled cheese sandwiches."
Miranda stood, adjusting the snugly little boy so he was sat on her hip. She nodded to her coffee and Cassidy handed it to her. She gestured them with a flick of her head and Andy smiled as Cassidy took her hand and they walked two steps behind the imperious older woman.
Andy's eyes focused on the sensuous sway of the older woman's ass and hips as she moved forward with determined steps.
"Andy?" Cassidy whispered. "You may not want to make it so obvious. Although I'm sure mom won't mind you checking out her butt."
Andy's eye snapped down to focus on the mischievous blue eyes of the teenager walking beside her. "I don't know what you mean, Cassi..." She sputtered.
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Cassidy hated to admit it, but Caroline had been right all along. Not about Andy being a bad person for leaving, which was the one thing they disagreed on, but because there was more to both her mom and Andy's feelings than they were willing to admit. Maybe they never would.
Andy's eyes on her mom's ass spoke volumes and Cassidy had seen how her mom watched Andy eat that muffin as if enraptured. She could also sense her mom was affected by Ethan, and she'd held him close like she used to do with her and Caroline. She had never seen her mom act like that with someone else's child, with the softness usually provided only to her and her sister.
Years ago, when her Mom had returned from Paris, she was sad. She masked it with anger and frustration and it carried over into their home life. Caroline blamed Andy and refused to have anything to do with her, but Cassidy had maintained contact with the ex-assistant by email, and when she met Izzy at school, there had been a spark of recognition and they'd become fast friends.
Cassidy understood she had a hard afternoon ahead as she talked to her mom and upon her return to the house she had moved up the circular staircase to hide out in the family room, waiting to be called to lunch.
Moving from the room, she sat at the top of the stairs. She could hear Ethan chatter away, Andy's loud laughter and her mom's soft voice in response. The house seemed lighter, happier in some way. It was different and she wished Caroline was home.
She caught the little patter of feet on the marble tiles of the foyer and the shouting of her name. "Cassi..." Ethan called. "...M'wanda says lunch is ready. Come get it before my Mommy eats it all." He craned his neck, looking up the stairs and saw her sat there. He started his climb, using his arms and knees to lever himself up. "...Cassi, I can see you..." He stated.
Her mom's heels clicked on the tiles to the bottom of the stairs. "Ethan, no." Miranda gasped. He turned too quickly, losing his balance, but her mom was there to catch him as Cassidy bolted upright and ran down the stairs quickly towards where her mom held the little boy tight against her chest. Her mom eased herself down onto the steps, taking a shuddering breath.
Cassidy saw the devastation in her mom's blue eyes and blamed herself. She knew Ethan would have been nowhere near the stairs if he hadn't seen her at the top of them.
"M'wanda, you squishin' me," Ethan declared.
Cassidy pushed herself into the small space at her mom's side and rested her head against her shoulder. She felt the shuddering breaths against her ear and frowned. "Mom, you need to relax your hold. Ethan is okay. Please, mom." She took the boy from her mom and Ethan stuck his thumb in his mouth.
"Ethan could have fallen." Miranda husked. "Andréa told him to stay at the bottom of the stairs, so why would he go against her wishes and climb them."
"He saw me, mom." Tears sprang into Cassidy's eyes. "This was all my fault. I should have come down when he shouted me."
"No, Cassi." Andy's warm voice hit her and she looked up into concerned eyes. "Honey, you know how many times I've been in the Emergency Room with my boy, you know he has an adventurous spirit. Yesterday he was climbing up the handles of the kitchen drawers to reach the counter so he could help himself to my cookies, not ten minutes ago, he was trying to ride Patricia like a pony." Andy knelt in front of them, using the pads of her thumbs to remove the tears from under her eyes, before doing the same with her mom. She heard her mom gasp at the soft touch. "Ethan is very much like me, Miranda, a klutz. He does have a better fashion sense though." Andy tried to lighten the mood and Cassidy chuckled as her mom let out a deep breath. "Do you want to give me Ethan, Cassi?"
"C'mon, mom. Let's eat." Cassidy stated, handing Ethan over and watching as Miranda observed Andy with her son as they moved back towards the kitchen, swatting Ethan's thumb from his mouth. She stood and held her hand out for the older woman, helping her to her feet and gently leading her down the three steps to the foyer. She caught her mom's eyes, so similar to her own. "Mom, I need to tell you something, and I'm scared." Cassidy swallowed hard. It was just like pulling off a band-aid, right? "I'm gay." She whispered.
"I know, Bobbsey." Cassidy was stunned when her mom smiled softly at her and brushed the air out of her face. "I realised a little earlier today. I raised you and Caroline to know your own minds and how you identify has always been a non-issue. With that in mind, I did not think I would be having this conversation with you. But I hoped if I ever had to face this, the world would be a more accepting place. I never want you to get hurt from living your life simply being true to yourself." Cassidy wrapped herself around her mom. "I am glad you found support in Isabel and Andréa. But you will always have me backing your corner, you are my heart, Cassidy. You and Caroline are what keep me going."
Cassidy leaned back, looking into her mom's eyes. "You never put much stock in labels outside of clothing, did you, mom?"
"No, my beautiful girl. I did not. But that does not mean I have always been true to myself." Miranda stated softly.
Cassidy tilted her head to the side, seeing her mom as if for the first time. "You should know, that the same rules apply to you, how you identify is also a non-issue. A good woman once told me to be fearless in the face of what sets your soul on fire." She looked down. "Do you believe in soulmates, mom?"
"Yes," Miranda admitted. "But sometimes you are not in a position to answer your soul's calling."
"I think Izzy may be mine," Cassidy explained as she pulled away, throwing the truth over her shoulder at her mom. "And I sense Andy may be yours. Just think about it."
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